Equine Liability Insurance - C. Jarvis Insurance

Breed Spotlight

Thoroughbred Horse

Click here for Part 1

Thoroughbred Horse - Part 2

"Whistlejacket with two other Stallions and Simon Cobb, the Groom" c.1762
George Stubbs (English b.1724 - d.1806)

Table of Contents

Twentieth Century Champions
Twenty First Century Champions
Acknowldgements and Thank You

Twentieth Century Champions

COLIN (USA) b. H, 1905 -1932
Sired by Commando out of Pastorella by Springfield
15 Starts, 15 Wins - Career Earnings: $178,110
Owned and bred by James R. Keene in Kentucky Sired 23 crops of 81 foals including 11 Stakes winners

A true rarity in racing, an unbeaten horse, Colin won all his 15 starts in 1907 and 1908, including the Belmont Stakes. Real tribute to the greatness of Colin lies in the words of his trainer, James Rowe Sr., one of the greatest trainers in American racing history. He wanted for his epitaph three simple words: "He trained Colin."

EXTERMINATOR (USA) chestnut gelding 1915 - 1945
Sired by McGee out of Fair Empress by Jim Gore
100 Starts, 50 Wins, 17 Places, 17 Shows - Career Earnings: $252,996

Owned by Willis Sharpe Kilmer and bred by F. D. Knight
Beloved under the nickname "Old Bones," Exterminator originally was purchased as a workman for Sun Briar, but wound up defeating the other horse in the 1918 Kentucky Derby. Exterminator won 50 of 100 races over eight seasons.

Born May 30, 1915 at the W.D Knight farm, near Lexington, Kentucky. An unknown in 1918, he won the Kentucky Derby. He went on to become America's top winner of cup races and, many claim, the greatest thoroughbred ever developed in this country. Retired in 1924, at the age of nine, when he pulled up lame in his 100th race. Died in 1945 at the ripe old age of thirty. Exterminator is buried on the Kilmer farm, near Binghamton, New York, beside his constant companion, the pony Peanuts II, and near his old stablemate, Sun Briar.

EQUIPOISE (USA) brown colt foaled 1928
Siredby Pennant out of Swinging by Broomstick
Starts 51 Wins 29 Places 10 Shows 4
Career earnings: $338,610.00
Bred and owned by C.V. Whitney, Kentucky
Trained by Fred Hopkins and Thomas J. Healey
1932 and 1933 Horse of the Year, Champion
Champion Handicap Horse of 1932, 1933, 1934
Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1957

Nicknamed "The Chocolate Soldier" for his rich coat color and extraordinary handsomeness, Equipoise raced through the age of seven in the 1930s, winning 29 of 51 races, often carrying top weights in handicap races.

In reference to C.V. Whitney's two-time Horse of the Year Equipose, the well known turf writer Salvator penned:

"Here is a living harmony in horseflesh; an embodiment of rhythm and modulation, of point and counterpoint, that sang to the eye and made music in the heart,"

Siring only four crops of foals before his death in 1938, Equipose sired Shut Out, the 1942 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, as well as eighth other stakes winners. He was America's leading sire in 1942, with $437,141 in progeny earnings, the year his last crop of foals raced as three-year-olds. Equipose was also the broodmare sire of Triple Crown winner Assault, and his daughter Alpoise was the second dam of Handicap Triple Crown winner Tom Fool, who later sired champions Tim Tam and Buckpasser.

NATIVE DANCER (USA) gr. stallion 1950
Sired by Polynesian out of Geisha by Discovery
22 Starts, 21 Wins, 1 Places - Career Earnings: $785,240
1952 Horse of the Year and 1954 Horse of the Year
Native Dancer was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963
Owned and bred by A. G. Vanderbilt

Early in the television era, the flashy "Gray Ghost" became a public idol. He won 21 of 22 starts, losing only to Dark Star in the 1953 Kentucky Derby. Alfred G. Vanderbilt was once asked if he had a formula for breeding a top racehorse. His reply was "Just breed any sire to a Discovery mare." The comment was not meant to be taken seriously, but it was based on the fact that his stallion Discovery was one of the most successful broodmare sires in history, with his two most notable daughters being Miss Disco, the dam of 1957 Horse of the Year Bold Ruler, and Geisha, who produced Vanderbilt's brilliantly fast and temperamental champion Native Dancer, a son of 1945 Preakness Stakes winner Polynesian.

Native Dancer was foaled on March 27, 1950, at Dan W. Scott's Scott Farm outside of Lexington. He was raised in Maryland, at Vanderbilt's Sagamore Farm, and the big gray began training for his racing career in California during the winter and early spring of 1952. His impressive performance in workouts attracted attention long before he made his first start. Trainer Bill Winfrey told reporters:

"The gray is the fastest horse I've ever trained. He shows good times in workouts, but that's not what's impressive. It's the fact that the big gray does it without any effort. He actually seems to be holding himself back."

According to legend, his ghost haunts Churchill Downs. Regardless of the truth to that fanciful story, his spirit does linger over the twin spires. Since his son Kauai King won the race in 1966, fifteen other Derby winners have carried his blood, including Dancer's Image (disqualified in 1968), Majestic Prince (1969), Affirmed (1978), Genuine Risk (1980), Ferdinand (1986), Alysheba (1987), Unbridled (1990), Strike the Gold (1991), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996), Real Quiet (1998), Charismatic (1999), and Fusiachi Pegasus (2000).

MAN O' WAR (USA) chestnut stallion foaled 1917 - 1947
Sired by Fair Play and out of Mahubah by Rock Sand
21 Starts, 20 Wins, 1 Places, 0 Shows - Career Earnings: $249,465

Although he last raced in 1920, Man o' War is still often regarded as the greatest of American race horses. He won 20 of 21 starts, often in record times and by commanding margins, and later became a great tourist attraction as a stallion.

Photograph at age 30, on March 31, 1947. He died on November 1st of the same year, and was buried at his Faraway Farm home.

photo: James W. Sames III courtesy Barbara D. Livingston

Triple Crown winner 1943, COUNT FLEET (USA) br. stallion 1940-1973
By Reigh Count out of Quickly by Haste
21 Starts, 16 Wins, 4 Places, 1 Show - Career Earnings: $250,300
Bred and owned Mrs. John D. Hertz
1943 Horse of the Year
photo: unknown

An awkward and clumsy colt, owner John Hertz considered selling Count Fleet during his two-year old career. Hertz was talked out of selling the colt because jockey, Johnny Longden believed that the colt could become a runner with time. Longden was correct when Count Fleet finished his two-year old career as racing's outstanding juvenile colt, high weight at 132 pounds on the Experimental Free Handicap, still the highest impost given out in the 60 year history of the handicap.

The Kentucky Derby was no problem for Count Fleet. He was considered the 2-to-5 favorite even though there were nine other three-year olds. Count Fleet led from start to finish. He won by three easy lengths. Count Fleet won the Preakness in the same fashion drawing off late to win by eight lengths after playing with his rivals. In the Belmont, a couple of allowance runners were the only horses to come against Count Fleet. However, no one was watching the allowance horses; they were watching Count Fleet. He led by eight lengths after a half-mile, 12 after a mile and 25 at the finish line. He completed the 1 1/2 mile race in 2:28 1/5, two-fifths seconds faster than War Admiral's race record.

Count Fleet had great success as a stud, siring champions. His greatest success was as a broodmare sire, with his daughters giving birth to Kelso and Lucky Debonair. Count Fleet lived out his luxurious life at Stoner Creek Farm and died on December 3, 1973.

Triple Crown winner 1948 CITATION (USA) bay stallion 1945 - 1970
Sired by Bull Lea out of Hydroplane by Hyperion
45 Starts, 32 Wins, 10 Places, 2 Shows Career Earnings: $1,085,760
Horse of the Year 1948
Owned and bred by: Calumet Farm, Lexington, Kentucky
photo: James W. Sames III courtesy Barbara D. Livingston

Winner of 19 races in 20 starts as a three-year-old in 1948, Citation followed Whirlaway as the second Triple Crown winner for the famed Calumet Farm. At six, he became the first Thoroughbred to reach $1 million in career race earnings.

Citation was blessed with virtues of genuine speed and staying power, along with a killer's instinct that simply willed him past his opponents.

Only five contenders were in the Kentucky Derby in 1948, including stablemate Coaltown. Citation passed all his competition and won the Derby by 3 1/2 lengths. The Preakness was a rapped up before it even started. Citation sprinted to the front and won by 5 1/2 lengths over Vulcan's Forge. In the Belmont, Citation led the entire way from start to finish and won with an eight length lead over Better Self.

Citation died on August 8, 1970 at the age of 25.

KELSO (USA) dkb/br. gelding 1957 - 1983
Sired by Your Host out of Maid of Flight by Count Fleet
63 Starts, 39 Wins, 12 Places, 2 Shows - Career Earnings $1,977,896
Bred in Kentucky by Mrs. Richard C. DuPont and owned by Bohemia Stable
Horse Of The Year - 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
Champion Older Male - 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
Inducted into the Hall Of Fame - 1967
photographer:unknown

There has probably never been a horse before or since who has dominated racing for such a long period as Kelso. He raced for 8 years during which he was elected Horse of the Year 5 times and set or equaled 15 track records. At the time of retirement, KELSO was the all time record money earner with $1,977,896 in earnings, an amazing feat when you consider the maximum purse for most of those races was $100,000.

KELSO died in 1983 and is buried at Woodstock Farm, Maryland

Postcard of Kelso from 1962 on the turf at Laurel Racetrack

JOHN HENRY Bay Gelding, foaled March 9, 1975 in Kentucky 15.1 hands
By Ole Bob Bowers out of Once Double by Double Jay
83 Starts, 39 Wins, 15 Places, 9 Shows - Career Earnings: $6,591,860
Bred by Golden Chance Farm
Owned by Samuel and Dorothy Rubin (Dotsam Stables)
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

The equine John Henry was small; plain; bad tempered; and had bad knees. He was the horse no one wanted; passing from owner to owner until Sam Rubin; a man who knew nothing about horses; purchased him for $25;000. Sent to California based trainer Ron McAnally; John Henry blossomed and set the racing world on its ear with his gutsy; determined performances.

Accomplishments:
Voted 7 Eclipse Awards
Voted Horse of the Year 1981 and 1984
Only horse to win Horse of the Year more than once but not in consecutive years
Voted Champion Older Horse 1981
Oldest horse to win Horse of the Year - at age 9
Oldest horse to win a Grade 1 race - at age 9
Voted Champion Turf Horse - 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984
Won 30 stakes races
Only horse to win the Arlington Million(G1) twice - 1981 & 1984
Only horse to win the Santa Anita Handicap(G1) twice - 1981 & 1982
Won more grade stakes than any other Thoroughbred - 25
Voted racehorse of the decade for the 1980's
Still the richest gelding of any breed in history
Retired as the world's richest thoroughbred - July 28, 1985
Inducted into Racing's Hall of Fame in 1990

1973 Triple Crown winner, SECRETARIAT(USA) chestnut stallion 1970 - 1989
Sired by Bold Ruler out of Somethingroyal by Princequillo
Starts 21 Wins 16 Places 3 Shows 1 - Career earnings: $1,316,808
Horse of the Year 1973
Owned by Meadow Stable, Ms. Penny Tweedy (Chenery)
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

In 1973, Secretariat became the first horse in a quarter century to win the Triple Crown. His climactic moment was his 31-length victory in world record time in the Belmont Stakes. "Big Red's" image graced the covers of Time and Newsweek, as well as Sports Illustrated.

For more information regarding this champion visit: http://www.secretariat.com

FOREGO (USA) bay gelding 1970 -1997 17.2 h.
Sired by Forli (ARG) out of Lady Golconda by Hasty Road
57 Starts, 34 Wins, 9 Places, 7 Shows Career Earnings: $1,938,957
Bred and owned by Mrs. Martha Gerry's Lazy F Ranch
photographer:unknown

Over his brilliant six year career, Forego was awarded a record eight Eclipse Awards including Horse of the Year in 1974, 1975 and 1976, Champion Handicap Horse in 1974, 1975, 1976 and 1977 and Champion Sprinter in 1974. In his 54 career starts he only finished out of the money seven times. Forego is buried at the Kentucky Horse Park, near the Hall of Champions where he spent sixteen years delighting race fans.

1977 Triple Crown winner SEATTLE SLEW (USA) dkb/br. stallion, 1974 - 2002
Sired by Bold Reasoning out of My Charmer by Poker
17 Starts, 14 Wins, 2 Places, 0 Shows - Career Earnings: $1,208,726
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

In 1977, Seattle Slew became the first undefeated winner of the Triple Crown and was named Horse of the Year. The following year, Slew would firmly establish himself as one of the greatest champions of the 20th century by winning against 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed and England's top horse, Excellor.

A group of friends went together and bought Seattle Slew as a yearling for $17,500. They watched him win the Triple Crown and establish Seattle Slew as one of the leading sires of the final quarter of the 20th century.

Seattle Slew's trainer, William Turner, trained Seattle Slew with patience and caution for the Kentucky Derby. Seattle Slew was the favorite at 1-to-2 odds. Seattle Slew warded off disaster at the start of the race when he swerved and was sharply taken up by his jockey Jean Cruguet. Cruguet edged Seattle Slew to the front and there was a duel race for the first mile when Seattle Slew went against For the Moment. At the top of the stretch Seattle Slew passed For the Moment and won the Kentucky Derby with 1 3/4 lengths over his competition.

In the Preakness, Seattle Slew was again involved with an early duel. However, the result was the same when Seattle Slew pulled away from his competition and won by 1 1/2 lengths. The Belmont Stakes was the same type of race as the Preakness. Seattle Slew won by 4 lengths and as Cruguet and Seattle Slew crossed the finish line, Cruguet stood in the saddle and waved his whip in the air.

Seattle Slew retired at the end of 1978 and went to stud at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. He was then moved to Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Kentucky. Seattle Slew went on to sire many famous Derby winners.

1978 Triple Crown winner,AFFIRMED (USA) ch. stallion 1975 - 2001
Sired by Exclusive Native out of Won't Tell You by Crafty Admiral
Starts 29 Wins 22 Places 5 Shows 1 - Career earnings - $2,393,818
Hall of Fame member, and two-time Horse of the Year
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

In racing's greatest ongoing rivalry, Affirmed and Alydar waged war through 1977 and 1978. Affirmed won seven of their 10 meetings, including all three Triple Crown races, but most were extraordinarily close finishes.

For more information on this Thoroughbred champion:
http://www.affirmedtribute.com

Two-time Horse of the Year CIGAR (USA) bay horse foaled 1990
Sired by Palace Music out of Solar Slew by Seattle Slew
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

Cigar currently resides at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky after proving infertile in the breeding shed. He tied the modern-day win streak record held by Citation once he was switched to the main track after winning just once in 11 starts on turf during his three- and four-year-old campaigns. In his first start on dirt since his second career start, Cigar won an allowance race by eight lengths at Aqueduct in October of 1994. He then went straight into the NYRA Mile Handicap (G1), now called the Cigar Mile, and promptly won by seven lengths to begin a 16 race winning streak that captivated the nation from late 1994 to '96 .

Cigar won 19-of-33 career starts and retired as Thoroughbred racing's all-time leader with $9,999,815 in earnings. He was named Horse of the Year in 1995 and 1996.

Steeplechase champion,WARM SPELL heads home in front at Saratoga.

WARM SPELL (USA) chestnut gelding, 1988
Sired by Northern Baby out of Smilin' Sera by Explodent
19 Starts, 12 Wins, 3 Places, 1 Shows Career Earnings: $457,964
Eclipse Award winner.

Owned by Mr. John K. Griggs and bred by Mr. Robert Kluener in Kentucky

photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston.

Twenty First Century Champions

Remarkable AZERI (USA) chestnut mare foaled 1998
Sired by Jade hunter and out of Zodiac Miss by Ahonoora
23 Starts, 17 Wins, 4 Places, 0 Shows Career Earnings: $3,959,820 as of 10/10/04
2002 Horse of the Year
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

Owned and Bred by the Allen E. Paulson Living Trust
Highest earnings for mare in North American horseracing history.

FUNNY CIDE(USA) chestnut gelding foaled 2000
Sired by Distorted Humor out of Belle's Good Cide by Slewacide
20 Starts, 8 Wins, 4 Places, 5 Shows - Career Earnings: $3,204,485
Owned by Sackatoga Stable, New York
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner SMARTY JONES (USA) chestnut colt 2001
Sired by Elusive Quality out of I'll Get Along by Smile
pictured here with trainer, John Servis
9 Starts, 8 Wins, 1 Places, 0 Shows - Career Earnings: $7,563,535
Standing at stud in 2005 at Three Chimneys Farm, Midway, Kentucky

Owned and bred by Someday Farm, Pennsylvania
photo courtesy: Barbara D. Livingston

2003 Horse of the Year MINESHAFT(USA) dkb/br. stallion foaled 1999
Sired by A.P. Indy out of Prospector's Delight by Mr. Prospector
18 Starts, 10 Wins, 3 Places, 1 Show - Career Earnings: $2,283,402
Standing at: Lanes End, Versailles, Kentucky
photo courtesy of: Barbara D. Livingston

SIGHTSEEK (USA) chestnut mare foaled 1999
By Distant View out of Viviana by Nureyev
pictured with Hall of Fame Trainer, Robert Frankel
20 Starts, 12 Wins, 5 Places, 0 Shows Career Earnings: $2,445,216
photo courtesy of: Barbara D. Livingston

This five-year-old daughter of Distant View remained undefeated in six career starts at Belmont Park, a streak that includes back-to-back victories in the Beldame and Ogden Phipps Handicap (G1) and an 11 1/4-length triumph in the Ruffian Handicap (G1) on September 19. Sightseek retires with seven Grade 1 wins overall for owner-breeder Juddmonte Farms, Kentucky.

PICO CENTRAL (BRZ) dkb/br. H, 1999
Sired by Spend A Buck out of Sheila Purple by Purple Mountain
14 Starts, 9 Wins, 0 Places, 2 Shows Career Earnings: $1,148,145 as of 10/2/04

Owned by Mr. Gary Tanaka
Bred in Brazil by Hara Fronteira
photo courtesy: Ms. Nancy Rokos

STORM FLAG FLYING (USA) dkb/br. filly 2000
By Storm Cat out of My Flag by Easy Goer
13 Starts, 7 Wins, 2 Places, 3 Shows Career Earnings: $1,551,828 as of 10/9/04
2002 Eclipse Award and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner

Owned and bred by Mr. Ogden Mills Phipps, Phipps Stable
photo courtesy: Ms. Nancy Rokos

BIRDSTONE (USA) bay colt 2001
Sired by Grindstone out of Dear Birdie by Storm Bird
8 Starts, 5 Wins, 0 Places, 0 Shows Career Earnings: $1,575,600

Bred and owned by The Marylou Whitney Stables

At 3: Upset Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Smarty Jones by winning the Belmont Stakes (G1). Also won the Travers Stakes (G1). Retired in 2004.
photo courtesy: Ms. Nancy Rokos

For more information:

THE JOCKEY CLUB
821 Corporate Drive
Lexington, KY 40503-2794
Tel: (859) 224-2700
Fax: (859) 224-2710
http://www.jockeyclub.com
Information kindly provided by The Jockey Club

Acknowldgements and Thank You

MS. BARBARA LIVINGSTON for help in making this breed feature more beautiful in graciously allowing the use of her spectacular Thoroughbred horse photographs.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit her amazing web site:

http://www.barbaralivingston.com

Barbara D. Livingston is one of America's most respected horseracing photographers, having photographed the sport she loves for more than thirty years. she has twice been awarded the highest honor in Thoroughbred racing, the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Photography. Many of Ms. Livingston's finest works are now available for purchase through Exclusively Equine.

CLICK HERE to see the catalog

http://www.exclusivelyequine.com/cgi-bin/eenew.storefront/417541c200aace78273f0a110291066a/Catalog/1159

MR. GEORGE STUBBS (English romantic artist b.1724 - d.1806) to whom we are indebted, for painting and thus recording many of the very early Thoroughbred sires and racehorses.

Click here for a brief biography of this splendid painter:
http://www.mezzo-mondo.com/arts/mm/stubbs/stubbs.html

MS. NANCY ROKOS, for kindly providing and allowing the use of her exciting race photographs in this feature.

Ms. Nancy Rokos graduated from Moore College of Art & Design, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1975 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration.

Since 1979, she has been employed as a photojournalist with the Burlington County Times newspaper in New Jersey, where throughout the years she has won numerous awards in the annual Daily Newspaper Press Photography contests: NJPA, NJPPA and PPA.

Visit Nancy Rokos' website at:
http://www.equinephoto-art.com

MS. CATHERINE FRENCH of Horsemen's Concierge for her support in producing this feature.

Visit Catherine French's website at:
http://www.horsemensconcierge.com/

TONY ESTRADA of Tonyontheweb who lent his talents to the creation of this feature.

Check out his website to see more examples of his amazing work
http://www.tonyontheweb.com

INFORMATIVE LINKS

The Jockey Club
www.jockeyclub.com

TOBA -Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association
www.toba.org

Fasig-Tipton -Sales
www.fasigtipton.com

Bloodhorse Magazine
www.bloodhorse.com

National Thoroughbred Racing Association
www.ntra.com

TheThoroughbredTimes
www.thoroughbredtimes.com