Épinard: The Forgotten French Champion Who Conquered Hearts Across Continents
From European sensation to American icon—how one of history’s greatest Thoroughbreds vanished into obscurity and was rediscovered in the unlikeliest of places.
By: Cady Coulardot
How could one of history's most adored French horses vanish without a trace?
In the early 1920s, a chestnut colt named Épinard rose to prominence as one of the most celebrated Thoroughbred racehorses of his generation. Bred by Pierre Wertheimer, co-founder of the iconic fashion house Chanel, and trained by Eugene Leigh, Épinard captured the admiration of the European racing world and bridged the gap between France and the United States. But his remarkable career didn’t simply fade after he retired to stud—instead, it took a dark and mysterious turn. Amid the chaos of Germany’s 1940 invasion of France, Épinard disappeared, and his story became shrouded in uncertainty. Who was this legendary horse, and how did he slip into obscurity, his fate remaining a mystery for decades?
Photo used with permission from the Keeneland Library Cook Collection
The Beginning.
Foaled in 1920, Épinard (by Badajoz out of Epine Blanche) showed early promise on the French tracks. As a 2-year-old, he won six straight races, including the Prix de la Forêt at Longchamp, where he showcased a terrorizing turn of foot and claimed victory in five stakes races during the season. (Hunter, A. (n.d.) He cemented himself as the French 2-year-old champion and won the admiration of not only his fellow countrymen but also the Americans, who started to pay much more attention to the “Wonder Horse” of France. (Daily Mirror, 1923).
International Interest
The growing interest in competing against international rivals led to a historic moment at Belmont Park: the first international match race between Kentucky Derby winner Zev and England’s Epsom Derby winner Papyrus. Zev's victory sparked an idea among some of the top horsemen in the United States, further inspiring cross-border competition. These men included none other than Churchill Downs’ Matt Winn, Man O’ War’s Breeder, August Belmont Jr., and James Shevlin, who wanted to bring international competition to America. Together, they negotiated with Pierre Wertheimer to send over his champion to the United States to compete in the International Specials: They held three races at three tracks with three distances and purses. This grabbed the attention of many racegoers who couldn’t wait to see the amazing Épinard race on American Soil.
A Transatlantic Journey
On July 4, 1924, Épinard set sail for America from Southampton in England. Two special traveling companions accompanied him: a lovely filly named Satin Slipper and an Airedale Terrier named Peter. On July 11, 1924, Épinard was lifted off via cranes from the steamship snug in a box stall that could transport him to the ground, a common practice during this time. He was taken to Belmont Park, where he could rest for a week before being brought up to Saratoga to train for his fall campaign. During this rest period, many race fans flocked to his stall to meet him. He was known for his kind and gentle nature and was regarded as a gentleman of a horse who craved the company of his humans, and the humans were happy to oblige.
International Specials
On Labor Day of 1924, the stands erupted as the chestnut stallion gleamed in the summer sun, parading in front of the Belmont Park crowd. He went off as the favorite, and no one expected him to lose – however, at the top of the stretch, Épinard was making his move when Zev suddenly bumped, causing him to get pushed into the outer rail. [LE3] Épinard recovered and pushed forward despite the effect of making contact. (The Baltimore Sun, Sep. 2, 1924) The wire came too fast, and he lost by a neck to Wise Counsellor. Some speculated that he lost only because of the bumping by Zev.
In each of the International Specials, Épinard ran second despite displaying his spectacular turn of foot; it was not enough for him to win any of the races. His last race on American Soil was in the Laurel Stakes. During this race, Épinard was injured and eased himself out of the competition. He was beaten once again by Wise Counsellor.
Despite his losses, the American public adored him. The press eagerly covered his story, and he became immensely popular in the United States. His widespread acclaim led to him being crowned Champion Older Male of 1924. Épinard retired to stud at Peirre’s Wertheimer’s farm, Haras de Bessan in Bordeaux. He made two more trips across the pond to stand at Dixiana Farm and Hal Price Headley’s Farm, both in Lexington. (The Tribune, 1941)
Mysterious Disappearance
In 1940, as Germany's invasion plunged France into chaos, Épinard was quietly enjoying the serene life of a stud, a stark contrast to the turmoil unfolding around him. Because of the war, he was taken outside of Paris for safety. However, he was stolen. Many newspapers covered his disappearance. The French people adored their horse; many could recognize him if they saw him – but it wasn’t until 1941 that French authorities recognized him in Paris. As a cart-horse! Once his identity was confirmed, the police arrested the cart drivers and learned how he had come to Paris. The thieves were using him to haul vegetables through the slums of Paris at night. He was rescued and returned to his original owner, Pierre Wertheimer. (The Tribune, 1941)
A Champion Remembered
In December of 1942, the Vichy Radio announced that Épinard was dead at 22 years old. The beloved champion’s cause of death was never reported. (Liverpool Echo, 1942) The conflicting reports from Vichy Radio, along with the arrest of the cart owners, paint a picture of a horse who became a symbol of the challenge and uncertainty of that time. (Lexington Herald-Leader, 1941).
The triumph, resilience, and mystery behind Épinard’s story are reflected through the glory of his victories, his international acclaim, and the societal upheaval of World War II. From a champion racehorse celebrated across continents to a humble cart-horse in the streets of Paris, his journey is a poignant reminder of war’s indiscriminate toll on lives—human and animal alike. Though his final years remain shrouded in uncertainty, Épinard’s spirit and the hearts he touched endure as a powerful legacy. By remembering him, we honor not only a remarkable racehorse but the deep connection we share with the champions of the past. May his story continue to inspire and remind us of the magic and hope that racing brings to those who love it.
References :
Daily Mirror. (1923, November 1). Épinard: Wonder horse. Daily Mirror, p. 3. Retrieved from https://www.newspapers.com/image/789810654/?match=1&terms=Épinard%20wonder%20horse
Hunter, A. (n.d.). Épinard (FR). American Classic Pedigrees. Retrieved December 13, 2025, from https://www.americanclassicpedigrees.com/Épinard-fr.html a
The Butte Miner. (1924, August 20). The Butte Miner, p. 2.
The Courier-Journal. "Épinard Dead at 22 Years Old." December 30, 1942, p. 15. Accessed via Newspapers.com.
The Henry County Local. "The Most Sensational Race in Turf History. Épinard, Famous European Champion, Defeated by Sarazen, The Winner, Bred in Old Kentucky. The $50,000 Contest at Latonia Breaks Records." October 31, 1924, p. 2. Newspapers.com, https://www.newspapers.com/image/920962103/.
The New York Times. (1924, July 12). Épinard Arrives For Races in the U.S. Page 5. Retrieved from https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1924/07/12/119041746.html?pageNumber=5
