In 1957, Bold Ruler, sire of Secretariat, beat Round Table and Gallant Man in the Trenton, the year's climactic race. By any measure, the old Garden State was a very successful race track. Then came the fire just as the casinos were opening an hour away in Atlantic City. Perhaps there was a message. Robert Brennan did not hear the message.
Nobody knows for sure.
No expense was spared. Purses were supplemented to attract the best horses and best jockeys. What is certain is that Brennan's money did not finance it. Other people threw cash at International Thoroughbred Breeders Inc., Brennan's company that was going to build race tracks and invest in bloodstock. The strategy was not sound.