Although he was foaled in France, Sweeper II was conceived in the United States and was part of the tide of American horses sent to Europe as a result of the New York racing blackout of 1911-1913. He won the classic Two Thousand Guineas but was not an outstanding runner despite his Classic success. He was not an outstanding sire either, though he made a notable contribution to the Thoroughbred through his important producing daughter Frizeur.
Race record
11 starts, 3 wins
1911:
1912:
Assessments
Ranked fourth among English-based 2-year-old males of 1911.
As an individual
A golden chestnut horse, Sweeper II was a lengthy animal with a dipped back. He had excellent legs and action. Although he started favorite for the Derby Stakes, he was unplaced in the running, and review of his overall record suggests that he simply did not stay the distance in top company.
As a stallion
According to Great Thoroughbred Sires of the World (Churchill, Reichard and Rogers), Sweeper II sired 11 stakes winners.
Notable progeny
Frizeur (FR), Osmand (USA)
Connections
Sweeper II was bred and owned by Herman Duryea. He was trained by Atty Persse. He entered stud in France. After Duryea's death, his widow eventually leased Sweeper II to George Widener, who stood the horse in Kentucky. In 1923, Sweeper II was stricken by paralysis and died within 24 hours.
Pedigree notes
Sweeper II is inbred 5x5 to the great 19th-century foundation mare Queen Mary. While he was conceived in the United States, his dam Ravallo II was sent to France while carrying him. She had previously produced 1907 Travers Stakes winner Frank Gill (by Collar) and 1913 Saratoga Cup winner Sam Jackson (by Garry Herrmann), a very good record for a mare who had been sold for the equivalent of £120 following her importation.
Ravello II never raced and was produced from the Uncas mare Unco Guid, a non-winner. Unco Guid, in turn, is out of the Fitzroland mare Genuine and is a half-sister to Glenrosa (by Blair Athol), whose great-granddaugher Torpenhow founded a notable family in the United States.
Fun facts
Race record
11 starts, 3 wins
1911:
- Won Triennial Stakes (ENG, Ascot)
- Won Richmond Stakes (ENG, 6FT, Goodwood)
- 2nd Middle Park Plate (ENG, 6FT, Newmarket)
- 3rd July Stakes (ENG, 6FT, Newmarket)
1912:
- Won Two Thousand Guineas (ENG, 8FT, Newmarket)
- 2nd St. James's Palace Stakes (ENG, 8FT, Ascot)
- 2nd Dullingham Plate (ENG, Newmarket)
- 2nd Sussex Stakes (ENG, 8FT, Goodwood)
- 2nd Triennial Stakes (ENG, Ascot)
Assessments
Ranked fourth among English-based 2-year-old males of 1911.
As an individual
A golden chestnut horse, Sweeper II was a lengthy animal with a dipped back. He had excellent legs and action. Although he started favorite for the Derby Stakes, he was unplaced in the running, and review of his overall record suggests that he simply did not stay the distance in top company.
As a stallion
According to Great Thoroughbred Sires of the World (Churchill, Reichard and Rogers), Sweeper II sired 11 stakes winners.
Notable progeny
Frizeur (FR), Osmand (USA)
Connections
Sweeper II was bred and owned by Herman Duryea. He was trained by Atty Persse. He entered stud in France. After Duryea's death, his widow eventually leased Sweeper II to George Widener, who stood the horse in Kentucky. In 1923, Sweeper II was stricken by paralysis and died within 24 hours.
Pedigree notes
Sweeper II is inbred 5x5 to the great 19th-century foundation mare Queen Mary. While he was conceived in the United States, his dam Ravallo II was sent to France while carrying him. She had previously produced 1907 Travers Stakes winner Frank Gill (by Collar) and 1913 Saratoga Cup winner Sam Jackson (by Garry Herrmann), a very good record for a mare who had been sold for the equivalent of £120 following her importation.
Ravello II never raced and was produced from the Uncas mare Unco Guid, a non-winner. Unco Guid, in turn, is out of the Fitzroland mare Genuine and is a half-sister to Glenrosa (by Blair Athol), whose great-granddaugher Torpenhow founded a notable family in the United States.
Fun facts
- Although Sweeper II was foaled in France, he was sent to England with his dam when only a few days old so that she could be mated to Collar. Because he did not return until after he was 18 months old, he was considered a “foreign” horse under the French rules of racing then in force and was ineligible for French races other than those designated as open to international runners.