Introduction: The Greatest Horse of the 60s
The 1960s were a time of incredible change and upheaval, both in the world at large and in the world of horse racing. Amidst all this change, there was one constant: the dominance of one incredible thoroughbred. From 1960 to 1964, this horse won an unprecedented five Horse of the Year titles, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. In this article, we will explore the life and career of this incredible athlete, tracing his rise from humble beginnings to record-breaking success on the track.
The Five-Year Reign: Dominance from 1960-1964
The horse in question is none other than Kelso, a bay gelding born in 1957 in Virginia. Kelso’s dominance during the early 1960s was truly remarkable – he won a staggering 39 of his 63 career starts, including 29 stakes races. He was voted Horse of the Year in 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, and 1964, becoming the first horse to win this prestigious award five times. In addition to his Horse of the Year titles, Kelso also won three Eclipse Awards for Outstanding Older Male Horse, and set numerous records that still stand today. But Kelso’s success was not just a matter of raw talent – it was also due to the incredible team of people who supported him throughout his career.