Kelso: The Horse of Gold

At his first start in June 1960, no one could know that a small, deerlike gelding named Kelso would come to dominate American racing like no other horse before or since. For five unprecedented years, he would reign as Horse of the Year, setting records and endearing himself to millions of fans, most of whom were moved by his underdog story and natural charisma. He defeated the best of five generations of thoroughbreds and is now considered among the top four horses of all time - winning sprints and endurance races, on turf and dirt, and with unprecedented handicap weights despite his small size. He set a record for winnings, ran the fastest 2 miles ever, and made the Gold Cup his signature race. Only three horses have ever won the cup twice in its 86-year history: Kelso was crowned champion five times in a row; truly, he is the "Horse of Gold."