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11, 1950. It was an allowance race on that day in which Citation extended his win streak to sixteen straight victories. Cigar's later tying mark also was achieved in multiple years.

In 1950, Citation completed nine starts, winning two and finishing second seven times. He established a similar record in 1951, winning three of seven starts and going second once, with two third place efforts.

In terms of racing longevity, Citation was outdueled by several pre-1950 horses. Armed ran eighty-one races, Man o' War grandson Seabiscuit went to post eighty-nine times, while Old Rosebud, Roamer, and seventeen-hander Exterminator started eighty, ninety-six and 100 contests, respectively.

The most astounding post record in Thoroughbred history is that of Stymie. He toed the starting line 131 times! But to Citation's credit, he was unusually capable of running at different distances and on various surfaces without it changing his focus and performance.

Calumet Farm was one of the most powerful Thoroughbred stables in the racing era between 1940 and 1970. Citation was one of eight Kentucky Derby winners and two Triple Crown champions in that time-frame who ran for Calumet and trainers Ben A. and Jimmy Jones under the ownership of horseman Warren Wright.

Retiring for good in 1951, Citation had become the farm's and the Thoroughbred industry's first racing millionaire with career track earnings of $1,085,760. His paternal grandsire was Bull Dog, who was sired by the influential Teddy. Citation's dam, Hydroplane II of Great Britain, was by Hyperion, a superb stallion.

Comparing different eras of the Sport of Kings, as well as the longevity and racing conditions and records of its Thoroughbreds, are difficult measuring sticks to use fairly, given the evolutionary changes in the industry. The name Citation, however, will always float near the top in conversations of astute horsemen when they start talking about the greatest horses who ever stepped onto a race track.

Learn more about this author, Barbaraanne Helberg.
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