Seabiscuit won the 1938 match race known as the “Race of the Century” against War Admiral.
The contest took place at Pimlico Race Course on November 1, 1938. Seabiscuit broke quickly, then held off the reigning Triple Crown winner War Admiral to win by four lengths over the 1⅛-mile distance.
The race became a major sporting event during the Great Depression. Seabiscuit was trained by Tom Smith, ridden by George Woolf and owned by Charles S. Howard. War Admiral was owned by Samuel D. Riddle.
The match was not part of the Triple Crown or the Breeders’ Cup. Its fame came from the contrast between a popular older underdog and an established champion, plus the enormous public interest surrounding their meeting.