He was the only horse who ever held four titles in one year, 1968, when he was named the Horse of the Year, Champion Handicap horse, Champion Sprinter, and co-Champion Grass horse.
Champion SPRINTER plus setting a world's record for the mile, which still stands today carrying 134 pounds !!! Damascus only beat him by sending a stablemate 'rabbit' out as well.
I've watched this film many times over the years but I just noticed that the 2:03-4 mark you can hear clearly hear someone in the background say "this is a racehorse." Indeed.
Dr Fager, Kelso, John Henry etc are underrated because they did not win any of the Triple Crown races. Not saying that is justification, it's just a fact. Those that win TC events are put on a pedestal, but horses that carry weight and run for numerous years - beating younger horses - don't receive the accolades they deserve. Running world records carrying top weight is as good as it gets.
They’re all in, flag is up, and they’re off. Dr. Fager on the outside going to the lead, Hedevar is right there, so is Kentucky Sherry, Angelico, along the rail Racing Room. Now they move out of the mile chute, Kentucky Sherry along the rail Angelico, between horses Hedevar on the outside third, Racing Room fourth, Dr. Fager out in the middle of the track in fifth, R. Thomas now up along the rail fifth, Dr. Fager racing sixth, High Tribute in seventh, Info racing in eighth,
@LowerGwladys All other factors being the same, grass is the faster surface. However, races in the UK are often run on courses where there small changes in elevation that can effect time; Frankel times are best assessed by comparing them to past course and race records.
@LowerGwladys You should. I have seen both Dr Fager and Frankel running. Frankel has not had much competition, but is unbeaten. As far as the crowd is concerned, Frankel has nothing like that electric atmosphere surrounding Dr Fager. For me, Dr Fager is the best I have seen. Kingston Town was a good one also. As far as English horses aree concerned, my favorite was Troy. He had a turn of speed also.
Look how he went after the leaders on the backside, like a demon possessed. And then still have the gas in the tank to excelerate like a rocket away from the field in the stretch. Amazing race by one of the greatest ever.
I've watched this over and over and it still blows my mind. For anyone who doesn't know, The "Hedevar" mentioned in the call was a record holding sprinter who was used as the "rabbit" when Damascus beat Fager in two of their duels.
Fager obliterated the field here in the mile, and with no rabbit, handily defeated Hall of Famer Damascus at 1 1/4 miles.
In my opinion, Dr. Fager was the fastest horse of all time after Man o' War. Secretariat could have beaten him (Doc) over a distance, but at the mile I'd give it to the Doc.
I think Damascus and Dr Fager was the most underrated horses of all time. I seen all there races, and I can honestly say nobody on this planet could beat Dr Fager in 1 mile or less. NOBODY.
I saw this in person. Still have the marked up program and form. He could have won this by 20. He galloped out the 1 1/8 mile in 144 4/5..carried 134 lbs.Offical chart read " commenced lugging in while drawing off through the stretch and won with something left".. "Start good,won easily".they like to call him a miler.That's baloney.. He ran 4 sub- 2 minute- 1 1/4 miles.. even his loss as a four year old against the rabbit and Damascus.. he equaled the track record in that himself under 135
Everyone rates Secretariat's 1.5 mile the 2:24 (126 pounds) the benchmark standard, but Dr. Fager's effort here for 1 mile in 1:32.5 carrying 134 pounds to me is better. There is a genuine case for Dr. Fager to be the greatest horse of all time. He missed the TC due to injury and in some way that has taken a bit away from his status amongst the greats. To me thought he is probably the best ever
What a great horse! It is so wonderful that the videos of these horses are still being posted so horse lovers can see them in action. Thanks for showing the videos!
@medomoreno Yeah, I know and I say that undersells him. He doesn't have the fanfare of MOW or Sec but he was as good if not better than them if you look at his times, the weights he carried and the horses he defeated.
@schardy80 Dr Fager's owners should have done something more in the Marketing department. As he was neither giant sized nor grey coloured it's simply a little hard to pick him out from a distance. He needed a "mask of death" to impress his public and intimidate his rivals, like Secretariat's blue and white checkered one! I think he deserves higher than his #6 rating.
@eckythimble Marketing is important I agree with you. In Australia, Phar Lap is #1 in the minds of every non racing fan purely because he has the greatest story. He died young, ran during the depression etc. Not doubting his greatness at all, but he has been hyped unlike any other racehorse from this country. I feel Dr Fager has been forgotten to an extent. In my view I cannot split Fager and Secretariat.
Dr Fager's performance ranks right up there with Secretariat's Belmont. Along with Spectacular Bid's Strub stakes. Dr's last eighth of mile acceleration was similar to The Bid's Malibu Stakes. Dr Fager certainly was a remarkable racehorse to say the least.
In my opinion this performance ought to be mentioned in the same breath as Secretariats Belmont. Setting a world record with that kind of weight, sitting very wide and being taken on in front, over arguably the most frequented distance in world racing.....and well within himself! If you ask me, Fager is #1
@evyn10014 Yeah I agree, he is #1 in my book. Secretariat has claims on #1 I'll concede, but how MOW, Citation, Kelso and Count Fleet were rated more highly is very questionable.
@Baskerville22 Maybe you've heard of the saying..."If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all." Well, try living that statement instead of being insulting.
You'll be a lot happier person in the end, of that I have no doubt.
@Baskerville22 I grew up a mile from this track and listened to Phil call the races since I was born- Exactly what are your complaints about his call? These days I would be upset about the lack of splits but this was made for a live audience-you watched the board for them and most people had binoculars. It was 1968 and this was how it was done.
@Baskerville22 I agree with cf1970! It just happens to be Phil Georgeff calling this race, just like he did some 96,131 other races! By the way, just to educate you a little, that's an all time record! He must have been doing a great job in most peoples eyes. Sorry you decided to take a dig at him and America!
@Baskerville22 According to Bloodhorse Publications, Dr Fager ran that 2nd quarter down the backstretch in an extraordinary 20.6 sec. The Dr had sprinter speed coupled with endurance. His greatest weakness was he couldn't be rated and his bursts of speed made him more vulnerable at longer distances, especially when rabbits were entered. Still, three times under 2 minutes at 1 1/4 miles while carrying 130 lbs or more isn't too shabby.
I have seen some pretty uninformed comments on some other videos. Saying Fager just beat a bunch of "cooked" horses. Insinuating Fager was tired as well. All one has to do is to watch how little urging Fager got from Baeza,and most importantly look how Fager's stride was still lengthening in the stretch. The eyes do not lie,Fager was well within himself,and yet after 42 years,after thousands upon thousands of 8F races being run since,he still has his name in the record books. A great TB for sure
@BE109 Spot on comment. That's an awesome performance. The horse all but rebroke at the 3/16 pole! As the fellow in the announcer's booth exclaimed after the race...."wow!"
According to Blood-Horse, Dr Fager's 2nd quarter in this race was run in 20.6 seconds which is believed to be the fastest quarter-mile fraction ever run in the body of a race at any distance. Looking at the fractional splits in this race and Dr Fager's position at the 1/4 and 1/2 mile marks, this time seems about right. By the last quarter, the rest of the field was completely fried and Dr Fager simply eased his way to the finish in just a shade under 25 seconds. He was a real flyer.
It is very common for great 4 year olds to run the mile. The number who have done so includes, but is not limited to Dr Fager, Citation, Skip Away, Buckpasser, Kelso, Forego, Alydar and Cigar. Also, Affirmed did run the mile at 4. So did Easy Goer, but he wasn't as successful at 4 as he had been at 3 and finished 3rd more than 2 seconds slower. Maybe it was the few extra pounds or maybe he just had an off day, but horses don't always run faster at 4 than they did at 3.
@sl7293 Actually, I should have said it is common for horses 4 & older to run the mile. Citation did it at 5. Also, very good, but not great horses carrying 15-25 lbs less than the Doctor are also a threat to the record as evidenced by the fact that Najran tied it carrying 113 lbs. It is remarkable that it has lasted 42 years, but could fall any day in the racing season.
@sl7293 To set the record straight, Cy sat out his entire 4 yo season because of injuries. When he came back at 5, he did run the mile at GG Fields in world record time (but not carrying 134!). With the same race, he broke Stymie's all time earnings record...
It is extraordinary that this record has not been broken in 42 years.There probably isnt a day that goes by in the horse racing season in which this distance isnt run at least ½ dozen to a dozen times at tracks around the country. Doing a little math it seems likely there have been in excess of 100,00 rides at this distance since 1968 and possibly all carried less weight than Dr. Fagers 134 lbs.
@sl7293 Its not extraordinary my good man when most all great horses at 4 don't race that short 1 mile distance anymore. Slew, Affirmed nor The Bid did at 4. Nor did Easy Goer but almost tied it a a very early young 3 year old..
I never saw him run live but that was an astonishing victory. All that weight, racing 3 wide the entire time and never really asked down the stretch and still setting a world record. I could only imagine if they pushed him just a little that time would be 1:31 and change. As many have said no one would have beaten Secretariat going a 1-1/2 on Belmont Day, no one who have touched Doc at a mile on this day.
This race was another example of Dr. Fager's prodigious ability to run with speed while carrying high weight. This world record in the mile on dirt is the only world record held by a horse carrying more than 130 pounds.
@thecorvis Click the symbol with the double "V" beside the video description. It will reveal the complete summary, along with the "Category" and "Tags" at the bottom.
He sure was cooked in the Woodard with a fast pace. This race was even faster & you think he was coasting & could have ran another 12 clip?
I can easily say if Secretariat ran the rail in the Marlboro cup, wasn't pulled up at the 1 1/16 mile post, ran as a 4 year old & ran on a super fast track like the Bid did, his time would have been 1:57 flat or better for a quarter mile. The Bid carried 126 lbs as Big Red did in the Marlboro. And I probably be right.
@rscarbro100 He was coasting because he was WELL within himself. Baeza didn't ask him for everything he had. He knew Nerud wouldn't approve of pushing a horse who was winning easily. Baeza also said that he had no idea he was going to break the record,and he said all he would have had to do to make him go faster was to chirp to him. Thats why I said he was coasting.
If Fager would have more interested in rating,he would have probably never lost to Damascus,but Damascus was great himself,and Fager's fierce will to be in front hurt him when Damascus had his "rabbit" Hedevar,who by the way had held the world record for a mile before that! Of course Damascus was the only horse who had to ability to take advantage of the Doc's only weakness! Perhaps Buckpasser as well,but if they met Fager on even terms,Fager would have rolled them! Fager proved that VS Damas.!
1973 Marlboro Cup. The track was wet fast & can prove it. Onion hit the 3/4 in 1:09 1/5. Sec was slowed before the 1 mile marker from keeping hitting Riva Ridge in the rear. Watch the video. Shortly after was took to the outside & went through the mile marker with Riva in 1:33 flat. Won in record time 1 1/8 mile 1:45 2/5. Clocked pulling up at the 1 1/4 post in 1:57 4/5. A record mile is well within his capablities.
The Dr. was one hell of a horse anyway you look at it.!
rsarbro100 I agree with your take. But just think Fager came coasting home here,and I do mean coasting. Baeza said he had no idea he going as fast as he was,and he said if I had chirped to him he would have gone faster. As it was he came home in 24 and change,with the fact that he could have gone faster,given his time for 8 furlongs in 1:32 1/5,just think if he was running 9 F. he could have easily broke into the 1:44's or maybe just maybe the 1;43's! Another 12 sec furlong here ,CONT-
@BE109 I don't know what you mean coasting here. I did not see him slowing up a bit. I could say Big Red was coasting. I did not see him slowing up either. I seen were Big Red in his last workout just before the Marlboro & ran 5 furlongs in 57 flat. Thats exactly 11.4 for each fulrong. The Dr. ran the mile a tab over 11.5 average each furlong. Also had a workout in mud a week before the Whitney & ran 57 2/5 for 5 furlongs.
@rscarbro100 I wasn't saying Fager was slowing up when I said he coasting. What I meant was he was doing it very easily. He was in no way fully extending,in fact he was barely being pushed. And I stick to my opinion that Fager could have easily went another furlong in 12 & change.
Cont- Another furlong at 12 seconds would have put Fager squarely in the 1:44's at 9F. It is not totally out of the question that if Baeza poured on the coal that Fager might have even broke into the 1:43's,now that to me is a very sobering thought! Thats a reasonable time for 8 1/2 furlongs! Fager was a model of prodigous physical ability! As much as I love secretariat,"the good docter" is my favorite!
@rscarbro100 Secretariat was capable of setting a record anytime he ran. But Fager was as well. Both were great horses,with totally different temperaments and running styles. But in the end they were both great ones.
He sets a world record, under that weight and essentially being ridden out, almost eased as they came to the wire. Speed freak would be putting it mildly. Shame I was too young to ever see him race live.
Thanks again cf for posting this. Your thoroughbred videos are total enjoyment. Keep em coming please!
I've seen every champion since Swaps in 1956. 'Fager was the best I ever saw. Period. Was at Aqueduct for his final race, the 1968 Vosburgh when he won by 7 under 139 lbs. into a headwind in 1:20 1/5. Baeza couldn't hold him any more.
You see horses like Rachel Alexandra win dominatly at 1/8 and thats great but Dr. Fager ran at every distance possible and competely demolished his opposition. That's classy. They don't make 'em like they used to!
13 of his 22 races were in NY with 3 more in NJ. He won the Gotham (beating Preakness + Belmont winner, Damascus)and Withers, but skipped the Triple Crown races.
Man was he fast, tho.
Dr. Fager appears in Rachel Alexandra's pedigree so some of her speed can be traced to him!
Could not agree with you more. IMO he is harshly rated at #6 all time. He was only ever beaten by absolute champions on unfair terms. His last furlong in this race is probably the most impressive 11 seconds of racing i have ever seen
So good to hear Phil georgeffs voice again, he was the best...Here they come spinning out of the turn,. That call comes from his days from calling harness
@OHRaceFan Secretariat ran 2 sub 2 minutes 1 1/4 mile races & 1 unoffically in the M.C. that tied Spectacular Bid world record in 1:57 4/5, He was not a 4 year old when he did these.
WOW!!! My first time seeing this race. I can't believe how effortless this looks. Watching these videos reminds me that there has been a vast amount of great racehorses that I am too young to have known. I am lucky to have witnessed Secretariat, and Ruffian run. Now we can watch possibly another filly for the ages in Rachel Alexandra as she continues to improve. How fun is this to be able to see so many great equine atheletes in our short lifetime?
would have love to see this horse battle a horse from australia names sunline who was the best female horse ive ever seen and one of the best horses period. she holds grade 1 stakes wins record at 14. would have loves to see them 2 go at it or have a kid lol
Holy cow. Did you hear Phil Georgeff at 1:59? He's set the microphone down but you can hear him say "Wow" and then someone, maybe not Georgeff, says as quite the understatement, "This is a racehorse." ... One wonders if he couldn't have been one or two fifths faster if he'd needed to be. Of course, at 1:32 1/5, nobody was gonna be close, even if they had been carrying 110 pounds to his 134.
If you only watch this race and no others that Fager ran. This one race would be enough to convince anybody just how great this horse was. He could blaze at sprint distances ,he could run a route of ground in top time! He had the ability to carry HUGE weight and do it like it was nothing. Yes This was a great racehorse.
This was an amazing race. It certaintly equals Secretariats Belmont Victory. The race that he ran in the 1968 Vosburg was I think the greatest Performance that I have ever seen by a horse. He broke the track record by over second carrying 139 Lbs. 120 and one fifth over a dead racetrack.If anybody has the video of this race please post so we can all enjoy it
If you look back at photos and footage, he liked to bite others and try and run over his handlers. Such a wicked streak, but such a badass. Love you Doc
Can anyone say lighting? What a brilliant speedster! Hard fast surface or not... This was just incredible! He still would have broken the clock on a slower track surface. He was awesome!
I'm all for the safety of the horses. I still believe a dirt surface can be maintained for safety. The problem is many times at many tracks,on a day of a big race the track is tinkered with to make it faster(meaning it is usually a bit hard),I do not agree with that. As far as synthetic surfaces go,it appears that they will be in our future for awhile. The breed may benefit because that surface tends to suit horses that excell on turf. That will bring some stamina based lines back in our horses
There is a horse right now racing out of Hungary named Overdose. A sprinter. He unbeaten in 10 starts and has 4 world records. look him up/ His average length of victory has been 9 lengths.
This 132.1 was actually like a 131 my friend because he was wide the whole race and started from the 9 post. Dr. Fager would beat secretariat up to a mile and secretariat would beat Dr Fager in longer races. It's apples and oranges!
Actually , that comment is not backed up in fact. Secretariat won 9 of 10 at a mile or under , losing only his 1st start. ALL of the 9 wins were listed as handily or ridden out.He set a then record in the Champagne stakes of 133.2 with an easy win. I believe that regardless of distance these 2 would have exchanged wins had they faced each other. Dr Fager was brilliant at distances over a mile as well
Amazing mile by the greatest miler ever, and under 134! Not be a detractor, but Arlington Park was ridiculously fast in the mid 60s; at the time of Fager's run, 6 of the 11 fastest miles in history had been run at Arlington betweem June65 and July67. A rival for the "greatest mile" is Grand Canyon's 89 Hollywood Futurity in 1:33, as a 2 year old! A race before GC's romp, future horse of the year, Criminal Type, won an allowance by 5 in 1:34 and 3.That's 8 lengths slower than Grand Canyon
People need to absorb the fact that this horse a pure freak,his only weakness was his disdain for rating. That was his fierce will to win manifesting itself. He was wide all the way around in this race,he went 1:07 & change,and when he hit the stretch he just galloped off with VERY LITTLE urging. Baeza said he had no idea he was going that fast. The final 1/4 in 24 & change,being basically geared down. He could have done this in 1:30 & change, Folks that is a very sobering thought. Wow!
I dont know if you watched the race or just listened to it,did you see what that horse just did! he simply just jogged the last eighth of a mile and ran a world record that lasted 30+ years, with 134 on his back. I am sorry we will never see these performances again in our lifetime,horses just are,nt bred to do this anymore, oh what a shame, oh what a shame.
This brings back memories of the 70's and 80's and the 90's when my dad was alive and as a kid we went to sportsman's/hawthorne or Arlington durning the summer. Hearing the the "spinning out of the turn" call was classic. TVG has given all the track anouncers their prop's and I wish Phil could be part of the group. God's greatest gift to us is our memory. Thanks
Wonderful to read; I thank you for sharing your fine memories and I agree that Mr. Georgeff should definitely be part of the esteemed group of legendary race callers; he was superb.
Yes, thank God for our memory; I'd hate to imagine a life without recollections!
Phil Georgeff is an absolute legend. His call of this race may be his best ever. I am a true believer that on his best day NOBOBDY beats the great Dr Fager.
Thank you so much for another amazing post my friend.
You're very welcome. I agree that Mr. Georgeff's call is superb; personally, I feel it's one of the best calls, period. I love when his mic is still hot and he says "Wow!" His simple reaction pretty much speaks for everyone who sees this masterful performance by "The Good Doctor".
This to me is still the most unbelievable performance in horse racing history,the only other race that compares to this performance is SECRETARIATS belmont.
There are a lot of things impressive about this performance, but to think he did it carrying 134 pounds makes it border on the unreal. Think of all the great horses who have competed since then at a mile, carrying a lot less weight, that haven;t touched this mark.
The great Phil Georgeff with the call. !!The Best Ever--Thank You !! I remember him from when I was little and nobody does it better :).. Great Race too !!
How a horse could run different distance's and on different surfaces and win like Dr. Fager did is beyond belief. He is one of the most amazing and talented runners ever. God rest his soul. Thank you cf1970 for the awesome video.
what an incredible turn of speed. to the naked eye this actually looks like a world record,,,,,fager and secretariat would have been a sight to behold,,,thank you for posting this.
Dr Fager, what he accomplished on the racetrack was just astonishing we have to respect secretariat and that crop from the 70s but lets remember if you had a speed graph that showed who was the fastest of all time was up to a mile, hands down dr fager would be at the top. Also lets not forget about the cripling weights they threw at him slowing down in the final 1/8 unbelieveable. the creator dont make them like this anymore. thanks cf70 for posting these historical events.
Dr. Fager was not just a sprinter/miler,Dr. Fager ran 10 Furlongs in 1:59 and change multiple times. He would have been a real tough proposition for any horse one on one. I believe he was greatest pure racehorse in history. I believe the facts bear that out. This performance is just a taste.
BE109- I couldn't agree more. He seems like the perfect horse for a Match Race at ANY distance. I've not seen such a versatile horse in my lifetime. Three times < 2:00 at
1 1/4 and a track record at 7/8ths at Aqueduct that stood for a generation. I'd love to see the '68 Vosburgh.....
I thoroughly agree with you that Dr. Fager was a great horse. However, you are the same one who declared SECRETARIAT a "media created horse" that you knew 20 horses that he "couldn't warm up", that Forego would've won the Derby, that "everytime he ran it was on rolled up tracks", and believe anyone who says SECRETARIAT'S '73 Derby is "sadly mistaken". Amazing statements, all.
Dr. Fager has been my favorite horse of all time since I became a race fan in the 60's.
I don't think that any horse that ever lived would have beaten Dr. Fager from 7 furlongs to 1 1/16. As the DRF chart for the race indicated, he "won with something left".
Allow me to clarify something for you, and I mean this with no disrespect towards you at all: This video was NOT posted by carly. It was posted by cf1970. While you're here, check out the many other Dr. Fager races cf1970 has posted; enjoy!
The fractions were vicious, Fager actually ran a 1/4 in 204/5 seconds. That is believed to be the fastest quarter ever run in a body of a race. Baeza was just letting him run on his own in the stretch. Nerud claimed he could have done it in 30 and change, You had better believe it!!!
It just goes to show how overrated "weight" is by a lot of handicappers. Great (even good horses) will not be affected by extra lbs. There are many many more important factors than weight.
He was the only horse who ever held four titles in one year, 1968, when he was named the Horse of the Year, Champion Handicap horse, Champion Sprinter, and co-Champion Grass horse.
Champion SPRINTER plus setting a world's record for the mile, which still stands today carrying 134 pounds !!! Damascus only beat him by sending a stablemate 'rabbit' out as well.
c5ster 3 days ago
I've watched this film many times over the years but I just noticed that the 2:03-4 mark you can hear clearly hear someone in the background say "this is a racehorse." Indeed.
711ATOM 1 month ago
Dr Fager, Kelso, John Henry etc are underrated because they did not win any of the Triple Crown races. Not saying that is justification, it's just a fact. Those that win TC events are put on a pedestal, but horses that carry weight and run for numerous years - beating younger horses - don't receive the accolades they deserve. Running world records carrying top weight is as good as it gets.
dunsta69 1 month ago
Hes got it won, and then he found more.
NotMilkable 3 months ago
They’re all in, flag is up, and they’re off. Dr. Fager on the outside going to the lead, Hedevar is right there, so is Kentucky Sherry, Angelico, along the rail Racing Room. Now they move out of the mile chute, Kentucky Sherry along the rail Angelico, between horses Hedevar on the outside third, Racing Room fourth, Dr. Fager out in the middle of the track in fifth, R. Thomas now up along the rail fifth, Dr. Fager racing sixth, High Tribute in seventh, Info racing in eighth,
andtheyreoff 4 months ago
UNBELIEVABLE!!! A great, great horse, im my opinion the third greatest racehorse of all time behind Man o War and Secretariat, clos behind Citation
MrMiginsal 4 months ago
I dont really watch american racing, but are times much quicker on dirt than grass?
In the UK now we have an inbeatable miler named Frankel and he only gets times of 1.37
LowerGwladys 7 months ago
@LowerGwladys All other factors being the same, grass is the faster surface. However, races in the UK are often run on courses where there small changes in elevation that can effect time; Frankel times are best assessed by comparing them to past course and race records.
711ATOM 6 months ago
@LowerGwladys You should. I have seen both Dr Fager and Frankel running. Frankel has not had much competition, but is unbeaten. As far as the crowd is concerned, Frankel has nothing like that electric atmosphere surrounding Dr Fager. For me, Dr Fager is the best I have seen. Kingston Town was a good one also. As far as English horses aree concerned, my favorite was Troy. He had a turn of speed also.
SugarTomAppleRoger 6 months ago
Look how he went after the leaders on the backside, like a demon possessed. And then still have the gas in the tank to excelerate like a rocket away from the field in the stretch. Amazing race by one of the greatest ever.
dahoss65 7 months ago
I've watched this over and over and it still blows my mind. For anyone who doesn't know, The "Hedevar" mentioned in the call was a record holding sprinter who was used as the "rabbit" when Damascus beat Fager in two of their duels.
Fager obliterated the field here in the mile, and with no rabbit, handily defeated Hall of Famer Damascus at 1 1/4 miles.
This horse was the real deal.
evyn10014 8 months ago
"And they're all in. Flag is up, and they're off!" - Phil Georgeff race caller.
711ATOM 9 months ago
Absolutely Amazing, just wonder what time he would have done had he been pushed that little bit harder by another horse.
Love the milers !!!
PMontgomery0001 9 months ago
In my opinion, Dr. Fager was the fastest horse of all time after Man o' War. Secretariat could have beaten him (Doc) over a distance, but at the mile I'd give it to the Doc.
Phanatic24601 9 months ago
Wow....Dr. Fager won eased up! Crazy. That is like that 100 yard dash by
Usain Bolt !! I bet Dr. Fager could have shaved another couple of fiths off that record if he had been pressed to the wire.
PaulDePace 10 months ago
I think Damascus and Dr Fager was the most underrated horses of all time. I seen all there races, and I can honestly say nobody on this planet could beat Dr Fager in 1 mile or less. NOBODY.
tinkey60 10 months ago
Now THAT is a horse. Most underrated TB of all time?
evyn10014 10 months ago
Wow you can see how he really loves to run! Thanks I remember his name all over the newspapers as a kid.
LastTree 11 months ago
Thanks for the video. My favorite horse and maybe the best of all time. Underrated.
jcvorland 11 months ago
note* the care driving besdide them on the road.. they are going faster ;)
helliviknow 11 months ago
LOL at 1:58 "wow!"
Millie9509 1 year ago
it the rider would ask him to run the record could be almost 1.30 and this horse running with 134 pounds amazing horse not doubt about it.
DOMINICANINC 1 year ago
1:32 under a hand ride carrying 134. I bet Zenyatta and Blame wouldn't be in the top 3 in this race.
RavenRuled 1 year ago
I saw this in person. Still have the marked up program and form. He could have won this by 20. He galloped out the 1 1/8 mile in 144 4/5..carried 134 lbs.Offical chart read " commenced lugging in while drawing off through the stretch and won with something left".. "Start good,won easily".they like to call him a miler.That's baloney.. He ran 4 sub- 2 minute- 1 1/4 miles.. even his loss as a four year old against the rabbit and Damascus.. he equaled the track record in that himself under 135
fagerflies 1 year ago
Everyone rates Secretariat's 1.5 mile the 2:24 (126 pounds) the benchmark standard, but Dr. Fager's effort here for 1 mile in 1:32.5 carrying 134 pounds to me is better. There is a genuine case for Dr. Fager to be the greatest horse of all time. He missed the TC due to injury and in some way that has taken a bit away from his status amongst the greats. To me thought he is probably the best ever
dunsta69 1 year ago
i thought it was a GREAT call and race. thank you ver much for uploading this (and others that I've seen you upload)
peter90025 1 year ago
great video clip- you deserve an oscar & a emmy for uploading this gem-
hswatnik 1 year ago
What a great horse! It is so wonderful that the videos of these horses are still being posted so horse lovers can see them in action. Thanks for showing the videos!
barbaro52 1 year ago
This horse is underrated. What a sensational animal he was. He deserves to be rated with the absolute best in history bar none.
schardy80 1 year ago
@schardy80 fyi In Blood-Horse magazine's List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Dr. Fager is rated #6.
medomoreno 1 year ago
@medomoreno Yeah, I know and I say that undersells him. He doesn't have the fanfare of MOW or Sec but he was as good if not better than them if you look at his times, the weights he carried and the horses he defeated.
schardy80 1 year ago
@schardy80 Dr Fager's owners should have done something more in the Marketing department. As he was neither giant sized nor grey coloured it's simply a little hard to pick him out from a distance. He needed a "mask of death" to impress his public and intimidate his rivals, like Secretariat's blue and white checkered one! I think he deserves higher than his #6 rating.
eckythimble 5 months ago
@eckythimble Marketing is important I agree with you. In Australia, Phar Lap is #1 in the minds of every non racing fan purely because he has the greatest story. He died young, ran during the depression etc. Not doubting his greatness at all, but he has been hyped unlike any other racehorse from this country. I feel Dr Fager has been forgotten to an extent. In my view I cannot split Fager and Secretariat.
schardy80 2 months ago
This was one FAST horse!
TwoSlew 1 year ago
Phil Georgeff was a fixture at Arlington Park. Don't know what your issue is with his race calling!
peggywingardh 1 year ago
Dr Fager's performance ranks right up there with Secretariat's Belmont. Along with Spectacular Bid's Strub stakes. Dr's last eighth of mile acceleration was similar to The Bid's Malibu Stakes. Dr Fager certainly was a remarkable racehorse to say the least.
jkmooreelle 1 year ago
If you watch this race carefully, he was eased the last sixteenth of a mile. OMG!!! Unbelievable.
thebeavear1965 1 year ago
In my opinion this performance ought to be mentioned in the same breath as Secretariats Belmont. Setting a world record with that kind of weight, sitting very wide and being taken on in front, over arguably the most frequented distance in world racing.....and well within himself! If you ask me, Fager is #1
schardy80 1 year ago
@schardy80 Ranking him at #6 was crazy.
evyn10014 11 months ago
@evyn10014 Yeah I agree, he is #1 in my book. Secretariat has claims on #1 I'll concede, but how MOW, Citation, Kelso and Count Fleet were rated more highly is very questionable.
schardy80 11 months ago
Nice Dr. Fager!!!
LastTree 1 year ago
If that's typical of American race-calling, it's a wonder that there's anyone betting & listening...
Baskerville22 1 year ago
@Baskerville22 Maybe you've heard of the saying..."If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all." Well, try living that statement instead of being insulting.
You'll be a lot happier person in the end, of that I have no doubt.
cf1970 1 year ago
@Baskerville22 I grew up a mile from this track and listened to Phil call the races since I was born- Exactly what are your complaints about his call? These days I would be upset about the lack of splits but this was made for a live audience-you watched the board for them and most people had binoculars. It was 1968 and this was how it was done.
jrm167jrm 1 year ago
@Baskerville22 I agree with cf1970! It just happens to be Phil Georgeff calling this race, just like he did some 96,131 other races! By the way, just to educate you a little, that's an all time record! He must have been doing a great job in most peoples eyes. Sorry you decided to take a dig at him and America!
shinnpick 1 year ago
the great Dr. fager -- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
jking4425 1 year ago
@Baskerville22 According to Bloodhorse Publications, Dr Fager ran that 2nd quarter down the backstretch in an extraordinary 20.6 sec. The Dr had sprinter speed coupled with endurance. His greatest weakness was he couldn't be rated and his bursts of speed made him more vulnerable at longer distances, especially when rabbits were entered. Still, three times under 2 minutes at 1 1/4 miles while carrying 130 lbs or more isn't too shabby.
sl7293 7 months ago
@sl7293 No sir it was not too shabby at all. Fager was something special!!!
BE109 7 months ago
I have seen some pretty uninformed comments on some other videos. Saying Fager just beat a bunch of "cooked" horses. Insinuating Fager was tired as well. All one has to do is to watch how little urging Fager got from Baeza,and most importantly look how Fager's stride was still lengthening in the stretch. The eyes do not lie,Fager was well within himself,and yet after 42 years,after thousands upon thousands of 8F races being run since,he still has his name in the record books. A great TB for sure
BE109 1 year ago
@BE109 Spot on comment. That's an awesome performance. The horse all but rebroke at the 3/16 pole! As the fellow in the announcer's booth exclaimed after the race...."wow!"
71sunset 1 year ago
According to Blood-Horse, Dr Fager's 2nd quarter in this race was run in 20.6 seconds which is believed to be the fastest quarter-mile fraction ever run in the body of a race at any distance. Looking at the fractional splits in this race and Dr Fager's position at the 1/4 and 1/2 mile marks, this time seems about right. By the last quarter, the rest of the field was completely fried and Dr Fager simply eased his way to the finish in just a shade under 25 seconds. He was a real flyer.
sl7293 1 year ago
It is very common for great 4 year olds to run the mile. The number who have done so includes, but is not limited to Dr Fager, Citation, Skip Away, Buckpasser, Kelso, Forego, Alydar and Cigar. Also, Affirmed did run the mile at 4. So did Easy Goer, but he wasn't as successful at 4 as he had been at 3 and finished 3rd more than 2 seconds slower. Maybe it was the few extra pounds or maybe he just had an off day, but horses don't always run faster at 4 than they did at 3.
sl7293 1 year ago
@sl7293 Actually, I should have said it is common for horses 4 & older to run the mile. Citation did it at 5. Also, very good, but not great horses carrying 15-25 lbs less than the Doctor are also a threat to the record as evidenced by the fact that Najran tied it carrying 113 lbs. It is remarkable that it has lasted 42 years, but could fall any day in the racing season.
sl7293 1 year ago
@sl7293 To set the record straight, Cy sat out his entire 4 yo season because of injuries. When he came back at 5, he did run the mile at GG Fields in world record time (but not carrying 134!). With the same race, he broke Stymie's all time earnings record...
1948BigCy 1 year ago
love the reations after it passes then post "wow".."this is a racehorse!"
dunsta69 1 year ago
It is extraordinary that this record has not been broken in 42 years.There probably isnt a day that goes by in the horse racing season in which this distance isnt run at least ½ dozen to a dozen times at tracks around the country. Doing a little math it seems likely there have been in excess of 100,00 rides at this distance since 1968 and possibly all carried less weight than Dr. Fagers 134 lbs.
sl7293 1 year ago
That number should read "in excess of 100,000".
sl7293 1 year ago
@sl7293 Its not extraordinary my good man when most all great horses at 4 don't race that short 1 mile distance anymore. Slew, Affirmed nor The Bid did at 4. Nor did Easy Goer but almost tied it a a very early young 3 year old..
rscarbro100 1 year ago
I never saw him run live but that was an astonishing victory. All that weight, racing 3 wide the entire time and never really asked down the stretch and still setting a world record. I could only imagine if they pushed him just a little that time would be 1:31 and change. As many have said no one would have beaten Secretariat going a 1-1/2 on Belmont Day, no one who have touched Doc at a mile on this day.
joefederico 1 year ago
This race was another example of Dr. Fager's prodigious ability to run with speed while carrying high weight. This world record in the mile on dirt is the only world record held by a horse carrying more than 130 pounds.
sl7293 1 year ago
Can I ask what year this is? I just happened to stumble across this video.
gotch09 1 year ago
The year was 1968. I always include the race information in the "Tags" of the video information.
Take care.
cf1970 1 year ago
@cf1970 what is the "tag". i dont see it either.
thecorvis 1 year ago
@thecorvis Click the symbol with the double "V" beside the video description. It will reveal the complete summary, along with the "Category" and "Tags" at the bottom.
cf1970 1 year ago
@cf1970 Thanks for your videos.
205seeme 1 year ago
The Good Doctor--they don't make them like that anymore.
fredym515 2 years ago
He sure was cooked in the Woodard with a fast pace. This race was even faster & you think he was coasting & could have ran another 12 clip?
I can easily say if Secretariat ran the rail in the Marlboro cup, wasn't pulled up at the 1 1/16 mile post, ran as a 4 year old & ran on a super fast track like the Bid did, his time would have been 1:57 flat or better for a quarter mile. The Bid carried 126 lbs as Big Red did in the Marlboro. And I probably be right.
rscarbro100 2 years ago
@rscarbro100 He was coasting because he was WELL within himself. Baeza didn't ask him for everything he had. He knew Nerud wouldn't approve of pushing a horse who was winning easily. Baeza also said that he had no idea he was going to break the record,and he said all he would have had to do to make him go faster was to chirp to him. Thats why I said he was coasting.
BE109 1 year ago
If Fager would have more interested in rating,he would have probably never lost to Damascus,but Damascus was great himself,and Fager's fierce will to be in front hurt him when Damascus had his "rabbit" Hedevar,who by the way had held the world record for a mile before that! Of course Damascus was the only horse who had to ability to take advantage of the Doc's only weakness! Perhaps Buckpasser as well,but if they met Fager on even terms,Fager would have rolled them! Fager proved that VS Damas.!
BE109 2 years ago
1973 Marlboro Cup. The track was wet fast & can prove it. Onion hit the 3/4 in 1:09 1/5. Sec was slowed before the 1 mile marker from keeping hitting Riva Ridge in the rear. Watch the video. Shortly after was took to the outside & went through the mile marker with Riva in 1:33 flat. Won in record time 1 1/8 mile 1:45 2/5. Clocked pulling up at the 1 1/4 post in 1:57 4/5. A record mile is well within his capablities.
The Dr. was one hell of a horse anyway you look at it.!
rscarbro100 2 years ago
rsarbro100 I agree with your take. But just think Fager came coasting home here,and I do mean coasting. Baeza said he had no idea he going as fast as he was,and he said if I had chirped to him he would have gone faster. As it was he came home in 24 and change,with the fact that he could have gone faster,given his time for 8 furlongs in 1:32 1/5,just think if he was running 9 F. he could have easily broke into the 1:44's or maybe just maybe the 1;43's! Another 12 sec furlong here ,CONT-
BE109 2 years ago
@BE109 I don't know what you mean coasting here. I did not see him slowing up a bit. I could say Big Red was coasting. I did not see him slowing up either. I seen were Big Red in his last workout just before the Marlboro & ran 5 furlongs in 57 flat. Thats exactly 11.4 for each fulrong. The Dr. ran the mile a tab over 11.5 average each furlong. Also had a workout in mud a week before the Whitney & ran 57 2/5 for 5 furlongs.
rscarbro100 2 years ago
@rscarbro100 I wasn't saying Fager was slowing up when I said he coasting. What I meant was he was doing it very easily. He was in no way fully extending,in fact he was barely being pushed. And I stick to my opinion that Fager could have easily went another furlong in 12 & change.
BE109 1 year ago
Cont- Another furlong at 12 seconds would have put Fager squarely in the 1:44's at 9F. It is not totally out of the question that if Baeza poured on the coal that Fager might have even broke into the 1:43's,now that to me is a very sobering thought! Thats a reasonable time for 8 1/2 furlongs! Fager was a model of prodigous physical ability! As much as I love secretariat,"the good docter" is my favorite!
BE109 2 years ago
@rscarbro100 Secretariat was capable of setting a record anytime he ran. But Fager was as well. Both were great horses,with totally different temperaments and running styles. But in the end they were both great ones.
BE109 1 year ago
As Phil Georgeff said, "WOW". A priceless moment.
UprightBoltUpright 2 years ago
Phil Georgeff had that voice..wow..love that "Here they come spinning out of the turn" Classic..thank you for the post!!!!!!!!!!
southwesttexasm 2 years ago
He sets a world record, under that weight and essentially being ridden out, almost eased as they came to the wire. Speed freak would be putting it mildly. Shame I was too young to ever see him race live.
Thanks again cf for posting this. Your thoroughbred videos are total enjoyment. Keep em coming please!
joefederico 2 years ago
I've seen every champion since Swaps in 1956. 'Fager was the best I ever saw. Period. Was at Aqueduct for his final race, the 1968 Vosburgh when he won by 7 under 139 lbs. into a headwind in 1:20 1/5. Baeza couldn't hold him any more.
ndiver59 2 years ago
Unbelievable! That time is truly remarkable!
SugarTomAppleRoger 2 years ago
Rank no lower than 2 all time behind Secretariat and Fager could be number one
seldenkid 2 years ago
You see horses like Rachel Alexandra win dominatly at 1/8 and thats great but Dr. Fager ran at every distance possible and competely demolished his opposition. That's classy. They don't make 'em like they used to!
Rock8mywork789 2 years ago
13 of his 22 races were in NY with 3 more in NJ. He won the Gotham (beating Preakness + Belmont winner, Damascus)and Withers, but skipped the Triple Crown races.
Man was he fast, tho.
Dr. Fager appears in Rachel Alexandra's pedigree so some of her speed can be traced to him!
He was Horse of the Year in 1968.
npspec34 2 years ago
Could not agree with you more. IMO he is harshly rated at #6 all time. He was only ever beaten by absolute champions on unfair terms. His last furlong in this race is probably the most impressive 11 seconds of racing i have ever seen
schardy80 2 years ago
So good to hear Phil georgeffs voice again, he was the best...Here they come spinning out of the turn,. That call comes from his days from calling harness
ricmonday 2 years ago
Is there any horse in history, other than Dr Fager, who ran 2- 6 furlong splits in 1:07 and change and 3-sub 2 minute 1 1/4 miles?
I don't think so.
OHRaceFan 2 years ago
@OHRaceFan Secretariat ran 2 sub 2 minutes 1 1/4 mile races & 1 unoffically in the M.C. that tied Spectacular Bid world record in 1:57 4/5, He was not a 4 year old when he did these.
rscarbro100 1 year ago
WOW! WOW! WOW!
I think he's been so overlooked because he raced mainly in the west, no?
ratso444 2 years ago
He really hasn't been overlooked as he was voted the best thoroughbred of all time by The Thoroughbred Times.
sufenta67 2 years ago
WOW!!! My first time seeing this race. I can't believe how effortless this looks. Watching these videos reminds me that there has been a vast amount of great racehorses that I am too young to have known. I am lucky to have witnessed Secretariat, and Ruffian run. Now we can watch possibly another filly for the ages in Rachel Alexandra as she continues to improve. How fun is this to be able to see so many great equine atheletes in our short lifetime?
sierraharms 2 years ago
Also Dr. Fager broke from an outside post and was wide around the turn. Incredible performance.
keybender 2 years ago
Yes. It was not exactly a good trip. A better trip might have been a second faster.
sufenta67 2 years ago
The fact that thousands have run a mile race since Fager did this is even more astounding. He did it easy,he was not even close to being all out.
BE109 2 years ago
WOW! is the perfect one word description for Dr. Fager. And yes he was a racehorse,no doubt about that!!!!
BE109 2 years ago
looked like he was eased up in the final16th
buyystocks 2 years ago
would have love to see this horse battle a horse from australia names sunline who was the best female horse ive ever seen and one of the best horses period. she holds grade 1 stakes wins record at 14. would have loves to see them 2 go at it or have a kid lol
tjjlm 2 years ago
Sunline was a Kiwi horse - but your right - amazing mare was Sunline.
What a race by Dr. Fager!
Murphdogg1 2 years ago
Holy cow. Did you hear Phil Georgeff at 1:59? He's set the microphone down but you can hear him say "Wow" and then someone, maybe not Georgeff, says as quite the understatement, "This is a racehorse." ... One wonders if he couldn't have been one or two fifths faster if he'd needed to be. Of course, at 1:32 1/5, nobody was gonna be close, even if they had been carrying 110 pounds to his 134.
GlennCraven 2 years ago
If you only watch this race and no others that Fager ran. This one race would be enough to convince anybody just how great this horse was. He could blaze at sprint distances ,he could run a route of ground in top time! He had the ability to carry HUGE weight and do it like it was nothing. Yes This was a great racehorse.
BE109 3 years ago
This was the greatest race in history.
mjcieri 3 years ago
This was an amazing race. It certaintly equals Secretariats Belmont Victory. The race that he ran in the 1968 Vosburg was I think the greatest Performance that I have ever seen by a horse. He broke the track record by over second carrying 139 Lbs. 120 and one fifth over a dead racetrack.If anybody has the video of this race please post so we can all enjoy it
mjcieri 3 years ago
If you look back at photos and footage, he liked to bite others and try and run over his handlers. Such a wicked streak, but such a badass. Love you Doc
CraftyTequila 3 years ago
The only horse which i believe had as good acceleration as this bloke was Sea Bird II. Amazing horses both of them
schardy80 3 years ago
Can anyone say lighting? What a brilliant speedster! Hard fast surface or not... This was just incredible! He still would have broken the clock on a slower track surface. He was awesome!
starzinliberty 3 years ago
wow! i know its irrelivant, my horse is related to him, to bad he wasnt as talented a runner
Samber02 3 years ago
I'm all for the safety of the horses. I still believe a dirt surface can be maintained for safety. The problem is many times at many tracks,on a day of a big race the track is tinkered with to make it faster(meaning it is usually a bit hard),I do not agree with that. As far as synthetic surfaces go,it appears that they will be in our future for awhile. The breed may benefit because that surface tends to suit horses that excell on turf. That will bring some stamina based lines back in our horses
BE109 3 years ago
The acceleration through the stretch was simply amazing! He drew off like that basically under wraps.
May I point out that the race caller for this historic race is the same race caller for the vintage Let's Go The Races VHS Horse Racing Game.
dahoss65 3 years ago
The announcer is Chicago's Very Own Phil Georgeff who announced for Chicago tracks who retired recently. He is one of my all time favorites.
BebeBebe321 2 years ago
A tremendous performance by the good Doctor.
To enter the turn on the outside
and put away the speedballs and repelling
a mild bid in at the top of the lane.
Carrying your speed over a distance.
That's what maintrack racing is all about.
Arlington's Polytrack will not allow something like this to happen again.
Bring back true dirt racing !!
TheKnightSky 3 years ago
There is a horse right now racing out of Hungary named Overdose. A sprinter. He unbeaten in 10 starts and has 4 world records. look him up/ His average length of victory has been 9 lengths.
bronco3250 3 years ago
The fastest and the greatest race horse of all time. He just does not get his due.
whennif 3 years ago
This 132.1 was actually like a 131 my friend because he was wide the whole race and started from the 9 post. Dr. Fager would beat secretariat up to a mile and secretariat would beat Dr Fager in longer races. It's apples and oranges!
hsgbfjar 3 years ago
Actually , that comment is not backed up in fact. Secretariat won 9 of 10 at a mile or under , losing only his 1st start. ALL of the 9 wins were listed as handily or ridden out.He set a then record in the Champagne stakes of 133.2 with an easy win. I believe that regardless of distance these 2 would have exchanged wins had they faced each other. Dr Fager was brilliant at distances over a mile as well
televin 3 years ago
Amazing mile by the greatest miler ever, and under 134! Not be a detractor, but Arlington Park was ridiculously fast in the mid 60s; at the time of Fager's run, 6 of the 11 fastest miles in history had been run at Arlington betweem June65 and July67. A rival for the "greatest mile" is Grand Canyon's 89 Hollywood Futurity in 1:33, as a 2 year old! A race before GC's romp, future horse of the year, Criminal Type, won an allowance by 5 in 1:34 and 3.That's 8 lengths slower than Grand Canyon
jhordanian 3 years ago
Dr. Fager ran that last part of the race like he was flying.
ihasch 3 years ago
That's because he was flying!
dahoss65 3 years ago
and pulling up
beagleman123456789 3 years ago
People need to absorb the fact that this horse a pure freak,his only weakness was his disdain for rating. That was his fierce will to win manifesting itself. He was wide all the way around in this race,he went 1:07 & change,and when he hit the stretch he just galloped off with VERY LITTLE urging. Baeza said he had no idea he was going that fast. The final 1/4 in 24 & change,being basically geared down. He could have done this in 1:30 & change, Folks that is a very sobering thought. Wow!
BE109 3 years ago
I dont know if you watched the race or just listened to it,did you see what that horse just did! he simply just jogged the last eighth of a mile and ran a world record that lasted 30+ years, with 134 on his back. I am sorry we will never see these performances again in our lifetime,horses just are,nt bred to do this anymore, oh what a shame, oh what a shame.
drfager01 3 years ago
You're so correct. Greed has destroy the breed.
dahoss65 3 years ago
This brings back memories of the 70's and 80's and the 90's when my dad was alive and as a kid we went to sportsman's/hawthorne or Arlington durning the summer. Hearing the the "spinning out of the turn" call was classic. TVG has given all the track anouncers their prop's and I wish Phil could be part of the group. God's greatest gift to us is our memory. Thanks
steelhrt14 3 years ago
Wonderful to read; I thank you for sharing your fine memories and I agree that Mr. Georgeff should definitely be part of the esteemed group of legendary race callers; he was superb.
Yes, thank God for our memory; I'd hate to imagine a life without recollections!
Take care.
cf1970 3 years ago
God bless your dad! I went with my dad too during those times to the same tracks! Those times were great!
hsgbfjar 3 years ago
Phil Georgeff is an absolute legend. His call of this race may be his best ever. I am a true believer that on his best day NOBOBDY beats the great Dr Fager.
Thank you so much for another amazing post my friend.
STU676 3 years ago
You're very welcome. I agree that Mr. Georgeff's call is superb; personally, I feel it's one of the best calls, period. I love when his mic is still hot and he says "Wow!" His simple reaction pretty much speaks for everyone who sees this masterful performance by "The Good Doctor".
Have a good week.
cf1970 3 years ago
This to me is still the most unbelievable performance in horse racing history,the only other race that compares to this performance is SECRETARIATS belmont.
drfager01 3 years ago
I worked for Phil Georgeff at Arlington during my college years. He was a truly great race caller and a fine gentleman.
pla1945 3 years ago 2
There are a lot of things impressive about this performance, but to think he did it carrying 134 pounds makes it border on the unreal. Think of all the great horses who have competed since then at a mile, carrying a lot less weight, that haven;t touched this mark.
3jakester 3 years ago
Not only did he carry weight,but look how easy he did it. He just loped away with no urging at all. He was the best!
BE109 3 years ago
Pegasus
CraftyTequila 3 years ago
The great Phil Georgeff with the call. !!The Best Ever--Thank You !! I remember him from when I was little and nobody does it better :).. Great Race too !!
derbydreamer103 3 years ago
Great post.....great horse carried all kind of weight, haven't heard Phil Georgeff is a long time.
LibraBaby05 3 years ago 3
First time I saw this legendary race. It is beautiful. Damn, he even ran on the outside.
Thanks for putting this up!
chiasmafora 4 years ago 4
chiasmafora - I was going to mention that he had run a wide mile on the outside, but you had it covered already. :)
What a wowser of a race, no?
Thanks cf1970 for posting. 5*s, 'cuz it makes my heart sing.
nameofthepen 4 years ago 2
Thank you both for your kind compliments. I agree totally, this video is a real joy.
Take care.
cf1970 4 years ago
Thanks for posting - enjoyed it - whoever posted it earlier, said it right - it did look like a record to the naked eye
samrothstein1 4 years ago
Glad you enjoyed it, and I agree...what a horse!
cf1970 4 years ago
The best horse ever,,,,,by far
STU676 4 years ago
How a horse could run different distance's and on different surfaces and win like Dr. Fager did is beyond belief. He is one of the most amazing and talented runners ever. God rest his soul. Thank you cf1970 for the awesome video.
jtwisted7 4 years ago
I couldn't possibly agree more! I'm happy you enjoyed the video; stop by anytime!
Take care.
cf1970 4 years ago
what an incredible turn of speed. to the naked eye this actually looks like a world record,,,,,fager and secretariat would have been a sight to behold,,,thank you for posting this.
STU676 4 years ago 2
Incredible indeed! The Good Doctor had a stunning turn of foot.
You're welcome.
cf1970 4 years ago
As originally posted by:
mattonthebeach (1 day ago)
In a word: ferocious
Fager by 9 in the stretch LOL. At only a mile, the other horses must have felt like hoodwink in that final furlong.
I mistakenly hit "remove", but happily was able to save the text by hitting refresh page(F5). I got lucky this time.
Sorry about the deletion. Thank you for the comments.
cf1970 4 years ago
Dr Fager, what he accomplished on the racetrack was just astonishing we have to respect secretariat and that crop from the 70s but lets remember if you had a speed graph that showed who was the fastest of all time was up to a mile, hands down dr fager would be at the top. Also lets not forget about the cripling weights they threw at him slowing down in the final 1/8 unbelieveable. the creator dont make them like this anymore. thanks cf70 for posting these historical events.
mastiffs36 4 years ago 2
Astonishing is a perfect word to describe Dr. Fager.
Thanks for the kind compliment and the comments.
cf1970 4 years ago
Dr. Fager was not just a sprinter/miler,Dr. Fager ran 10 Furlongs in 1:59 and change multiple times. He would have been a real tough proposition for any horse one on one. I believe he was greatest pure racehorse in history. I believe the facts bear that out. This performance is just a taste.
BE109 4 years ago
BE109- I couldn't agree more. He seems like the perfect horse for a Match Race at ANY distance. I've not seen such a versatile horse in my lifetime. Three times < 2:00 at
1 1/4 and a track record at 7/8ths at Aqueduct that stood for a generation. I'd love to see the '68 Vosburgh.....
OHRaceFan 4 years ago 3
The best horse I ever seen in 65 tears. I would like to see all his races. He is the best ever.
Thanks
2121421214 4 years ago 2
I thoroughly agree with you that Dr. Fager was a great horse. However, you are the same one who declared SECRETARIAT a "media created horse" that you knew 20 horses that he "couldn't warm up", that Forego would've won the Derby, that "everytime he ran it was on rolled up tracks", and believe anyone who says SECRETARIAT'S '73 Derby is "sadly mistaken". Amazing statements, all.
gfn02 4 years ago
Carly- You are awesome. I've been waiting
39 years to see this legendary performance.
Dr. Fager has been my favorite horse of all time since I became a race fan in the 60's.
I don't think that any horse that ever lived would have beaten Dr. Fager from 7 furlongs to 1 1/16. As the DRF chart for the race indicated, he "won with something left".
Thanks for this and your many other postings!
OHRaceFan 4 years ago 3
Allow me to clarify something for you, and I mean this with no disrespect towards you at all: This video was NOT posted by carly. It was posted by cf1970. While you're here, check out the many other Dr. Fager races cf1970 has posted; enjoy!
gfn02 4 years ago 2
OHRaceFan, thank you for the very kind words, and no worries at all about the misunderstanding. It happens.
Have a terrific week!
cf1970 4 years ago
I agree there is no horse that could have beaten the Good Doctor between those distances.
Rodney81818 4 years ago
Sorry OHRaceFan, this isn't one of my videos
carlykaiser 4 years ago 2
that is amazin!
ManOWar1994 4 years ago 3
The fractions were vicious, Fager actually ran a 1/4 in 204/5 seconds. That is believed to be the fastest quarter ever run in a body of a race. Baeza was just letting him run on his own in the stretch. Nerud claimed he could have done it in 30 and change, You had better believe it!!!
BE109 4 years ago 3
I agree, truly amazing to watch. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for the comments.
cf1970 4 years ago
Now thats a fast horse!!! I remember reading about this race. (i read a lot)
cloudtailforever 4 years ago 2
Couldn't agree more! Blazing speed, and so very tenacious. Gotta love a horse like that!
Have a nice week!
cf1970 4 years ago
thanks!
cloudtailforever 4 years ago 2
You're welcome.
cf1970 4 years ago
Wow! what a race. cf1970, You sure post great races.
operjxm 4 years ago 5
I couldn't agree more; this race is totally amazing!
I appreciate your very kind support. Thanks for watching!
cf1970 4 years ago
What a jem you've found. Amazing to think he could race wide the entire trip with 134 lbs and set the world record.
ahsans786 4 years ago 2
Sure is something!
gfn02 4 years ago
It just goes to show how overrated "weight" is by a lot of handicappers. Great (even good horses) will not be affected by extra lbs. There are many many more important factors than weight.
gocashbaby 4 years ago 2
Wow, I'd heard of this but never seen it before. What a great horse!
blusterjfk 4 years ago 2
Hi Bluster ! Nice to see you ! I hope all is well with you :)
Jazzgirl8888 4 years ago 9