Million-Dollar Horse

Citation knew he was going to race that day. He failed to get the usual hay in his late morning feeding. Said Groom Dan Barnette: "He squealed and reared up in his stall just like a kid after being told he's going to his first circus." It was a good sign. Citation was ready to run for the $100,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at Inglewood, Calif.

With half a mile to go in the mile-and-a-quarter race, the mahogany-colored stallion took the lead. Under Jockey Steve Brooks's gentle urging ("I waved the stick at him to shake him up a little"), Citation lengthened his stride and drew away from the field. He won by a breezing four lengths, thanks, in part, to a break in the weights which made Citation carry only 120 Ibs. while third-place Be Fleet toted 122. It was like the old days. But this victory, Big Cy's 32nd in 45 starts, was something special. It brought Citation's total earnings for Calumet Farm to $1,085,760,* made him the first million-dollar horse.

Almost lost in the uproar over Big Cy's victory was the fact that his stablemate Bewitch collected $20,000 for finishing second, and gave Calumet Farm the double distinction of also owning the greatest money-winning mare of all time. Bewitch's lifetime earnings: $462,605.

Trainer Jimmy Jones figured that Citation, now six, might have a few more races left in him before he retires to stud: "I'm going to see how he feels and then I'll know whether we'll run him again. He's in good shape; there's no reason why he shouldn't run a few times more." But Jones does not expect Citation to win another million.

* Citation's closest present-day competitor: Stymie, now retired after earning $918,485. Man o' War, who raced in the days wheni neither purses nor dollars were so inflated, earned $249,465.

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