Tuscalee (MD)

Tuscalee earned a special place in North American steeplechasing history by setting records for the most wins in a single year (10) and career (37).

Tuscalee (National Steeplechase Association)
Inducted

2013

Foaled

1960

Sire

Tuscany

Dam

Verna Lee

Damsire

British Buddy

Breeder

Alfred H. Smith

Owner

Alfred H. Smith

Trainer

Joe Aitcheson, Sr.

Career

1963-1972

Earnings

$130,917

Racing Record

89

Starts

Year Starts First Second Third Earnings
Year Sts 1 2 3 $
1963 4 1 1 1 $1080 $1,080
1964 12 8 1 1 $9375 $9,375
1965 11 2 2 2 $7411 $7,411
1966 13 10 2 0 $40534 $40,534
1967 5 3 0 1 $16131 $16,131
1968 7 4 0 1 $26192 $26,192
1969 4 1 0 0 $1625 $1,625
1970 11 4 3 2 $12775 $12,775
1971 11 4 4 2 $7756 $7,756
1972 11 2 1 0 $8038 $8,038

Biography

Tuscalee earned a special place in North American steeplechasing history by setting records for the most wins in a single year (10) and career (37).

Bred in Maryland by Alfred H. Smith, Tuscalee was a 15.3-hand bay gelding by Tuscany out of the British Buddy mare Verna Lee. Owned by Smith and trained by Joe Aitcheson, Sr., Tuscalee raced from 1963 through 1972. His regular rider was Hall of Fame jockey Joe Aitcheson, Jr.

“Tuscalee was a grand horse who would run his heart out,” said Aitcheson, Jr. “He was one of the greats.”

Tuscalee was named Champion Steeplechase Horse by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations in 1966 when he posted a record of 10-2-0 from 13 starts. High weights never seemed to bother Tuscalee, as he won with imposts of 167 pounds at Montpelier in Virginia and 165 pounds at Fair Hill in Maryland during his championship season.

In 1972, Tuscalee posted his 37th and final steeplechase victory in the National Hunt Cup at Radnor, Pennsylvania, at the age of 12. Other major victories for Tuscalee included two editions of both the Georgetown Steeplechase Handicap and the Indian River Steeplechase. He also won the Midsummer Hurdle, Clark Cup, and Manly Steeplechase Handicap.

Overall, including some flat racing, Tuscalee finished his career with a record of 39-14-10 from 89 starts and earnings of $130,917.

Achievements

Champion Steeplechase Horse — 1966 (Thoroughbred Racing Associations)

Notable

Won the National Hunt Cup — 1966, 1969, 1972
Won the Georgetown Steeplechase Handicap — 1966, 1967
Won the Indian River Steeplechase Handicap — 1967, 1968
Won the Piedmont Hunt Cup — 1966
Won the Tom Roby Steeplechase — 1966
Won the Midsummer Hurdle Handicap — 1966
Won the Fair Hill Steeplechase Handicap — 1966
Won the Manly Steeplechase Handicap — 1966
Won the Noel Laing Steeplechase — 1966
Won the Clark Cup Steeplechase Handicap — 1968
Won the National Steeplechase Stakes — 1970
— Set records for most steeplechase victories in a year (10) and career (37)

Horse Profile for Tuscalee | Equibase is Your Official Source for Thoroughbred Racing Information

 

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