Whisk Broom II (KY)

Whisk Broom II raced with some distinction in England, but it was his three scintillating performances in America — becoming the first horse to sweep the New York Handicap Triple Crown — that earned him lasting acclaim.

Inducted

1979

Foaled

1907

Sire

Broomstick

Dam

Audience

Damsire

Sir Dixon

Breeder

Sam S. Brown

Owner

Harry Payne Whitney

Trainer

Andrew J. Joyner
James G. Rowe, Sr.

Career

1909-1913

Earnings

$37,931

Racing Record

26

Starts

Year	Starts	First	Second	Third	Earnings
Year	Sts	1	2	3	$
1909	5	1	2	0	$5800 $5,800
1910	7	2	2	1	$5693 $5,693
1911	5	2	1	0	$9441 $9,441
1912	6	2	2	0	$7672 $7,672
1913	3	3	0	0	$9325 $9,325

Biography

Whisk Broom II raced with some distinction in England, but it was his three scintillating performances in America — becoming the first horse to sweep the New York Handicap Triple Crown — that earned him lasting acclaim.

Bred in Kentucky at Senorita Stud Farm by Sam S. Brown, Whisk Broom II was a rich golden chestnut with great size (16.3 hands) and a powerful build. Purchased by Harry Payne Whitney, the son of Broomstick was sent to England to race as a 2-year-old with Hall of Fame trainer Andrew J. Joyner. Whisk Broom II broke his maiden in his second career, start, winning the Prince of Wales Plate at York. He enjoyed decent success in England, adding wins in the Trial Stakes at Ascot, Select Stakes at Newmarket, Salford Borough Handicap at Manchester, Peril of the Peak Handicap at Derby, and the Victoria Cup Handicap at Hurst Park.

In the spring of 1913, Whitney brought Whisk Broom II to his Brookmeade Farm in Kentucky to prepare for the Metropolitan Handicap with Hall of Fame trainer James Rowe, Sr. Carrying 126 pounds in the Metropolitan, Whisk Broom II defeated G. M. Miller by 1½ lengths. Saddled with 130 pounds in the Brooklyn Handicap, Whisk Broom II again defeated G. M. Miller by 1½ lengths. In the Suburban, Whisk Broom II delivered one the great performances in the annals of American racing. Under 139 pounds — 27 more than the runner-up — Whisk Broom II defeated Lahore by a half-length. He covered the 1¼ miles at Belmont Park in 2:00 flat, breaking every record for the distance.

Of the Suburban effort by Whisk Broom II, the Thoroughbred Record stated: “It was a test of speed, courage, and stamina, and he answered each of the questions. Though he had carried his great burden at a heartbreaking pace from the start he came again under the urging and at the end it was apparent that he would hold his advantage indefinitely. He was the master of his company.”

Retired to stud after the Suburban, Whisk Broom II sired Kentucky Derby winner Whiskery, Preakness winner Victorian, and champion colt Whiskaway. Whisk Broom II was also the damsire of Seabiscuit. Whisk Broom II died in 1928 at the age of 28.