Bobby Jeans, the groom, at the reins of Buckpasser
print by Richard Stone Reeves
NMR Collection

In 1966 it was generally agreed that Buckpasser had the finest conformation, or physical appearance, that anyone had ever seen in a Thoroughbred.

A homebred for Ogden Phipps, the bay colt was sired by Tom Fool out of the mare Busanda, by War Admiral. When Bill Winfrey retired from training for the Phipps family, Edward Neloy took over Buckpasser's conditioning.

Buckpasser was a champion in all three of his campaigns, despite quarter cracks at 3 and at 4 that kept him from several important races, including the classics. Buckpasser's juvenile record included victories in the Sapling, Hopeful, and Champagne.

Buckpasser came in second in his first race at 3, but was undefeated for the remainder of the year. He won the Travers, American Derby, Arlington Classic (setting a world record), Woodward, Brooklyn, Jockey Club Gold Cup, and Lawrence Realization.

Buckpasser's record was so impressive, betting windows were closed when he ran in the Flamingo, temporarily renamed the "Chicken" Flamingo. At 4 Buckpasser overcame a quarter crack to win the San Fernando, Metropolitan, and Suburban.

When his racing career ended, Buckpasser was syndicated for a then-record $150,000 per share and became a leading broodmare sire. He produced champions Numbered Account and La Prevoyante. Buckpasser was leading broodmare sire in 1983, 84, and 89.

Buckpasser was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1970.

Buckpasser leading in the 1967 Suburban Handicap
©N.Y.R.A.\Bob Coglianese