Best known as the only horse to force the immortal Man o' War to extend himself in a truly run race, John P. Grier was clearly the second best American 3-year-old male of 1920. He did not get the best of stud opportunities but was a good sire nonetheless. Unfortunately, his fastest son, Boojum, was severely subfertile, but he sired a good stallion in Jack High and had some influence through his daughters as well--especially Miyako, who became the second dam of the great Native Dancer.
Race record
17 starts, 10 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds, US$37,003
1919:
1920:
1921:
Assessments
Ranked second among American 3-year-old males of 1920 by The Blood-Horse.
Ranked eighth among American older males of 1921 by The Blood-Horse.
As an individual
A chestnut, John P. Grier was a finely made animal but slightly long-backed and light-coupled. He often passed these traits to his progeny. Extant photographs suggest that he had sickle hocks as well.
As a stallion
According to Jockey Club records, John P. Grier sired 160 winners (60.4%) and 27 stakes winners (10.2%) from 265 named foals.
Notable progeny
Atlantis (USA), Boojum (USA), El Chico (USA), Jack High (USA), Marching Home (USA)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, John P. Grier was bred and owned by Harry Payne Whitney. He was trained by James Rowe, Sr. John P. Grier stood in New Jersey at F. Wallace Armstrong's Meadowview Farms.
Pedigree notes
John P. Grier is inbred 5x4 to 1875 Derby Stakes winner Galopin, a three-time English champion sire, and 5x5 to the important 19th-century American sire Alarm. He is a full brother to Miss Whisk, dam of Matron Stakes winner Dustmall and the minor stakes winner Sassafras (both by Chicle) and second dam of 1946 American champion 2-year-old filly First Flight and 1935 Hopeful Stakes winner Red Rain. John P. Grier is also a half brother to 1917 Adirondack Handicap winner Happy Go Lucky (by Hamburg).
John P. Grier's dam Wonder never raced. She is a half sister to 1910 American champion 2-year-old male Novelty (by Kingston), a four-time champion sire in Brazil. She is out of Curiosity (by Voter), whose dam Pink Domino (by Domino) also produced two-time American champion Sweep, stakes winner Philander and their full sister Swan Song, second dam of 1938 Travers Stakes winner Thanksgiving (all by Ben Brush).
Fun facts
Race record
17 starts, 10 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds, US$37,003
1919:
- 2nd Futurity Stakes (USA, 6FD, Belmont)
1920:
- Won Aqueduct Handicap (USA, 10.5FD, Aqueduct; new track record 2:12)
- Won Edgemere Handicap (USA, 9FD, Aqueduct)
- Won Annapolis Handicap (USA, 12FD, Laurel)
- 2nd Dwyer Stakes (USA, 9FD, Aqueduct; second of 2)
- 3rd Travers Stakes (USA, 10FD, Saratoga; third of 3)
1921:
- Won Queens County Handicap (USA, 8FD, Aqueduct; equaled track record 1:36)
Assessments
Ranked second among American 3-year-old males of 1920 by The Blood-Horse.
Ranked eighth among American older males of 1921 by The Blood-Horse.
As an individual
A chestnut, John P. Grier was a finely made animal but slightly long-backed and light-coupled. He often passed these traits to his progeny. Extant photographs suggest that he had sickle hocks as well.
As a stallion
According to Jockey Club records, John P. Grier sired 160 winners (60.4%) and 27 stakes winners (10.2%) from 265 named foals.
Notable progeny
Atlantis (USA), Boojum (USA), El Chico (USA), Jack High (USA), Marching Home (USA)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, John P. Grier was bred and owned by Harry Payne Whitney. He was trained by James Rowe, Sr. John P. Grier stood in New Jersey at F. Wallace Armstrong's Meadowview Farms.
Pedigree notes
John P. Grier is inbred 5x4 to 1875 Derby Stakes winner Galopin, a three-time English champion sire, and 5x5 to the important 19th-century American sire Alarm. He is a full brother to Miss Whisk, dam of Matron Stakes winner Dustmall and the minor stakes winner Sassafras (both by Chicle) and second dam of 1946 American champion 2-year-old filly First Flight and 1935 Hopeful Stakes winner Red Rain. John P. Grier is also a half brother to 1917 Adirondack Handicap winner Happy Go Lucky (by Hamburg).
John P. Grier's dam Wonder never raced. She is a half sister to 1910 American champion 2-year-old male Novelty (by Kingston), a four-time champion sire in Brazil. She is out of Curiosity (by Voter), whose dam Pink Domino (by Domino) also produced two-time American champion Sweep, stakes winner Philander and their full sister Swan Song, second dam of 1938 Travers Stakes winner Thanksgiving (all by Ben Brush).
Fun facts
- When Aqueduct Racetrack was renovated in 1956-1959, the eighth pole that had marked the moment of truth in John P. Grier's epic Dwyer Stakes duel with Man o' War was preserved and carefully installed at its proper place in the new plant.
