Author Archives: Afleet Alexandra

Exterminator (1915-1945) Chestnut gelding by McGee, out of Fair Empress, bred in Kentucky by F.D. "Dixie" Knight Nicknames: Old Bones, The Galloping Hatrack Record: 99 starts, 50 wins, 17 places,...

Born in 1886, Tenny was the son of French stallion Rayon d’Or and American mare Belle of Maywood. He was born with unconventional conformation, and as a consequence, was sold...

Let’s take a minute to talk about this race, shall we? War Admiral’s performance in the 1937 Belmont Stakes is almost certainly the high point of his amazing career. Beyond...

Count Fleet, racing's sixth Triple Crown champion, was always known to be an enthusiastic stud who never really outgrew his love for the ladies. This preoccupation sometimes got him into trouble, such...

Frank Hayes, stableman and trainer by trade, and maiden racer Sweet Kiss, hold a bizarre distinction in racing history. The pair competed in only one race, and though they won,...

If there is a debate about the best Kentucky Derby entry ever, there surely must be a flip-side. And a strong contender for the title of “Worst Derby Starter” was...

For all of their majestic qualities, thoroughbreds have historically been given some awfully wretched names. Here's a few of my favorites. Spanker (1670) - Also known as Pelham’s Bay Arabian...

Never has a groom been so completely beloved by his charge. Never has a groom meant so much to his horse. Never has there been another Man o' War and...

War Admiral's owner, Sam Riddle, initially disliked the foal for being too small—certainly not like his majestic father, Man o' War. The colt, however, proved to be the best of...