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Episode 106: The Other Champions of 1935: Azucar and the first Santa Anita Handicap

While the name Seabiscuit is synonymous with horse racing in the 1930’s, there was another who rose to the greatest height on the largest stage: Azucar.

What connects a Hollywood blockbuster, a forgotten champion racehorse, and Detroit's golden sporting era? The answer lies in one of the most spectacular sporting events of the Great Depression – the inaugural Santa Anita Handicap of 1935.

While most fans know Seabiscuit's story through film, few realize that the first-ever Santa Anita Handicap – offering an unprecedented $100,000 purse when houses cost just $4,000 – was won by a Detroit-owned horse named Azucar. This seven-year-old former steeplechaser defeated the most celebrated horses in America while Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Clark Gable watched from the stands.

The victory wasn't just another win; it was part of Detroit's extraordinary "City of Champions" era when the Lions captured the NFL championship, the Tigers won the World Series, and the Red Wings claimed the Stanley Cup – all in 1935. Joe Louis was simultaneously beginning his boxing dominance, creating a perfect storm of championship success that transformed Detroit's sporting identity.

What makes the Azucar story even more fascinating is its connection to Seabiscuit. The jockey who rode Azucar to victory, George "The Iceman" Woolf, later piloted Seabiscuit in the same prestigious race and appeared as a character in the Hollywood film. Yet the dramatic post-race scene – where Azucar violently rejected his winner's blanket and dragged Woolf nearly 100 yards while spectators screamed – never made it into newspaper accounts.

When Azucar returned to Detroit, an astonishing 8,000 fans filled the racetrack grandstands on a Sunday morning just to witness a workout. As track officials noted, "It proves that Detroiters are a great deal more interested in racing than they were at this time last year" – a testament to how championship fever had captivated the city during America's most challenging economic period.

Join us as we uncover this forgotten chapter in Detroit's remarkable sporting history and explore how this championship fits into the larger story of a city that defied the Depression through athletic excellence.

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Episode 105: The Other Champions of 1935: Stanley Kratkowski & Joanna De Tuscan

“From a room full of sweet mamas and papas to a lunatic asylum…” The stories of Stanley Kratkowski and Joanna De Tuscan are presented alongside a unique insight into the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

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Episode 104: The Other Champions of 1935: Gar Wood Jr.

Gar Wood, the King of Speed on Water. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore the story of the crown prince: Gar Wood Jr.

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Episode 103: The Other Champions of 1935: Jimmy Gilhula, Tom Haynie and the D.A.C. Swim Team

On the first weekend of July, 1935, Detroit swimmers would add three more national amateur championships to the city’s crowded victory mantle.

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Episode 102: The Other Champions of 1935: Jake Ankrom

The parade of Champions continues with the exploration of Jake Ankrom, winner of the 1935 National Amateur Three-Cushion Billiards Championship.

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Episode 101: The Other Champions of 1935: Bill Bonthron

Jamie and Charles broadcast on location from the Emperor’s throne room on the Death Star and investigate one of the great untold stories of 1935: Bill Bonthron’s 1500 meter world record.

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Episode 100: The Other Champions of 1935: Herbert Mendelson

Episode #100! Jamie and Charles reflect on the 99 previous episodes and find a little time to explore Herbert Mendelson, winner of the 1935 President’s Cup race.

Thanks to everyone who has joined us live or on the feed. Thanks to everyone who has commented on the video and audio tracks.

200 here we come.

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Episode 99: The Other Champions of 1935: Dixie Oils Softball Team

Among the most overlooked Champions of 1935 are the Dixie Oils softball team. Jamie and Charles explore their story as well the history of softball itself.

Some of the sources we used for the history of softball:
https://nfca.org/easyblog/womens-history-month-great-time-to-reflect-on-softballs-rich-history
https://www.flosoftball.com/articles/6750269-the-history-of-softball-how-did-it-all-get-started
https://www.athleticscholarships.net/history-of-softball.htm

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 The Other Champions of 1935: Golden Glovers - Episode 98

While Joe Louis garnered the professional boxing headlines in 1935 there were other Detroit pugilists who would claim championships in the amateur ranks. Jamie and Charles explore their stories as well as the story of Stanley Evans, the last man to defeat Joe Louis before his rise.

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Episode 97: The Other Champions of 1935: Stroh’s Bowling Team (Part 2)

Few teams have ever had an impact on their sport like that of Stroh’s Bowling. In today’s episode Jamie and Charles explore this forgotten juggernaut and their “star of stars,” Joe Norris.

Some of the sites we refrenced:
https://sportsplanningguide.com/seven-bowling-alleys-at-the-top-of-their-game/

https://www.oldest.org/sports/bowling-alleys-us/

https://www.oaklanesbowlingcenter.com/metro-detroit-is-the-bowling-capital-of-the-world.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/21/sports/joe-norris-bowler-93.html

https://bowl.com/usbc-hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/joe-norris

https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2020/03/26/detroit-radio-legend-bowling-dollars-host-bob-allison-dies/2914618001/

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