It is reported about Sayyiduna Abu Wahb al-Kala'i (may Allah be pleased with him) that he was asked: Why did he give preference to the ashqar? He replied: Because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent out an expedition, and the man who came with the good news of victory was riding an "ashqar" (that is, a deep reddish-chestnut) horse.
Imam Ahmad recorded it, and its narrators are thiqat (trustworthy). His words "Sayyiduna Abu Wahb al-Kala'i (may Allah be pleased with him)" are a mistake, because the narrator Aqil bin Shabib narrated only from Sayyiduna Abu Wahb al-Jushami (may Allah be pleased with him).
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب الجهاد / 9344
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ صحیح
Hadith Takhrij«اخرجه احمد فى المسند (19055 رقم 345/4) ، أخرجه مسند أحمد برقم: 18553»