John “Red” Pollard, the jockey of Seabiscuit

John "Red" Pollard's life is a story of grit, resilience, and an unlikely partnership with one of the most beloved racehorses, Seabiscuit. Rising from humble beginnings and enduring relentless hardships, Pollard became a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity. His journey from a struggling jockey to a celebrated sports figure captured the nation's heart, inspiring books, films, and generations of fans. This article explores the incredible bond between Pollard and Seabiscuit, a connection that brought hope to a struggling nation and left an indelible mark on horse racing history.

Humble Beginnings and a Passion for Racing

In 1909, John “Red” Pollard was born in Edmonton, Canada, into a family with Irish roots. His grandfather, Michael Pollard, had emigrated from Ireland to New Jersey in 1850 and eventually settled in Iowa, where Red’s father, John A. Pollard, was born. John A. later moved to Edmonton, establishing a family and a successful brickyard with his brother. However, in 1915, a flood destroyed the brickyard, plunging the family into poverty.

Red was drawn to horses early in life. Though his height of 5’7” and weight of 115 pounds was considered large for a jockey, he pursued his dream of racing, leaving home as a teenager to compete in rural American racetracks. Financial struggles and his tall stature made this pursuit challenging. To supplement his earnings, he occasionally boxed under the name “Cougar.” An accident during training left him blind in his right eye, an injury he kept secret throughout his career to avoid jeopardising his riding opportunities.

A Legendary Partnership

In 1933, Pollard gained experience at Ontario’s Fort Erie Racetrack before finding himself in Detroit, struggling and nearly destitute. There, he met horse trainer Tom Smith, who recognised Pollard’s affinity with troubled horses. Smith hired Pollard to ride a temperamental racehorse, Seabiscuit, owned by Charles Howard. Together, they began a journey that would eventually make racing history.

Seabiscuit’s own story was as unlikely as Pollard’s. Born in 1933 on a Kentucky farm, the horse was undersized, weak, and unmotivated, initially losing 17 races and being sold for $8,000 in 1936. With Pollard as his jockey, Seabiscuit rose to prominence, achieving significant wins and eventually becoming a national sensation. In 1937, Seabiscuit defeated War Admiral in the famed “Race of the Century,” solidifying his place as one of America’s most celebrated racehorses. By the time he retired in 1940, Seabiscuit had won 18 of 30 races with Pollard and had amassed a record-breaking $437,730 in earnings. When recalling his time with Seabiscuit he said, “I got a great ride… The greatest ride I ever got from the greatest horse that ever lived.”   

Pollard, despite numerous serious injuries, remained devoted to his career. In 1938, he sustained critical injuries when his horse, Fair Knightess, fell during a race, nearly crushing him. Remarkably, he returned to racing later that year, only to break his leg again in an accident on Charles Howard’s estate. During his recovery, he met Agnes Conlon, a nurse who would become his wife and the mother of his two children, Norah and John.

Pollard’s resilience in the face of hardship mirrored Seabiscuit’s, and his story captivated the nation. In 1940, he rode Seabiscuit to a final victory at the Santa Anita Handicap, marking the end of their legendary partnership. Following Seabiscuit’s retirement, Pollard continued to race, but by the early 1950s, injuries forced him to retire. He moved with his family to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, near Narragansett Racetrack, where he trained horses and mentored young jockeys. Pollard also played a foundational role in establishing the Jockeys’ Guild, advocating for the rights of fellow jockeys.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

Red Pollard’s life story was brought to the screen in the 2003 film "Seabiscuit", based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book, "Seabiscuit: An American Legend", which recounted the lives of Pollard, Smith, Howard, and Seabiscuit. The film, a box office hit, revived interest in Pollard’s extraordinary life and his role in one of America’s most inspiring sporting tales. 

In recognition of his contributions to horse racing, Pollard was inducted into the Canadian Jockey Hall of Fame in 1982, the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2012, and the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 2015. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of courage, tenacity, and the bond he shared with Seabiscuit—a bond that continues to inspire generations.