Palestine (1947–1974) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and Stallion. He was owned and bred by Aga Khan III.
He was sired by Fair Trial out of the mare Una.Palestine Horse Pedigree
During his racing career, he competed in 13 races and won 11, including the 2,000 Guineas. After retirement, he became a stallion and was named Ireland's leading sire in 1964.
Career
Palestine was trained by Marcus Marsh and ridden by Charlie Smirke. As a 2-year-old in 1949, he won the Coventry Stakes, Richmond Stakes, Gimcrack Stakes, and Champagne Stakes.
In 1950, at age three, he won the 2000 Guineas Stakes, becoming a classic winner; it was known that Palestine and Prince Simon were the strongest horses competing that day. They both ran toward the front of the pack, rushing for first place with all their strength upon entering the final spurt. They momentarily ran unchallenged, approximately 3 lengths ahead of the rest of the competitors. This resulted in a photo finish: in the end, Palestine was declared the victor.
He subsequently won the St James's Palace Stakes and the Sussex Stakes.
Stud Record and Death Palestine retired to stud in 1951. In 1964, he was the leading sire of two-year-olds in Ireland.
His son Pakistan II, (1958-1972), was the champion stallion sire in New Zealand in the 1969-70, 1971-72, 1972-73 and 1974-75 seasons.
Some of his other notable progeny includes: FoaledNameSexDamMajor Wins1955Pall Mall (IRE)cMalapert (GB)1958 2000 Guineas1956Palariva (GB)fRivaz (GB)1956 King's Stand Stakes1959Escort (GB)cWarning (GB)1961 Royal Lodge Stakes1959AreopoliscAlona (GB)1962 Arkansas Derby1960Red TearsgHuntress (GB)1964 Rosebery Handicap1961Palinda (GB)fClarinda (GB)1966Flying Legs (GB)fAlona (GB)1968 Lowther Stakes c = colt, f = filly, g = gelding
Palestine was put down due to old age on July 10, 1974.
Pedigree Phalaris, as a descendant of Polymelus, was related to both Northern Dancer and Secretariat.
References