Description
Photograph of the American Thoroughbred Man o' War with his groom John Buckner pictured beside Man o' War's transport van. Two other unidentified men are also pictured.
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.