Ercel Ellis

Man o’ War’s 100th birthday has spawned a year-long celebration of the horse many consider to be the best in history. There aren’t many people left who can say they knew him, but if you’re looking for someone who did so intimately, look no further than Ercel Ellis. His father was the first one to put a halter on the famed horse, Ellis himself spent many hours around him when he was a sire and attended his funeral, which was broadcast on NBC radio to the nation. Still going strong at 85, Ellis may be the No. 1 expert in the sport when it comes to the original Big Red, who turned 100 last month. Ellis is our guest on this week’s Thoroughbred Daily News podcast.