The Great Dan Patch and the Remarkable Mr. Savage

by: Tim Brady

Published by: Nodin Press

Reviewed by Connie Anderson

Dan Patch was race horse that pulls a two-wheeled cart carrying a driver who weighs 150 lbs. max.

Patch was an unknown pacer in Indiana in 1901 and nationally known in 1902 because of his results in the Grand Circuit. That year he won so many races his owner decided to race him only against the clock. In 1903, Minnesotan W.M. Savage paid $60,000 for him!

Savage is a rags-to-riches story of a man who owned International Stock Food Company. He had big plans for Dan Patch, and for horse breeding in Minnesota. His company made nutritional supplements for farm animals--and when he built his fabulous breeding stables on 700 acres across the Minnesota River from the village of Bloomington, they named that area Savage.

Dan Patch almost died in 1904 from impacted bowels (his recovery may have been helped with Savage's products), and this showed the world Patch was vulnerable-making it all the more important to see him race.

After one race, the newspaper said, "The crowd broke forth in a burst of applause that would have overpowered a mere czar or emperor." Patch broke the two-minute mile numerous times--even achieving a 1.55 time. At his first appearance at the Minnesota State Fair, 30,000 people came from surrounding areas and filled the grandstand, the infield and hills surrounding the track.

Savage was a smart businessman, negotiating Dan Patch's success. But Patch's value wasn't only winning races. In spring 1904, he "serviced" 57 mares, earning Savage $300 stud fee for each, or $17,000--and the race season hadn't even started. Business genius, Savage used Patch's likeness on every one of his products and advertising.

The wonderful photos, and the accompanying DVD show the stable and Patch racing in the early 1900s.

He was a well-loved sports hero of his time. "He had won American's heart and on the day he died, the nation mourned," a newspaper wrote when he died at age 20 in 1916. The ill Mr. Savage died a few days later.

Armchair Interviews says: Well-written, this will keep your interest and teach you facts about horses, racing and smart businessmen--and make you admire a fabulous horse long gone.

Publisher's Web site: http://www.nodinpress.com