Preview
Description
Graustark is often linked with his rival Buckpasser. The two colts were the top 2-year-olds of 1965, considered to be the main contenders for the 1966 Kentucky Derby. Due to injuries, neither horse reached the starting gate in May.
Graustark sustained a career-ending injury while leading the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland nine days before the 1966 Derby. He had won seven of his seven previous races, including the Arch Ward Stakes and Bahamas Stakes.
In spite of his injury, Graustark placed second at the Bluegrass Stakes and was retired to stud at Darby Dan, his breeder’s farm, where he was syndicated for a record $2.4 million.
His progeny include Key to the Mint, 1972 U.S. Champion 3-Year-Old Colt; and Avatar, winner of the 1975 Santa Anita Derby and Belmont Stakes.
Graustark died at the age of 25 and is buried at Darby Dan Farm. He was sired by the great British-bred racer Ribot, with a sire’s side pedigree tracing to the Darley Arabian, and a dam’s side pedigree tracing to the Godolphin Arabian.
Curation Date
4-2015
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Keywords
Horse, Thoroughbred, Pedigree, Graustark, Loyd Gentry, Joe Hirsch
Photo Source
Meadors Photographic Collection, Keeneland Library, Lexington, KY