Salvator (KY)

Regarded as the greatest racehorse in America during 1889 and 1890, Salvator won 16 of his final 17 career starts to secure his legacy as one of the finest thoroughbreds of the 19th century.

Inducted

1955

Foaled

1886

Sire

Prince Charlie

Dam

Salina

Damsire

Lexington

Breeder

Daniel Swigert

Owner

James B. A. Haggin

Trainer

Matthew Byrnes

Career

1888-1890

Earnings

$113,240

Racing Record

19

Starts

Year	Starts	First	Second	Third	Earnings
Year	Sts	1	2	3	$
1888	6	4	1	0	$17590 $17,590
1889	8	7	0	1	$70450 $70,450
1890	5	5	0	0	$25200 $25,200

Biography

Regarded as the greatest racehorse in America during 1889 and 1890, Salvator won 16 of his final 17 career starts to secure his legacy as one of the finest thoroughbreds of the 19th century.

Bred in Kentucky by Daniel Swigert at Elmendorf Farm, Salvator was purchased as a yearling by James Ben Ali Haggin for $4,500 and turned over to Hall of Fame trainer Matthew Byrnes. A big, handsome chestnut, the horse was originally named Effendi, but was later renamed Salvator after Haggin’s valet.

After losing his first two starts, Salvator was almost perfect the remainder of his career. As a 2-year-old in 1888, he won the Flatbush Stakes, Maple Stakes, Tuckahoe Stakes, and Titan Stakes.

Salvator was the undisputed champion as a 3-year-old in 1889. He won the Tidal Stakes, then defeated Tenny in the Lawrence Realization, giving him 13 pounds. He also won the Lorillard Stakes, Jersey Handicap, and September Stakes that year and finished with a ledger of 7-0-1 from eight starts and earnings of $70,450.

At 4, Salvator was undefeated in five starts and reached the peak of his fame. Under 127 pounds, he won the Suburban by a neck with Tenny third, then beat Tenny by a nose in a 1¼-mile match race in American-record time of 2:05. After a walkover in the Monmouth Cup, he again defeated Tenny, this time by four lengths in the 1½-mile Champion Stakes. In his final start, Salvator set an American record of 1:35⅖ over the mile straight course at Monmouth Park. The mark stood for 28 years.

Salvator was retired with a career record of 16-1-1 from 19 starts and earnings of $113,240. At the time of his retirement, only Hall of Famers Hanover and Miss Woodford had earned more. Salvator went on to sire 14 stakes winners, including 1902 Futurity winner Savable. In 1909, Salvator was exhibited in Kentucky at the Woodford County Fair. He died that year on Sept. 22 at the age of 23.