Comeback as Allegory for Great Depression Recovery
The idea of coming back after a major setback, which is repeated in the life stories of Seabiscuit, Charles Howard, and Red Pollard, is an allegory for the recovery of the American economy and spirit after the Great Depression. Everybody loves a rags-to-riches story, but the story that most captures the quintessential American spirit of the era is the one in which somebody experiences an overwhelming setback but returns for an encore.
Injury Motif
Injuries to both horses and riders occur throughout the story. Red Pollard's broken ribs, alcohol addiction, and broken leg are presented as an integral part of the sport of horse racing. Seabiscuit, meanwhile, suffers minor injuries to a tendon and to his knees, but a major injury when a suspensory ligament in his ankle ruptures during a race. These injuries are relevant to the course of the story and contribute significantly to its drama.
Seabiscuit as Symbol of the American Spirit
During the Great Depression, the American people needed a hero, and they found one in Seabiscuit. The little horse was, in many ways, what Americans believed was best about themselves. He was not much to look at, came from an uninspiring background, and on the surface he didn't have much about him that predicted that he would be a winner. But through a combination of intelligence, courage, heart, and hard work the little horse broke record after record. Even what was ordinarily considered a career-ending injury didn't stop him: he returned from retirement to win the biggest and most prestigious race of the era. The American people identified strongly with Seabiscuit, and considered his story a very inspiring one for themselves.
George Woolf's Lucky Saddle
The jockey George Woolf had a kangaroo skin saddle which he believed to be "lucky". He used it in all of his major races including the one against War Admiral. But in his final race, when he loses conciousness and falls from his horse to his death, he is not using his lucky saddle.
Red Pollard's Leg as Symbol of Liability
After Pollard breaks his leg for the second time, nobody is willing to hire him to ride their horses. Not only do they not want to be responsible for crippling him, but they do not believe he still has the necessary strength and skill to do his job. However, after Charles Howard puts him on Seabiscuit to finally win the Santa Anita Handicap together in 1940, other trainers and owners are willing to take a chance on "Red", or, as he is known to his friends, "the Cougar". His leg does not cost him any races, and Pollard continues riding for many years, retiring at the age of forty-six to work odd jobs around the racetrack.
