Eight Thirty (KY)

Biography

Bred and owned by George D. Widener, Eight Thirty showed promise as a 2-year-old by winning the Christiana Stakes and Flash Stakes before coming into his own midway through his 3-year-old campaign in 1939.

A chestnut son of Pilate out of the High Time mare Dinner Time, Eight Thirty strung together a five-race win streak as a sophomore that included the Diamond State Stakes, Wilson Stakes, Travers Stakes, Saratoga Handicap, and Whitney Handicap. Late in the year, Eight Thirty had an ankle issue that sidelined him until May 1940.

Returning as a 4-year-old, Eight Thirty won the Toboggan and Suburban handicaps before being given a break to prepare for a demanding stretch that included a victory in the Massachusetts Handicap (equaling the track record for nine furlongs). Thirteen days later, Eight Thirty repeated in the Wilson Stakes at Saratoga.

Eight Thirty made two starts as a 5-year-old in 1941. He recorded his second victory in the Toboggan and won the Metropolitan Handicap under an impost of 132 pounds. Eight Thirty, however, once again developed ankle problems and was retired to stud with a career record of 16-3-5 from 27 starts and earnings of $155,475.

Eight Thirty sired 299 foals, including 43 stakes winners, in 17 crops. Among his best were Sailor and Rare Perfume, the latter the dam of Widener’s 1962 champion, Jaipur. Eight Thirty died April 7, 1958, at the age of 29 at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky. 

Achievements

Won the Wilson Stakes — 1939, 1940
Won the Toboggan Handicap — 1940, 1941
Won the Christiana Stakes — 1938
Won the Flash Stakes — 1938
Won the Saratoga Handicap — 1939
Won the Travers Stakes — 1939
Won the Whitney Stakes — 1939
Won the Massachusetts Handicap — 1940
Won the Suburban Handicap — 1940
Won the Metropolitan Handicap — 1941

Horse Profile for Eight Thirty | Equibase is Your Official Source for Thoroughbred Racing Information