[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              COMMEMORATING SEABISCUIT AT RIDGEWOOD RANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 2009

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 
legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, who lived his final days at Ridgewood 
Ranch in my congressional district. Today Seabiscuit is being honored 
by the release of a United States Postal Service commemorative stamped 
envelope.
  This thoroughbred race horse is noteworthy for uplifting the spirit 
of the nation, for tenacity in the face of adversity and for the 
beautiful and benevolent ranch where he spent his last years. Described 
as a ``smallish horse with an ungainly stride'' Seabiscuit grew to be a 
champion. His owners Marcela and Charles Howard purchased the 16,000 
acre Ridgewood Ranch just south of the town of Willits along Highway 
101 in Mendocino County in 1919.
  During the Great Depression in the 1930s Seabiscuit became a national 
favorite and a symbol of hope. The American public cheered him and 
themselves as he beat the odds winning 33 of his 89 career races. He 
has been the subject of books, movies and countless articles. His 
crowning achievement happened in 1938 when Seabiscuit beat the Triple 
Crown winner War Admiral. This victory is commemorated on the new 
stamped envelope.
  Over the years Seabiscuit recovered from injuries and recuperated at 
Ridgewood Ranch, drawing up to 50,000 visitors, who made their way to 
this rural northern California retreat until his death in 1947. Upon 
his retirement from racing Seabiscuit was horse racing's all-time 
leading money winner. He sired 109 foals and his stud barn has been 
carefully restored by the local Rotary Club with help from the Willits 
Chamber of Commerce and the Mendocino County Museum. He was inducted 
into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958.
  The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation protects and preserves the 
historic buildings and extraordinary natural resources of the surviving 
5,000 acres of Ridgewood Ranch. The National Trust for Historic 
Preservation has identified the habitat as one of America's most 
endangered historic places. The Ranch hosts a therapeutic horseback 
riding program for the developmentally disabled. Christ's Church of the 
Golden Rule has owned the ranch since 1962. It generously hosts 
visitors to Seabiscuit's barn, walking tours of the ranch and 
fundraising benefits for such causes as rescue and aid for injured and 
retired thoroughbred race horses.
  Madam Chair and colleagues, I am pleased to enter these remarks into 
the Congressional Record honoring the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, 
the Heritage Foundation and Ridgewood Ranch. Let us salute their 
continuing legacy of historic preservation, environmental conservation 
and public education.

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