Used by permission of Quarter Horse Record (Susan Larkin).
Waterboy is little remembered now but made one of the great comebacks in American racing history after colliding with a loose horse at Morris Park as a 3-year-old and suffering an injury variously reported as a fractured pelvis or a dislocated hip. Most owners would probably have had the unaccomplished colt put down, but Waterboy was a favorite of owner-breeder James Ben Ali Haggin, who was determined to save him. Waterboy spent three months in a sling and not only got back to the races but was so much improved that he is considered the co-champion American older male of 1903. His stud career was much less distinguished.
Race record
16 starts, 7 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds, US$53,950
1903:
Honors
American co-champion older male (1903)
As an individual
A strongly-made, coarse-headed brown horse, Waterboy reportedly strode 27 feet. He was injured in the fall of his 4-year-old season and was not the same horse at 5.
As a stallion
According to Clio Hogan's Index to Stakes Winners 1865-1967, Waterboy sired eight stakes winners.
Notable progeny
Waterblossom (USA)
Connections
Foaled in California, Waterboy was bred and owned by James Ben Ali Haggin. He was trained by Andrew Joyner. Waterboy entered stud at Haggin's Kentucky operation, Elmendorf Farm, in 1905. He died of heat stroke in 1913.
Pedigree notes
Waterboy is inbred 4x5 to dual English Classic winner and seven-time English leading sire Stockwell, 4x5 to 1851 St. Leger Stakes winner and two-time English leading sire Newminster, 5x4 to multiple English stakes winner The Libel and 5x5 to 1844 Derby Stakes winner and three-time English leading sire Orlando. He is a half brother to Australina (by Montana), dam of juvenile stakes winner Wessie B. (by King James). Waterboy's dam Zealandia is out of the Alarm mare Roke, who produced nothing else of any importance and is out of the similarly undistinguished Rokee (by Waverly), a half sister to multiple stakes winner Banburg (by King Ban).
Race record
16 starts, 7 wins, 2 seconds, 3 thirds, US$53,950
1903:
- Won Brighton Handicap (USA, 10FD, Brighton Beach; new world record 2:03-1/5)
- Won Century Handicap (USA, 12FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- Won Suburban Renewal (USA, 10FD, Sheepshead Bay)
- Won Saratoga Handicap (USA, 10FD, Saratoga)
- 3rd Saratoga Cup (USA, 14FD, Saratoga)
Honors
American co-champion older male (1903)
As an individual
A strongly-made, coarse-headed brown horse, Waterboy reportedly strode 27 feet. He was injured in the fall of his 4-year-old season and was not the same horse at 5.
As a stallion
According to Clio Hogan's Index to Stakes Winners 1865-1967, Waterboy sired eight stakes winners.
Notable progeny
Waterblossom (USA)
Connections
Foaled in California, Waterboy was bred and owned by James Ben Ali Haggin. He was trained by Andrew Joyner. Waterboy entered stud at Haggin's Kentucky operation, Elmendorf Farm, in 1905. He died of heat stroke in 1913.
Pedigree notes
Waterboy is inbred 4x5 to dual English Classic winner and seven-time English leading sire Stockwell, 4x5 to 1851 St. Leger Stakes winner and two-time English leading sire Newminster, 5x4 to multiple English stakes winner The Libel and 5x5 to 1844 Derby Stakes winner and three-time English leading sire Orlando. He is a half brother to Australina (by Montana), dam of juvenile stakes winner Wessie B. (by King James). Waterboy's dam Zealandia is out of the Alarm mare Roke, who produced nothing else of any importance and is out of the similarly undistinguished Rokee (by Waverly), a half sister to multiple stakes winner Banburg (by King Ban).