The Horse Who Was Sunk
by Lisa Harkema
J Malcolm Forbes was one of the biggest owners and breeders of standardbreds from 1890 until his death in 1904. Forbes shelled out massive amounts for several horses including Nancy Hanks and Arion. The millionaire believed the best of all the horses he owned, though, was a lesser known horse called Vice Commodore. A horse who left a lasting legacy through two daughters, but whose death wasn’t even noticed when it happened.
Exceptionally blue blooded, Vice Commodore is a son of Bingen and Narion, herself the daughter of Arion and Nancy Hanks. Breeder and owner J Malcolm Forbes adored the young colt, who had trotted in 2:21 in an exhibition at 2, and considered him the most promising he had bred. In early March 1904, when Vice Commodore was three years old, his wealthy breeder died. On Mar 30 it was reported in numerous American newspapers that “another offer has been made the estate for one of three-year-olds of $10,000 – the bay colt Vice Commodore, by Bingen 2:06 1/4 (1.18,5) out of Narion by Arion 2:07 3/4 (1.19,4), second dam Nancy Hanks 2:04 (1.17,1). This youngster, on breeding is well worth every dollar that has been tendered for him, but at that will likely bring more when led into the sale ring, especially when buyers will have but the one opportunity in life to secure a sire of such royal lineage.” The previous year Vice Commodore had trotter 2:21 (1.27,6) as a two-year-old.
The offer, however, was refused. Vice Commodore was one of the horses in the estate auctioned off by the Tranter-Kenney Company between May 23 to May 28. Auction prices were nowhere near what had been hoped for though, as Andy J Welch of Hartford, CT bought Vice Commodore for $6,900 and assigned him to trainer John Shillinlaw. At the end of the year it was reported that Welch and Shillinlaw would not race the colt until he was five, despite Vice Commodore looking good in training. On Nov 3, at trained a mile in 2:25 (1.30,1), the last half in 1:07 and last quarter in 31 1/2 seconds.