A look back at the champions of the breed
Canada has a proud history in thoroughbred racing and boasts two native sons as winners of the famed Kentucky Derby. The most famous was 1964 winner Northern Dancer, who won the race in a then track record time. The other was born on the same farm and won the race in 1983. His name was Sunny’s Halo. Sunny’s Halo was
Read moreSunday Silence might be the most maligned, under appreciated champion in Thoroughbred history. Right from his birth at Arthur Hancock III’s Stone Farm in Kentucky, the black colt by Halo – Wishing Well by Understanding was shunned. Tom Tatham of Oak Cliff Thoroughbreds Ltd. was the man who selected Halo to breed to Wishing Well. He liked the fact that
Read moreThe Hail To Reason tail male line has been a consistent line for three to four generations. This line is noted for tough, intelligent and sound horses. Kris S is a grandson of Hail To Reason through Epsom Derby winner Roberto. He was a dark brown, much like many in this line and was quite large and had a very
Read moreIf there was ever a name that did not suit a horse it would have to be Halo, for he was no angel. His legendary temper was described as nasty, violent, dangerous and even psychotic. My friends at Windfields Farm would tell me horrifying stories of what their fellow grooms and handlers had to endure while having to attend to
Read moreRoberto was by Hail To Reason – Bramalea by Nashua. Bred and raced by John W. Galbraith at his Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky, his pedigree shows a 4 x 4 inbreed to Nearco. Galbraith was also the owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and named the colt in honour of his star outfielder Roberto Clemente. Bramalea, the dam
Read moreHail to Reason was the champion two year old in 1960. He was a son of the good sire Turn-To by Royal Charger, a son of Nearco. This male line of Nearco was considered as a great source of sprinters and/or milers but not for horses able to carry their speed to the classic distances. Hail to Reason was destined
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