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In such international endeavors such as art, drama, diplomacy, literature and sport; now and again appears a character so dynamic and colorful that all eyes become fixed on his performances – win or lose. In Thoroughbred racing in the early 1970’s (1971-1973), a long-striding dark bay stallion from South America, COUGAR II, made instant fans of people never before interested in racing. Before he retired at age 7, COUGAR II earned more than $1 million in purses being the first foreign-bred to reach millionaire status in the U.S. He retired as the 8th leading money winner of all time. First in 11 races worth $100,000 or more. He won or placed in 40 stakes races on dirt and grass in distances as short as 7 furlongs and as long as 1-3/4 mile. He was the complete Thoroughbred.

His statistics were impressive but they never came close to matching the affection which poured out from racing fans toward this gentle giant. Most of all, COUGAR II was a showman; he never even went to the post like an ordinary Thoroughbred; he would often stop and gaze at the crowd like he was counting the house. And in his races, he would be far behind the field in the early running then when he was ready…like a big cat, he would make a devastating rush for the lead in unforgettable fashion all to the great delight of the public.

Follow the sensational career of the great COUGAR II who was imported to California in late 1970 from Chile for new owner Mary Florsheim Jones who would send him to legendary trainer Charlie Whittingham and be ridden by the great Willie Shoemaker for most of his career to run against other legendary horses of that era such as ACK ACK, FORT MARCY, KENNEDY ROAD, WEST COAST SCOUT and TYPECAST to name just a few.

Priceless film footage is shown throughout of COUGAR II training with Willie Shoemaker or his exercise rider up, being bathed at his stable, prancing in front of adoring fans at various California tracks, countless winner’s circle scenes and the following races (highlights of races only are shown unless otherwise stated that they were run in their entirety from start to finish):

1971 San Gabriel Hp.
1971 San Marcos Hp.
1971 Santa Anita Hp.
1971 San Juan Capistrano (race shown in its entirety)
1971 Californian (race shown in its entirety)
1971 Hollywood Turf Invitational
1971 Woodward Stakes (won but DQ’d to 3rd place)
1971 Oak Tree Invitational, 1971 Century Hp.
1972 Californian (race shown in its entirety)
1973 Santa Anita Hp.
1973 Century Hp.

COUGAR II’s charisma was so great that he attracted a multitude of admirers. He drew record numbers along the rail and to the paddock. On “COUGAR DAY”, at Hollywood Park (May 15, 1973), COUGAR II was honored for having run many of his best races at Hollywood Park by having him paraded on the race track between races to the cheers of legions of enamored fans complete with a special winner’s circle ceremony/tribute in which his owner, Mary F. Jones, would see him in the winner’s circle for the very last time with mixed emotions – he was 7-years-old and had reached his two goals for 1973: to surpass $1 million in earnings ($1,006,641) and to win the Santa Anita Hp. after his third attempt. It was now time to say goodbye to all his adoring and long-time loyal fans as he’d be officially retired and sent on to to stand at stud.

A fascinating aspect of COUGAR’s bloodline is the presence of five of the greatest mares of all time in his pedigree. Proven a champion on both dirt and grass and eminently qualified to pass on those unique Thoroughbred qualities of speed, soundness, stamina, courage and the still undefined but absolute necessity: class. COUGAR II would be sorely missed on the race track but rediscovered in the blood of future champions. “THE BIG CAT” ….HERE was a RACE HORSE!

 

 

 

 

30 Minutes.

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