Assault

Assault (March 26, 1943 – September 2, 1971) was an American Hall of Fame thoroughbred racehorse who won the U.S. Triple Crown in 1946. Born at King Ranch in Texas, Assault seemed unlikely to amount to anything on the track, much less a Triple Crown champion. Described as being "on the delicate side" by his later jockey, Eddie Arcaro, the son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Bold Venture was plagued with injuries and illnesses from t... more

Assault (March 26, 1943 – September 2, 1971) was an American Hall of Fame thoroughbred racehorse who won the U.S. Triple Crown in 1946. Born at King Ranch in Texas, Assault seemed unlikely to amount to anything on the track, much less a Triple Crown champion. Described as being "on the delicate side" by his later jockey, Eddie Arcaro, the son of Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Bold Venture was plagued with injuries and illnesses from the start. As a youngster, he stepped on what is believed to be a surveyor's stake, driving it through his front right hoof. The hoof was permanently deformed, and the colt developed an unattractive limp to accommodate the odd shape of his foot; however, the "Club-footed Comet," as he would later be dubbed, showed no signs of abnormality when he was at a full gallop. Throughout his career, Assault also overcame kidney, splint bone, ankle, knee and bleeding problems. Aside from his physical troubles, Assault faced another major hurdle on his... less