Imported to the United States as a yearling, Herodias showed some racing ability but was far from a first-class filly. Her true importance was revealed in the breeding shed, where she threw a good stallion in Pilate and founded an influential American family.
Race record
17 starts, 5 wins, US$4,765
1918:
As an individual
A strongly-made gray mare, Herodias had powerful hindquarters, a straight hind leg and plenty of bone.
As a producer
Herodias produced nine foals. All nine started and eight were winners. Her important foals are as follow:
Connections
Herodias was bred by Sir Mark Sykes. She was owned by William R. Coe. She disappears from the American Stud Book after having been reported as barren in 1935.
Pedigree notes
Herodias is inbred 5x5x5 to 1873 Derby Stakes winner Doncaster. She is a half sister to Lemonora (by Lemberg), who won the 1921 Grand Prix de Paris but was a bad sire. Her dam Honora (by Gallinule) is out of the Saraband mare Word of Honour, whose dam Geheimniss (by Rosicrucian) won the 1882 Oaks Stakes and was regarded by trainer John Porter as the superior of her stablemate Shotover, a filly who won that year's Two Thousand Guineas and Derby Stakes against the colts. Geheimniss also produced Belomantie (by Trachenberg), winner of the 1903 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) and dam and granddam of Classic winners in Hungary, Austria and Poland, and Omladina (by Royal Hampton), third dam of 1922 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) winner Ramus.
Fun facts
Last updated: January 10, 2024
Race record
17 starts, 5 wins, US$4,765
1918:
- 2nd Schuylerville Stakes (USA, 5.5FD, Saratoga)
As an individual
A strongly-made gray mare, Herodias had powerful hindquarters, a straight hind leg and plenty of bone.
As a producer
Herodias produced nine foals. All nine started and eight were winners. Her important foals are as follow:
- Herodiade (1923, by Over There) is the second dam of 1943 Arlington Futurity winner Jezrahel, 1946 Arlington Futurity winner Cosmic Bomb and 1949 Hollywood Lassie Stakes winner Fleet Rings. She is the third dam of 1955 Garden State Stakes winner and four-time American champion broodmare sire Prince John, 1965 Display Handicap winner Brave Lad, and the good multiple stakes winner Seafes.
- Black Majesty (1927, by Black Toney) won three stakes races at ages 2 and 3.
- Pilate (1928, by Friar Rock) won the 1933 Paumonok Handicap. He became a successful sire, ranking among the top 10 American general sires six times. His best runners include 1947 champion 3-year-old male Phalanx, 1949 American co-champion sprinter Royal Governor, and the high-class Eight Thirty, a successful stallion.
- Pompalo (1930, by Pompey) produced Canadian stakes winners Grandpal (by Grandville) and Ompalo (by Sweepster).
- Crotala (1931, by Black Toney) is the second dam of 1948 Gulfstream Park Handicap winner Rampart, 1950 Gold Cup winner Greek Ship, 1948 Travers Stakes winner Ace Admiral, 1955 Suburban Handicap winner Helioscope, 1948 Choice Stakes winner Noble Hero, and 1952 Florida Derby winner Sky Ship. She is also the third dam of 1962 Hollywood Derby winner Drill Site.
- Bluebeard (1932, by Blue Larkspur; a gelding) won two stakes races as a 3-year-old.
Connections
Herodias was bred by Sir Mark Sykes. She was owned by William R. Coe. She disappears from the American Stud Book after having been reported as barren in 1935.
Pedigree notes
Herodias is inbred 5x5x5 to 1873 Derby Stakes winner Doncaster. She is a half sister to Lemonora (by Lemberg), who won the 1921 Grand Prix de Paris but was a bad sire. Her dam Honora (by Gallinule) is out of the Saraband mare Word of Honour, whose dam Geheimniss (by Rosicrucian) won the 1882 Oaks Stakes and was regarded by trainer John Porter as the superior of her stablemate Shotover, a filly who won that year's Two Thousand Guineas and Derby Stakes against the colts. Geheimniss also produced Belomantie (by Trachenberg), winner of the 1903 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) and dam and granddam of Classic winners in Hungary, Austria and Poland, and Omladina (by Royal Hampton), third dam of 1922 Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) winner Ramus.
Fun facts
- Herodias is named for the niece and wife of Herod Antipas. A daughter of one of Antipas' half brothers, she had abandoned her first husband, another half brother to Antipas and the father of her daughter Salome, to marry Antipas, and this marriage was condemned by the fiery Jewish preacher John the Baptist as being in violation of Jewish law. For this reason, Herodias hated John, whom Antipas had imprisoned but was hesitant to execute because of John's great popularity among the common people of Judea. According to the Bible, Herodias had Salome ask for the head of John the Baptist after the girl's dancing had pleased Antipas so greatly that he had vowed publicly to give her whatever she asked of him, and Antipas was forced to honor his oath by having John executed.
Last updated: January 10, 2024