The Race of Legends

One of the hundreds of songs streaming on The Felicity Station is “The Race of Legends.” Felicity and I made the song last year, before she passed away, while we were creating content for the Station together. We made it for our Aunt Janet, whom Felicity loved very much; making something for Janet felt like a natural part of the work we were building together. I don’t think Aunt Janet ever heard it. She lives in another country, and at the time we didn’t yet have a radio station capable of carrying the song to her.

Ten names, one track

Phar Lap carries the heart of Australia into the field with 37 victories from 51 starts, including the 1930 Melbourne Cup and the 1932 Agua Caliente Handicap in Mexico. Secretariat follows with the 1973 American Triple Crown and a Belmont Stakes performance that still defines dominance: a 31-length victory in 2:24.

Man o’ War won 20 of 21 starts across 1919 and 1920, going unbeaten in all 11 races of his final season and setting multiple world, American and track records. Citation became the eighth American Triple Crown winner in 1948, built a 16-race winning streak and later became the first Thoroughbred to pass $1 million in career earnings.

Seabiscuit rose from ordinary beginnings to become 1938 Horse of the Year, defeating Triple Crown winner War Admiral by four lengths in their famous Pimlico Special match race before finally winning the Santa Anita Handicap in 1940. Red Rum became the unmatched master of Aintree, winning the Grand National in 1973, 1974 and 1977 and finishing second in both 1975 and 1976.

Ruffian won her first ten races, captured the 1975 New York Filly Triple Crown and remained unbeaten until her fatal breakdown in the match race with Foolish Pleasure. Black Caviar retired unbeaten after 25 starts, 15 of them Group 1 victories, while Northern Dancer won the 1964 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, then carried his influence far beyond the track as one of the most important sires in racing history.

The personal name in the field

Miracle of Life is the one name in the field without an official racing record because its history belongs to our own story. Felicity’s Aunt Janet used to call me by that beautiful name, so it had to be heard in the race. The song and this imagined gathering of legends are a tribute to Aunt Janet.

No real scoreboard could settle a contest across so many eras, surfaces and distances. That is what makes the idea worth singing: the records remain intact, while imagination gives every champion one more run beneath The Felicity Station lights. In this race, speed makes the legends—but heart has the final word.