Potoooooooo, or Pot-8-ohs (1773-1800), pronounced Potatoes, was a son of
Eclipse, from whom most modern thoroughbreds descend.
Fans of the sport who know its
history certainly know that all modern thoroughbreds descend from one of three foundation sires: the Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk. In Pot-8-ohs' case, he is only a few generations removed from the Darley Arabian via his famous sire, Eclipse.
I link to Wikipedia because I enjoy checking out modern horses like American Pharoah and Zenyatta, and even old champs like Funny Cide and John Henry, to see their breeding lines.
Look up your favorite champion on Wikipedia. Click consecutively on each horse's sire to read an interesting history of that horse, and note that it doesn't take long before most of your links end up purple (representing the shared lineage of many modern thoroughbreds) - many of our favorite champs trace back to the likes of Mr. Prospector, Native Dancer, Doncaster and other famous names in the sport.
So here's to you,
Potoooooooo. Thanks for siring Waxy, who sired Whalebone, who sired Birdcatcher, who sired The Baron, who sired Stockwell, who sired Doncaster, who sired Bend Or, who sired Bona Vista, who sired Cyllene, who sired Polymelus, who sired Phalaris, who sired Sickle, who sired Unbreakable, who sired Polynesian, who sired Native Dancer, who sired Raise a Native, who sired Mr. Prospector, who sired Fappiano, who sired Unbridled, who sired Empire Maker, who sired Poineerof the Nile, who, along with Littleprincessemma, produced
American Pharoah.
Jeez, we need some love for the mares, too! Maybe next time.
