| This is the site where the first 300 years of
evolution of the Standardbred is to be highlighted. It starts with the mighty four sires Axworthy, Bingen, McKinney and Peter the Great. Around the turn of the 20th century, they took an active part in the creation of the modern Standardbred. Then it goes down in the 19th century to the father of them all - Hambletonian. The year before the birth of The United States of America, Messenger arrives from the Old World. He was a representative of the Sport of Kings - thoroughbred racing. At that time the popularity of the Narragansett Pacer was at its highlight. Messengers bloodlines goes all the way back to the thoroughbred foundation sires in the early 18th century - The Byerly Turk, The Darley Arabian and The Godolphin Arabian. I would like to add something about the Narragansett Pacers origin in Europe; the Irish Hobbie, the Scottish Galloway and the Dutch Harddriver. Also the Norfolk Trotter is an interest of mine. Hints about websites to visit or literature to read in these matters are welcome. Mail me or use the feedback form, please! Every effort has been made to contact the holders of copyright material, but if any have been inadvertently overlooked I shall be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity. |