Silver Spoon (KY)

Biography

Bred and campaigned by C. V. Whitney and trained for most of his career by Hall of Famer Robert L. Wheeler, Silver Spoon dominated her own division on the West Coast for two years while also defeating good colts on multiple occasions.

The champion 3-year-old filly of 1959, Silver Spoon was a chestnut daughter of Triple Crown winner Citation out of the Mahmoud mare Silver Fog. Silver Spoon developed a faulty gait early in her life as the result of being kicked in the hip by another horse, causing some speculation she would be unable to stand training.

Nevertheless, Silver Spoon won both of her starts as a 2-year-old in 1958 and extended her win streak to six as a sophomore. She won the La Centinela, Santa Ynez, and Santa Susana stakes before defeating colts in the Santa Anita Derby, including eventual Preakness winner Royal Orbit. Silver Spoon then became the only filly between 1945 and 1980 to compete in the Kentucky Derby. She finished a credible fifth, beaten 3¼ lengths by Tomy Lee.  

Returning to California, Silver Spoon exacted a measure of revenge on Tomy Lee by defeating the Derby winner and other colts in the Cinema Handicap.

As a 4-year-old, Silver Spoon won the Santa Monica, Santa Maria, Santa Margarita, Milady, and Vanity handicaps. She was retired with a record of 13-3-4 from 27 starts and earnings of $313,930. Silver Spoon's seven foals included stakes winner Inca Queen.

Silver Spoon died at the age of 22 in 1978.

Achievements

Champion 3-Year-Old Filly — 1959