Talk:The Race He Lost/@comment-72.198.97.176-20170406000321/@comment-31122519-20170407154309

While I would love that to be part of the legendary tale, the term "upset" did not begin with the race Upset won. The term existed before that race. Pretty much any biography of Man o' War mentions that many people believe the term began there, but they disclaim this notion.

From the Kentucky Horse Park (as you have probably already see): "People are still surprised to hear that Man o' War actually loses a race - to a colt appropriately named Upset."

From Walter Farly's "Man o' War" (endorsed by Louis Festel himself): "The big colt was alongside at the finish, but Upset still had his nose in front winning the race and living up to his name."

I'm so pleased you commented! Any enthusiasm for Man o' War is definitely welcome, including corrections. But I can assure you that the terrm existed before the racehorse. :)