Commando (1898–1905) was an American

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racehorse Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic pr ...

Racing career

Bred at

Castleton Stud Castleton Lyons near Lexington, Kentucky, is an American horse-racing stable and breeding business best known by the name Castleton Farm. History The farm was established in 1793 when Virginian John Breckinridge, a future U.S. senator and attor ...

by owner James R. Keene, Commando raced at age two, winning five of his six starts and finishing second in the other as a result of jockey error. At age three, Commando raced only three times, winning the

Belmont Stakes The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds run at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is run over 1.5 miles (2,400 m). Colts and geldings carry a weight of ; fillies carry . The race, nicknamed Th ...

and the

Carlton Stakes Carlton may refer to: People * Carlton (name), a list of those with the given name or surname * Carlton (singer), English soul singer Carlton McCarthy * Carlton, a pen name used by Joseph Caldwell (1773–1835), American educator, Presbyterian ...

. In the Belmont Stakes at Morris Park Racecourse he faced two opponents, only one of whom, The Parader was seen as a serious rival. Commando made almost all the running before going clear in the straight and winning easily. Although he finished second, an injury in the Lawrence Realization Stakes ended his racing career.

Stud record

Retired to stand at stud at Castleton Farm, Commando proved to be a successful

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. Unfortunately he died on 13 March 1905 at age seven after developing tetanus from a cut sustained to his foot. He was buried at Castleton Farm. Although his breeding career was limited to four seasons, Commando produced 10 stakes winners from 27 foals and posthumously topped the U.S. sire list in 1907. Among his progeny were Hall of Fame champions

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and Peter Pan.

Honors

In 1956, Commando was inducted posthumously into the

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1950 in Saratoga Springs, New York, to honor the achievements of American Thoroughbred race horses, jockeys, and trainers. In 1955, the museum moved to its current location on Union Av ...

. Commando at the United States' National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame A painting of Commando by equine artist Charles L. Zellinsky is on display as part of the Museum's collection.

Pedigree

References

{{short description, 20th-century American Thoroughbred race horse and member of the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame 1898 racehorse births 1905 racehorse deaths Racehorses bred in Kentucky Racehorses trained in the United States American Champion racehorses American Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Belmont Stakes winners United States Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame inductees United States Champion Thoroughbred Sires Thoroughbred family 12-b