HOW ASSAULT WAS PREPPED FOR THE BELMONT STAKES

Max Hirsch was the trainer for King Ranch’s Assault, the Triple Crown champion of 1946.  After the colt from Texas won the Preakness Stakes, Hall of Famer Hirsch put him on a conditioning regimen that is vastly more challenging than the routines of today.

May 11            Won 1 3/16 mile Preakness by a neck in 2:01 2/5; fast track

May 12            Shipped to Belmont

May 16            4 furlongs in :52
May 18            3 furlongs in :40
May 20            4 furlongs in :48
May 22            1 mile in 1:43 3/5
May 24            3 furlongs in :35
May 25            1¼ miles in 2:05
May 28            4 furlongs in :50
May 29            1½ miles in 2:32

June 1              Won 1 1/2 mile Belmont by 3 lengths in 2:30 4/5; fast track

The Belmont was Assault’s 15th career start.  Sterile at stud, he ran in 27 more races after the Belmont for a lifetime record of 18 wins, 6 seconds, and seven thirds from 42 career starts.

Horse Racing Business 2018

Assault’s work history for the Belmont was provided by Max Hirsch’s grandson, former trainer Bill Hirsch.