OGYGIAN
1983 b, h,
by Damascus—Gonfalon by Francis S.
Trained by Jan Nerud
Lifetime: Starts 10; Wins 7
History: OGYGIAN has spent his life surrounded by legend. He is the last son of Damascus, a Horse of the Year and the 16th ranking greatest Thoroughbred of the 20th century. He hails from the celebrated Tartan Farms and was trained by Jan Nerud, son of great Dr. Fager trainer, John Nerud. During his career, the handsome bay was one of the top runners of his generation. As a 2-year-old, he was unbeaten in three starts, including a stunning 9-˝ length victory over champion sprinter Groovy in the 1985 Belmont Futurity. As a 3-year old he vanquished the competition in the Riva Ridge Stakes and the Grade 1 Dwyer Stakes and Jerome Handicap. As a stallion standing at Claiborne Farms, OGYGIAN sired 23 stakes winners and 11 graded stakes winners. Even his name is steeped in myth: Meaning of great antiquity or age, from the Greek Ogygos, OGYGIAN is the name of the remote island where Odysseus lives for seven years with the powerful Goddess Calypso in Homer’s Odyssey.
Like Sunshine Forever and Creator, OGYGIAN was standing stud in Japan before being acquired by Old Friends through our associate at Narvick International, Megumi Igarashi. “He is hanging the charm against evil from his bridle,” Miss Igarashi informed us via email. “It’s violet, the holy color of Buddhism. Someone gave it to him long time ago.” The lucky amulet brought this champion safely home in August of 2005.
