Espadrille Espadrille Espadrilles or espardenyes are casual, flat, but sometimes high-heeled shoes. They usually have a canvas or cotton fabric upper and a flexible sole made of esparto rope. The esparto rope sole is the defining characteristic of an espadrille; the uppers vary widely in style. The existence of this kind of shoe in Europe is documented since at least 1322, when it was described for the first time with its current Catalan name. The term "espadrille" is French and derives from the word in the Occitan language, which comes from "espardenya" in Catalan or "alpargata" and "esparteña" in Spanish. Both
What A Summer Stakes addition to her 18 wins, she placed nine times with earnings of $479,161. That record of 27 first or second finishes in 31 starts at 87% is among the best in history. What A Summer was trained by Bud Delp while racing for Polinger. She was bought by Diana Firestone following Polinger's death in 1976. Mrs. Firestone turned the mare over to trainer Leroy Jolley. She was named Maryland-bred horse of the year in 1977 and twice was named champion older mare. What A Summer was retired in 1878 and as a broodmare produced several graded stakes winners. Speed record: