Natchez (1943–1952) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who set two track records and equaled another. He was bred by Walter M. Jeffords, Sr. and raced by his wife, Sarah.[1]

Natchez
SireJamestown
GrandsireSt. James
DamCreole Maid
DamsirePharamond
SexStallion
Foaled1943
CountryUnited States
ColourChestnut
BreederWalter M. Jeffords, Sr.
OwnerSarah F. Jeffords
TrainerOscar White
Record29: 7-7-3
EarningsUS$166,845
Major wins
Travers Stakes (1946)
Kent Stakes (1946)
Harford Handicap (1947)
Edward Burke Handicap (1947)
Havre de Grace Handicap (1948) American Classic Races:
2nd: Belmont Stakes (1946)

Racing career edit

At age three, under trainer Oscar White, Natchez did not run in the Kentucky Derby but did compete in the second leg of the U.S. Triple Crown series, finishing sixth in the Preakness Stakes. He then finished second in the mile and a half Belmont Stakes[2] before going on to win the prestigious Travers Stakes.[3]

During each of his three years of racing between 1946 and 1948, Natchez equaled or set a track record. On June 8, 1946, he won the Kent Stakes at Delaware Park Racetrack, tying the track record of 1:42 3/5 for 1 1/16 miles on dirt.[4] On April 20, 1947 he set a new track record at Havre de Grace Racetrack of 1:42 3/5 for 1 1/16 miles on dirt in winning the Edward Burke Handicap.[5] He broke another Havre de Grace track record on July 17, 1948 for 1 1/8 miles on dirt with a time of 1:49 2/5 in winning the Havre de Grace Handicap.[6]

Stud record edit

Retired from racing, Natchez stood at stud for the 1949 and 1950 seasons but died unexpectedly from colic before the start of the 1952 breeding season. Among his limited offspring, Natchez sired the outstanding runner Bobby Brocato, a winner of a number of top races including the Santa Anita, San Juan Capistrano and Carter Handicaps, plus the Tanforan Handicap twice.[7]

Pedigree edit

Pedigree of Natchez, chestnut stallion, 1943
Sire
Jamestown
B. 1928
St. James
B. 1921
Ambassador (GB)
Br. 1911
Dark Ronald (IRE)
Br. 1905
Excellenza (GB)
Br. 1897
Bobolink (GB)
B. 1913
Willonyx (GB)
B. 1907
Chelandry (GB)
B. 1894
Mlle. Dazie
B. 1917
Fair Play
Ch. 1905
Hastings
Br. 1893
Fairy Gold (GB)
Ch. 1896
Toggery
B. 1909
Rock Sand (GB)
Br. 1900
Tea's Over
Ch. 1893
Dam
Creole Maid
Br. 1935
Pharamond (GB)
Br. 1925
Phalaris (GB)
Br. 1913
Polymelus (GB)
B. 1902
Bromus (GB)
B. 1905
Selene (GB)
B. 1919
Chaucer (GB)
Br. 1900
Serenissima (GB)
B. 1913
Baton Rouge
Br. 1927
Man o' War
Ch. 1917
Fair Play
Ch. 1905
Mahubah
B. 1910
Baton
Br. 1921
Hainault (GB)
Br. 1914
Batanoea (IRE)
B. 1916

References edit