On This Date In History...

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Dotsam Stable's John Henry was dealt his second consecutive loss as William H. Perry's Tiller posted a 1 1/4-length victory over the gelding in the Sword Dancer Stakes at Belmont Park on July 12, 1980. Ridden by Ruben Hernandez, Tiller raced to within two-fifths of a second of the 1 1/2-mile course record of 2:24 4/5. John Henry, the 4-5 favorite in the four-horse field, had finished second to longshot Sten in the Bowling Green Handicap previous to the Sword Dancer. The 5-year-old rebounded to win two of his final four starts that season and was voted champion grass male horse honors.

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