NMR Collection

Foaled in 1905, Colin was a homebred for James R. Keene. Keene's brown colt was sired by Commando out of the mare Pastorella, by Springfield. Trainer James Rowe, Sr. once said that he hoped his epitaph would read, "He trained Colin."

Long considered one of the greatest horses of the 20th century, Colin was never beaten during his two years of racing.

At 2 Colin won The Futurity, Great Trial (carrying 129 pounds), Saratoga Special, Flatbush, broke Belmont's five furlong record in the National Stallion, and established an American record for seven furlongs in the Champagne. His only close win was the Eclipse Stakes, won by a head. At 3 Colin won the Withers, defeated Fair Play by a nose in the Belmont, and won the Tidal Stakes. At four Colin was shipped to England but did not race. He was retired to stud there.

A shy breeder, Colin sired only 81 foals in 23 crops here and in England. However, 14% of his foals were stakes winners, which is a good record.

Colin was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1956.

Colin with James Notter up
©Keeneland-Cook