Brian's Time
Encyclopedia
Brian's Time was an American
Thoroughbred
racehorse
. He was sired by Roberto by breeder Joan Phillips. Brian's Time was a grade one stakes winning millionaire that will be remembered most for his striking win in the Florida Derby
and a solid runner-up finish to Dual Classic winner Risen Star
in the 1988 Preakness Stakes
.
in a very strong field of sophomores in an allowance race in the winter of his three year-old season so his trainer John M. Veitch
decided to give him a shot in the grade two Fountain of Youth Stakes
. In that race he faced stakes winners and colts that had won three to five previous starts. As a maiden winner this turned out to be quite a learning experience for Brian's Time. He finished fourth in that race but came back to race in a grade one Florida Derby
against ten other three year-old colts. That day he proved he was the best and won the Florida Derby over some stiff competition including Forty Niner
and Notebook. Three weeks after the Florida Derby, Brian's Time placed third in the Jim Beam Stakes
at Turfway Park
in Florence, Kentucky.
His trainer and his owner Joan Phillips were encouraged by his Florida Derby finish and decided to enter him in the 114th Kentucky Derby
in 1988. In that race, Brian's Time broke poorly and was badly out run going into the first turn being bumped several times in close quarters. Not only was he placed dead last in the field of 17 but he was forced widest of all some seven deep round the first turn. Coming out of the far turn at Churchill Downs
Brian's Time closed from seventeenth place all the way to sixth place. But it was far too much and too late after being taken out of his game. Filly super star Winning Colors won that day.
. Like many re-matches the three top finishers of the Derby took most of the public support in the grade one Preakness Stakes
at Pimlico Race Course
. Brian's Time was a luke warm 7-1 at post time. Eight colts and the filly broke without any problems this time. The top two from the Derby, Forty Niner
and Winning Colors
shot out to the lead like it was a five furlong sprint race.
Brian's Time sat back in seventh but was much closer than he had been in any other of his prior races. Throughout the back stretch and around the far turn Forty Niner and Winning Colors continued their dog fight on the front end. At the top of the stretch a menacing Risen Star
squeezed by on the rail and turned the Preakness into what looked like a romp. By the end of the race it was clear that the speed burned each other out as Risen Star finished three lengths in front of Winning Colors and 23 lengths in front of Forty Niner. But it was another strong close from the clouds under the skilled ride of Angel Cordero that had many in the crowd talking about Brian's Time. He closed from seventh to second making up nine lengths in the last furlong passing everyone except Dual Classic winner Risen Star
who won by only a single length. That performance was good enough to capture the place spot and $100,000 in purse money. The Derby winner, Winning Colors held on for third, Private Terms was fourth and Forty Niner faded to seventh in the field of nine.
, won the grade two Jim Dandy Stakes
at Saratoga Race Course
and finished third in the grade one Travers Stakes
also at Saratoga. Late in the year Brian's Time won the grade three Pegasus Handicap
run in October at Meadowlands Racetrack
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
.
At age four Brian's Time raced five times and managed only three third place finishes which was a far cry from his outstanding performances at age three. He finished third in the grade two Nassau County Handicap at seven furlongs at Belmont Park
, third in the grade two Bernard Baruch Handicap
at 1-1/8 miles on the turf at Saratoga Race Course
and another third place finish in the grade one Ben Ali Handicap
at Keeneland
.
. He won the elusive triple in 1994 and became only the sixth horse in history to win the Japanese Triple Crown which includes: the Satsuki Sho
(Japanese 2000 Guineas), the Tokyo Yushun
(Japanese Derby) and the Kikuka Sho
(Japanese St.Leger).
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
. He was sired by Roberto by breeder Joan Phillips. Brian's Time was a grade one stakes winning millionaire that will be remembered most for his striking win in the Florida Derby
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is an American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida on the Saturday closest to the end of March or the first of April. Added to the racing schedule in 1952, the Grade 1 race is run at 1⅛ miles on the dirt...
and a solid runner-up finish to Dual Classic winner Risen Star
Risen Star
Risen Star, , was a champion thoroughbred race horse.The dark bay colt was the son of the great Triple Crown winner Secretariat out of the mare Ribbon. Bred by Arthur B. Hancock III and Leone J. Peters, Risen Star was bought by Louisianans Ronnie Lamarque and Louie Roussel III at the 1987 Calder...
in the 1988 Preakness Stakes
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is an American flat Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs on dirt. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds ; fillies 121 lb...
.
Early career
Brian's Time was a late bloomer and only raced twice as a two year-old breaking his maiden in his second attempt. The Roberto colt placed second at Gulfstream ParkGulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino is a racetrack and county-approved racino in Hallandale Beach, Florida, in the United States. During its annual meet, which spans December through April, it is one of the most important venues for horse racing in America....
in a very strong field of sophomores in an allowance race in the winter of his three year-old season so his trainer John M. Veitch
John M. Veitch
John M. Veitch is an American Hall of Fame Thoroughbred horse trainer. The son of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame trainer Sylvester Veitch, his family has been part of the horse-training business for three generations....
decided to give him a shot in the grade two Fountain of Youth Stakes
Fountain of Youth Stakes
The Fountain of Youth Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida at the beginning of March. A Grade II event open to three-year-olds willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the dirt, it offers a purse of $400,000...
. In that race he faced stakes winners and colts that had won three to five previous starts. As a maiden winner this turned out to be quite a learning experience for Brian's Time. He finished fourth in that race but came back to race in a grade one Florida Derby
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is an American Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old horses held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida on the Saturday closest to the end of March or the first of April. Added to the racing schedule in 1952, the Grade 1 race is run at 1⅛ miles on the dirt...
against ten other three year-old colts. That day he proved he was the best and won the Florida Derby over some stiff competition including Forty Niner
Forty Niner (horse)
Forty Niner is an American champion thoroughbred Stallion racehorse. By Champion sire Mr. Prospector and out of the mare, File, Forty Niner was the U.S...
and Notebook. Three weeks after the Florida Derby, Brian's Time placed third in the Jim Beam Stakes
Lane's End Stakes
The Spiral Stakes is an American thoroughbred horse race held in late March at Turfway Park in Florence, Kentucky in the Cincinnati area. The race is open to three-year-olds willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the main track, which is now a synethic surface at Turfway...
at Turfway Park
Turfway Park
Turfway Park is an American horse racing track located just outside the city limits to the north of Florence, Kentucky, about 10 miles south of the Ohio River at Cincinnati...
in Florence, Kentucky.
His trainer and his owner Joan Phillips were encouraged by his Florida Derby finish and decided to enter him in the 114th Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses, held annually in Louisville, Kentucky, United States on the first Saturday in May, capping the two-week-long Kentucky Derby Festival. The race is one and a quarter mile at Churchill Downs. Colts and geldings carry...
in 1988. In that race, Brian's Time broke poorly and was badly out run going into the first turn being bumped several times in close quarters. Not only was he placed dead last in the field of 17 but he was forced widest of all some seven deep round the first turn. Coming out of the far turn at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
Brian's Time closed from seventeenth place all the way to sixth place. But it was far too much and too late after being taken out of his game. Filly super star Winning Colors won that day.
Preakness Stakes
John Veitch could not dismiss his colt and his ability because of the way that he closed strong at the end of the Derby. He also had three very good excuses as to why he got behind so early (the poor break, being bumped and very wide around the turn), so Veitch decided to wheel him back in three weeks into the second jewel of the Triple CrownUnited States Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing
In the United States, the "Triple Crown" is usually the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, a series of three Thoroughbred horse races for three-year-old horses run in May and early June of each year consisting of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.While Daily Racing Form...
. Like many re-matches the three top finishers of the Derby took most of the public support in the grade one Preakness Stakes
Preakness Stakes
The Preakness Stakes is an American flat Thoroughbred horse race for three-year-olds held on the third Saturday in May each year at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Grade I race run over a distance of 9.5 furlongs on dirt. Colts and geldings carry 126 pounds ; fillies 121 lb...
at Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico Race Course
Pimlico Race Course is a horse racetrack in Baltimore, Maryland, most famous for hosting the Preakness Stakes. Its name is derived from the 1660s when English settlers named the area where the facility currently stands in honor of Olde Ben Pimlico's Tavern in London...
. Brian's Time was a luke warm 7-1 at post time. Eight colts and the filly broke without any problems this time. The top two from the Derby, Forty Niner
Forty Niner (horse)
Forty Niner is an American champion thoroughbred Stallion racehorse. By Champion sire Mr. Prospector and out of the mare, File, Forty Niner was the U.S...
and Winning Colors
Winning Colors
Winning Colors is the third novel in the space opera, military science fiction Familias Regnant fictional universe written by Elizabeth Moon; it continues the plot centered on the adventures of captain Heris Serrano and the maturation of several wealthy Families' scions, which was begun in Hunting...
shot out to the lead like it was a five furlong sprint race.
Brian's Time sat back in seventh but was much closer than he had been in any other of his prior races. Throughout the back stretch and around the far turn Forty Niner and Winning Colors continued their dog fight on the front end. At the top of the stretch a menacing Risen Star
Risen Star
Risen Star, , was a champion thoroughbred race horse.The dark bay colt was the son of the great Triple Crown winner Secretariat out of the mare Ribbon. Bred by Arthur B. Hancock III and Leone J. Peters, Risen Star was bought by Louisianans Ronnie Lamarque and Louie Roussel III at the 1987 Calder...
squeezed by on the rail and turned the Preakness into what looked like a romp. By the end of the race it was clear that the speed burned each other out as Risen Star finished three lengths in front of Winning Colors and 23 lengths in front of Forty Niner. But it was another strong close from the clouds under the skilled ride of Angel Cordero that had many in the crowd talking about Brian's Time. He closed from seventh to second making up nine lengths in the last furlong passing everyone except Dual Classic winner Risen Star
Risen Star
Risen Star, , was a champion thoroughbred race horse.The dark bay colt was the son of the great Triple Crown winner Secretariat out of the mare Ribbon. Bred by Arthur B. Hancock III and Leone J. Peters, Risen Star was bought by Louisianans Ronnie Lamarque and Louie Roussel III at the 1987 Calder...
who won by only a single length. That performance was good enough to capture the place spot and $100,000 in purse money. The Derby winner, Winning Colors held on for third, Private Terms was fourth and Forty Niner faded to seventh in the field of nine.
Later career
Later that summer Brian's Time placed third in the Belmont StakesBelmont Stakes
The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race held every June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. It is a 1.5-mile horse race, open to three year old Thoroughbreds. Colts and geldings carry a weight of 126 pounds ; fillies carry 121 pounds...
, won the grade two Jim Dandy Stakes
Jim Dandy Stakes
The Jim Dandy Stakes is an American Thoroughbred horse race. The Grade II race has been held annually since 1964 at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The race is open to horses age three, willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the dirt. It carries a purse of $500,000. Prior...
at Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. It opened on August 3, 1863, and is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the United States. It is typically open for racing from late July through early September.-History:John...
and finished third in the grade one Travers Stakes
Travers Stakes
The Travers Stakes is an American Grade I Thoroughbred horse race held at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York.First held in 1864, it was named for William R. Travers, the president of the old Saratoga Racing Association. His horse, Kentucky, won the first running of the Travers...
also at Saratoga. Late in the year Brian's Time won the grade three Pegasus Handicap
Pegasus Stakes
The Pegasus Stakes is an American Grade III Thoroughbred horse race run annually in June at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey.An event for three-year-olds of either gender, it is contested at a mile and an eighth on the dirt, and offers a purse of $250,000.There was no race run in...
run in October at Meadowlands Racetrack
Meadowlands Racetrack
The Meadowlands Racetrack is a horse racing track at the MetLife Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.The track hosts both thoroughbred racing and harness racing...
in East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford, New Jersey
East Rutherford is a borough in Bergen County, New Jersey. As of the 2010 United States Census, the borough population was 8,913. It is an inner-ring suburb of New York City, located west of Midtown Manhattan....
.
At age four Brian's Time raced five times and managed only three third place finishes which was a far cry from his outstanding performances at age three. He finished third in the grade two Nassau County Handicap at seven furlongs at Belmont Park
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a major thoroughbred horse-racing facility located in Elmont in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, New York, on Long Island adjoining New York City. It first opened on May 4, 1905...
, third in the grade two Bernard Baruch Handicap
Bernard Baruch Handicap
The Bernard Baruch Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race held annually in early to mid August at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York. The race is for three year olds and up willing to race one and one-eighth miles on the turf and carries a purse of $200,000...
at 1-1/8 miles on the turf at Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course is a Thoroughbred horse racing track in Saratoga Springs, New York, United States. It opened on August 3, 1863, and is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind in the United States. It is typically open for racing from late July through early September.-History:John...
and another third place finish in the grade one Ben Ali Handicap
Ben Ali Stakes
The Ben Ali Stakes is an American race for thoroughbred horses run in the Spring of each year at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. For 4-year-olds and up, it is a Grade III event set at a distance of one mile and one eighth mile on the dirt...
at Keeneland
Keeneland
Keeneland is a Thoroughbred horse racing facility and sales complex in Lexington, Kentucky, USA. Operated by the Keeneland Association, Inc., it is also known for its reference library on the sport, which contains more than 10,000 volumes, an extensive videocassette collection, and a substantial...
.
Retirement
Brian's Time was retired after the 1989 racing season. He was sold to a breeding syndicate in Japan. Brian's Time is perennially one of the leading sires in Japan Brian's Time was the sire of Japanese Triple Crown Winner Narita BrianNarita Brian
Narita Brian was a Japanese racehorse, sired by Brian's Time, dammed by Pacificus, who in turn was the daughter of Northern Dancer....
. He won the elusive triple in 1994 and became only the sixth horse in history to win the Japanese Triple Crown which includes: the Satsuki Sho
Satsuki Sho
The is a Japanese domestic Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies run over a distance of 2,000 metres at the Nakayama Racecourse, Funabashi, Chiba, in April....
(Japanese 2000 Guineas), the Tokyo Yushun
Tokyo Yushun
The , also called as the is a Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies run over a distance of 2,400 metres at the Tokyo Racecourse, Fuchū, Tokyo in late May or early June....
(Japanese Derby) and the Kikuka Sho
Kikuka Sho
The is a Japanese Domestic Grade 1 flat horse race in Japan for three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies run over a distance of 3,000 metres at the Kyoto Racecourse, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture in October....
(Japanese St.Leger).