Clifford (horse)


Clifford was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2014.

Background

Clifford was a dark bay or brown horse that was perceived by many as ugly and weak. The New York Times said about him, "As a yearling he was one of the poorest-looking animals of the lot in which he was offered for sale, and nothing great was expected of him." However, he ultimately became, according to the Times, "one of the most brilliant performers the American turf has ever known." Clifford was sired by the stallion Bramble and was out of the good racemare Duchess, who was sired by Kingfisher. He was foaled in Nashville, Tennessee, at W. H. Jackson's Belle Meade Stud. W.J. Cherry purchased the horse for $900 at Belle Meade's auction on April 27, 1891, and sold him shortly thereafter to Clifford Porter, who named the horse after himself.

Career

2-year-old season

Clifford had an unexceptional maiden season, winning a maiden special weight but not returning to the races that year.

3-year-old season

The biggest and best year for Clifford was the 3-year-old season. In this season he won a total of 18 races from 24 starts, with 11 consecutive races in 5 weeks and carrying over 25 more pounds than his rivals. He also won multiple big races, such as the Phoenix Handicap and the Latonia Spring Prize, and was named American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse.

4-year-old season

As a 4-year-old Clifford went on to win another 10 races from 16 starts, the biggest win being in the Second Special Stakes. He earned his second national championship title as the 1894 American Champion Handicap Male Horse.

5-year-old season

This year Clifford was able to repeat the Second Special Stakes. He also won the Omnium Handicap, Club Members and Oriental Handicaps.

6-year-old season

The 6-year-old season was far from the best year for Clifford, though he still won 3 of 6 races and finished in the money in all 6 races. Notable wins included the Memorial Handicap and a second victory at the Flight Stakes.

7-year-old season

Clifford's last major victory came in his final season at the Long Island Handicap. He retired later that season after coming up sore following his third-place finish in the Omnium Handicap.