Precisionist (FL)

Biography

Bred and owned by Fred W. Hooper, Precisionist was a versatile campaigner, blessed with the speed of a sprinter and the ability to handle longer distances. Named the Eclipse Award winner for Champion Sprinter in 1985, Precisionist won a total of 13 graded stakes, including six Grade 1 events.

Precisionist came into his own as a 3-year-old in 1984, winning the San Miguel, San Rafael, Swaps, and Malibu stakes, as well as the Del Mar Invitational Handicap. He was even better the following year, eclipsing $1 million in seasonal earnings with wins in the San Fernando Stakes, Strub Stakes, Mervyn LeRoy Handicap, and Breeders’ Cup Sprint (earning a 125 Beyer Speed Figure). He also finished second in the Hollywood Gold Cup, Californian Stakes, and San Bernardino Handicap. By winning the Malibu, San Fernando, and Strub, Precisionist became only the fifth horse to win Santa Anita’s “Strub Series,” joining Round Table, Hillsdale, Ancient Title, and Spectacular Bid.

As a 5-year-old in 1986, Precisionist again surpassed $1 million in seasonal earnings via wins in the San Pasqual Handicap, San Bernardino Handicap, Californian Stakes, and Woodward Stakes (defeating Horse of the Year Lady's Secret and earning a 128 Beyer Speed Figure). He also finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

A cannon bone injury forced Precisionist’s retirement prior to a planned 1987 campaign, but he proved infertile for stallion duty — siring only four foals — and was slowly brought on a path back to the races. Returning as a 7-year-old in 1988 after 20 months away from the races, Precisionist won the Cabrillo Handicap and Budweiser Breeders’ Cup Handicap and finished second in both the Citation and Native Diver handicaps. He also set a track record at Del Mar for one mile in an allowance win at 1:33⅕.

Precisionist was retired for good following his 1988 campaign with a career record of 20-10-4 from 46 starts and earnings of $3,485,398. He spent his retirement at a farm in Ocala, Florida, and at Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky. He died at Old Friends at the age of 25 on Sept. 27, 2006. Precisionist was buried at the cemetery at Old Friends.

Achievements

Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter — 1985

Breeders' Cup highlights

Won the Sprint — 1985

Notable

Won the Hoist the Flag Stakes — 1983
Won the Del Mar Invitational Handicap — 1984
Won the Malibu Stakes — 1984
Won the San Miguel Stakes — 1984
Won the San Rafael Stakes — 1984
Won the Swaps Stakes — 1984
Won the Charles H. Strub Stakes — 1985
Won the Mervyn LeRoy Handicap — 1985
Won the San Fernando Stakes — 1985
Won the Californian Stakes — 1986
Won the San Bernardino Handicap — 1986
Won the San Pasqual Handicap — 1986
Won the Woodward Stakes — 1986
Won the Yankee Valor Handicap — 1986
Won the Cabrillo Handicap — 1988
Won the Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap — 1988

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