Goldfinch was the lesser of two important racers and sires to emerge from the seven foals of the great Ormonde's first crop, the other being the first-rate Orme. Goldfinch was not in Orme's class, but he was a good juvenile in England. His first English crop contained the Classic winner and great taproot mare Chelandry, and he later sired several good runners and broodmares in the United States.
Race record
2 wins, £2,464
1891:
As an individual
Goldfinch was a lengthy bay horse with a well-laid shoulder and a long, strong hip. He was a good juvenile but failed to train on at 3. According to Sir Charles Leicester (Bloodstock Breeding), he was unsound in his wind.
As a stallion
Goldfinch sired 12 stakes winners according to Clio Hogan's Index to Stakes Winners 1865-1967. He peaked at seventh on the American general sire list in 1904, his only ranking among the top 10.
Notable progeny
Chelandry (GB), Old England (USA), Tradition (USA)
Connections
Goldfinch was bred and owned by Lord Alington. He was imported to the USA in 1894 by James Ben Ali Haggin, who paid 4,000 guineas for him. In the United States, Goldfinch stood at Haggin's Rancho del Paso in California until that stud was dispersed in 1905 and Haggin concentrated his operation in Kentucky. Goldfinch died at Haggin's Elmendorf Stud in April 1914.
Pedigree notes
Goldfinch is inbred 4x4 to 1845 Doncaster Cup winner Sweetmeat and 5x5 to the good English sire Pantaloon and the important 19th-century matron Banter. He is a half brother to 1891 English Triple Crown winner Common (by Isonomy) and to 1894 St. Leger Stakes winner Throstle (by Petrarch). His dam Thistle won the Findon Stakes at Goodwood as a juvenile and is out of The Flower Safety, by 1855 Derby Stakes winner Wild Dayrell.
Fun facts
Last updated: May 7, 2024
Race record
2 wins, £2,464
1891:
- Won New Stakes (ENG, 5FT, Ascot)
- Won Biennial Stakes (ENG, Ascot)
- 2nd July Stakes (ENG, 6FT, Newmarket)
As an individual
Goldfinch was a lengthy bay horse with a well-laid shoulder and a long, strong hip. He was a good juvenile but failed to train on at 3. According to Sir Charles Leicester (Bloodstock Breeding), he was unsound in his wind.
As a stallion
Goldfinch sired 12 stakes winners according to Clio Hogan's Index to Stakes Winners 1865-1967. He peaked at seventh on the American general sire list in 1904, his only ranking among the top 10.
Notable progeny
Chelandry (GB), Old England (USA), Tradition (USA)
Connections
Goldfinch was bred and owned by Lord Alington. He was imported to the USA in 1894 by James Ben Ali Haggin, who paid 4,000 guineas for him. In the United States, Goldfinch stood at Haggin's Rancho del Paso in California until that stud was dispersed in 1905 and Haggin concentrated his operation in Kentucky. Goldfinch died at Haggin's Elmendorf Stud in April 1914.
Pedigree notes
Goldfinch is inbred 4x4 to 1845 Doncaster Cup winner Sweetmeat and 5x5 to the good English sire Pantaloon and the important 19th-century matron Banter. He is a half brother to 1891 English Triple Crown winner Common (by Isonomy) and to 1894 St. Leger Stakes winner Throstle (by Petrarch). His dam Thistle won the Findon Stakes at Goodwood as a juvenile and is out of The Flower Safety, by 1855 Derby Stakes winner Wild Dayrell.
Fun facts
- Goldfinch's name may be related to the fact that thistle seeds are one of the favorite foods of the goldfinch, a small songbird native to most of North America.
Last updated: May 7, 2024