Imperator (horse)

Imperator was foaled March 11, 1974, out of Empress Wing and by Supreme Sultan. He was born on Peacock Farm in Wilmette, Illinois. His damsire[lower-alpha 1] was Wing Commander, the first six-time five-gaited World Grand Champion. Imperator was a dark chestnut gelding who was nicknamed "Perry". After his show career, he retired to the Kentucky Horse Park[1][2] in August 1991 and died there October 20, 1997, of complications following colic surgery.[3] He is buried at the park in the Hall of Champions.[4]

Imperator won four five-gaited World Grand Championships at the World's Championship Horse Show, in 1980, 1981, 1985, and 1986;[5] when he won it for the last time, at age 12, he became the oldest horse to win the title. He also won the five-gaited Gelding Championship at the same show in 1979, 1980–83, 1985, 1986, and 1988, setting the record for the most times an individual horse won the title.[3] In 1983, he competed there against Sky Watch, a duel which became legendary in the Saddlebred industry and was won by Sky Watch.[6] Imperator also won the five-gaited Grand Championship at the National Horse Show from 1980–1984. He was trained by four different trainers, and owned by several owners throughout his career.[3] Imperator was known for having a fourteen-foot long natural tail and for being eager to show;[3] he was also said to be excellent at the slow gait. He was never beaten in a gelding class at the World's Championship Horse Show.[4] His lifetime earnings were approximately US $85,000, not counting silver trophies.[3]