Acatenango (horse)
Encyclopedia
Acatenango was a German
Thoroughbred
racehorse
. Sired
by the Deutsches Derby
winner and German Champion sire
, Surumu, he was out of the English
mare Aggravate. Acatenango's ancestry includes German Champion sire Dark Ronald
, the French Champion sire
, Tantieme
, English Triple Crown
champion Gainsborough
, and the most influential Italian
sire, Nearco
.
Racing in 1984 at age two, Acatenango's best finish was a third in the Ratibor-Rennen
at Krefeld
. In 1985 he embarked on a thirteen-race winning streak that tied a European record held by Ardross
and Brigadier Gerard. Included in his wins was the Grosser Bavaria Preis, a listed race at Munich Racecourse and the important Group One
Aral-Pokal
at the Gelsenkirchen Racecourse in Gelsenkirchen
. Acatenango's most important win that year came in the Deutsches Derby
, the equivalent of the United Kingdom's
Epsom Derby
and America's
Kentucky Derby
. His performances earned him 1985 German Horse of the Year
honors.
In 1986, Acatenango continued his winning streak. Usually ridden in Germany by jockey
Andrzej Tylicki, under jockey Georg Bocskai he won his second Aral-Pokal, defeated Theatrical
in winning the Grosser Preis von Berlin, and scored the first of his two consecutive wins in the Grosser Preis von Baden
, Germany's most prestigious horse race. Racing outside of the country, in 1986 Steve Cauthen
rode Acatenango to victory in the Group One
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
at the Saint-Cloud Racecourse in France
. For the second year he was voted German Horse of the Year.
In 1987, Acatenango won his second straight Grosser Preis von Baden and was third to winner Triptych
in the Coronation Cup
at Epsom Downs
in England. His performances earned him his third consecutive German Horse of the Year title.
Retired to stud
duty at his owner's breeding farm, Acatenango was the leading sire in Germany
in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. His sons and daughters include:
Due to declining fertility Acatenango was retired from stud duties in 2004. He was humanely euthanized
on April 2, 2005 at the age of 23 following an accident in his paddock.
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
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...
. Sired
Father
A father, Pop, Dad, or Papa, is defined as a male parent of any type of offspring. The adjective "paternal" refers to father, parallel to "maternal" for mother...
by the Deutsches Derby
Deutsches Derby
The Deutsches Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Hamburg-Horn over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
winner and German Champion sire
Leading sire in Germany
The list below shows the leading Thoroughbred sire of racehorses in Germany for each year since 1867. This is determined by the amount of prizemoney won by the sire's progeny during the season.----- References :*...
, Surumu, he was out of the English
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
mare Aggravate. Acatenango's ancestry includes German Champion sire Dark Ronald
Dark Ronald
Dark Ronald was an English bred Thoroughbred racehorse and sire who had a global influence on the breeding of Thoroughbreds and sport horses, with many show jumpers tracing back to him.-Breeding:...
, the French Champion sire
Leading sire in France
The list below shows the leading Thoroughbred sire of racehorses in France for each year since 1887. This is determined by the amount of prizemoney won by the sire's progeny during the season .-----References:* -See also:*...
, Tantieme
Tantieme
Tantième was a French Thoroughbred horse racing champion and prominent sire who twice won the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, France's most prestigious horse race. He also won several other important conditions races including the Grand Critérium in 1949, the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, Prix Lupin and...
, English Triple Crown
Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing
The Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing consists of three races for three-year-old Thoroughbred horses. Winning all three of these Thoroughbred horse races is considered the greatest accomplishment of a Thoroughbred racehorse...
champion Gainsborough
Gainsborough (horse)
Gainsborough was a British bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won the English Triple Crown in 1918 and became a superior sire.-Breeding:...
, and the most influential Italian
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
sire, Nearco
Nearco
Nearco was an Italian bred Thoroughbred racehorse described by Thoroughbred Heritage as "one of the greatest racehorses of the Twentieth Century" and "one of the most important sires of the century." He was not only unbeaten, winning 14 races at distances from 5 furlongs to 1 mile 7 furlongs ,...
.
Racing in 1984 at age two, Acatenango's best finish was a third in the Ratibor-Rennen
Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen
The Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen is a Group 3 flat horse race in Germany which is open to two-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at Krefeld over a distance of 1,700 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in November....
at Krefeld
Krefeld
Krefeld , also known as Crefeld until 1929, is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located northwest of Düsseldorf, its centre lying just a few kilometres to the west of the River Rhine; the borough of Uerdingen is situated directly on the Rhine...
. In 1985 he embarked on a thirteen-race winning streak that tied a European record held by Ardross
Ardross (horse)
Ardross was a Thoroughbred racehorse who was a co-holder of the record for consecutive wins in European racing. Ardross was bred by trainer Paddy Prendergast for his American owner Elisabeth Ireland Poe who was also the breeder of Meadow Court. His sire was Run the Gantlet, a son of U.S. Racing...
and Brigadier Gerard. Included in his wins was the Grosser Bavaria Preis, a listed race at Munich Racecourse and the important Group One
Group One
Group One or Group 1 is the term used for the highest level of Thoroughbred and Standardbred stakes races in many countries. Group One races may be run under handicap conditions in Australia but in Europe weight-for-age conditions always apply. Races may be also restricted to age groups or a...
Aral-Pokal
Rheinland-Pokal
The Rheinland-Pokal is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Galopprennbahn Cologne-Weidenpesch, Cologne over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.The event was established in 1957,...
at the Gelsenkirchen Racecourse in Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the northern part of the Ruhr area. Its population in 2006 was c. 267,000....
. Acatenango's most important win that year came in the Deutsches Derby
Deutsches Derby
The Deutsches Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Hamburg-Horn over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
, the equivalent of the United Kingdom's
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
Epsom Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
and America's
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
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...
. His performances earned him 1985 German Horse of the Year
German Horse of the Year
German Horse of the Year is an award for racehorses instituted in 1957. It is the oldest public vote in the German sports . It was instituted by the journalist Addi Furler.-Records:Most wins:* 3 - Orofino...
honors.
In 1986, Acatenango continued his winning streak. Usually ridden in Germany by jockey
Jockey
A jockey is an athlete who rides horses in horse racing or steeplechase racing, primarily as a profession. The word also applies to camel riders in camel racing.-Etymology:...
Andrzej Tylicki, under jockey Georg Bocskai he won his second Aral-Pokal, defeated Theatrical
Theatrical (horse)
Theatrical is an Irish-bred Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1987 Breeders' Cup Turf and is a successful sire.A son of Nureyev, who in turn was sired by Northern Dancer, out of the mare Tree Of Knowledge who won the 1974 Hollywood Gold Cup, Theatrical was bred by Bertram & Diana Firestone at...
in winning the Grosser Preis von Berlin, and scored the first of his two consecutive wins in the Grosser Preis von Baden
Grosser Preis von Baden
The Grosser Preis von Baden is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Baden-Baden over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early September.-History:The event was established in 1858, and it...
, Germany's most prestigious horse race. Racing outside of the country, in 1986 Steve Cauthen
Steve Cauthen
Steve Cauthen is a retired American jockey.Cauthen, the son of a trainer and a farrier, grew up in Walton, Kentucky around horses, which made race-riding a logical career choice. He rode his first race on May 12, 1976 at Churchill Downs; he finished last, riding King of Swat...
rode Acatenango to victory in the Group One
Group One
Group One or Group 1 is the term used for the highest level of Thoroughbred and Standardbred stakes races in many countries. Group One races may be run under handicap conditions in Australia but in Europe weight-for-age conditions always apply. Races may be also restricted to age groups or a...
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Saint-Cloud over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late June.-History:...
at the Saint-Cloud Racecourse in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. For the second year he was voted German Horse of the Year.
In 1987, Acatenango won his second straight Grosser Preis von Baden and was third to winner Triptych
Triptych (horse)
Triptych was a Thoroughbred filly racehorse known for her toughness who went on racing until the age of six, travelling around the world always taking on the very best. Bred in Kentucky, she was a descendant through both her sire and dam of the great runner and sire, Nearco...
in the Coronation Cup
Coronation Cup
The Coronation Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
at Epsom Downs
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, England. The "downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs. The course is best known for hosting the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, over a mile and a half...
in England. His performances earned him his third consecutive German Horse of the Year title.
Retired to stud
Horse breeding
Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses...
duty at his owner's breeding farm, Acatenango was the leading sire in Germany
Leading sire in Germany
The list below shows the leading Thoroughbred sire of racehorses in Germany for each year since 1867. This is determined by the amount of prizemoney won by the sire's progeny during the season.----- References :*...
in 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001. His sons and daughters include:
- Lando, winner of the 1993 Deutsches DerbyDeutsches DerbyThe Deutsches Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Hamburg-Horn over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
and the 1995 Japan CupJapan CupThe is the most prestigious horse race run in Japan. It is contested at the end of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters over the grass. With a purse of ¥476 million , the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.The Japan Cup is an invitational event... - BorgiaBorgia (horse)Borgia is a well bred, much travelled and performed German-bred Thoroughbred racemare that was trained in Germany and France. She won the Deutsches Derby, Grosser Preis von Baden and Hong Kong Vase....
, the 1997 Deutsches Derby and Grosser Preis von Baden winner - Fraulein, winner in CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
of the 2002 E. P. Taylor StakesE. P. Taylor StakesThe E. P. Taylor Stakes is a Canadian Thoroughbred horse race for fillies and mares held annually since 1956 in October at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario run on the and the E. P. Taylor turf course at a distance of 1¼ miles....
. - Blue Canari, winner in France of the 2004 Prix du Jockey ClubPrix du Jockey ClubThe Prix du Jockey Club, sometimes referred to as the French Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
- Sabiango, won the 2001 Rheinland-PokalRheinland-PokalThe Rheinland-Pokal is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Galopprennbahn Cologne-Weidenpesch, Cologne over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.The event was established in 1957,...
, 2003 Deutschland-PreisDeutschland-PreisThe Grosser Preis von Berlin, formerly known as the Deutschland-Preis, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older...
, and in the United States the 2004 Charles Whittingham Memorial HandicapCharles Whittingham Memorial HandicapThe Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap is an American Thoroughbred horse race run annually during the second week of June at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, California... - Nicaron, won the 2005 Deutsches Derby
- Dalicia, won the 2005 Preis der Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, dam of the 2011 Kentucky Derby2011 Kentucky DerbyThe 2011 Kentucky Derby was the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby, on May 7. The race was won by Animal Kingdom, ridden by John Velazquez, trained by H. Graham Motion and owned by Team Valor....
winner Animal KingdomAnimal Kingdom (horse)Animal Kingdom by the Brazilian-bred Leroidesanimaux out of the German mare Dalicia is a Thoroughbred race horse, notable for winning the 137th Kentucky Derby. The race was run on May 7, 2011 before a record crowd of 164,858... - Wurftaube, won the 1996 German St. Leger, dam of 2011 Deutsches DerbyDeutsches DerbyThe Deutsches Derby is a Group 1 flat horse race in Germany open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Hamburg-Horn over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
winner Waldpark and Waldmark dam of Masked MarvelMasked Marvel (horse)Masked Marvel is a British Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 2011 St. Leger Stakes.-Background:Masked Marvel was sired by Montjeu out of the German mare Waldmark. He is closely related to the 2011 Deutsches Derby winner Waldpark...
Due to declining fertility Acatenango was retired from stud duties in 2004. He was humanely euthanized
Animal euthanasia
Animal euthanasia is the act of putting to death painlessly or allowing to die, as by withholding extreme medical measures, an animal suffering from an incurable, especially a painful, disease or condition. Euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress...
on April 2, 2005 at the age of 23 following an accident in his paddock.