Hambletonian was sold as a colt to William Rysdryk, Chester, New York State. Mr. Rysdryk was at the time one of Mr. Seely's employees.

At two Hambletonian started his career as a sire.

Hambletonian himself gave a powerful impression. There were great depth at the hart and a large heavily muscled chest. Lorn and hindquarters were heavily muscled too. The stride was great and the action elastic. Because of his look, (pretty is as pretty does); he was often called “Rysdyk's Big Bull”.

By groom Guy Miller, Hambletonian's progeny are described as: “...good looking, good gaited and most desirable...”

His color was mahogany bay with black legs, a small star and both hind ankles white. He was 1,56 m (15.1 hands) tall at the withers and 1,61 m (15.3 hands) at the hips. He was 1,66 m (16.1 hands) long.

He became the father of 1 331 foals.

At Sugar Loaf a bronze plaque marks his birthplace since 1935. In 1893 there was a monument made by granite placed upon his grave, on Hambletonian Avenue, Chester, New York State.