POPCORN DEELITES
1998, b, g,
by Afternoon Deelites—Turquoise Gal by Navajo
Trained by Priscilla Leon
Lifetime: Starts 58; Wins 11
History: “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 Friend retiree Popcorn Deelites, a low-level claimer whose career took a turn when he was cast as one of the six 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 accumulated 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 often breaking from the gate, as it turned out that was 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 the Linn Farm in Virginia and still makes public appearances to raise money for The Exceller Fund..
