Today in Racing History is an occasional feature focusing on some of racing history’s interesting, important, or unusual events.
by Richard Hackerman
February 20, 1989
Little Bold John under jockey Donnie Miller, Jr. upsets the field in the 1989 renewal of the General George Stakes. Baltimore radio personality and handicapper Charlie Eckman prophetically commented the morning of the race that Little Bold John was the best sprinter in the country though he had not run short since much earlier in his career. Carrying 122 pounds, Little Bold John defeated Oraibi, in second, and show horse Finder’s Choice. He covered the seven-furlong distance in 1:22 4/5 seconds.
Racing from 1984 through 1992, Little Bold John had a remarkable career, knocking down 25 stakes among his 38 career victories, and earning almost two million dollars. The bay gelding was foaled in 1982 by Maryland breeder Hal Clagett and trained by Jerry Robb.
SOURCES
- The embedded video at right was part of the “Laurel Legends” series shown by Laurel Park during their 100th anniversary celebration in 2011.
- “Little Bold John,” Wikipedia page
- Little Bold John profile on Equibase
