The Story of Seabiscuit (1949)

William Forrest: Thomas Milford

Quotes 

• George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : I hear you're a magician, Shawn. You can look at a yearling and tell like that whether he'll turn out champion or cow.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : You exaggerate my abilities, George, but...

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : But that's exactly why you're here, Shawn.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : Oh, brother! Why, we can't even tell when they're two-year-olds. Even after we've tested them plenty against each other we sometimes let a future winner go to the sales.

  Margaret O'Hara : Perhaps you've let too many winners get away, Mr. Carson.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : Now, Maggie, naturally George is doubtful.

  Margaret O'Hara : If it's proof you want, Mr. Carson, listen to this: In all the years Uncle Shawn trained for Lord and Lady Maitland in Ireland, devil a colt that turned the trick was sold by them.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : All right, Miss Margaret. Let me in on the secret, will you?

  Margaret O'Hara : Of course. 'Tis simple. When it comes to a thoroughbred horse, Uncle Shawn is fey.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : Fey? What's that?

  Margaret O'Hara : It has to do with the little people: elves, gnomes, fairies.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : So we're going to have the fairies pick our horses for us. Well, I give up. Boss, you can have my resignation whenever you want it.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Of course not. Don't fly off the handle. You and Shawn will make a great team.

• Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : You judge the next two or three, George. Shawn and I won't open our heads.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : I'll not so much as whisper. I give you me word.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Come on with him.

  [stable hand brings up Seabiscuit] 

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : And that was bred here? What is it?

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : Seabiscuit by Hard Tack out of Swing On.

  stable hand : He's always been kind of runty.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Yeah. Runty's right. Look at those knees. Big enough for a three-year-old. Well, George, deciding about this one won't strain you.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : Get him to the shipping paddock, quick.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : One minute. Mr. Millford, I gave you me word, and you can call me what you like, but I'm going to have me say. I'm begging you, I'm praying you, don't let this little man go.

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : Well, can you beat that? Boss, I've stood for a lot here this morning, but if you keep this runty, big-kneed thing on the say of this Irish expert, I'm getting off the place.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : Man, you don't know what you're saying. I'll leave, and gladly, to trouble you no more on one condition: give this colt a chance to show you what he can do.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Nobody's going to leave over one yearling. Shawn, I promised George, and I'm keeping my word. Shipping paddock.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : The day will come, sir, when you'll hold your head higher and breathe deep to be called his owner.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : You die hard, don't you, Shawn.

  Shawn O'Hara, Seabiscuit's Trainer : I doubt if it's hard enough.

• Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : I agree with you, Margaret, he should get to a warmer climate.

  Margaret O'Hara : Where should I be taking him for a warmer climate?

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : You'll go with him?

  Margaret O'Hara : Oh, indeed'n I will, sir.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Well, what about your nursing?

  Margaret O'Hara : I'll be nurse to him and him alone until he's well.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Well, then. I think we'd better make it California. Charlie Howard bought a stock farm out there. He could use a man like Shawn.

• Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Did you buy anything?

  Charles S. Howard, Seabiscuit's Owner : No, but I'm going to buy one now, if you'll sell. I saw a three-year-old of yours running in a selling race this afternoon, smallish sort of colt with big knees, Seabiscuit.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Seabiscuit? Why do you want him?

  Charles S. Howard, Seabiscuit's Owner : Well, you can't shoot for the stakes all the time. I gotta have some horses for cheap races. He was entered for 6000. Will you take 8000 for him?

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Well, I think so. How about it, George?

  George Carson, Head Trainer at Milford Farms : The string's pretty large, boss. We've got a lot like him.

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : It's a deal, Charlie.

  Charles S. Howard, Seabiscuit's Owner : Good. We'll get him tomorrow. By the way, Tom, I hired Shawn O'Hara on the strength of your letter.

  [Mr. Milford and George look at each other and laugh] 

  Charles S. Howard, Seabiscuit's Owner : What's the joke?

  Thomas Milford, Owner Milford Farms : Oh, nothing. Only George and I know now why you want the Biscuit. And listen, Charlie, when you get him back to California, don't let Shawn stable him in the living room!