Vaguely Noble
Encyclopedia
Vaguely Noble was an Irish-bred
Thoroughbred
racehorse
who competed in the United Kingdom
and France
. The colt is best known as the winner of the 1968 Group one
(G1) Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
when he defeated the best horses from England, France
, Ireland and Italy
. He was later a eading sire in Great Britain & Ireland and a Leading broodmare sire in GB & Ireland
.
Major Lionel B. Holliday bred Vaguely Noble who was foaled in 1965. Vaguely Noble was by Vienna (GB) who won six races and £27,970 before he was exported to France
and then to Japan
. His dam was the Lancashire Oaks
winner, Noble Lassie (GB) was by Nearco
(ITY) from Belle Sauvage by Big Game. Noble Lassie was the dam of several other horses, but Vaguely Noble was her only graded stakes winner. Vaguely Noble was inbred to Hyperion
in the third and fourth generation (3m x 4f) and also to Bahram
in the fourth generation (4m x 4f).
Major Lionel B. Holliday died in 1965; as a two-year-old Vaguely Noble raced in the colours of the Major's son, Brook Holliday. Vaguely Noble was sold at the end of his two-year-old season and was subsequenly owned by Americans Wilma Franklyn and Nelson Bunker Hunt
.
by seven lengths, pulling up, to end the 1967 season. In December 1967 he was sold at auction by the Estate of Major Lionel B. Holliday, for 136,000 guineas ($342,720), a record price for a racehorse. He was purchased by Albert Yank, acting as an agent for Dr and Mrs Franklyn.
In 1968 he was sent to race in France where his conditioning was taken over by Etienne Pollet. Vaguely Noble won four of his five starts including the Prix de Guiche
(by 3 lengths), Prix du Lys
(by 8 lengths), Prix de Chantilly
and France's most prestigious race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp
defeating the brilliant Derby Stakes winner, Sir Ivor
. http://www.chef-de-race.com/classic_winners/arc_de_triomphe/vaguely_noble.htm Vaguely Noble, Ribot
, and Sea Bird
were generally considered to be the three greatest winners of the world's premier race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Vaguely Noble was regarded as one of the best European gallopers of the post World War II
-era after winning six of his nine starts in England and France for the equivalent of US$366,647 in prize-money, and earned a Timeform rating of 140.
In 1968 a 25% share in Vaguely Noble was acquired for $1.25 million by John R. Gaines of Lexington, Kentucky
to make this a world record stallion syndication valuation of $5 million. Vaguely Noble was sent to stand at stud
at Gainesway Farm
in Lexington.
winners, and was the broodmare sire of more than 165 stakes winners. In 1973 and 1974 he was the Leading sire in GB & Ireland, mostly due to the victories of his great daughter, Dahlia. Vaguely Noble placed second in 1977 to Bold Ruler
with 263 starters earning the equivalent of US$5,293,153 in Europe and North America
. Vaguely Noble was also the leading broodmare sire in 1982.
His most important progeny included:
Vaguely Noble died in 1989 at the age of 24 and was buried in the equine cemetery at Gainesway Farm.
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
who competed in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. The colt is best known as the winner of the 1968 Group one
Group One
Group One or Group 1 is the term used for the highest level of Thoroughbred and Standardbred stakes races in many countries. Group One races may be run under handicap conditions in Australia but in Europe weight-for-age conditions always apply. Races may be also restricted to age groups or a...
(G1) Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October.Popularly referred to as the...
when he defeated the best horses from England, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Ireland and Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
. He was later a eading sire in Great Britain & Ireland and a Leading broodmare sire in GB & Ireland
Leading broodmare sire in Great Britain & Ireland
The list below shows the leading sire of broodmares in Great Britain and Ireland for each year since 1899. This is determined by the amount of prizemoney won during the year by racehorses which were foaled by a daughter of the sire.-----References:*...
.
Major Lionel B. Holliday bred Vaguely Noble who was foaled in 1965. Vaguely Noble was by Vienna (GB) who won six races and £27,970 before he was exported to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and then to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. His dam was the Lancashire Oaks
Lancashire Oaks
The Lancashire Oaks is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of 1 mile, 3 furlongs and 200 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event was...
winner, Noble Lassie (GB) was by Nearco
Nearco
Nearco was an Italian bred Thoroughbred racehorse described by Thoroughbred Heritage as "one of the greatest racehorses of the Twentieth Century" and "one of the most important sires of the century." He was not only unbeaten, winning 14 races at distances from 5 furlongs to 1 mile 7 furlongs ,...
(ITY) from Belle Sauvage by Big Game. Noble Lassie was the dam of several other horses, but Vaguely Noble was her only graded stakes winner. Vaguely Noble was inbred to Hyperion
Hyperion (horse)
Hyperion was a British bred Thoroughbred, a dual classic winner and an outstanding sire. Owned by Edward Stanley, 17th Earl of Derby, Hyperion won £29,509 during his career - a considerable sum at the time. His victories included the Epsom Derby and St...
in the third and fourth generation (3m x 4f) and also to Bahram
Bahram
Bahrām or Vahrām meaning "smiting of resistance" or "victorious", may refer to:* Bahrām, the Zoroastrian divinity that is the hypostasis of victory.-Historic people:* one of the Sassanid kings by that name:** Bahrām I, r. 273-276....
in the fourth generation (4m x 4f).
Major Lionel B. Holliday died in 1965; as a two-year-old Vaguely Noble raced in the colours of the Major's son, Brook Holliday. Vaguely Noble was sold at the end of his two-year-old season and was subsequenly owned by Americans Wilma Franklyn and Nelson Bunker Hunt
Nelson Bunker Hunt
Nelson Bunker Hunt is an American oil company executive. He is best known as a former billionaire whose fortune collapsed after he and his brother William Herbert Hunt tried but failed to corner the world market in silver. He is also a successful thoroughbred horse breeder.-Personal:Hunt was born...
.
Racing record
Racing at age two, Vaguely Noble finished second in his first two races then won his last two, including the Observer Gold CupRacing Post Trophy
The Racing Post Trophy is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late October....
by seven lengths, pulling up, to end the 1967 season. In December 1967 he was sold at auction by the Estate of Major Lionel B. Holliday, for 136,000 guineas ($342,720), a record price for a racehorse. He was purchased by Albert Yank, acting as an agent for Dr and Mrs Franklyn.
In 1968 he was sent to race in France where his conditioning was taken over by Etienne Pollet. Vaguely Noble won four of his five starts including the Prix de Guiche
Prix de Guiche
The Prix de Guiche is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 1,800 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
(by 3 lengths), Prix du Lys
Prix du Lys
The Prix du Lys is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
(by 8 lengths), Prix de Chantilly
Prix Niel
The Prix Niel is a Group 2 flat horse race in France which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September....
and France's most prestigious race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp
Hippodrome de Longchamp
The Longchamp Racecourse is a 57 hectare horse-racing facility located on the Route des Tribunes in the Bois de Boulogne at Paris, France. Built on the banks of the Seine River, it is used for flat racing and is noted for its variety of interlaced tracks and a famous hill that provides a real...
defeating the brilliant Derby Stakes winner, Sir Ivor
Sir Ivor
Sir Ivor was an American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse who competed from a base in Ireland. Owned by American businessman and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Raymond R...
. http://www.chef-de-race.com/classic_winners/arc_de_triomphe/vaguely_noble.htm Vaguely Noble, Ribot
Ribot
Ribot may refer to:* Alexandre Ribot , four times Prime Minister of France* Hugo Ribot , pioneer surgeon and gynecologist* John Ribot Australian sports administrator and former rugby league international...
, and Sea Bird
Sea Bird II
Sea Bird II is considered by many to be the greatest post-war European flat racehorse. His Timeform rating of 145 is still the highest ever flat figure awarded by that publication. Sea Bird II is most famous for his breathtaking victories in two of Europe's most prestigious races: the Epsom Derby...
were generally considered to be the three greatest winners of the world's premier race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Vaguely Noble was regarded as one of the best European gallopers of the post World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
-era after winning six of his nine starts in England and France for the equivalent of US$366,647 in prize-money, and earned a Timeform rating of 140.
In 1968 a 25% share in Vaguely Noble was acquired for $1.25 million by John R. Gaines of Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky and the 63rd largest in the US. Known as the "Thoroughbred City" and the "Horse Capital of the World", it is located in the heart of Kentucky's Bluegrass region...
to make this a world record stallion syndication valuation of $5 million. Vaguely Noble was sent to stand at stud
Horse breeding
Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses...
at Gainesway Farm
Gainesway Farm
Gainesway Farm is an American Thoroughbred horse breeding business in Lexington, Kentucky. It was originally called Greentree Farms.The 1,500 acre property has been home to sires such as Youth and Exceller and numerous others who are buried on the property...
in Lexington.
Stud record
Highly successful, he sired 70 graded stakes raceGraded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
winners, and was the broodmare sire of more than 165 stakes winners. In 1973 and 1974 he was the Leading sire in GB & Ireland, mostly due to the victories of his great daughter, Dahlia. Vaguely Noble placed second in 1977 to Bold Ruler
Bold Ruler
Bold Ruler was an American Thoroughbred Hall of Fame racehorse.Bred by the Wheatley Stable of Gladys Mills Phipps, Bold Ruler was foaled on April 6, 1954 at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky to Nasrullah and Miss Disco by Discovery...
with 263 starters earning the equivalent of US$5,293,153 in Europe and North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. Vaguely Noble was also the leading broodmare sire in 1982.
His most important progeny included:
- DahliaDahlia (horse)Dahlia was an American-bred Hall of Fame Thoroughbred racemare who won major races in France, England, Ireland, Canada, and the United States...
(15 wins, US$1,532,442, inc. Benson and Hedges Gold CupInternational StakesThe International Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 88 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
- twice, Washington, D.C. International Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes - twice; Eclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf HorseEclipse Award for Outstanding Female Turf HorseThe American Champion Female Turf Horse award is an American Thoroughbred horse racing honor. It is part of the Eclipse Awards program and is awarded annually to a female horse for her performance on grass race courses....
and was inducted into the United States Racing Hall of FameNational Museum of Racing and Hall of FameThe National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1950 in Saratoga Springs, New York, to honor the achievements of American thoroughbred race horses, jockeys, and trainers...
, etc]]. - El Cuite (won Prix Royal-OakPrix Royal-OakThe Prix Royal-Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late October.-History:The event was established in 1861, and it was initially...
, Gran Premio d' Italia) - EmperyEmperyEmpery was a British racehorse best known for winning the Epsom Derby. Bred and raced by Texas oilman, Nelson Bunker Hunt,...
, 1976 Epsom DerbyEpsom DerbyThe Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
winner - Estrapade (Santa Ana HandicapSanta Ana HandicapThe Santa Ana Handicap is a Thoroughbred horse race run at annually Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California during the third week of March. The race is open to fillies and mares, age four and up, willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the turf....
, Arlington MillionArlington MillionThe Arlington Million is a Grade 1 flathorse race in the United States for thoroughbred horses aged three years and upward. It is raced over a distance of 1¼ miles on the turf at Arlington Park, Arlington Heights, Illinois in August each year...
and Oak Tree Invitational Stakes) - ExcellerExcellerExceller is widely considered one of the best horses to race in the United States not to win a year-end championship. Despite his exemplary achievements as a racehorse, and his unique accomplishment in being the only horse to ever defeat two Triple Crown winners in the same race , Exceller is now...
(15 wins, US$1,654,002 inc. Prix du LysPrix du LysThe Prix du Lys is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
, Grand Prix de ParisGrand Prix de ParisThe Grand Prix de Paris is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July.-History:...
, Prix Royal-OakPrix Royal-OakThe Prix Royal-Oak is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 3,100 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late October.-History:The event was established in 1861, and it was initially...
, Coronation CupCoronation CupThe Coronation Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
, Grand Prix de Saint-CloudGrand Prix de Saint-CloudThe Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June.-History:...
, Canadian International StakesCanadian International StakesThe Canadian International Stakes is a $2 million Grade I Canadian stakes race on Turf for thoroughbred racehorses three years of age and up held annually in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario....
, Hollywood Gold CupHollywood Gold CupThe Hollywood Gold Cup is an American Grade I stakes race for thoroughbred horses inaugurated in 1938 at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California. It was run as a handicap race until 1997 when it was switched to weight-for-age conditions...
, Hollywood Invitational Turf Handicap etc.) - Friendswood (Gran Premio del Jockey ClubGran Premio del Jockey ClubThe Gran Premio del Jockey Club is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at San Siro, Milan, over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.Past winners of the event include Tenerani and...
and Premio Lydia TesioPremio Lydia TesioThe Premio Lydia Tesio is a Group 1 flat horse race in Italy which is open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Capannelle, Rome, over a distance of 2,000 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.The event is named in honour of Lydia...
) - Jet Ski Lady ( Epsom Oaks Stakes)
- Lemhi GoldLemhi GoldLemhi Gold was an American Thoroughbred Champion racehorse. Bred and raced by Eugene, Oregon lumberman Aaron U. Jones and his wife, Marie, he was sired by Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, Vaguely Noble, who also sired the superstar filly, Dahlia...
(8 wins, US$1,110445 inc. Jockey Club Gold CupJockey Club Gold CupThe Jockey Club Gold Cup, established in 1919, is a prestigious thoroughbred flat race open to horses of either gender three-years-old and up. It is typically the main event of the fall meeting at Belmont Park, just as the Belmont Stakes is of the spring meeting and the Travers Stakes is of the...
, Marlboro Cup Invitational HandicapMarlboro Cup Invitational HandicapThe Marlboro Cup Invitational Handicap was a Thoroughbred horse race first run in September 1973 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. A Grade 1 race for horses 3 years old and up, it was raced over a distance of 1 1/8 miles on a dirt track....
and 1982 American Champion Older Male Horse etc.) - Noble Bijou (USA) exported to New ZealandNew ZealandNew Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
where he sired 59 stakeswinners that had 157 stakeswins.
Vaguely Noble died in 1989 at the age of 24 and was buried in the equine cemetery at Gainesway Farm.