American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse
Fonso (1877–1903) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse and was the winner of the 1880 Kentucky Derby under jockey George Garret Lewis.[1] Fonso was bred in Kentucky[2] and was a chestnut colt sired by King Alfonso out of the mare Weatherwitch.
Fonso won the Phoenix Stakes as a three-year-old over Luke Blackburn who finished third, but is best remembered for going on to beat the favored Kimball in the 1880 Kentucky Derby.[3] The track was particularly dry and the dust, up to 5 inches thick, Fonso kicked up obscured the path for the other contenders.[4] Fonso finished the race with a one length lead at a time of 2:37.50 and won $3800. The owner of Kimball called a foul in the race against Fonso, but the placing was not altered. Fonso had a career record of 12 starts, 5 wins, 3 places and 2 shows.[2][4]
Fonso died at the age of 26 while standing as stud at the Oakwood Stud Farm in Lexington, Kentucky in 1903.[3] His most notable offspring was the mare Fondling (br. 1886, out of Kitty Heron by Chillicothe), who produced the champion filly Imp.
Pedigree
Pedigree of Fondo
Sire
King Alfonso
1872
|
Phaeton
1865
|
King Tom
|
Harkaway
|
| Pocahontas
|
| Merry Sunshine
|
Storm
|
| Falstaff Mare
|
| Capitola
1858
|
Vandal
|
Glencoe I
|
| Tranby Mare
|
| Margrave Mare
|
Margrave
|
| Mistletoe
|
Dam
Weatherwitch
1858
|
Weatherbit
1842
|
Sheet Anchor
|
Lottery
|
| Morgiana
|
| Miss Letty
|
Priam
|
| Orville Mare
|
| Birdcatcher Mare
1850
|
Birdcatcher
|
Sir Hercules
|
| Guiccioli
|
| Hetman Platoff Mare
|
Hetman Platoff
|
| Whim
|
References
