Southern California racing in the 1950s saw certain horses become synonymous with certain portions of the decade.

The opening years gave fans the rivalry between Noor and Citation, with the former earning Top Handicap honors for his stellar 1950 campaign while the latter retired as racing's first equine millionaire by winning the 1951 Hollywood Gold Cup.

The middle part was dominated by Swaps, the chestnut California-bred who captured the 1955 Kentucky Derby before putting together a dominant run during the 1956 Hollywood Park meet where he won several stakes while setting or equaling multiple records en route to capturing the Handicap and Horse of the Year trophies.

Succeeding Swaps in the waning years of the decade was none other than the dynamic Silky Sullivan, whose improbable rallies from well off the pace have become the stuff of legend. Though not a prolific stakes winner, Silky Sullivan compiled plenty of first place finishes while becoming one of the most popular horses to ever grace California.

But what about the period between the days of Noor and Citation and the era of Swaps? That belonged to another California-bred who thrived on speed. But he was not just a sprinter, for he could deliver going long. And like Swaps, he could set records on the track thanks to his propensity for swiftness.

As a racehorse, he proved to be top class, winning and placing in stakes. As a sire, he gave his home state one of its all-time best horses. And his son proved to be both speedy and prolific going one or two turns like his dad.

On those facts, it can be said that Imbros has left a longstanding mark on California racing.