RENEWED INTEREST IN SEABISCUIT'S HOME, RIDGEWOOD RANCH, A YOUNGER SOLIS MAKES HIS MARK, AND PATRICK HUSBANDS ARE FEATURED ON HORSERACING TV'S "INSIDE INFORMATION" THIS SUNDAY, MARCH 8
Seabiscuit's legendary, and historic home, Ridgewood Ranch, jockey Alex Solis' son, Alex, II, and Patrick Husbands' success story in Canada are this week's features on the latest installment of HorseRacing TV's "Inside Information," which will air on Sunday, March 8 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The name Seabiscuit is synonymous with Thoroughbred racing greatness, and after decades of countless articles, a best-selling novel by Laura Hillenbrand, and a brilliant movie adaptation, those seeking priceless nostalgia venture to Ridgewood Ranch, the acknowledged home of the equine legend. Ridgewood Ranch holds its own special place in racing history, and remains as Seabiscuit's final resting place.
The Howard family sold Ridgewood in 1951, and it was sold again, 10 years later to the Christ's Church of the Golden Rule -- with its link to racing history seemingless detached. However, with the tremendous success of Hillenbrand's tome on Seabiscuit, and the acclaimed movie, interest was rekindled and the Ranch's owners wisely took advantage. Intent on protecting their acreage, the owners formed the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, with assistance from the Willits Chamber of Commerce, the Mendocine Country Museum, and the Rotary Club of Willits. It has spawned regular tours, with fans of Seabiscuit, and those cognizant of racing lore, flocking to the Ranch. Many of Seabiscuit's descendants still reside there.
"People come from all over the world to see where Seabiscuit lived, (and) roamed," said Tracy Livingston, president of the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation. "People make special trips from Florida, New York, (and) we've had people from Singapore and Australia."
The son of one of Southern California's most successful, and respected jockeys, Alex Solis, II always knew he would make a living at the racetrack. With his father a 2009 Hall of Fame nominee, the younger Solis shared his father's passion, and has found his niche as a bloodstock agent, and owner. He had always wanted to follow his father's footsteps, plying his trade in the saddle, but as he grew older and his size became an issue, he delved into another area, but it hasn't left him wanting.
He's in the sport he loves, and thoroughly enjoying it. "Our relationship is basically business but, at the same time, it's a passion, too," Solis, Jr. said. "Both of us love the track, but...we love the animal."
When Patrick Husbands initially moved his tack to Canada from his native Barbados, he found the transition difficult. But with the help of noted, Woodbine-based trainer Mark Casse, Husbands carved his niche. The union and partnership between the two has paid dividends for both. Casse has won multiple training titles and been named the country's top conditioner for three straight years, while Husbands has been tabbed as the "Outstanding Jockey" on multiple occasions. In addition, he guided Wando to the Canadian Triple Crown.
