July 16, 2010 Seabiscuit races again at Remington Carriage Museum Life size bronze of famous racehorse and Alberta jockey George Woolf unveiled Cardston... “So Long, Charley!” is the name of the statue depicting Cardston hero George Woolf riding Seabiscuit to victory in the riveting 1938 race against War Admiral. The statue will be unveiled Saturday, July 17, at the Remington Carriage Museum in honour of what would have been Woolf’s 100th birthday. Two Albertans, Woolf and Seabiscuit’s other principal jockey, Edmonton native Red Pollard, rose to instant world-wide fame with the surprise win in the “Match of the Century.” The $150,000 statue was commissioned and donated to the Province of Alberta by Cardston ranchers Jack and Ida Lowe. It will stand outside the Remington Carriage Museum in Cardston, a provincial facility that houses the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. The statue will strengthen the museum visitor experience by celebrating a thrilling chapter in horse racing history and the supreme achievement of an Alberta horseman. “This statue captures an incredible moment of unexpected triumph in a story that many people do not realize has a strong Alberta connection,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I would like to thank Jack and Ida Lowe for their generous donation and strong commitment to showcasing Alberta’s rich history.” Created by Lethbridge artist Don Toney, the statue depicts the moment when Woolf called out “So long, Charley!” to War Admiral’s jockey Charley Kurtsinger as Seabiscuit surged to the lead at Maryland’s Pimlico Race Course, ultimately winning by four lengths and setting a new track record. “When I was a kid growing up in the 1930s, George and Seabiscuit were household names,” said the statue’s co-donor Jack Lowe. “I always felt George needed recognition for what he did, to come from nothing and achieve so much, and that’s what we hope to accomplish with this statue. The bronze is a beautiful piece of work and I think people are going to be in awe when they see it.” Backgrounder: Additional information on Seabiscuit and the Remington Carriage Museum. Media inquiries may be directed to: Erin Mikaluk Communications, Culture and Community Spirit 780-292-3752 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. July 16, 2010 “Match of the Century” - the story of Seabiscuit and George Woolf Not everyone believed it would be the “Match of the Century.” Though Albertan George Woolf was one of the leading jockeys on the American horse racing scene in 1938, War Admiral was the prohibitive favourite. War Admiral’s jockey, Charley Kurtsinger, openly derided Seabiscuit’s chances: “I don’t care if Woolf elects to try and make a race of it. The Admiral will beat him in any part of it.” But Woolf and Seabiscuit’s trainer Tom Smith had other ideas. Literally under the cover of darkness, Woolf and Smith trained Seabiscuit to respond to the starting bell with a burst of speed. Seabiscuit’s other principal jockey was also an Albertan. Red Pollard, from Edmonton (played by Tobey Maguire in the 2003 film Seabiscuit), was sidelined with injuries received in a riding accident. From his hospital bed, Pollard advised Woolf to take the lead but to allow War Admiral to catch up before the homestretch and look Seabiscuit in the eye. The result, he predicted, would be explosive. On race day Seabiscuit bolted to an early lead around the first turn, but War Admiral steadily closed the gap down the backstretch. The horses kept pace like a team in harness until they rounded the homestretch turn, where Woolf held Seabiscuit back just enough to allow War Admiral to indeed look him in the eye. As predicted, Seabiscuit surged ahead, prompting Woolf to look over his right shoulder at Kurtsinger and shout, “So long, Charley!” War Admiral ran his best time ever at the distance, but lost to Seabiscuit’s track-record time by four full lengths. That evening, Seabiscuit was named 1938’s American Horse of the Year. As a jockey, George Woolf had the highest winning percentage in American racing history. He was considered by many to be the best jockey who ever lived. He died suddenly at age 35 in 1946. Remington Carriage Museum Operated by Alberta Culture and Community Spirit, the Remington Carriage Museum houses the largest on-display collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America. Based on the private collection of Cardston native Don Remington, the museum’s 240-plus vehicles allow visitors to experience the lifestyle of Alberta before the reign of the automobile. The museum features a fire hall, carriage factory, restoration shop, working stable, restaurant and gift shop. Carriage rides and rentals are available. The Remington Carriage Museum is located in Cardston and is open year round. Summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week through to September 14. Admission is $9 for adults, $22 for a family (two adults and their children under the ages of 18) and $5 for youth (ages 7-17). Children six and under are admitted free. For more information visit www.remingtoncarriagemuseum.com or call 403-653-5139 (dial 310-0000 for toll-free access in Alberta). -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Erin Mikaluk Communications, Culture and Community Spirit 780-292-3752 To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | Culture and Community Spirit Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page | Send us your comments or questions Copyright(©) 2010 Government of Alberta .