Scapa Flow (horse)

Scapa Flow (1924–1928) was an American Thoroughbred race horse, a son of Man o' War. He first came to prominence in 1926 after winning the 43rd running^[1] of the United States Hotel Stakes as a two-year-old. He was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords, who bred him. In August 1926, Morton Schwartz offered $100,000 to purchase Scapa Flow, but his owners refused to sell him at any price.^[2]

Scapa Flow
Jan 1927
Sire	Man o' War
Grandsire	Fair Play
Dam	Florence Webber
Damsire	Peep o' Day
Sex	Stallion
Foaled	1924
Country	United States
Colour	Bay
Breeder	Walter M. Jeffords, Sr.
Owner	Walter M. Jeffords, Sr.
Trainer	Scott P. Harlan
Record	18: 5-4-5
Earnings	US$93,955
Major wins
United States Hotel Stakes (1926) Futurity Stakes (1926) Bowling Brook Purse (1927)
Awards
American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt (1926)
Last updated on June 15, 2010

Career

With Frank Coltiletti as his jockey, Scapa Flow won the U.S. Hotel Stakes in Saratoga Springs, New York, in 1:14 2/5. THe earned $11,525 for his owners at the Union Avenue course. Coming out of the gate, Coltiletti had the advantage of a step with Scapa Flow, who came to the front quickly. The fractional times were 0:23 3/5, 0:47 1/5, and 1:14 2/5.^[1]

On April 16, 1928, Scapa Flow lost the Harford Handicap by half a length at Havre de Grace, Maryland. The colt, favored in the six-furlong race, was beaten by Rock Man, an outsider.^[3] Scapa Flow finished third at Belmont Park in the Metropolitan, an event first run at the Morris Park Racecourse in 1891. On a rain-soaked track, Scapa Flow, at 3-to-1 odds, was bested for second place by four lengths by Chance Shot, a 13-to-5 entry, owned by W. Averell Harriman. The event was won by Nimba, a filly owned by Marshall Field III.^[4]

Death

Scapa Flow died in 1928 before he could make it to stud.^[5] He broke down during the June 17, 1928, running of the Brooklyn Handicap and was put down.^[6]