Historic truck/van to bring Seabiscuit statue home

After an absence of more than 55 years, a classic, life-sized bronze sculpture of the legendary American racehorse Seabiscuit will be returned to its original home at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, Calif., on April 18.

To be transported by a historic, fully restored Seabiscuit-era truck and van once used at the ranch, the sculpture departed Atlas Bronze Castings in Salt Lake City on April 10. In a takeoff on Seabiscuit’s old whistlestop tours across the country, it then will visit key sites in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area before a police-escorted arrival in Willits. There, a final “whistlestop” will be held aboard a historic Northwest Pacific caboose (circa 1909-1971).

“Seabiscuit-The Homecoming Tour” will make the following ceremonial visits, with most strongly connected to the legacy of Seabiscuit and his owner, Charles Howard. A Call to Post will generally precede and conclude each stop. All times are Pacific.

Las Vegas – April 11, 1 p.m.
Oasis RV Resort (Photo Op Only)

Los Angeles, April 13
Hollywood Park (1 p.m. – 3 p.m.)
The Derby (4 p.m.) (Established by Seabiscuit jockey George Woolf)

Los Angeles, April 14 a.m.
Santa Anita Park (Drive By Only) (Site of great Seabiscuit triumph)

San Francisco Bay Area, April 15, noon to 4 p.m.
Bay Meadows Racecourse (Site of some of Seabiscuit’s great triumphs)

San Francisco Bay Area, April 16, 9:30 a.m. start
The Shops at Tanforan (Site of Seabiscuit’s California arrival)
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma (Gravesite of Seabiscuit owner, Charles Howard)
V. Fontana Fine Granite and Marble, Colma (Maker of original, new granite pedestals)
San Francisco Chronicle Building (Drive By) (Recognize press role in Seabiscuit story)
Hearst Building (Drive By) (Recognize press role, preservation organizations in building)
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Howard auto dealership site, horse owner Harry Aleo to join)

San Francisco Bay Area, April 17, 8:15 a.m. start
Crossing of Golden Gate Bridge and Vista Point (Photo Op)
Blackie’s Pasture, Statue, Tiburon (Strongly connected, 2 Horses who stood their ground)
Larson Family Winery, Sonoma Valley (Site of Seabiscuit exerciser birthplace, home)
Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Sonoma Valley (Importance of Rehab to Seabiscuit)

Conclusion, April 18, 10:30 a.m. start
Sonoma County Fairgrounds and Racetrack (Seabiscuit-era track)
Willits