Leading Sire Of Man O’war – Fair Play Topped Stud Years Thrice

By Author: Lee Lane-Edgar
Total Articles: 365
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Talk about the greatest in horse racing and the debate will stay deficient unless the mention of Man o’War finds his way in. Ranked #1 by the Blood-Horse, the leading magazine for thoroughbred racing and a top brand in the sport, Man o’War was indomitable as a race horse and equally outstanding was his siring records. But then, where did Man o’ War inherit his dynamic genes from. He was sired by Fair Play, thrice a leading sire in America out of dam Mahubah, who was by Rock Sand, a U.K. Triple Crown Winner.
Where did Fair Play hail from –
Exceptional racing career eluded Fair Play but his stud records topped the charts with Man o’ War exceeding all expectations at the racetracks. Fair Play himself was out of Fairy Gold, a reputable name as a broodmare with numerous stakes winners to her credit. She was by the Epsom Derby winner Bend Or. Chestnut gold skin wrapped in August Belmont II silks, he was sired by the 1896 Belmont Stakes winner, Hastings, who in turn was a leading sire in the American Continent in 1902 and 1908.
Fair Play was foaled in 1905 and during his stud years, it is believed that ...
... his breeders anticipated a greater winner in sire duties compared to any of his contemporaries.
Racing career –
Fair Play raced limited, starting in 32 races, winning 10, placing 11 and showing 3. As a two year old, Fair Play did little to overtake his growing competition, one that comprised of James Keene’s Colin and another long shot Dorante. His first race closed on a fourth finish and it was not until the Flash Stakes that Fair Play had something encouraging on his resume.
Following soon was the win in Montauk Stakes, and in the money finished in the Hopeful Stakes along with the U.S. Hotel Stakes. Fair Play was repeatedly defeated thrice by Colin in the Futurity Stakes, the Produce Stakes and the Matron Stakes. What followed was another defeat at the hand of fellow contender Dorante at the Nursery Handicap which consistently kept Fair Play in a compromised position.
As a three year old, Fair Play raced extensively, running neck to neck his prime contenders until victory was last relished. He started in 16 races; he stayed in the money in all. His first half of the season witnessed his excellence at long distances ranging from a mile to a quarter less than two miles. Despite losing the Belmont Stakes to Colin and the Brooklyn Handicap to Colin’s stablemate Celt, Fair Play was eventually riding the victory ride in the Lawrence Realization and the Jerome Handicap along with Jockey Club Stakes.
At stud –
Soon after a short and unsuccessful stint at the English races, Fair Play was brought back to farm and retired to stud. Here he sired the world thoroughbred leader, Man o’ War and U.S. Hall of Fame steeplechase champion, Fairmount. His other stakes winners include 1924 Belmont Stakes winner, Mad Play; 1921 U.S Champion Older Male Horse, Mad Hatter and 1927 U.S. Horse of the Year, Chance Play.
Fair Play died in 1929 after ruling the leading sire title for three years. He was also titled leading broodmare sire of U.S. for three separate consecutive years. Combined, he led the siring title for 6 years.
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