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- NMR Hall of Fame
Carroll K. Bassett
Winner of more than 100 steeplechase races
Carroll Bassett was a leading steeplechase rider in the 1930's. Hall of Fame trainer Preston Burch described him saying: "Bassett was to steeplechasing what Eddie Arcaro was to flat racing".
An amateur steeplechase rider, Carroll Bassett was born in New Jersey and exhibited an early talent for many equine sports including steeplechasing, polo, and fox hunting. Bassett also studied at the Art Students' League in New York City and later became an accomplished equine sculptor.
Bassett had his first winner in 1939. He campaigned horses in partnership with J. Spencer Weed, under the name of Rams' Head Stable. He also conditioned and rode jumpers for Mrs. Marion duPont Scott.
Working for Mrs. Scott, Bassett supervised the early schooling of Battleship, a horse he later rode to victory in the U.S. Grand National and two National Steeplechase Hunt Cups, 1933-1934. Bassett's other significant mounts include Peacock, Night Retired, Passive and Sable Muff.
After his retirement from racing, Bassett remained active by judging horse shows and planning the Colonial Cup.
Carroll K. Bassett was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1972.
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Bassett Family Association Database
, d. 31 May 1991, Kershaw County, South Carolina