Quote:
Originally Posted by pointman
The anti-gambling sentiment in the U.S. caused a drop of the number of race tracks in the U.S. from 314 in 1890 to 25 in 1908. This likely explains the drop in purses.
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It's also clear that the drop in purse money led to horses being campaigned MUCH harder.
Here is a horse named Jack Atkin ...
Leading 4yo's by money won in 1908:
Jack Atkin won 14 of 26 races with 8 second place finishes -- including wins in the Met Mile and Carter Handicap. He was a clear 2nd in purse money won behind Ballot (who was the dam sire of Calumet's legendary sire Bull Lea)
The next two years -- Jack Atkin was the leading money winner among older horses both times.
Winning 13 or more races for three straight years and being among the very top in purses won -- he must have been a very sound and tough quality horse.