The Peculiarly Unfortunate Horse
by Lisa Harkema
He had a downright weird racing career, not competing regularly until he was 15. There he showed glimpses of brilliance despite an injury that just kept getting worse. Kept at stud for most of his life, but relatively unsupported by his famous owner, Woodford Mambrino was one of the more impressive stallions of the 19th century America.
Bred by Mason R Henry and foaled in 1863 during the Civil War, Woodford Mambrino was the last foal from Mambrino Chief. The colt was bought young by Robert A Alexander and brought to his legendary Kentucky nursery Woodburn. At 3, the horse was trained and started once, at Louisville on Nov 2, 1866. That resulted in a clear win in 2:40 (1.39,4) in a race with a stand-still start. Woodford Mambrino was the devoted to standing stud, but quickly gained a reputation for speed, despite not starting any other races for a long-time. According to journalist and horseman Hamilton Busbey, “Robert Bonner, the first time he visited Woodburn, greatly admired the stallion and he said to me that he would cheerfully give $20,000 for him. But Mr Alexander preferred to keep the horse in stud.”
The young stallion was noted for more than just speed, though, as he was a magnificently-looking colt. He was described as “a beautiful mahogany bay, standing 15,3 hands (160 cms) high, and was characterized by an unusually muscular development and powerful form for a horse of his weight – about 1,100 pounds. He was conspicuous for his fine neck, magnificent chest, and large, intelligent eye. Taken altogether, he was a superb animal, and in some respects had not his equal for beauty among his compeers.”