Man o' War with John Buckner

Title

Man o' War with John Buckner

Subject

Photography of horse sports

Description

Photograph of the American Thoroughbred Man o' War with his groom John Buckner.

John Buckner was Man o’ War’s groom from 1921 to 1930, and he followed Man o’ War from Hinata Farm to Faraway Farm in 1922. Buckner was previously employed by Hinata and Faraway Farm manager Elizabeth Daingerfield to care for James R. Keene’s stallions. When Daingerfield resigned from Faraway in October of 1930, Buckner left with her and continued to work for Dangerfield at her farm, Haylands.

Newspaper headlines from around the world heralded Man o’ War (1917-1947) as “matchless,” the “wonder horse,” a “speed miracle,” and “peerless.”

After winning 20 of his 21 races, Man o’ War, owned by Samuel D. Riddle and trained by Louis Feustel, retired to stud duty in Kentucky. He was the leading North American sire in 1926. He remained a prominent Kentucky tourist attraction during his retirement years, and his funeral was broadcast live across the country.

Man o' War's statue and remains at the Kentucky Horse Park continue to draw thousands of visitors to the Bluegrass every year. A century after his birth, he is still ranked by many as the greatest American racehorse.

Rights

This digital resource may be freely searched and displayed. Permission must be received for subsequent distribution in print or electronically. Physical rights are retained by the Keeneland Library. Copyright is retained in accordance with U.S. copyright laws.

Format

black and white photograph

Type

still image

Files

Man o' War with groom John Buckner.jpg

Citation

“Man o' War with John Buckner,” The Keeneland Library, accessed March 29, 2024, https://keenelandlibrary.omeka.net/items/show/412.

Output Formats