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Articles: Press Release
A Living Memorial To Seabiscuit
-Ridgewood Reintroduces Seabiscuit Descendants-
Contact:
From: Cindy Rose/Ridgewood Ranch
16200 N. HWY 101
Willits CA. 95490
(707)459-2923 e-mail: biscuit@mcn.org
September 17, 2005 Willits, Ca
Not since the time of Charles Howard and Seabiscuit have there been this
many descendants of Seabiscuit gathered at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, Ca.,
home of the legendary Seabiscuit. Over fifty years have passed since the
complete disbursement sale of the ranch following the death of Charles
Howard in 1951. Three descendants of Seabiscuit, including two broodmares
and one new born colt, have now been added to the ranch and will be
available to be viewed by visitors during Ridgewood Ranch walking
tours. (For tour schedules June-September, please, visit www.seabiscuitheritage.com)
Cindy Rose is a resident of the ranch and proud owner of First Class AJ
(Great, Great, Great Grandson of Seabiscuit), the first descendant of
Seabiscuit to be reintroduced to the ranch. Rose is now working in
collaboration with owner/breeder Jacqueline Cooper of American Legend Horse
Farm (
"All In Fashion is our registered Thoroughbred descendant of Seabiscuit and we hope to grow our small broodmare band beginning with this broodmare." says Cooper. "We believe the bloodlines of Seabiscuit are definitely worth preserving. Visitors are very excited to see descendants of Seabiscuit at Ridgewood, especially our newest Lil' Biscuit." The foal is named Dashing Lil' Biscuit (registration pending) after the tradition of Charles Howard, who called his first seven foals his Lil' Biscuits. "The work that we do here is dedicated to the memory of Seabiscuit. If people are delighted to see the Lil' Biscuits, then we feel that we have accomplished our goal." explains Cooper.
"We also hope to offer offspring for sale to help the fund raising efforts of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation." adds Cooper. The Foundation is committed to preserving the historical buildings on the ranch, now declared an endangered historical site.
California Thoroughbred breeder Bill Nichols has been a long time supporter of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation and currently serves on the Board of Directors. "Bill was employed by Mr. Charles Howard at Ridgewood Ranch years ago." says Rose. Together with his partner Walter Thomson, Nichols owned and bred Sea Orbit, who was the most successful racehorse descending from Seabiscuit. "Bill has generously offered his assistance during the start-up phase of our breeding program." adds Cooper. "With his help and expertise we hope to make this breeding program a success."
A docent led walking tour of Ridgewood Ranch sponsored by the Willits Chamber of Commerce is scheduled on October 8th, 2005. Tours include the newly restored Seabiscuit stud barn, the old mare barn, as well as the Howard's craftsman style ranch house. For information or reservations contact the Willits Chamber of Commerce at (707) 459-7910 or for online reservations visit www.willits.org.
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