Belair Stud: The Cradle of Maryland Horse Racing

by Kimberly Gatto

From their opening in 1740 through the 1955 closing, Belair Stud Farm became known as one of the most important stables in American racing. Although the high-profile murder of the farms final owner, Billy Woodward, eventually forced the farm to close, it did produce an extraordinary number of winning horses throughout its expansive history. The farm claims three Kentucky Derbies, three Preakness Stakes, and six Belmont Stakes, winning titles in several prestigious English races. It remains one of two stables to have produced more than one Triple Crown winner, and it is also the only stable to have produced father-son Triple Crown winners. Its list of legendary thoroughbreds includes Gallant Fox, Omaha, Johnstown, Granville, and Nashua. However in addition to the history of champion thoroughbreds, there is a second history devoted to the many interesting people whose own stories are part of the Belair Stud farm, including Samuel and Benjamin Ogle, Sunny" Jim Fitzsimmons, former slave Andrew Jackson, and even George Washington."

Genres: Horse Racing

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 18, 2012

About the author

Kimberly Gatto is a professional writer specializing in equestrian and sports books. Her published works to date include three horse-related titles and several athlete biographies. Her work has been included in various publications, including the Blood Horse, the Chronicle of the Horse, the Equine Journal, and Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul. Gatto is an honors graduate of Boston Latin School and Wheaton College. A lifelong rider and horsewoman, she is the proud owner of a lovely off-the-track thoroughbred.

Reviews

[Jill-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating read! Written in an engaging manner...never dry or boring! I'm looking forward to visiting Belair myself and feel that I have a thorough understanding of why it is such an important landmark for Maryland horse racing, and horse racing in general!

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of the men and horses behind the birthplace of Maryland's Thoroughbred racing. Rather sad that Belair Stud, which gave the state and the industry so many champions, fell into the same fate of many famous horse farms.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and informative read!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bowie is my hometown, and I found this book very interesting!