Researcher (horse)

Researcher
SireTwo Smart
GrandsireTwo Punch
DamWild Magnolia
DamsireApalachee
SexGelding
Foaled2004
CountryUnited States
ColourBay
BreederVirginia Tech Foundation, Inc.
OwnerRutledge Farm
TrainerJeff Runco
Record27: 13-6-2
Earnings$1,379,379
Major wins
Charles Town Classic (2009, 2010)
Awards
2009 Champion Virginia-bred Older Male

Researcher (foaled May 5, 2004, in Virginia) is a Thoroughbred racehorse who competed mostly in the United States. He was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.

A horse from the most humble beginnings [1], Researcher was bought by Rutledge Farm (Mr. Hermen Greenberg), in 2005, as a $5,000 charitable donation [2] to the Virginia Tech Foundation's M.A.R.E Center, in Middleburg, Virginia. One year after winning the 1st Charles Town Classic, and only a few days before winning the 2nd Charles Town Classic, April 16, 2010, Mr. Zohar Ben-Dov (Kinross Farm) bought Researcher from Mr. Greenberg's estate, for an undisclosed sum. (Mr. Greenberg died February 28, 2010.)

A rare combination of stamina and speed, "Researcher is every horseman's dream..."—a "push button" horse [3], known for his adaptability.

Millionaire Status

Researcher became a "millionaire" on April 17, 2010, when he earned $600,000 for winning the 2nd Annual $1 Million Charles Town Classic. (He had previously earned $800,129.)

As of April 20, 2010, Researcher is listed as 2010's 4th Leading Money Earner [4] in North America.

2009's Highest Speed Figure

Researcher earned a record 133 Equibase Speed Figure in 2009's Inaugural Charles Town Classic.

  • His 133 Speed Figure was higher than any other horse competing in any other 2009 race in North America. (2009 Breeders' Cup Classic champion Zenyatta only scored a 127, and Rachael Alexandra only scored a 121 in both the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Haskell Invitational.)
  • No horse, in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, or 2006, has run a faster Equibase Speed Figure. (note: Equibase Speed Figures are only available, as far back as 2006, online.)

Charles Town Classic

Researcher was the lone local horse, in a 10-horse field, when he beat Commentator to steal the show [5] at Charles Town Races and Slots, winning the 1st Annual Charles Town Classic, on April 18, 2009.

On April 17, 2010, Researcher defended his title [6], in the 2nd Annual $1 million Charles Town Classic by winning over a game Awesome Gem. His time was just a fraction off the track's record he set on 3/28/2009.repeated

Awards

The late Hermen Greenberg's Researcher was named 2009 Champion Virginia-bred Older Male on the strength of his wins in the 2009 $500,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes (L) and his second-place finish in the 2009 $100,000 Queens Country Handicap Gr. III at Aqueduct. By Two Smart, out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, Researcher won four other West Virginia stakes races while earning $492,859 for 2009.[7]

Major Wins and Track Records

  • APRIL 17, 2010 [8]
    • 2nd Annual $1 Million Charles Town Classic
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.94
    • Won by 13⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 108
    • Equibase Speed Figure - 113
  • APRIL 18, 2009 [9]
    • 1st Annual Charles Town Classic
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.86
    • Won by 21⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 107
    • Equibase Speed Figure - 133
  • MARCH 28, 2009 -- (A New Track Record)[10]
    • $40,000 Allowance Race
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.76
    • Won by 221⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 106

Overall Charles Town Racing Record (as of 4-17-2010)

14: 12 - 2 - 0 (14 starts: 12 wins - 2 places - 0 shows)

Profile and statistics

  • Blood Horse Profile - [11]

Pedigree

Pedigree of Researcher
Sire
Two Smart (USA)
1994 		Two Punch (USA)
1983 		Mr. Prospector (USA)
1970 		Raise A Native (USA)
1961
Gold Digger (USA)
1962
Heavenly Cause (USA)
1978 		Grey Dawn (FR)
1962
Lady Dulcinea (USA)
1963
Dancing Smart (USA)
1985 		Smarten (USA)
1976 		Cyane (USA)
1959
Smartaire (USA)
1962
Dancing Dame (USA)
1977 		Dancing Count (CAN)
1968
Dorit (USA)
1971
Dam
Wild Magnolia
1985 		Apalachee (USA)
1971 		Round Table (USA)
1954 		Princequillo (IRE)
1940
Knights Daughter (GB)
1941
Moccasin (USA)
1963 		Nantallah (USA)
1953
Rough Shod (GB)
1944
Red Tape (USA)
1988 		Red Ryder (USA)
1976 		Raise a Native (USA)
1961
Gold Digger (USA)
1962
Over The Side (USA)
1975 		Candy Spots (USA)
(1960)
Pitch And Roll (USA)
(1964)

Videos

  • Charles Town Classic 2010 Video, Charles Town - April 17, 2010
  • Charles Town Classic 2009 Video, Charles Town - April 18, 2009
  • Queens Country Handicap Video, Aqueduct - December 13, 2008
  • HBPA Governor's Cup Video, Charles Town - October 16, 2009
  • HBPA Governor's Cup Video, Charles Town - October 17, 2008