Challedon (MD)

Horse of the Year in 1939 and 1940, Challedon was bred in Maryland by William L. Brann and Robert S. Castle and campaigned under their Brancastle Farm banner. 

Challedon (Eddie Arcaro up) in the winner's circle for the 1939 Pimlico Special (Keeneland Library Morgan Collection/Museum Collection)
Inducted

1977

Foaled

1936

Sire

Challenger II

Dam

Laura Gal

Damsire

Sir Gallahad III

Breeder

William L. Brann
Robert S. Castle

Owner

Branncastle Farm

Trainer

Louis J. Schaefer
Don Cameron
L. T. Whitehall

Career

1938-1942

Earnings

$334,660

Racing Record

44

Starts

Year Starts First Second Third Earnings
Year Sts 1 2 3 $
1938 6 4 0 1 $67700 $67,700
1939 15 9 2 3 $184535 $184,535
1940 7 5 1 1 $70600 $70,600
1941 3 0 0 0 $0 $0
1942 13 2 4 1 $11825 $11,825

Biography

Horse of the Year in 1939 and 1940, Challedon was bred in Maryland by William L. Brann and Robert S. Castle and campaigned under their Brancastle Farm banner. 

As a 2-year-old in 1938, Challedon won the Pimlico, Maryland, and New England futurities and finished his season with a record of 4-0-1 and earnings of $67,700 from seven starts.

At 3, Challedon won nine stakes races, including the Preakness, Arlington Classic, Hawthorne Gold Cup, Havre de Grace Handicap, Narragansett Special, Pimlico Special, and Yankee Handicap. He also set a world record in the Tranter Purse at Keeneland. With a record of 9-2-3 and earnings of $184,535 from 15 starts, Challedon was named Horse of the Year.

Challedon repeated as Horse of the Year in 1940. His wins that year included the Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney Handicap, Havre de Grace Handicap, and Pimlico Special. He concluded his season with a record of 5-1-1 and earnings of $70,600 from seven starts.

As a 5-year-old, Challedon battled injuries and was winless in three races. He returned at age 6 in 1942 and won twice, including the Philadelphia Handicap. He was then retired with a lifetime record of 20-7-6 and earnings of $334,660 from 44 starts.

Challedon sired 13 stakes winners before his death at the age of 22 in 1958.

Achievements

Triple Crown Highlights

Won the Preakness Stakes — 1939

Media

Support the Museum, Become A Member
Become A Member