POPCORN DEELITES (1998 - 2022)
“I’m not one of the greatest racehorses of all time, but I played one in the movies.” This might be the motto for Old Friends retiree Popcorn Deelites, a low-level claimer whose career took a turn when he was cast as one of the eight horses to play the great Seabiscuit in the Oscar-nominated film starring Tobey Maguire and Jeff Bridges. A blood-bay with dark points, just like the Depression-era hero himself, Popcorn did accumulate 11 wins in his six-year career and earned nearly $60,000. He was acquired by Old Friends with help from his owner David Hoffmans of Henderson, NV, and his Phoenix-based trainer Priscilla Leon. In the film, you’ll see Popcorn breaking from the gate, as that turned out to be his on-screen specialty. Another Seabiscuit star, 10-year-old Rich in Dallas, was also retired through the combined efforts of Old Friends, Robbi Meisel of Flashpoint Photography, and The Exceller Fund. He now resides at Linn Farm in Virginia and still makes public appearances to raise money for The Exceller Fund. As for Popcorn, his moment of greatest fame came in the scene where, as Seabiscuit, he wins the match race against War Admiral. Share sheet info – click here. Donate to sponsor Pops. Receive a certificate and 8×10 photo
Share sheet info click here.
Receive a certificate and 8x10 photo
POPCORN DEELITES
- Born:
- April 19, 1998
- Color:
- Bay
- State Bred:
- KY
- Owner:
- Don Von Hemel, Carla D. Claridge, David Hoffman
- Breeder:
- Dennis B. Swartz
- Trainer:
- Jimmie D. Claridge, Priscilla Leon, others
- Jockeys:
- several
Winnings:
58-11-5-7: $56,880
Racing History:
As Seabiscuit in the match race against War Admiral, of course! In real life, Popcorn Deelites had a 5 race win streak at Turf Paradise from January to April 2004. He also raced at Arlington, Churchill Downs, Oaklawn, Pimlico, Hoosier, Mountaineer, Turfway, Sunlands, Albuquerque, Ruidoso Downs and Arapahoe Park.
Accomplishments:Played Seabiscuit in the Oscar-nominated movie
Joined Old Friends:
2005
