Won 6 of 8 starts on the flat as a three-year-old; record over the jumps unknown. (Won several hurdle races, per obit, NY Times 9-12-1886). Won hurdle race at Lexington on 5-17-1870. 3yo: 2nd Sequel Stk (Saratoga dash; to RUTHLESS). 1870: 3rd Jerome Pk 'chase.
US leading general sire 1885
First stallion to sire three winners of the Kentucky Derby: Vagrant in 1876, Hindoo in 1881, and Ben Ali in 1886
Started stud career more or less by accident due to the illness of Sanford's main stallion. Gave to Benjamin Bruce, re-purchased for $2,000 when Vagrant (won KY Derby) emerged from that first crop. Sanford kept the horse for the remainder of his life, once refused an offer of $25,000 (a large sum at the time) for him. He reportedly set a price of $60,000 on Virgil.
Died on Sept. 9, 1886 at Elmendorf Stud