Hastings (horse)

Hastings (1893 – June 17, 1917) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse and stallion.

Background

Hastings was foaled in Versailles, Kentucky, and bred by Dr. J. D. Neet, he was sired by Spendthrift (Belmont Stakes winner) out of the imported Cinderella (dam of Plaudit, winner of the Kentucky Derby)^[2] by Blue Ruin.^[3]

Originally, Hastings was bought by David Gideon and John Daly at auction as a yearling for $2,800.

Racing career

Hastings was sent to New York and raced for the partners successfully as a two-year-old, winning several races before the partnership was dissolved by public auction. Hastings was then purchased by August Belmont, Jr., for a record $37,000. He was shipped to Saratoga Race Course, but fell ill. His illness may have compromised his form; he finished fifth in his next race, the Futurity at Sheephead Bay.

At three, Hastings placed second in the Withers Stakes behind Handspring by a head. He went on to defeat older horses in the Toboggan Handicap. Then he won the Belmont Stakes, beating Handspring by a head. His record at four was 12 starts, four wins and six places, carrying weights as high as 140 pounds.

Retirement

Hastings was known not only for his speed, but for his temper. Handlers and grooms carried large sticks in his presence to control him. He was retired to Nursury Stud outside Lexington, Kentucky and became one of the most successful sires of 1902 and 1908. Of his offspring, the most notable are graded stakes race winners Gunfire, Field Mouse, Masterman, and Fair Play, sire of Man o' War. On June 17, 1917, at age 24, severely crippled with paralysis, Hastings had to be euthanized.^[4]

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