Wing Commander (horse)

Wing Commander was foaled in 1943. He was a chestnut stallion with four white socks and a white star on his forehead. He was out of the mare Flirtation Walk and sired by the stallion Anacacho Shamrock. He was bred and owned by Dodge Stables, a part of Castleton Farm near Lexington, Kentucky which at the time was owned by Frances Dodge.[1] His bloodlines traced back to Rex McDonald and Bourbon King, who appeared on both his sire and dam's side.[2] Wing Commander was a five-gaited Saddlebred, meaning that in addition to the default walk, trot, and canter, he also performed a slow gait and rack. He was trained by the notable Saddlebred trainer Earl Teater and groomed by Gregory Pena. Wing Commander began his show career in 1946, as a three-year-old. He won every show he entered that year, but lost twice the next year, 1947, when he was shown against older horses. Both losses ended with him placing second.[3] In 1948 Wing Commander and Teater won the first of six World's Grand Championships at the World's Championship Horse Show, part of the Kentucky State Fair.[1] In addition to being shown under saddle, Wing Commander was trained to pull a fine harness cart, although he was not shown in harness.[4] Following his show career, Wing Commander was retired to stud and was the leading Saddlebred sire from 1963 to 1968.[5] Wing Commander died January 19, 1969.[6] Wing Commander was grandsire to Sky Watch, who won five World's Grand Championships,[7] and maternal grandsire to Imperator, who won four World's Grand Championships. The two horses were also known for their "duels" or shows where they competed against each other.[8]