Avatar (horse)

Avatar (1972-1992) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 1975 Belmont Stakes. He was bred and raced by San Antonio, Texas businessman, Arthur A. Seeligson, Jr. His sire was the highly regarded Graustark whose career was cut short by injury. Grandsire Ribot was the undefeated European Champion who won back-to-back editions of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Damsire, Mount Marcy, was a son of Epsom Derby winner, Mahmoud.

1975 U.S. Triple Crown

Although he won the Grade I Santa Anita Derby under jockey Jorge Tejeira, a strong field in the 1975 Kentucky Derby saw bettors make Avatar only their fifth choice at odds of more than 11 to 1. However, under new jockey Bill Shoemaker, Avatar finished second to the heavy favorite, Foolish Pleasure while beating, among others, Frank McMahon's highly regarded colt, Diabolo (3rd), Golden Chance Farm's Master Derby (4th), as well as the second choice among bettors, Darby Dan Farm's Florida Derby winner, Prince Thou Art (6th). In the ensuing Preakness Stakes, Avatar moved with the leaders as the turned for home but faded to finish fifth behind upset winner, Master Derby.

The Belmont Stakes

After his performance in the 1³/16 mile Preakness, Avatar was sent off at 13 to 1 odds in the much longer 1½ mile Belmont Stakes. In what Sports Illustrated magazine described as "a pure and exquisite exhibition of the professional jockey at his very best," Bill Shoemaker rode Avatar to victory over runner-up Foolish Pleasure and third-place finisher, Master Derby.

Avatar returned to racing in 1976 at age four. His best results in important stakes races was a win in the 12 furlong San Luis Rey Handicap on turf, and three second-place finishes in the Hollywood Gold Cup, the Del Mar Invitational Handicap and the San Fernando Stakes.

At stud

Retired to stud for the 1977 season, Avatar was the sire of 19 stakes winners. From his daughter Avasand's mating to English Group One winner, Northern Baby, a son of Northern Dancer, came Possibly Perfect, a multiple Grade I winner and 1995 American Champion Female Turf Horse

References

• Avatar's pedigree and partial racing stats
• June 16, 1975 Sports Illustrated article on the 1975 Triple Crown races titled And Now Its Avatar
• Video at YouTube of Avatar winning the 1975 Belmont Stakes
• Avatar's offspring at Classic Runners