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Field of race horses at the clubhouse turn during the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky May 5, 2007. Thoroughbred horse racing
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Messenger
Messenger Messenger, portrait by George Stubbs.

Messenger

American racehorse
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History

Messenger, (foaled 1780), racehorse who, though a Thoroughbred who sired many successful Thoroughbred (flat) racers, was most important as the foundation sire of the Standardbred (harness racehorse) breed. A son of Mambrino and grandson of Matchem, he was foaled in England but was taken to Philadelphia in 1788. His descendants became known for their trotting ability, and his great-grandson Hambletonian is the ancestor of most modern trotters.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.