Man o' War Cup: The Golden Legacy of the Travers Stakes
In the world of Thoroughbred racing, few prizes carry as much prestige as the Man o' War Cup. This solid gold trophy serves as the ultimate symbol of victory for the winners of the Travers Stakes, a premier event held every August at the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. Often referred to as the "Mid-Summer Derby," the Travers Stakes is one of the most anticipated dates on the American racing calendar.
The Origins of the Kenilworth Gold Cup
The trophy was not originally created for the Travers Stakes. It began as the Kenilworth Gold Cup, commissioned by Abe Orpen, the owner and manager of Kenilworth Park in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Designed by the renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. at a cost of $5,000, the cup was intended for a high-stakes match race.
The trophy was awarded to Samuel D. Riddle following a legendary match race where his horse, Man o' War, defeated Sir Barton—the first horse to ever win the American Triple Crown. Man o' War had previously won the Travers Stakes in 1920, cementing his place in racing history.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Transition to the Travers Stakes
The trophy's association with the Travers Stakes began in 1936 when Elizabeth Riddle (Mrs. Sam Riddle) donated the cup to Saratoga. Since that year, the Man o' War Cup has become the permanent trophy for the race. The first winner to be presented with the cup under this new tradition was Granville, owned by William Woodward, who won the 1936 Travers Stakes.
Today, the presentation is a formal affair. Each year, the original gold trophy is presented by a member of the Riddle family alongside either the Governor or the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York.
The Tradition of the Replica
Because the original trophy is a priceless piece of history, it remains at Saratoga. The names of every winner since 1936 are inscribed on the original gold cup. To ensure the winning owners have a lasting memento of their achievement, a smaller, gold-plated replica is crafted each year and given to the owners for permanent possession.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Kenilworth Gold Cup.
- Designer: Tiffany & Co.
- Original Cost: $5,000.
- Donated: 1936 by Mrs. Sam (Elizabeth) Riddle.
- First Travers Recipient: Granville (1936).
- Event Location: Saratoga Race Course, New York.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Associated Race | Travers Stakes ("Mid-Summer Derby") |
| Material | Solid Gold (Original); Gold-plated (Replica) |
| Naming Honor | Man o' War (1920 Travers winner) |
| Presentation Officials | Riddle family and NY Governor/Lt. Governor |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Man o' War Cup?
It is a solid gold trophy awarded to the winners of the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, originally known as the Kenilworth Gold Cup.
Who was the first horse to receive the cup at the Travers Stakes?
Granville, owned by William Woodward, was the first winner to be presented with the cup in 1936.
Why is the trophy named after Man o' War?
The cup is named after the 1920 Travers winner, Man o' War, who also won the match race at Kenilworth Park for which the trophy was originally created.
Do the winning owners keep the original gold trophy?
No, the original trophy remains at Saratoga with the winners' names inscribed on it. Owners receive a smaller, gold-plated replica for permanent possession.
Who designed the original trophy?
The original cup was designed by Tiffany & Co. for Abe Orpen.