Jim French (horse)
Encyclopedia
Jim French was an American
Thoroughbred
racehorse. He was bred by Ralph Wilson, owner of the National Football League
Buffalo Bills
. He was by Graustark
and out of Dinner Partner. Despite his first-rate pedigree, Jim French was small and dull brown.
Trained by John P. Campo
, Jim French was put through a regimen that would be heavily criticized now. Campo put the two-year-old through 11 races in a space of four months. In November 1970 alone, he raced four times, winning the Remsen Stakes
.
in order to prepare him for the Kentucky Derby
.
On December 26, 1970, Jim French fought Sir Dagonet for a win in the Miami Beach Handicap at Tropical Park. Two weeks later, he won the Dade Metropolitan Handicap by a nose, carrying top weight. Eleven days later, he came fast in the Hibiscus Stakes at Hialeah
, only to be beaten by Executioner. Another two weeks later, closing from 10th place, Jim French ran past His Majesty in the Bahamas Stakes
. Two weeks passed, and he was only a head behind His Majesty in the Everglades Stakes
. Once again, two weeks later, he finished third behind Executioner from 19 lengths in the Flamingo Stakes
.
Campo shipped him to New York
to run 17 days later in the Bay Shore Stakes
against Hoist The Flag
. Jim French ran a blistering 1:21. Only one week later in Florida, he was run in the Florida Derby
finishing third to Eastern Fleet, running the race a hair off the stakes record. Jim French was flown to California
to run one week later in the Santa Anita Derby
, which he won. Back in New York two weeks later, he ran in the Wood Memorial.
to race in the Kentucky Derby
. In the Derby, he was a fast closing second to Canonero II
, beating Bold Reason
. In Canonero II's track record-breaking Preakness Stakes
, Jim French was third. In the Belmont Stakes
, he again came on fast to take second to Pass Catcher.
(then called the Pontiac Grand Prix). Three weeks later, yet again shipped to California, he placed in the Hollywood Derby
. He lost to Bold Reason
, who carried thirteen fewer pounds. One week later in New York, Jim French won the Dwyer Stakes
, giving away 12 to 15 pounds to the rest of the field.
In this short time, he was never less than fourth (not counting one disqualification). He ran at 10 tracks in six states and flew across the country four times.
Four weeks later, he was ninth in the Monmouth Handicap (now called the Philip H. Iselin Stakes). After the race, he was found to have a spur in his right knee. Rumors flew that Jim French had "been got to." His owner claimed the horse had lost by "a nefarious act."
, for the Travers Stakes
. Before he could race, he was impounded by the Saratoga County sheriff's office, and his entry was refused by the track's stewards. State steward Francis P. Dunne called it “...the most complex racing situation I've ever encountered.”
Jim French seemed to be owned by two people: Frank Caldwell and Etta Sarant. Caldwell proclaimed early in August 1971 that he had sold a 70% interest in the horse to Mrs. George Sarant, wife of a Long Island automobile dealer. Jim French ran in the name of Etta Sarant at Monmouth, where he finished ninth in the $100,000 Monmouth Invitational, but when the horse was shipped back to Saratoga it was revealed by New York racing officials that Mrs. Sarant did not have a New York owner's license.
Campo said at the time that the Sarants, after only a few weeks of ownership, had let their 70% go to Fred R. Cole, a construction executive from Long Island. Cole wired the NYRA stewards on the eve of the Travers in an attempt to satisfy them of the legitimacy of his ownership of the horse and his eligibility to run Travers Stakes the next day. However, the appeal to the stewards was too late as entries for the Travers had closed the morning prior.
When Caldwell took out a bank loan from the Citizens National Bank
, he stated he was the sole owner. The bank advanced him $130,000. A director of the bank, Leslie Combs II, was also assured Jim French would stand at his Spendthrift Farm
in Lexington, Kentucky
, when his racing days were over. Citizens Bank during their course of investigation discovered that the horse's true owner was R. Robert LiButti (also known as Robert Presti). LiButti had been barred from racing in 1968.
Having missed the Travers, Jim French was sold to art dealer
Daniel Wildenstein
for $1 million and retired to Haras de la Verrerie in France
. Not proving successful at stud (although he sired Jimka, dam to Jim And Tonic
, one of only ten horses ever selected for the French Horse Racing Hall of Fame
), he then went to Japan
in 1979.
Jim French, called a "road warrior" by Steve Haskin
of Bloodhorse
magazine, died in 1992.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse. He was bred by Ralph Wilson, owner of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was by Graustark
Graustark (horse)
Graustark was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who was a favorite to win the 1966 Kentucky Derby until an injury prematurely ended his career.-Background:Bred by renowned sportsman John W...
and out of Dinner Partner. Despite his first-rate pedigree, Jim French was small and dull brown.
Trained by John P. Campo
John P. Campo
John P. Campo, Sr. was an American Thoroughbred racehorse trainer.Campo was born in East Harlem, New York and raised in Ozone Park, Queens. He is best known as the trainer of 1981 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, Pleasant Colony...
, Jim French was put through a regimen that would be heavily criticized now. Campo put the two-year-old through 11 races in a space of four months. In November 1970 alone, he raced four times, winning the Remsen Stakes
Remsen Stakes
The Remsen Stakes is an American Grade II race for Thoroughbred horse race run annually near the end of November at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York...
.
Triple Crown Prep
In December, Campo took Jim French to FloridaFlorida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
in order to prepare him for the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
.
On December 26, 1970, Jim French fought Sir Dagonet for a win in the Miami Beach Handicap at Tropical Park. Two weeks later, he won the Dade Metropolitan Handicap by a nose, carrying top weight. Eleven days later, he came fast in the Hibiscus Stakes at Hialeah
Hialeah Park Race Track
The Hialeah Park Race Track is a historic site in Hialeah, Florida. Its site covers 40 square blocks of central-east side Hialeah from Palm Avenue east to East 4th Avenue, and from East 22nd Street on the south to East 32nd Street on the north. On March 5, 1979, it was added to the U.S...
, only to be beaten by Executioner. Another two weeks later, closing from 10th place, Jim French ran past His Majesty in the Bahamas Stakes
Bahamas Stakes
The Bahamas Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in January at Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida. A seven furlong race on dirt, it was the first important test of the calendar year for newly turned three-year-olds. The race was used by prospective U.S. Triple Crown...
. Two weeks passed, and he was only a head behind His Majesty in the Everglades Stakes
Everglades Stakes
The Everglades Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Hialeah Park in Hialeah, Florida. For three-year-old horses, the 1 1/8 mile race was run on dirt until 1994 when it was converted to a race on turf...
. Once again, two weeks later, he finished third behind Executioner from 19 lengths in the Flamingo Stakes
Flamingo Stakes
The Flamingo Stakes was an American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds held annually in March at the Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah, Florida. Run over a distance of nine furlongs, the inaugural race took place in 1926 at the Tampa, Florida racetrack...
.
Campo shipped him to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to run 17 days later in the Bay Shore Stakes
Bay Shore Stakes
The Bay Shore Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually in early April at Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, Queens, New York. The Grade III event is for three-year-olds of either gender, and is set at a distance of seven furlongs on the dirt track.In its 49th running in 2009, the...
against Hoist The Flag
Hoist The Flag
Hoist The Flag was an American Champion Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred by New York City Investment banker, John Schiff, he was out of the mare Wavy Navy, a daughter of the 1937 U.S. Triple Crown champion, War Admiral...
. Jim French ran a blistering 1:21. Only one week later in Florida, he was run in the Florida Derby
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is an American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida on the Saturday closest to the end of March or the first of April. Added to the racing schedule in 1952, the Grade 1 race is run at 1⅛ miles on the dirt...
finishing third to Eastern Fleet, running the race a hair off the stakes record. Jim French was flown to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to run one week later in the Santa Anita Derby
Santa Anita Derby
The Santa Anita Derby is an American Grade 1 thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds run each April at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California and carries a purse of $1 million. Inaugurated in 1935, it is considered the most important West Coast stepping-stone to the Kentucky Derby...
, which he won. Back in New York two weeks later, he ran in the Wood Memorial.
The Derby, the Preakness, the Belmont
Jim French had competed in 10 stakes in over four months. Now he arrived in KentuckyKentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
to race in the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
. In the Derby, he was a fast closing second to Canonero II
Canonero II
Canonero II , was a Venezuelan champion thoroughbred race horse.Bred by Edward B. Benjamin in Greensboro, North Carolina, the bay colt was born with a noticeably crooked foreleg, and as such was considered to have no future in racing. He was sold as a yearling for a mere $1,200 at the Keeneland...
, beating Bold Reason
Bold Reason
Bold Reason was an American Thoroughbred racehorse and Champion broodmare sire. Bred by Harry Guggenheim, he was sired by Hail To Reason, the 1970 Leading sire in North America. His dam was Guggenheim's excellent runner Lalun who also produced Never Bend...
. In Canonero II's track record-breaking Preakness Stakes
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is an American flat Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs on dirt. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds ; fillies 121 lb...
, Jim French was third. In the Belmont Stakes
Belmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race held every June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is a 1.5-mile horse race, open to three year old Thoroughbreds. Colts and geldings carry a weight of 126 pounds ; fillies carry 121 pounds...
, he again came on fast to take second to Pass Catcher.
Two weeks later
Campo entered Jim French in the Arlington ClassicArlington Classic
The Arlington Classic Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race for 3-year-old horses held annually at the end of June at Arlington Park race track near Chicago, Illinois...
(then called the Pontiac Grand Prix). Three weeks later, yet again shipped to California, he placed in the Hollywood Derby
Hollywood Derby
The Hollywood Derby is a Grade I American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in late November/early December at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. The race is open to horses, age three willing to race a mile and a quarter on turf. It currently offers a purse of ...
. He lost to Bold Reason
Bold Reason
Bold Reason was an American Thoroughbred racehorse and Champion broodmare sire. Bred by Harry Guggenheim, he was sired by Hail To Reason, the 1970 Leading sire in North America. His dam was Guggenheim's excellent runner Lalun who also produced Never Bend...
, who carried thirteen fewer pounds. One week later in New York, Jim French won the Dwyer Stakes
Dwyer Stakes
The Dwyer Stakes is an American Grade II stakes race for three-year-old thoroughbred racehorses held annually at Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont, Long Island, New York. Run in early July, it is open to three-year-old horses and is raced over a distance of 1 1/16-miles on dirt...
, giving away 12 to 15 pounds to the rest of the field.
In this short time, he was never less than fourth (not counting one disqualification). He ran at 10 tracks in six states and flew across the country four times.
Four weeks later, he was ninth in the Monmouth Handicap (now called the Philip H. Iselin Stakes). After the race, he was found to have a spur in his right knee. Rumors flew that Jim French had "been got to." His owner claimed the horse had lost by "a nefarious act."
Who owns Jim French?
Jim French went to Saratoga, New YorkSaratoga, New York
Saratoga is a town in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 5,141 at the 2000 census. It is also the commonly used, but not official, name for the neighboring and much more populous city, Saratoga Springs. The major village in the town of Saratoga is Schuylerville which is...
, for the Travers Stakes
Travers Stakes
The Travers Stakes is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.First held in 1864, it was named for William R. Travers, the president of the old Saratoga Racing Association. His horse, Kentucky, won the first running of the Travers...
. Before he could race, he was impounded by the Saratoga County sheriff's office, and his entry was refused by the track's stewards. State steward Francis P. Dunne called it “...the most complex racing situation I've ever encountered.”
Jim French seemed to be owned by two people: Frank Caldwell and Etta Sarant. Caldwell proclaimed early in August 1971 that he had sold a 70% interest in the horse to Mrs. George Sarant, wife of a Long Island automobile dealer. Jim French ran in the name of Etta Sarant at Monmouth, where he finished ninth in the $100,000 Monmouth Invitational, but when the horse was shipped back to Saratoga it was revealed by New York racing officials that Mrs. Sarant did not have a New York owner's license.
Campo said at the time that the Sarants, after only a few weeks of ownership, had let their 70% go to Fred R. Cole, a construction executive from Long Island. Cole wired the NYRA stewards on the eve of the Travers in an attempt to satisfy them of the legitimacy of his ownership of the horse and his eligibility to run Travers Stakes the next day. However, the appeal to the stewards was too late as entries for the Travers had closed the morning prior.
When Caldwell took out a bank loan from the Citizens National Bank
Citizens National Bank
-Banks:* Citizens National Bank , a bank headquartered in Paintsville, Kentucky* Citizens National Bank, founded 1851, acquired by Chemical Bank in 1920-Buildings:...
, he stated he was the sole owner. The bank advanced him $130,000. A director of the bank, Leslie Combs II, was also assured Jim French would stand at his Spendthrift Farm
Spendthrift Farm
Spendthrift Farm is a thoroughbred race horse breeding farm in Lexington, Kentucky. It was founded by Leslie Combs II and named for the great stallion, Spendthrift, who was owned by Combs' ancestor, Daniel Swigert of Elmendorf Farm. Spendthrift was the great-grandfather of Man o' War.- Famous...
in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
, when his racing days were over. Citizens Bank during their course of investigation discovered that the horse's true owner was R. Robert LiButti (also known as Robert Presti). LiButti had been barred from racing in 1968.
Having missed the Travers, Jim French was sold to art dealer
Art dealer
An art dealer is a person or company that buys and sells works of art. Art dealers' professional associations serve to set high standards for accreditation or membership and to support art exhibitions and shows.-Role:...
Daniel Wildenstein
Daniel Wildenstein
Daniel Leopold Wildenstein was a French art dealer and scholar, as well as a leading thoroughbred race horse owner and breeder....
for $1 million and retired to Haras de la Verrerie in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. Not proving successful at stud (although he sired Jimka, dam to Jim And Tonic
Jim And Tonic
Jim And Tonic is a French Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racehorse and the richest racehorse in the history of horse racing in France....
, one of only ten horses ever selected for the French Horse Racing Hall of Fame
French Horse Racing Hall of Fame
The French Horse Racing Hall of Fame as established by France Galop, the governing authority for Thoroughbred horse races in France. French Horse Racing is a nationally honored sport, as each year thousands gather to observe the races...
), he then went to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in 1979.
Jim French, called a "road warrior" by Steve Haskin
Steve Haskin
Steve Haskin is an award-winning American horse racing journalist and author.A former Wall Street employee, Haskin was entranced by the "Sport of Kings"...
of Bloodhorse
Bloodhorse
Bloodhorse is a metal band from Boston, Massachusetts that formed late 2005. In 2007 they signed with Translation Loss Records and released their debut record "EP" in July of the same year.-Biography:...
magazine, died in 1992.