A set of memorabilia including a shoe, halter and lead shank worn by deceased stallion Mr. Prospector. Mr. Prospector is unquestionably one of the most influential sires in the history of Thoroughbred racing. Born in 1970, Mr Prospector was a part of the incredible foal crop that included Secretariat, Sham, and Forego. Mr. Prospector only raced 14 times, amassing earnings of $112,171, but in his abbreviated career he set new track records at Gulfstream Park and Garden State Park. Mr. Prospector's real mark on the racing world was made in the breeding shed, where he was a titan of the industry. Over a period of 25 seasons Mr. Prospector sired 1178 foals including an amazing 18 European and North American champions. A partial list of his most accomplished progeny include: Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, Preakness winner Tank's Prospect, and Belmont Stakes winner and Horse of the Year Conquistador Cielo. A sire of sires, the impact of Mr. Prospector is even more spectacular as he figures in the pedigrees of an impressive roster of classic winners: Victory Gallop, Real Quiet, Unbridled, Grindstone, Birdstone, Empire Maker, Red Bullet, Hansel, Timber Country, Thunder Gulch, Point Given, Smarty Jones, Commendable, Afleet Alex, Editors Note, Funny Cide, War Emblem, Lemon Drop Kid, Jazil, and the great but ill-fated Barbaro. Mr Prospector's reach continues to be felt today through his recent descendants Kentucky Derby 133 winner Street Sense and 2007 reigning Horse of the Year Curlin - both tracing back to this incredible stallion.
Mr. Prospector's Shoe is mounted on a solid walnut wood plaque. His halter with its distinguishing polished brass nameplate is in excellent condition despite being well-worn from a lengthy period of use and is accompanied by the leather and chain lead shank used solely for the pre-potent stallion. The final item in the Mr. Prospector inventory is the unique and historic gold and black paddock sign that marked Mr. Prospector's own private bluegrass kingdom at Claiborne. The shoe was obtained from Claiborne Farm on November 3, 1997 by Claiborne employee Buck Campbell. The pasture plate was removed from Mr. Prospector's paddock upon his demise in 1999 at age 29.
Racing enthusiasts the world over can appreciate the name and breeding accomplishments of Mr. Prospector. A museum quality offering, rare and historical documented artifacts such as these are unlikely to ever be repeated at auction and should be considered a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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