Lexington in a Landscape

Bred in Kentucky by Elisha Warfield in 1849, Lexington was by Boston out of Alice Carneal. Leased by a local trainer and former slave named Burbridge's Harry, Lexington won two races before being sold to Richard ten Broeck for $2,500 and sent to New Orleans where he raced successfully winning the State Post Stakes in straight heats. He set a record against time on 2 April 1855 when he covered four miles in 7 minutes and 19 seconds. He was returned to Kentucky to stand at stud, where in 1856 he was purchased by Robert Alexander and moved to Woodburn Farm. He was the leading American sire sixteen years and remains one of the important foundation sires both in America and England. His skeleton is preserved in the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.