American Classic Race wins: Preakness Stakes (1953) Belmont Stakes (1953)
147-657: Native Dancer (March 27, 1950 – November 16, 1967), nicknamed the Gray Ghost , was one of the most celebrated and accomplished Thoroughbred racehorses in American history and was the first horse made famous through the medium of television. He was a champion in each of his three years of racing, and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1963. In the Blood-Horse magazine List of
294-529: A male line to the present; the Byerley Turk's male line was preserved by Herod (or King Herod), a great-great-grandson; and the male line of the Darley Arabian owes its existence to great-great-grandson Eclipse , who was the dominant racehorse of his day and never defeated. One genetic study indicates that 95% of all male Thoroughbreds trace their direct male line (via the Y chromosome ) to
441-419: A 2001 study, 78% of alleles in the population can be traced to 30 foundation animals, 27 of which are male. Ten foundation mares account for 72% of maternal (tail-female) lineages, and, as noted, one stallion appears in 95% of tail male lineages. Thoroughbred pedigrees are generally traced through the maternal line, called the distaff line. The line that a horse comes from is a critical factor in determining
588-604: A common ancestor; in 19 mare lines studied, the haplotypes revealed that they traced to only 15 unique foundation mares, suggesting either a common ancestor for foundation mares thought to be unrelated or recording errors in the GSB. By the end of the 18th century, the English Classic races had been established. These are the St. Leger Stakes , founded in 1776, The Oaks , founded in 1779, and The Derby in 1780. Later,
735-514: A decreased chance of injury. Studies have shown that track surfaces, horseshoes with toe grabs, use of certain legal medications, and high-intensity racing schedules may also contribute to a high injury rate. One promising trend is the development of synthetic surfaces for racetracks, and one of the first tracks to install such a surface, Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky , saw its rate of fatal breakdowns drop from 24 in 2004–05 to three in
882-556: A fatal injury during the stretch run of the 1990 Breeders Cup Distaff, is buried in the Saratoga Race Course infield. The Saratoga Race Course is a significant contributor to the Saratoga Springs economy. A 2011 economic analysis of the Saratoga Race Course found that visitors of the race track yielded between $ 39 million and $ 55 million annually in direct spending, and a total (a sum of the direct effects and
1029-502: A keen racegoer and owner, and Anne, royal support was given to racing and the breeding of race horses. With royal support, horse racing became popular with the public, and by 1727, a newspaper devoted to racing, the Racing Calendar , was founded. Devoted exclusively to the sport, it recorded race results and advertised upcoming meets. All modern Thoroughbreds trace their origin to one of three stallions imported into England from
1176-424: A majority of animals who are prone to bleeding from the lungs ( exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage ), 10% with low fertility, and 5% with abnormally small hearts. Thoroughbreds also tend to have smaller hooves relative to their body mass than other breeds, with thin soles and walls and a lack of cartilage mass, which contributes to foot soreness, the most common source of lameness in racehorses. One argument for
1323-582: A meet in Milan was founded in 1842. Modern flat racing came to Rome in 1868. Later importations, including the Derby Stakes winners Ellington (1856) and Melton (1885), came to Italy before the end of the 19th century. Modern Thoroughbred breeding in Italy is mostly associated with the breeding program of Federico Tesio , who started his breeding program in 1898. Tesio was the breeder of Nearco , one of
1470-568: A new challenge: as an older horse, he would be expected to carry high weight imposts in the handicap format pervasive at the time. His connections considered sending him to England to compete in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes if the weights got too high. Vanderbilt also discussed entering the colt in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in France. Native Dancer made his first start of
1617-545: A period of decline for the Race Course. In 1892 it was purchased by notorious gambler Gottfried "Dutch Fred" Waldbaum, the operator of the notorious Guttenberg racetrack in North Bergen, New Jersey . In 1901, it was purchased by a group of investors led by William Collins Whitney , who made major improvements and restored its reputation. The track's first parimutuel betting machines were installed in 1940. In
SECTION 10
#17327981080451764-610: A race in the United States, an average of two horses per day. The state of California reported a particularly high rate of injury, 3.5 per 1000 starts. Other countries report lower rates of injury, with the United Kingdom having 0.9 injuries/1,000 starts (1990–1999) and the courses in Victoria, Australia , producing a rate of 0.44 injuries/1,000 starts (1989–2004). Thoroughbreds also have other health concerns, including
1911-522: A row. After the American Civil War , the emphasis in American racing changed from the older style of four-mile (6 km) races in which the horses ran in at least two heats. The new style of racing involved shorter races not run in heats, over distances from five furlongs up to 1.5 miles (2.4 km). This development meant a change in breeding practices, as well as the age that horses were raced, with younger horses and sprinters coming to
2058-418: A scare in late January when he threw his exercise rider after stumbling to his knees following a workout. He then bolted and was loose for five minutes, running into the paddock where he jumped some benches and ran through flower beds. When he tangled a leg in the reins, he finally slowed down enough to be recaptured. No serious damage was done. He was shipped to New York in mid-March and made his first start of
2205-469: A second of worry. He took off when I asked him to." Native Dancer made his next start on September 22 at Belmont Park in a six-furlong special weight race. He broke in fifth place in the field of six, then steadily improved his position to win by 1 + 1 ⁄ 4 lengths. Just five days later, he returned in the Belmont Futurity , then one of the most prestigious races for two-year-olds in
2352-406: A second off the track record. Arcaro believed that the colt could have broken the record if urged. "But he was winning, so I didn't see any point in pressing him," he said. "I let him run his own race." Despite the easy win, Arcaro still believed that Native Dancer had something to prove. He rated Citation as the best horse he had ever ridden. While Native Dancer was having a noteworthy campaign in
2499-565: A short back, good depth of hindquarters, a lean body, and long legs. Thoroughbreds are classified among the "hot-blooded" breeds, which are animals bred for agility and speed and are generally considered spirited and bold. Thoroughbreds born in the Northern Hemisphere are officially considered a year older on the first of January each year; those born in the Southern Hemisphere officially are one year older on
2646-474: A stallion . Artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET), though commonly used and allowable in many other horse breed registries, cannot be used with Thoroughbreds. One reason is that a greater possibility of error exists in assigning parentage with artificial insemination, and although DNA and blood testing eliminate many of those concerns, artificial insemination still requires more detailed record keeping. The main reason, however, may be economic;
2793-462: A stallion has a limited number of mares who can be serviced by live cover. Thus the practice prevents an oversupply of Thoroughbreds, although modern management still allows a stallion to live cover more mares in a season than was once thought possible. As an example, in 2008, the Australian stallion Encosta De Lago covered 227 mares. By allowing a stallion to cover only a couple of hundred mares
2940-503: A total of only 27 or 28 stallions from the 18th and 19th centuries. The mares used as foundation breeding stock came from a variety of breeds, some of which, such as the Irish Hobby , had developed in northern Europe prior to the 13th century. Other mares were of oriental breeding, including Barb, Turk and other bloodlines, although most researchers conclude that the number of Eastern mares imported into England during
3087-580: A total value of 43,033,881 guineas, making an average of 15,110 guineas per horse. Australian prices at auction during the 2007–2008 racing and breeding season were as follows: 1,223 Australian weanlings sold for a total of $ 31,352,000, an average of $ 25,635 each. Four thousand, nine hundred and three yearlings sold for a total value of A$ 372,003,961, an average of A$ 75,853. Five hundred two-year-olds sold for A$ 13,030,150, an average of A$ 26,060, and 2,118 broodmares totalled A$ 107,720,775, an average of A$ 50,860. Averages, however, can be deceiving. For example, at
SECTION 20
#17327981080453234-473: A year rather than the couple of thousand possible with artificial insemination, it also preserves the high prices paid for horses of the finest or most popular lineages. Concern exists that the closed stud book and tightly regulated population of the Thoroughbred is at risk of loss of genetic diversity because of the level of inadvertent inbreeding inevitable in such a small population. According to
3381-420: A young horse (including foals) may actually be beneficial to the overall soundness of the animal. This is because, during the training process, microfractures occur in the leg followed by bone remodeling. If the remodeling is given sufficient time to heal, the bone becomes stronger. If proper remodeling occurs before hard training and racing begins, the horse will have a stronger musculoskeletal system and will have
3528-415: A younger age than in the past and that had more speed. In the early 18th century, the emphasis had been on longer races, up to 4 miles (6.4 km), that were run in multiple heats. The older style of race favored older horses, but with the change in distances, younger horses became preferred. Selective breeding for speed and racing ability led to improvements in the size of horses and winning times by
3675-692: Is a proper noun referring to this specific breed, though often not capitalized, especially in non-specialist publications, and outside the US. For example, the Australian Stud Book, The New York Times , and the BBC do not capitalize the word. Flat racing existed in England by at least 1174, when four-mile races took place at Smithfield , in London. Racing continued at fairs and markets throughout
3822-407: Is a large agribusiness , generating around $ 34 billion in revenue annually in the United States and providing about 470,000 jobs through a network of farms, training centers, and race tracks . Unlike a significant number of registered breeds, a horse cannot be registered as a Thoroughbred (with The Jockey Club registry) unless conceived by live cover , the witnessed natural mating of a mare and
3969-565: Is also the damsire of Northern Dancer , arguably the most influential stallion of the 20th century. Although Native Dancer never led the American sire list , he did finish second in 1966 and sixth in 1965. He was also second in the English sire list of 1963, and seventh in the French sire list of 1963. Among Native Dancer's notable offspring are: Native Dancer's bloodline is credited with creating "precocious, speedy Thoroughbreds that dominate
4116-405: Is also used for show jumping and combined training because of its athleticism, and many retired and retrained race horses become fine family riding horses, dressage horses, and youth show horses. The larger horses are sought for hunter/jumper and dressage competitions, whereas the smaller horses are in demand as polo ponies. Thoroughbred horses are primarily bred for racing under saddle at
4263-485: Is easy to answer; he's as good as you thought." Native Dancer extended his winning streak to eleven in the Wood Memorial on April 25. Going off as the 1-10 favorite, he was restrained until the top of the stretch, then "whizzed away" from his rivals to win by 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths over Tahitian King. The Gotham and Wood Memorial were both televised by NBC. Native Dancer's gray coat helped him stand out on
4410-412: Is supposed to be 'the test of the champion' and if it is, he certainly answered the question." To date, Native Dancer is one of only two "dual Classic winners" to come from the state of Maryland (the other being his son Kauai King , who won the 1966 Kentucky Derby and Preakness). Winfrey planned a busy summer campaign to keep his "lazy so-and-so" active. Native Dancer responded to the challenge, winning
4557-610: Is thought to be largely responsible for the gray coat color in Thoroughbreds. In all, about 160 stallions have been traced in the historical record as contributing to the creation of the Thoroughbred. The addition of horses of Eastern bloodlines, whether Arabian, Barb, or Turk, to the native English mares ultimately led to the creation of the General Stud Book (GSB) in 1791 and the practice of official registration of horses. According to Peter Willett, about 50% of
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4704-403: Is very rare, but is a recognized color separate from gray. The face and lower legs may be marked with white, but white will generally not appear on the body. Coat patterns that have more than one color on the body, such as Pinto or Appaloosa , are not recognized by mainstream breed registries. Good-quality Thoroughbreds have a well-chiseled head on a long neck, high withers , a deep chest,
4851-483: The 3 ⁄ 16 pole, then powered away to win by 5 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths ahead of Dictar. Native Dancer again created minus pools in the win and place betting – show betting was not allowed. Guerin was suspended for an incident in another race and so missed Native Dancer's next start, the American Derby on August 22. Eddie Arcaro got the mount after the horse he had been scheduled to ride, Jamie K,
4998-478: The 2,000 Guineas Stakes and the 1,000 Guineas Stakes were founded in 1809 and 1814. The 1,000 Guineas and the Oaks are restricted to fillies , but the others are open to racehorses of either sex aged three years. The distances of these races, ranging from one mile (1.6 km) to 1.75 miles (2.82 km), led to a change in breeding practices, as breeders concentrated on producing horses that could race at
5145-578: The American Civil War were both between Lexington and Lecompte. The first was held in 1854 in New Orleans and was won by Lecompte. Lexington's owner then challenged Lecompte's owner to a rematch, held in 1855 in New Orleans and won by Lexington. Both of these horses were sons of Boston, a descendant of Sir Archy. Lexington went on to a career as a breeding stallion, and led the sires list of number of winners for sixteen years, fourteen of them in
5292-676: The American Colonies was Bulle Rock , imported in 1730. Maryland and Virginia were the centers of Colonial Thoroughbred breeding, along with South Carolina and New York. During the American Revolution importations of horses from England practically stopped but were restarted after the signing of a peace treaty. Two important stallions were imported around the time of the Revolution; Messenger in 1788 and Diomed before that. Messenger left little impact on
5439-548: The Derby Trial a few days before the Derby but was largely dismissed by the bettors at odds of 25-1. Dark Star, starting from the next-to-outside post position, went to the early lead and moved over to the rail. Native Dancer was eighth as they went down the stretch for the first time and was then bumped by longshot Money Maker as they entered the first turn. He started to make up ground on the final turn while racing wide, then
5586-709: The Dutch Warmblood , Hanoverian , and Selle Français . Some warmblood registries note the percentage of Thoroughbred breeding, and many warmblood breeds have an open stud book that continues to allow Thoroughbred crossbreeding. Although Thoroughbreds are seen in the hunter-jumper world and in other disciplines, modern Thoroughbreds are primarily bred for speed, and racehorses have a very high rate of accidents as well as other health problems. One tenth of all Thoroughbreds suffer orthopedic problems, including fractures. Current estimates indicate that there are 1.5 career-ending breakdowns for every 1,000 horses starting
5733-526: The Flash Stakes over 5 + 1 ⁄ 2 furlongs. Again the odds-on favorite, he was ridden hard around the turn before drawing away in the stretch to win by 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 lengths. On August 16, he entered the Saratoga Special , noteworthy at the time for having a winner-takes-all purse of $ 17,000. He won by 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths over a muddy track. He followed up by winning
5880-540: The Grand Union Hotel Stakes on August 23, defeating two previously undefeated colts – Tahitian King and Lafango. He won by 3 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths while running the fastest six furlongs at that year's Saratoga meeting, 1:11 1 ⁄ 5 . He completed his dominance at Saratoga by winning the Hopeful Stakes on the meeting's closing day, August 31. Jockey Eric Guerin said, "I never had
6027-586: The House of Upsets , and the Graveyard of Champions . Famous race horses to lose at the track: As is the case with the other two tracks operated by the New York Racing Association – Aqueduct and Belmont Park – there are three separate tracks in the main course at Saratoga Race Course: Steeplechase races are also run at Saratoga Race Course and take place on
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6174-535: The Metropolitan Handicap , in which he was assigned 130 pounds – from 13 to 24 pounds more than his eight rivals. He raced further back than usual, trailing by ten lengths with a half mile remaining and still seven lengths back at the quarter pole. Down the stretch, Guerin hit him four times with the whip. Native Dancer "answered the question" and lengthened his stride. He closed steadily, getting his nose in front with just 30 yards remaining. He completed
6321-500: The Middle Ages and into the reign of King James I of England . It was then that handicapping , a system of adding weight to attempt to equalize a horse's chances of winning as well as improved training procedures, began to be used. During the reigns of Charles II , William III , Anne , and George I , the foundation of the Thoroughbred was laid. The term "thro-bred" to describe horses was first used in 1713. Under Charles II,
6468-1079: The Morgan , a breed that went on to influence many of the gaited breeds in North America. Other common crosses with the Thoroughbred include crossbreeding with Arabian bloodlines to produce the Anglo-Arabian as well as with the Irish Draught to produce the Irish Sport Horse . Thoroughbreds have been foundation bloodstock for various Warmblood breeds due to their refinement and performance capabilities. Crossbred horses developed from Thoroughbreds, (informally categorized as "hot bloods" because of temperament) crossed on sturdy draft horse breeds, (classified as "cold bloods" for their more phlegmatic temperament) are known as "warmbloods," which are commonly seen in competitive events such as show jumping and dressage. Examples include
6615-627: The New York Handicap Triple , or perhaps race in Europe on the turf. However, Native Dancer was retired as a result of a recurring foot injury with a record of 21 wins out of 22 lifetime races. At the beginning of the 1954, Native Dancer was in Maryland where he spent the winter at Sagamore Farm. By February, he was galloping three miles a day. He was then shipped to New York in late March to resume training with Winfrey. He now faced
6762-569: The Preakness , Belmont and Travers Stakes , a feat accomplished until then only by Duke of Magenta , Grenada , Man o' War and Whirlaway . Native Dancer finished the season with nine wins (all of them stakes races) from ten starts and was named Champion Three-Year-Old Colt . Native Dancer was given some time off at the end of his two-year-old campaign, then resumed training in California at Santa Anita Racetrack . He gave his connections
6909-404: The U.S. Army used Thoroughbred stallions as part of their Remount Service , which was designed to improve the stock of cavalry mounts. Thoroughbreds began to be imported to France in 1817 and 1818 with the importation of a number of stallions from England, but initially the sport of horse racing did not prosper in France. The first Jockey Club in France was not formed until 1833, and in 1834
7056-535: The United States before Messenger and Diomed, became important broodmare and dam sires by producing foundation stock , and their daughters and granddaughters were bred primarily to Diomed . After the American Revolution, the center of Thoroughbred breeding and racing in the United States moved west. Kentucky and Tennessee became significant centers. Andrew Jackson , later President of
7203-826: The Whitney Stakes for three-year-olds and up (a Breeders' Cup Classic "Win and You're In" qualifier). A new addition in recent years has been "twilight racing", where the first race post time is at 2:30 pm on some days, previously 2:45 PM. The 2022 racing season includes 77 stakes races worth $ 22.6 million in total purses. This represents a $ 1.1 million increase over the 2021 season. The following are Graded stakes races run at Saratoga: Grade I Stakes races: Grade II Stakes races: Grade III Stakes races: Ungraded stakes Discontinued Stakes races: Steeplechase: Buried at Clare Court Jogging Track are Fourstardave , Mourjane (IRE), Quick Call and A Phenomenon. Champion filly Go For Wand , who suffered
7350-462: The Withers Stakes on May 16 at Belmont Park. Facing only two other horses, he went off as the 1-20 favorite (the legal minimum) with win-only betting allowed. Native Dancer stumbled when leaving the starting gate but quickly recovered. He took a narrow lead about three furlongs from the finish and opened a significant margin around the eighth pole when Guerin flicked his whip. The final margin
7497-478: The Youthful Stakes where he was made the odds-on favorite in a field of twelve. He pressed a fast early pace set by Retrouve then pulled away in the stretch to win by six lengths. The victory established the colt as the early leader of the two-year-old division. Native Dancer was then given a layoff to recover from sore shins. He returned to racing on the opening day of Saratoga Race Course , August 4, in
SECTION 50
#17327981080457644-567: The gallop . Thoroughbreds are often known for being either distance runners or sprinters, and their conformation usually reflects what they have been bred to do. Sprinters are usually well muscled, while stayers , or distance runners, tend to be smaller and slimmer. The size of the horse is one consideration for buyers and trainers when choosing a potential racehorse. Although there have been champion racehorses of every height, from Zenyatta who stood 17.2 hands, to Man o' War and Secretariat who both stood at 16.2 hands, down to Hyperion , who
7791-474: The 1-10 favorite in a field of eight in the American Derby on August 22. He settled near the back of the pack behind a fast early pace set by Sir Mango. Entering the far turn, Native Dancer moved to the outside and into fourth place. Without any urging, he surged forward rounding the far turn and won by two lengths. He completed the 1 + 1 ⁄ 8 -mile race in 1:48 1 ⁄ 5 , just one-fifth of
7938-424: The 100 years after 1660 was small. The 19th-century researcher Bruce Lowe identified 50 mare "families" in the Thoroughbred breed, later augmented by other researchers to 74. However, it is probable that fewer genetically unique mare lines existed than Lowe identified. Recent studies of the mtDNA of Thoroughbred mares indicate that some of the mare lines thought to be genetically distinct may actually have had
8085-494: The 1830s, the Australian colonies began to import Thoroughbreds, almost exclusively for racing purposes, and to improve the local stock. Each colony formed its own racing clubs and held its own races. Gradually, the individual clubs were integrated into one overarching organization, now known as the Australian Racing Board . Thoroughbreds from Australia were imported into New Zealand in the 1840s and 1850s, with
8232-485: The 1960s, the grandstand was extended, doubling the track's seating capacity. In 1999, Saratoga Race Course was rated as Sports Illustrated's #10 sports venue of the 20th century. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course, due to construction at Belmont Park. Saratoga Race Course has several nicknames: The Spa (for the nearby mineral springs ),
8379-522: The 2007 Fall Yearling sale at Keeneland, 3,799 young horses sold for a total of $ 385,018,600, for an average of $ 101,347 per horse. However, that average sales price reflected a variation that included at least 19 horses that sold for only $ 1,000 each and 34 that sold for over $ 1,000,000 apiece. The highest price paid at auction for a Thoroughbred was set in 2006 at $ 16,000,000 for a two-year-old colt named The Green Monkey . Record prices at auction often grab headlines, though they do not necessarily reflect
8526-670: The American Horse of the Year, a "break with tradition" as two-year-olds are not normally considered for the award since they typically only race against horses of the same age and competition is not considered as deep. The Turf and Sports Digest, polling 176 sportswriters, also awarded him Horse of the Year honors However, the Daily Racing Form voted instead for One Count , winner of the Belmont and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He
8673-587: The American Thoroughbred, but is considered a foundation sire of the Standardbred breed. Diomed, who won the Derby Stakes in 1780, had a significant impact on American Thoroughbred breeding, mainly through his son Sir Archy . John F. Wall, a racing historian, said that Sir Archy was the "first outstanding stallion we can claim as native American." He was retired from the racetrack because of lack of opponents. Medley and Shark, who arrived in
8820-686: The British Racing Authority states there were 8,556 horses in training for flat racing for 2007, and those horses started 60,081 times in 5,659 races. Statistically, fewer than 50% of all race horses ever win a race, and less than 1% ever win a stakes race such as the Kentucky Derby or Epsom Derby . Any horse who has yet to win a race is known as a maiden. Horses finished with a racing career that are not suitable for breeding purposes often become riding horses or other equine companions. A number of agencies exist to help make
8967-500: The Darley Arabian. However, in modern Thoroughbred pedigrees, most horses have more crosses to the Godolphin Arabian (13.8%) than to the Darley Arabian (6.5%) when all lines of descent (maternal and paternal) are considered. Further, as a percentage of contributions to current Thoroughbred bloodlines, Curwen's Bay Barb (4.2%) appears more often than the Byerley Turk (3.3%). The majority of modern Thoroughbreds alive trace to
SECTION 60
#17327981080459114-491: The Derby and other Triple Crown events." By 2008, every entrant in the Kentucky Derby was a descendant. However, he is also faulted for passing on his massive build and hard-pounding stride action, rendering many of his descendants vulnerable to injury. In the mid-2000s, there had been a troubling number of high profile breakdowns, including that of Barbaro (who was distantly related to Native Dancer through his dam.) As
9261-514: The Dwyer, Arlington Classic, Travers and American Derby in quick succession. On July 4, he went off as the 1-20 favorite in the Dwyer Stakes . He took the lead near the head of the stretch, "loafed for a while, exerted himself just a bit in the final yards," and won by 1 + 3 ⁄ 4 lengths. Carrying 126 pounds, he conceded 10 pounds to each of his four rivals. Even though win-only betting
9408-620: The Empire Race Course was opened on an island in the Hudson River near Albany , but was in operation only a short time. On August 3, 1863, casino operator and future congressman John Morrissey organized the first thoroughbred race card on the Oklahoma Track. After the successful meet ended, Morrissey purchased 125 acres of land across the street from the old standardbred track, built a new grandstand, and dubbed
9555-520: The English Thoroughbred's General Stud Book was one of the first breed registries created, in modern usage horse breeders consider it incorrect to refer to any animal as a thoroughbred except for horses belonging to the Thoroughbred breed. Nonetheless, breeders of other species of purebred animals may use the two terms interchangeably, though thoroughbred is less often used for describing purebred animals of other species. The term
9702-602: The GSB. The act was not repealed until 1949, after which a horse was only required to show that all its ancestors to the ninth generation were registered in a recognized Stud Book. Many felt that the Jersey Act hampered the development of the British Thoroughbred by preventing breeders in the United Kingdom from using new bloodlines developed outside the British Isles. The first Thoroughbred horse in
9849-522: The May 31 cover of Time magazine. Many consider the "Gray Ghost of Sagamore" to have been the first Thoroughbred television star and TV Guide ranked him as a top icon of the era". At stud, Native Dancer sired 43 stakes winners (or 44 according to one source) from 306 foals. His male-line descendants, particularly through his grandson Mr. Prospector , have dominated the US Triple Crown races. He
9996-785: The Middle East in the late 17th and early 18th centuries: the Byerley Turk (1680s), the Darley Arabian (1704), and the Godolphin Arabian (1729). Other imported stallions were less influential, but still made noteworthy contributions to the breed. These included the Alcock's Arabian , D'Arcy's White Turk, Leedes Arabian, and Curwen's Bay Barb . Another was the Brownlow Turk, who, among other attributes,
10143-445: The Oklahoma Track. It allows public viewing of workouts at the track, replicating a former stand from the 19th century. A distinctive feature of Saratoga Race Course's dirt track was the Wilson Mile chute , which branched off from the clubhouse (first) turn at a 90-degree angle. The chute was dismantled after the 1972 season to make room for additional parking, although in 1992 some one-mile dirt races were brought back at approximately
10290-462: The Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century , he was ranked seventh. As a two-year-old, he was undefeated in his nine starts and was voted Horse of the Year in two of three major industry polls – One Count won the other. At age three, he suffered the sole defeat in his career in the 1953 Kentucky Derby , but rebounded to win the Preakness , Belmont and Travers Stakes . He made only three starts at age four before being retired due to injury, but
10437-522: The U.S. It is the fourth oldest racetrack after Pleasanton Fairgrounds Racetrack (1858), Freehold Raceway (1854) and Fair Grounds Race Course (1852). The Saratoga meet originally lasted only four days. The meet has been lengthened gradually since that time. From 1962 to 1990, the meet lasted four weeks and began in late July or early August. In 2010, the meet expanded to 40 racing days, with races held five days per week. It lasts from mid-July through Labor Day in early September. Saratoga Springs
10584-536: The United States , was a breeder and racer of Thoroughbreds in Tennessee. Match races held in the early 19th century helped to popularize horse racing in the United States. One took place in 1823, in Long Island, New York , between Sir Henry and American Eclipse . Another was a match race between Boston and Fashion in 1838 that featured bets of $ 20,000 from each side. The last major match races before
10731-539: The United States have historically been used not only for racing but also to improve other breeds. The early import Messenger was the foundation of the Standardbred, and Thoroughbred blood was also instrumental in the development of the American Quarter Horse . The foundation stallion of the Morgan breed is held by some to have been sired by a Thoroughbred. Between World War I and World War II,
10878-463: The United States, and from £2000 to £75,000 or more in Britain. The record stud fee to date was set in the 1980s, when the stud fee of the late Northern Dancer reached $ 1 million. During the 2008 Australian breeding season seven stallions stood at a stud fee of A$ 110,000 or more, with the highest fee in the nation at A$ 302,500. Although the Thoroughbred is primarily bred for racing , the breed
11025-422: The United States. He turned in a "superlative performance" to win while tying the world record for 6 + 1 ⁄ 2 furlongs, 1:14 2 ⁄ 5 . He had been hard pressed though – Guerin admitted that he had thought the colt was beaten with an eighth of a mile remaining when he was headed by Tahitian King. But Native Dancer responded in the final furlong to open a 2 + 1 ⁄ 4 lead advantage. He became
11172-414: The anatomy of the horse cannot always cope with." Poor breeding may be encouraged by the fact that many horses are sent to the breeding shed following an injury. If the injury is linked to a conformational fault , the fault is likely to be passed to the next generation. Additionally, some breeders will have a veterinarian perform straightening procedures on a horse with crooked legs. This can help increase
11319-417: The animal's future success; in the case of The Green Monkey, injuries limited him to only three career starts before being retired to stud in 2008, and he never won a race. Conversely, even a highly successful Thoroughbred may be sold by the pound for a few hundred dollars to become horsemeat . The best-known example of this was the 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand , exported to Japan to stand at stud, but
11466-537: The average weanling sold for $ 44,407, the average yearling sold for $ 55,300, average sale price for two-year-olds was $ 61,843, broodmares averaged $ 70,150, and horses over two and broodmare prospects sold for an average of $ 53,243. For Europe, the July 2007 Tattersall's Sale sold 593 horses at auction, with a total for the sale of 10,951,300 guineas , for an average of 18,468 guineas. Also in 2007, Doncaster Bloodstock Sales, another British sales firm, sold 2,248 horses for
11613-627: The average height of a Thoroughbred in 1700 was about 13.3 hands high. By 1876 this had increased to 15.3. In 2007, there were 71,959 horses who started in races in the United States, and the average Thoroughbred racehorse in the United States and Canada ran 6.33 times in that year. In Australia, there were 31,416 horses in training during 2007, and those horses started 194,066 times for A$ 375,512,579 of prize money. During 2007, in Japan, there were 23,859 horses in training and those horses started 182,614 times for A$ 857,446,268 of prize money. In Britain,
11760-407: The best Arabian of the time, Asil. The race was over 3 miles (4,800 m), and although Iambic was handicapped by carrying 4.5 stone (29 kg; 63 lb) more than Asil, he still managed to beat Asil by 20 lengths. The improvement of the breed for racing in this way was said by noted 19th century racing writer, Nimrod, to have created "the noblest animal in the creation". An aspect of
11907-495: The black and white screens of the day, helping him to become the first TV star of the sport. The 1953 Kentucky Derby , held on May 2, was the sole loss of Native Dancer's career. He dominated news coverage leading up to the race and was the odds-on favorite. His main rival was supposed to have been Correspondent, who had won three straight, including the Blue Grass Stakes in which he set a track record. Dark Star won
12054-518: The bursae between the navicular and coffin bone ." He was retired with a record of 21 wins from 22 starts, and earnings of $ 785,420, then fourth all-time behind Citation , Stymie and Armed . Native Dancer was voted the United States Horse of the Year for 1954, beating High Gun by 19 votes to 11 in the Daily Racing Form poll and winning the TRA award for the second time. He appeared on
12201-572: The colt a 50% chance of being fit for the Suburban. Native Dancer worked three furlongs on May 27 but pulled up lame. His connections ruled him out of the Suburban. Native Dancer finally returned to racing at Saratoga on August 16 in the Oneonta Handicap, run at a distance of seven furlongs over a sloppy track . He was assigned 137 pounds, conceding his rivals from 18 to 30 pounds. Even with the handicap, only two horses faced him so betting
12348-478: The creation of the Quarter Horse , Standardbred , Anglo-Arabian , and various warmblood breeds. Thoroughbred racehorses perform with maximum exertion, which has resulted in high accident rates and health problems such as bleeding from the lungs . Other health concerns include low fertility , abnormally small hearts, and a small hoof-to-body-mass ratio. There are several theories for the reasons behind
12495-529: The dominant sires of Thoroughbreds in the later part of the 20th century. Other countries in Europe have Thoroughbred breeding programs, including Germany, Russia, Poland, and Hungary. Horses arrived in Australia with the First Fleet in 1788 along with the earliest colonists. Although horses of part-Thoroughbred blood were imported into Australia during the late 18th century, it is thought that
12642-610: The early 1910s, led to the Jersey Act of 1913. It prohibited the registration of any horse in the General Stud Book (GSB) if they could not show that every ancestor traced to the GSB. This excluded most American-bred horses, because the 100-year gap between the founding of the GSB and the American Stud Book meant that most American-bred horses possessed at least one or two crosses to horses not registered in
12789-538: The final quarter of a mile, costing the colt momentum. Guerin later explained, "He just didn't want to run early. And when he didn't want to run, he didn't run." Time magazine later reported, "When he lost the Kentucky Derby by a head, thousands turned from their TV screens in sorrow, a few in tears." As a measure of Native Dancer's growing fame, Time added, "Hundreds of people, old and young, have sent him letters and greeting cards. Little girls have organized fan clubs in his name." Native Dancer made his next start in
12936-444: The final turn. Jamie K briefly took the lead as they entered the stretch, but Native Dancer fought back. The two colts dueled for the final furlong, with Native Dancer again prevailing by a neck. He completed the 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles in 2:28 3 ⁄ 5 , then the third-fastest running of the race behind Count Fleet and Citation . "He doesn't win in a flashy sort of a way," said Winfrey, "but he keeps on winning. The Belmont
13083-551: The first direct importation from England occurring in 1862. Thoroughbreds have been exported to many other areas of the world since the breed was created. Oriental horses were imported into South Africa from the late 17th century in order to improve the local stock through crossbreeding. Horse racing was established there in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and Thoroughbreds were imported in increasing numbers. The first Thoroughbred stallions arrived in Argentina in 1853, but
13230-572: The first gray horse to win the race. Native Dancer made his final start as a two-year-old in the East View Stakes at Jamaica on October 22 over a distance of 1 + 1 ⁄ 16 miles. He won with ease, "wiggling his ears and having much fun" as he crossed the finish line 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths ahead of Laffango, who had earlier won the Champagne Stakes . Guerin confirmed that Native Dancer had eased himself after taking
13377-441: The first mares did not arrive until 1865. The Argentine Stud Book was first published in 1893. Thoroughbreds were imported into Japan from 1895, although it was not until after World War II that Japan began a serious breeding and racing business involving Thoroughbreds. The number of Thoroughbred foals registered each year in North America varies greatly, chiefly linked to the success of the auction market which in turn depends on
13524-438: The first of August. These artificial dates have been set to enable the standardization of races and other competitions for horses in certain age groups. The Thoroughbred is a distinct breed of horse, although people sometimes refer to a purebred horse of any breed as a thoroughbred . The term for any horse or other animal derived from a single breed line is purebred . While the term probably came into general use because
13671-531: The first pureblood Thoroughbred was a stallion named Northumberland who was imported from England in 1802 as a coach horse sire. By 1810, the first formal race meets were organized in Sydney, and by 1825 the first mare of proven Thoroughbred bloodlines arrived to join the Thoroughbred stallions already there. In 1825, the Sydney Turf Club , the first true racing club in Australia, was formed. Throughout
13818-933: The fore. It was also after the Civil War that the American Thoroughbred returned to England to race. Iroquois became the first American-bred winner of the Epsom Derby in 1881. The success of American-bred Thoroughbreds in England led to the Jersey Act in 1913, which limited the importation of American Thoroughbreds into England. After World War I , the breeders in America continued to emphasize speed and early racing age but also imported horses from England, and this trend continued past World War II. After World War II , Thoroughbred breeding remained centered in Kentucky, but California , New York, and Florida also emerged as important racing and breeding centers. Thoroughbreds in
13965-431: The foundation stallions appear to have been of Arabian bloodlines, with the remainder being evenly divided between Turkoman and Barb breeding. Each of the three major foundation sires was, coincidentally, the ancestor of a grandson or great-great-grandson who was the only male descendant to perpetuate each respective horse's male line: Matchem was the only descendant of his grandsire, the Godolphin Arabian, to maintain
14112-437: The grandsire of both Mr. Prospector and Northern Dancer , the two most important sires of the late twentieth century, a certain degree of inbreeding to Native Dancer became inevitable, potentially exacerbating the issue. "There's a lack of durability right now," said Ric Waldman, the former head of operations for Windfields Farm . "We're dealing with the law of diminishing returns." Vanderbilt's son Alfred G. Vanderbilt defended
14259-494: The health issues involving Thoroughbreds suggests that inbreeding is the culprit. It has also been suggested that capability for speed is enhanced in an already swift animal by raising muscle mass, a form of selective breeding that has created animals designed to win horse races . Thus, according to one postulation, the modern Thoroughbred travels faster than its skeletal structure can support. Veterinarian Robert M. Miller states that "We have selectively bred for speeds that
14406-554: The horse's price at a sale and perhaps help the horse have a sounder racing career, but the genes for poor legs will still be passed on. A high accident rate may also occur because Thoroughbreds, particularly in the United States, are first raced as 2-year-olds, well before they are completely mature. Though they may appear full-grown and are in superb muscular condition, their bones are not fully formed. However, catastrophic injury rates are higher in 4- and 5-year-olds than in 2- and 3-year-olds. Some believe that correct, slow training of
14553-618: The indirect and induced effects of visitor spending) of $ 67 million and $ 94 million annually. This spending was a result of expenditures for lodging, meals, entertainment, retail, and transportation in Saratoga County. In August 2021, the President of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Todd Shimkus, estimated that the race track had a $ 240 million annual regional economic impact. The COVID-19 pandemic had
14700-414: The inner turf course. The Oklahoma Training Track, which is across Union Avenue from the main course (was originally named Horse Haven), is used for warmups and training. The Oklahoma Training Track site was the location of the track used for racing at the inaugural meet in 1863; the main grandstand was opened at the current site the following year. On August 3, 2013, the new Whitney Viewing Stand opened at
14847-519: The lead at the head of the stretch. "He's not going to do any more than you make him do," he said. "I never hit him with the whip." Native Dancer finished the year with nine wins, seven of them in stakes races, and earnings of $ 230,245, then a record for a two-year-old. He had been the odds-on favorite in all but his first start. He was named the American Champion Two-Year-Old. The Thoroughbred Racing Association also named him
14994-434: The lead. However, longshot Jamie K then started to close ground rapidly. Guerin went to the whip and Native Dancer responded to win by a neck. Guerin admitted that he had been worried. "When Dark Star stopped, I found myself in the lead a little sooner than I wanted," he said. It was later determined that Dark Star had bowed a tendon during the race: he never raced again. Besides being the odds-on favorite to win, Native Dancer
15141-486: The meet at Saratoga not viable that season. Anti-gambling legislation, which had passed in New York, resulted in a cessation in all thoroughbred racing in that state during 1911 and 1912. From 1943 to 1945, racing was curtailed at Saratoga due to travel restrictions during World War II . During those years, the stakes races usually held at Saratoga Race Course were instead contested at Belmont Park . The late 1800s were
15288-408: The middle of the 19th century. Bay Middleton , a winner of the Epsom Derby, stood over 16 hands high, a full hand higher than the Darley Arabian. Winning times had improved to such a degree that many felt further improvement by adding additional Arabian bloodlines was impossible. This was borne out in 1885, when a race was held between a Thoroughbred, Iambic, considered a mid-grade runner, and
15435-592: The mile in 1:35 1 ⁄ 5 , then the second-fastest running of the race in its history. Native Dancer was supposed to make his next start in the Suburban Handicap , then part of the New York Handicap Triple (consisting of the Metropolitan, Suburban and Brooklyn Handicaps). However, after a workout in late May, he showed signs of lameness. Heating was found in the coronet band on his right fore , though X-rays showed nothing. Winfrey originally gave
15582-399: The modern British breeding establishment is that they breed not only for flat racing, but also for steeplechasing . Up until the end of the 19th century, Thoroughbreds were bred not only for racing but also as saddle horses. Soon after the start of the 20th century, fears that the English races would be overrun with American-bred Thoroughbreds because of the closing of US racetracks in
15729-407: The most common breeds for use in polo in the United States. They are often seen in the fox hunting field as well. Thoroughbreds are often crossed with horses of other breeds to create new breeds or to enhance or introduce specific qualities into existing ones. They have been influential on many modern riding horse breeds, such as the American Quarter Horse , the Standardbred , and possibly
15876-518: The most valuable trophy in sports with a value of roughly $ 4 million. Before 1954, the vase itself was given to the winning owner, who kept it for the following year. In 1954 though, Vanderbilt declined to take the original trophy home and instead was given a replica. This set a new tradition where the original Woodlawn Vase is displayed at Pimlico on Preakness day but otherwise resides at the Baltimore Museum of Art . Vanderbilt's replica trophy
16023-422: The pace, but was run down by Native Dancer turning into the stretch. Native Dancer continued to draw away and won by nine lengths, the biggest margin of victory of his career. Longshot Sir Mango closed late for second; Jamie K was never a factor. On August 15, Native Dancer made his next start in the prestigious Travers Stakes at Saratoga. He conceded six pounds to Dictar and twelve to the other three entrants. In
16170-501: The path from the stables runs through the picnic grounds. There is a mineral spring called the Big Red Spring in the picnic grounds where patrons can partake of the water that made Saratoga Springs famous. A gazebo is a prominent feature of the infield, and a stylized version of the gazebo is part of the Saratoga Race Course logo. Saratoga Race Course is home to several of the most important races in North America. Since 1864,
16317-453: The prevalence of accidents and health problems in the Thoroughbred breed, and research on the subject is ongoing. The typical Thoroughbred ranges from 15.2 to 17.0 hands (62 to 68 inches, 157 to 173 cm) high, averaging 16 hands (64 inches, 163 cm). They are most often bay , dark bay or brown , chestnut , black , or gray . Less common colors recognized in the United States include roan and palomino . White
16464-407: The price for a young horse. Prices of Thoroughbreds vary greatly, depending on age, pedigree , conformation , and other market factors. In 2007, Keeneland Sales , a United States–based sales company, sold 9,124 horses at auction, with a total value of $ 814,401,000, which gives an average price of $ 89,259. As a whole for the United States in 2007, The Jockey Club auction statistics indicated that
16611-443: The race that the colt had not cared for the track. However, Guerin was given a large share of the blame for the loss because of his racing tactics. One reporter wrote, "he took that colt everywhere on the track except the ladies' room." Native Dancer was farther back than usual in the early part of the race, which resulted in more traffic problems. Instead of mounting a single drive on the outside, Guerin changed position several times in
16758-530: The racing and regulation functions were split off to a new society, the Société d'Encouragement pour l'Amélioration des Races de Chevaux en France , better known as the Jockey-Club de Paris . The French Stud Book was founded at the same time by the government. By 1876, French-bred Thoroughbreds were regularly winning races in England, and in that year a French breeder-owner earned the most money in England on
16905-523: The same location. NYRA announced in January 2022 that the Wilson Mile chute would be rebuilt for the 2022 racing season. The grounds at Saratoga Race Course contain several unique features. Prior to each race, a bell is hand rung at exactly 17 minutes prior to scheduled post time for each race to call the jockeys to the paddock. Patrons can get close up views of the horses being led to the paddock as
17052-533: The stallion's legacy. "All these great horses are not descended from him because he's fragile," he said. "They're descended because he was a champion and he was durable." Thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed for horse racing . Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered " hot-blooded " horses that are known for agility, speed, and spirit. The Thoroughbred
17199-556: The state of the economy. The foal crop was over 44,000 in 1990, but declined to roughly 22,500 by 2014. The largest numbers are registered in the states of Kentucky, Florida and California. Australia is the second largest producer of Thoroughbreds in the world with almost 30,000 broodmares producing about 18,250 foals annually. Britain produces about 5,000 foals a year, and worldwide, there are more than 195,000 active broodmares , or females being used for breeding, and 118,000 newly registered foals in 2006 alone. The Thoroughbred industry
17346-487: The three weeks between the 2014 Preakness and Belmont. The Belmont Stakes , run on June 13, was a similar race to the Preakness. Native Dancer was again the heavy favorite, and the New York Racing Association did not allow show betting. Ram o' War set the early pace with Native Dancer biding his time in fourth place around the first turn. He was tracked closely by Jamie K and the two horses started their move together on
17493-530: The three-year-old division, Tom Fool was enjoying an equally brilliant one as a four-year-old. Racetracks began to alter stakes schedules and purses in hopes of having the two champions face off. For example, Pimlico increased the purse for the Pimlico Special to $ 50,000. Belmont Park followed suit by increasing the purse and changing the date of the Sysonby Stakes. The hopes for a race between
17640-620: The track has been the site of the Travers Stakes , the oldest major thoroughbred horse race in the United States . Like the Kentucky Derby , the Travers Stakes is contested on dirt and is open only to three-year-olds, with a purse of $ 1,250,000. Several other major stakes races are held at Saratoga each year as well, including the Alabama Stakes (for three-year-old fillies), the Hopeful Stakes for two-year-olds, and
17787-600: The track. World War I almost destroyed French breeding because of war damage and lack of races. After the war, the premier French race, the Grand Prix, resumed and continues to this day. During World War II , French Thoroughbred breeding did not suffer as it had during the first World War, and thus was able to compete on an equal footing with other countries after the war. Organized racing in Italy started in 1837, when race meets were established in Florence and Naples and
17934-631: The transition from the racetrack to another career, or to help find retirement homes for ex-racehorses. In addition to racing, Thoroughbreds compete in eventing , show jumping and dressage at the highest levels of international competition, including the Olympics . They are also used as show hunters , steeplechasers , and in Western riding speed events such as barrel racing . Mounted police divisions employ them in non-competitive work, and recreational riders also use them. Thoroughbreds are one of
18081-513: The two died when several bruises were found on Native Dancer's left forefoot after the American Derby. He missed the rest of the year. Native Dancer was named champion three-year-old by all three major industry polls. However, in the Horse of the Year voting, he came second behind Tom Fool, who had won all ten of his starts. In 1954, Native Dancer won all three races he entered, including the Metropolitan Handicap . His connections hoped to complete
18228-419: The venue Saratoga Race Course. Among those instrumental to the creation of the new course were John Hunter (later the first chairman of The Jockey Club ), William R. Travers , John Morrissey , and Leonard Jerome . Saratoga Race Course has been in use almost every year since 1864, with only a handful of exceptions. The course was closed in 1896 due to increasing competition among thoroughbred tracks, making
18375-403: The walking ring, he was surrounded by a throng of fans looking for photographs. "It's the way people act when the president goes by in a parade," commented one man. Native Dancer maintained his calm. At the break, Fly Wheel took the early lead but soon dropped back. Guardian II then took over the lead for a few lengths before Dictar took command on the backstretch. Native Dancer bided his time until
18522-530: The world; they were imported into North America starting in 1730 and into Australia, Europe, Japan and South America during the 19th century. Millions of Thoroughbreds exist, and around 100,000 foals are registered each year worldwide. Thoroughbreds are used mainly for racing, but are also bred for other riding disciplines such as show jumping , combined training , dressage , polo , and fox hunting . They are also commonly crossbred to create new breeds or to improve existing ones, and have been influential in
18669-486: The year following Polytrack installation. The material is not perfected, and some areas report problems related to winter weather, but studies are continuing. Saratoga Race Course Saratoga Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track located on Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs , New York , United States. Opened in 1863, it is often considered to be the oldest major sporting venue of any kind in
18816-412: The year in a six-furlong allowance race at Belmont Park on May 7. He went off at odds of 3-20 in a seven-horse field, with Laffango the second choice at 7-1. He raced in mid-pack for the first half-mile, then "took the lead in about three huge strides." After hitting the front near the top of the stretch, Native Dancer relaxed but still won by 1 + 1 ⁄ 4 lengths. On May 15, Native Dancer entered
18963-524: The year in the Gotham Stakes on April 18. As the race attracted 18 entries, it was run in two divisions, with Native Dancer the odds-on favorite is his division and Laffango the favorite in the second division. He raced in mid-pack during the early part of the race, then "did a bit of hustling" turning into the stretch to take the lead. He won under a hand ride by two lengths. Sportswriter George Ryall wrote, "Any question in your mind about Native Dancer
19110-447: Was a massive horse with "suspicious-looking ankles". His pastern bones were short and somewhat too upright, making him more vulnerable to injury. He had a notably long stride but his action was hard and pounding. Trainer Bill Winfrey said the colt was "a regular Jekyll and Hyde " – ordinarily quiet and tractable but with a playful streak that could make him a handful. In his first season of racing, Native Dancer won all nine starts. He
19257-557: Was allowed, Native Dancer still created a small minus pool with a mandatory minimum payout of $ 2.10 for a $ 2 bet. Native Dancer then traveled to Chicago for the Arlington Classic , run over a distance of a mile on a heavy track on July 18. His main rivals were expected to be Jamie K and Van Crosby, who had equaled the track record for seven furlongs in his previous start. Native Dancer carried 128 pounds, conceding six pounds to each of his seven rivals. As expected, Van Crosby set
19404-424: Was also the broodmare sire of leading sire Bold Ruler . Native Dancer inherited his gray coat , then quite rare in Thoroughbreds, through the female line to his fourth dam, La Grisette, a daughter of Roi Herode . Roi Herode was also the sire of The Tetrarch , the "spotted wonder". Most modern gray Thoroughbreds can trace their coat to Roi Herode and his grandsire Le Sancy. From his earliest days, Native Dancer
19551-489: Was assigned 130 pounds in the Experimental Free Handicap , seven pounds ahead of Laffango and Tahitian King. In his three-year-old campaign, Native Dancer received a great deal of media attention leading up to the 1953 Kentucky Derby . He won the Gotham Stakes and the prestigious Wood Memorial , but in the 1953 Kentucky Derby , he lost for the only time in his career. Native Dancer subsequently won
19698-469: Was considered "an extremely nice colt". Ralph Kerchaval, the manager of Sagamore Farm, said that "he was playful, big and rough, but you could do anything with him." At maturity, Native Dancer stood 16.3 hands (67 inches, 170 cm) at the withers. According to Charles Hatton of the Daily Racing Form , Native Dancer looked like a sprinter from the front and a stayer from the back. He
19845-433: Was developed in 17th- and 18th-century England, when native mares were crossbred with imported stallions of Arabian , Barb , and Turkoman breeding. All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigrees to three stallions imported into England in the 17th and 18th centuries, and to a larger number of foundation mares of mostly English breeding. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Thoroughbred breed spread throughout
19992-524: Was four lengths. On May 23, Native Dancer entered the Preakness Stakes as the 1-5 favorite. He again faced Dark Star, who set a fast early pace with Tahitian King to his outside. Native Dancer rated in fourth position on the rail, then started his move on the final turn, splitting between the two front runners. Tahitian King dropped back and eventually finished sixth. At the head of the stretch, Dark Star also gave way, leaving Native Dancer alone on
20139-420: Was moved to the inside as he entered the stretch in third place. Still nearly three lengths behind, Guerin went to the whip and Native Dancer gradually closed ground. Dark Star held his position on the rail so Native Dancer was swung to the outside. He continued to edge closer with each stride but fell just short, losing by a head. In addition to Native Dancer being fouled on the first turn, Guerin commented after
20286-474: Was not allowed. He won easily by nine lengths in 1:24 4 ⁄ 5 , just 1 + 4 ⁄ 5 seconds off the track record despite the track conditions. His next target was the Saratoga Cup but he showed signs of lameness after a 10-furlong workout on August 22, again in the right forefoot. Veterinarian William Wright diagnosed the problem as a "bruised digital cushion, with a secondary inflammation of
20433-407: Was only 15.1, the best racehorses are generally of average size. Larger horses mature more slowly and have more stress on their legs and feet, predisposing them to lameness. Smaller horses are considered by some to be at a disadvantage due to their shorter stride and a tendency of other horses to bump them, especially in the starting gate. Historically, Thoroughbreds have steadily increased in size:
20580-531: Was raised at Vanderbilt's Sagamore Farm in Glyndon , Maryland , and is generally considered a Maryland-bred. Native Dancer was sired by the 1945 Preakness Stakes winner, Polynesian , who was otherwise known as a sprinter. His dam Geisha won only once in her eleven starts and produced no other stakes winners, though her daughter Orientation became a multiple stakes producer. Geisha was sired by Discovery , an outstanding distance horse and weight-carrier. Discovery
20727-549: Was so heavily bet to show that it created a minus pool. A show bet pays if the horse finishes in the top three positions, and the legal minimum payout in Maryland at the time was $ 2.20 for a $ 2 bet. In order to cover the bets plus the associated taxes, the Maryland Jockey Club had to pay $ 46,012 (equivalent to $ 524,000 in 2023) into the pool. The trophy for the Preakness is the Woodlawn Vase , considered
20874-753: Was sold at auction in 2018 for $ 100,000. Native Dancer was shipped to Belmont Park on May 24. He was walked the next two days to recover from the Preakness, then resumed galloping in the morning. He had several timed workouts in the interval leading up to the Belmont: 5 ⁄ 8 mile in 1:04 on May 30, a mile in 1:44 1 ⁄ 5 on June 1, 3 ⁄ 8 mile in 0:35 3 ⁄ 5 on June 4, 1 + 1 ⁄ 4 miles in 2:07 on June 5, 1 + 1 ⁄ 2 miles in 2:38 2 ⁄ 5 on June 9, and 3 ⁄ 4 mile in 1:13 2 ⁄ 5 on June 12. Training practices have since changed dramatically. For example, California Chrome had only one timed workout in
21021-429: Was still named American Horse of the Year . Retired to stud in 1955, he became a major sire whose offspring included champion Raise A Native and dual Classic winner Kauai King . Also an influential broodmare sire, Native Dancer is now "all but universal" in modern pedigrees. Native Dancer was bred by Alfred G. Vanderbilt Jr. and raced for him as a homebred. He was foaled at Scott Farm near Lexington, Kentucky but
21168-614: Was the site of "trials of speed and exhibition of horses" at county fairs as early as 1822. In 1847, in anticipation of the New York State Fair being held in Saratoga that September, the Saratoga Trotting Course was built, and hosted its first harness race on August 14. The old harness racing track was located just south of the current Oklahoma Track, and today the area is called Horse Haven. In 1857
21315-470: Was ultimately slaughtered in 2002, presumably for pet food. However, the value of a Thoroughbred may also be influenced by the purse money it wins. In 2007, Thoroughbred racehorses earned a total of $ 1,217,854,602 in all placings, an average earnings per starter of $ 16,924. In addition, the track record of a race horse may influence its future value as a breeding animal. Stud fees for stallions that enter breeding can range from $ 2,500 to $ 500,000 per mare in
21462-567: Was voted the American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt for 1952, with two of the three major polls also naming him Horse of the Year . Native Dancer made his first start on April 19, 1952 in a maiden race at Jamaica Racetrack over five furlongs. Going off at odds of 7-5 in a field of nine, he settled into fourth place down the backstretch, then started a strong drive in the middle of the turn to win by 4 + 1 ⁄ 2 lengths. Just four days later, he returned in
21609-492: Was withdrawn from the race. Arcaro had previously questioned Native Dancer's credentials, saying, "All the Dancer has done is go around beating the same horses, and most of the time carrying equal weight." He had also questioned the horse's soundness. After galloping him for the first time though, he said, "He's a big, powerful animal. He handled well and had a good disposition." Travelling back to Chicago, Native Dancer went off as
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