Hambletonian

Hambletonian, in full Hambletonian 10, also called Rysdyk’s Hambletonian, (foaled 1849), American harness racehorse (Standardbred) that was the ancestor of most present-day harness racers. The thrice inbred great-grandson of Messenger (foundation sire of the breed of Standardbreds), he was the son of Abdallah out of a crippled mare. His original owner sold him with his dam for $125 to a hired man, William Rysdyk, who eventually became wealthy from Hambletonian’s stud fees.

Although fast by the standard of his time, the horse raced very little, being placed in stud in 1851. Through 1875 he sired more than 1,000 foals (the total is variously given as 1,187 and 1,331). After several years his offspring became noted for their trotting ability, and gradually his descendants came to dominate the breed.