Planet (1855–1875) was a racehorse and U.S. Racing Hall of Fame inductee who, after Lexington, was considered the best horse before the

American Civil War The American Civil War (April 12, 1861 – May 26, 1865; also known by other names) was a civil war in the United States. It was fought between the Union ("the North") and the Confederacy ("the South"), the latter formed by states th ...

. He set a record for prize money earnings which stood for 20 years. (He earned $1,915,334.25 adjusted by inflation.)

Appearance

Turf writer John Hervey described him as "a rich chestnut, 15.2½ (hands) tall, he was remarkable for his symmetry of mould and the excellence of his limbs" As well as that this majestic look was also implied by his nickname, The Great Red Fox.

Racing career

In his career, Planet showed his durability and versatility by winning in multiple eastern states including Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana, and New York. He won 27 times in 31 starts defeating the best horses the late 1850s had to offer.

Stud career

Most of his time as a stud was adversely affected because of the

. Sires had to be hidden in the woods in order for them to be safe. In 1868 he was sold to Robert A. Alexander of Woodburn Farm in

Woodford County, Kentucky Woodford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,871. Its county seat is Versailles. The area was home to Pisgah Academy. Woodford County is part of the Lexington-Fayette, KY Metrop ...

. He spent the rest of his life there before his death at age 20. Planet was inducted into the

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was founded in 1950 in Saratoga Springs, New York, to honor the achievements of American Thoroughbred race horses, jockeys, and trainers. In 1955, the museum moved to its current location on Union Av ...

in 2012.

References

{{reflist 1855 racehorse births 1875 racehorse deaths United States Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame inductees