Kingston (horse)

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Kingston (1884–1912) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse who became one of the sport’s greatest winners. He ran 138 times and won 89 races, the most by any horse in the history of American racing at that time. He earned $140,195 and was inducted into the United States Racing Hall of Fame in 1955.

Kingston was bred by James R. Keene at Castleton Stud near Lexington, Kentucky. His sire was Spendthrift and his dam was Kapanga (GB), with Kapunda as the second dam. Kingston’s lineage includes famous sires like Lexington, Glencoe, and Boston. Keene sold Kingston because of financial troubles. As a yearling, he was bought by trainer Evert Snedecker and partner J. F. Cushman.

He began racing as a two-year-old but was beaten by stars like Hanover and Tremont. As a three-year-old, he was purchased by the Dwyer Brothers (Phil and Mike) for $12,500 to join their stable, partly to prevent Hanover from facing a strong rival. The Dwyers’ trainer Frank McCabe (later Hardy Campbell Jr. trained him at age six) prepared Kingston for a remarkable career.

Kingston’s performance improved steadily:
- At age 3: 13 wins in 18 starts
- At age 4: 10 wins in 14 starts
- At age 5: 14 wins in 15 starts
- At age 6: 9 wins in 10 starts
- At age 7: 15 wins in 21 starts and a six-furlong track record at Sheepshead Bay (1:08)
- At age 8: 13 wins in 20 starts
- At age 9: 9 wins in 25 starts
- At age 10: 4 wins in 9 starts against younger horses

Kingston also became a leading sire, topping the North American sire list in 1900 and again in 1910. His notable offspring include Ildrim, Novelty, and King’s Courier.

He died in Kentucky on December 6, 1912. Kingston’s legacy lives on through his Hall of Fame status and his impact as a record-setting racer and successful sire. He is also noted for being highly inbred to the stallion Melbourne (4S x 4D).