Seabiscuit’s primary jockey, Red Pollard, suffered from multiple injuries throughout his career but made a remarkable comeback to race again. After retiring from racing, he continued to work with horses and lived until 1981.
Red Pollard, whose full name was John Pollard, was known for his partnership with the famous racehorse Seabiscuit. Pollard’s career as a jockey was marked by a series of severe injuries. In 1936, he suffered a bad fall that resulted in a chest injury and a fractured arm. Despite this, he continued to race. However, in 1938, Pollard was involved in a serious accident while racing a horse named Fair Knightess at Santa Anita Park, which resulted in a nearly fatal chest injury and a shattered leg.
The injuries from this accident were so severe that it was uncertain whether Pollard would ever walk again, let alone ride. But Pollard was determined. During his recovery, Seabiscuit’s trainer, Tom Smith, and owner, Charles Howard, found a new jockey, George Woolf, who rode Seabiscuit to victory in several races, including the famous 1938 match race against War Admiral.
Remarkably, Pollard did return to horse racing. In 1940, he made a triumphant comeback, reuniting with Seabiscuit to win the Santa Anita Handicap, which was one of the few major races that had eluded the horse. This victory was a testament to the resilience and determination of both horse and jockey.
After his retirement from racing, Pollard continued to work in the horse racing industry, serving as a trainer and a jockey’s agent. He remained close to the sport he loved until his death on March 7, 1981. Pollard’s life and his connection with Seabiscuit have been celebrated in books and films, most notably in the 2003 movie “Seabiscuit,” which portrays their inspiring story of overcoming adversity.