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Fourstardave by Victoria Keith 
He's not a great in the traditional sense of the term. He never won the Triple Crown;
he never won a Breeders' Cup
race; he never even won a grade one stakes. But
Fourstardave became a
racing legend nonetheless.
In an age where our Thoroughbreds seem blessed to make it through a year or two without injury curtailing their careers, Fourstardave was an exception. Racing 99 times in 9 years, the New York-bred gelding inherited tough if not fashionable genes. It was Dave's longevity and consistency which endeared him to the public, and with each passing year his fans grew in number. He was most adored in Saratoga, and he obviously returned the sentiment, reeling off a stakes victory his first five years at racing's most elite meet. Dubbed "the Sultan of Saratoga", the "Fourstardave watch" was in full effect as he returned in 1992 for his sixth year and another chance to add to his win streak. A turf specialist, Dave's first assignment that year was the Daryl's Joy Stakes, normally run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf. Due to heavy rains, it was taken off the turf and moved to a mile on the dirt. Dave didn't like the sloppy going, finishing 11 1/2 lengths behind the winner and in 5th place. Nineteen days later, he lined up for the West Point Handicap but again finished off the board. The chestnut's streak at the Spa appeared in jeopardy. 
Trainer Leo O'Brien wished to return Fourstardave to his winning ways,
and entered him in a turf allowance just five days later. Dave easily
dispatched of the field, winning by two lengths. Though it wasn't a
stakes victory, Fourstardave returned home to Belmont Park with his win
streak intact.
The following year, O'Brien and Fourstardave made their annual pilgrimage to Saratoga only to run into a buzzsaw by the name of Lure. A back-to-back winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile in 1993 and 1994, Lure was perhaps the greatest American turf miler in history. Finishing second to Lure in the Daryl's Joy Stakes was hardly cause for embarressment, but it did delay the continuation of the amazing streak. But a couple of weeks later Dave chalked up win number 7. In 1994, Fourstardave again made it to the meeting at the Spa. It was this year that racing saw a true fan-frenzy over the now 9-yr-old gelding. The durable gelding immediately took win number eight on July 24th in the Manila Purse allowance. The Blood-Horse reported that "the reception he received both before and after the race may have been the greatest outpouring of affection for a racehorse since the reigns of John Henry and Forego." 
Soon after, Fourstardave again met up with the great Lure.
Taking to the
track for the Bernard Baruch Handicap, Lure and Paradise Creek met with
the usual claps and cheers worthy of the champions that they were. But
it didn't compare to the deafening applause given to their blue-collar
hero. Dave would finish third to the champion pair, but worse, he
exited the race with a wrenched ankle. It was the only serious injury
of his incredible career, and it proved insurmountable for the old boy.
The next year, he returned to the track but never to the winner's circle,
and after 6 attempts, he was retired.
Fourstardave may never be mentioned in the same breath as Man o'War and Secretariat, but his gift to racing is no less valuable. His unique star will forever shine. Fourstardave, 1985 gelding, chestnut, Compliance - Broadway Joan, by Bold Arian Owner: Richard Bomze Trainer: Leo O'Brien Breeder: Richard Bomze (NY) Jockey: Richard Migliore (one of many riders during Fourstardave's long career - Mike Smith was his primary rider before Migliore took over). Current Status: Died of a heart attack on Oct. 15, 2002, while at Belmont Racetrack where he was preparing to be paraded in the Oct. 19 New York Showcase day. Retired to a Florida farm due to his dislike for the cold, Fourstardave was shipped to Saratoga through 1999 for special appearances at the track. But after two years (1998 and 1999) of Dave falling ill from the shipping, it was decided that he'd not return to Saratoga for anymore special appearances. Pedigree:
Race Record:
Saratoga Race Record:
Career Notes & Highlights:
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