Comments on: The Passing of Ira “Babe” Hanford and the story of the 1936 Triple Crown season

By: mahim2

mahim2 — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 08:43:42 +0000

In the horse racing world there is a ton of information and different systems available to improve handicapping. Throughout years of reading and research the only true way to become very successful at handicapping boils down to 3 key principles. With knowledge, the ability to adapt to different situations, and discipline to do the work spending time on your selections you will dominate any track you come across. There are so many factors that can affect any given race that some races you can look at a hundred different times and still be dumbfounded.

By: Jillian

Jillian — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:32:52 +0000

Babe was my uncle and I am very proud to have him be apart of my family history. I held a Derby party this past weekend and had his story, as well as my Uncle Carls, printed out and framed for all to see. I even got to talk with Carl before the race and asked for his advice on the horses. This is a great piece, so thank you for writing it. And if you ever do feel like writing a book or making a movie, let me know. I “know” so of the characters.

By: Brian Appleton

Brian Appleton — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 17:25:18 +0000

Great Kevin! The ’36 Triple Crown was a great story, I forgot all about it. As a note of interest did you know that Granville was Seabiscuit’s stable mate at one time when they were both being trained by “Sunny” Jim Fitzsimmons as two and three year olds? I love the connections that can always be found in horse racing.
Love Lou Hildebrandt’s story!

By: Kevin Stafford

Kevin Stafford — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:22:59 +0000

Thanks for sharing, Lou – that’s a remarkable story! I’ll be checking out the memoir right away now. Must’ve been fascinating to see the game in it’s glory days.

By: Lou Hildebrandt, Jr.

Lou Hildebrandt, Jr. — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:37:13 +0000

Nice write-up. I spoke with “Babe” a couple years ago when his brother, Carl, was about to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (I attended).

Didn’t really know him well, though he and his wife, Ginny and brother Carl bounced me on their knees at Fort Robinson, NE, where they were stationed with my dad, Lou Hildebrandt, now 91, and also a 30′s and 40′s contract rider for Sanford Stud Farm.

Both Babe and Carl are in my dad’s memoir “Riders Up” which I helped put together. The stories of the good old days are incredible, yet quite true. A different, yet, in some ways, a better time, according to those who experienced the era,

Sadly, “old soldiers DO die”. He will be missed.