probably the dominant figure in the early years of the race was seabiscuit, as the race proved to be a metaphor for his career. in his first two attempts to win it in 1937 and 1938, he lost in photo finishes, with the second loss to a horse carrying 30 pounds less than he was. he suffered what was believed to be a career-ending injury while preparing for the 1939 edition. he came back to run in the hundred-grander in 1940, finally winning in his last race.