Silky Sullivan

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Silky Sullivan

Silky Sullivan (February 28, 1955 – November 18, 1977) was an American racehorse famous for his dramatic come-from-behind wins. Known as the California Comet, he often closed from far back to beat the field, sometimes with a last-quarter sprint of 22 seconds. He was usually ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Willie Shoemaker.

Breeding and early life
- Sire: Sullivan; Dam: Lady N Silk
- Bred by Riley H. Roberts and Nell Frances Roberts in Pasadena, California
- Foaled February 28, 1955; chestnut with a white star
- Sold for $10,700 at the Del Mar yearling sale to Phil Klipstein and Tom Ross
- Trained by Reggie Cornell

Racing career highlights
- Debut: May 17, 1957, at Hollywood Park. He went from eighth early to win by a nose.
- Golden Gate Futurity (December 7, 1957): Won after coming up 27 lengths behind the field.
- 1958 stakes season:
- January 30: Won a one-mile race by a neck after trailing earlier.
- February 25: Won a 6 1/2-furlong allowance race by a half-length after rallying from 41 lengths back.
- March 8: Santa Anita Derby, a major Kentucky Derby prep. He tracked the leaders and then surged to win by 3 1/2 lengths in front of a record crowd.
- Kentucky Derby (May 3, 1958): Was a joint favorite with Tim Tam. He broke well but ran far off the pace and faded to finish fourth on a sloppy track; Tim Tam won the race. The moment was famous for CBS’s split-screen telecast that showed Silky Sullivan’s long, dramatic stretch.

After the Derby
- Silky Sullivan became a folk hero on the West Coast, attracting big crowds and fan mail for years.
- He was celebrated with parades on St. Patrick’s Day at Golden Gate Fields and at Santa Anita Derby, sometimes featuring him with green decorations.
- His life off the track included a close bond with his owner, trainer, and jockey; he even had a secretary to answer mail.

Ownership and legacy
- In 1963, Kjell Qvale bought Silky Sullivan and cared for him for 14 years at Green Oaks Stud in Napa Valley.
- At stud, he sired several winners, including Mr. Payne, Son of Silky, and Silky’s Image. He also left a lasting influence on American Quarter Horses.
- The Silky Sullivan name lives on with the Silky Sullivan Handicap at Golden Gate Fields, a race for 3-year-olds on turf.
- Silky Sullivan is buried in the infield at Golden Gate Fields, a rare honor for a racehorse. A bronze plaque in the winner’s circle honors his memory.

Why he’s remembered
- Silky Sullivan is remembered as one of the greatest closers in racing history—an underdog who could leap from last place to win. He showed fans dramatic, heart-stopping come-from-behind performances and left a lasting mark on racing culture on the West Coast.