The Bard (1883–1907) was an American ChampionThoroughbredracehorse. He was the most popular horse of his day and one who raced and beat many leading American horses. His biggest win was the 1886 Preakness Stakes.
As a three-year-old, The Bard developed into a top competitor. In the pre-United States Triple Crown era, he won the 1886 Preakness Stakes[2] and finished second in the Belmont Stakes.[3] The following year, The Bard's performances led to his being recognized as the best Older Male in America in 1887, despite missing much of the second half of the year with a life-threatening illness.[4] His popularity at the time was such that regular bulletins of his condition were released and published by major newspapers across the country.[5]
Recovered from his illness, The Bard returned to dominate American racing in the first half of 1888. In a much anticipated event, on May 15 he defeated Hanover to win the 1888 Brooklyn Handicap.[6] Eleven days later on May 26, The Bard met Hanover again in the 1½ mile Brooklyn Cup at Gravesend Race Track on Coney Island.The field also included Lucky Baldwin's highly regarded California colt, Volante. The following day's New York Times headline was "The Bard Wins The Cup; He Is America's Greatest Race Horse".[7] The Bard lost his only race of 1888 when he injured a hind leg in the August 2, 1888, Freehold Stakes, which was won by Firenze at Long Branch Racetrack. On April 4, 1889, the New York Times reported that: "The Bard may not be seen on the turf again this year, owing to the trouble with his leg, which caused him to stop racing suddenly last year." Although his owner hoped he might recover in time to compete in the Brooklyn Derby and Suburban Handicap, the injury was serious enough that he would never race again.
From 1885 through 1888, The Bard won 27 races and earned $84,990.[8]
Stud career
On May 16, 1889 the Times again wrote that The Bard had still not raced and later reports show him standing at stud at his owner's Pennsylvania breeding farm.
