Researcher (horse)
HorsenameResearcher
SireTwo Smart
GrandsireTwo Punch
DamWild Magnolia
DamsireApalachee
SexGelding
Foaled2004
CountryUnited States
ColourBay
BreederVirginia Tech Foundation, Inc.
OwnerRutledge Farm
TrainerJeff Runco
Record27: 13-6-2
Earnings$1,379,379
RaceCharles Town Classic (2009, 2010)
Awards2009 Champion Virginia-bred Older Male

Researcher (foaled May 5, 2004, in Virginia) is a Thoroughbred racehorse who competed mostly in the United States. He was bred by the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.

A horse from the most humble beginnings [1], Researcher was bought by Rutledge Farm (Mr. Hermen Greenberg), in 2005, as a $5,000 charitable donation [2] to the Virginia Tech Foundation's M.A.R.E Center, in Middleburg, Virginia. One year after winning the 1st Charles Town Classic, and only a few days before winning the 2nd Charles Town Classic, April 16, 2010, Mr. Zohar Ben-Dov (Kinross Farm) bought Researcher from Mr. Greenberg's estate, for an undisclosed sum. (Mr. Greenberg died February 28, 2010.)

A rare combination of stamina and speed, "Researcher is every horseman's dream..."—a "push button" horse [3], known for his adaptability.

Millionaire Status

Researcher became a "millionaire" on April 17, 2010, when he earned $600,000 for winning the 2nd Annual $1 Million Charles Town Classic. (He had previously earned $800,129.)

As of April 20, 2010, Researcher is listed as 2010's 4th Leading Money Earner [4] in North America.

2009's Highest Speed Figure

Researcher earned a record 133 Equibase Speed Figure in 2009's Inaugural Charles Town Classic.

  • His 133 Speed Figure was higher than any other horse competing in any other 2009 race in North America. (2009 Breeders' Cup Classic champion Zenyatta only scored a 127, and Rachael Alexandra only scored a 121 in both the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and Haskell Invitational.)
  • No horse, in 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, or 2006, has run a faster Equibase Speed Figure. (note: Equibase Speed Figures are only available, as far back as 2006, online.)

Charles Town Classic

Researcher was the lone local horse, in a 10-horse field, when he beat Commentator to steal the show [5] at Charles Town Races and Slots, winning the 1st Annual Charles Town Classic, on April 18, 2009.

On April 17, 2010, Researcher defended his title [6], in the 2nd Annual $1 million Charles Town Classic by winning over a game Awesome Gem. His time was just a fraction off the track's record he set on 3/28/2009.repeated

Awards

The late Hermen Greenberg's Researcher was named 2009 Champion Virginia-bred Older Male on the strength of his wins in the 2009 $500,000 Charles Town Classic Stakes (L) and his second-place finish in the 2009 $100,000 Queens Country Handicap Gr. III at Aqueduct. By Two Smart, out of Wild Magnolia by Apalachee, Researcher won four other West Virginia stakes races while earning $492,859 for 2009.[7]

Major Wins and Track Records

  • APRIL 17, 2010 [8]
    • 2nd Annual $1 Million Charles Town Classic
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.94
    • Won by 13⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 108
    • Equibase Speed Figure - 113
  • APRIL 18, 2009 [9]
    • 1st Annual Charles Town Classic
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.86
    • Won by 21⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 107
    • Equibase Speed Figure - 133
  • MARCH 28, 2009 -- (A New Track Record)[10]
    • $40,000 Allowance Race
    • 11⁄8 mile - 1:49.76
    • Won by 221⁄4 lengths
    • Beyer Speed Figure - 106

Overall Charles Town Racing Record (as of 4-17-2010)

14: 12 - 2 - 0 (14 starts: 12 wins - 2 places - 0 shows)

Profile and statistics

  • Blood Horse Profile - [11]

Pedigree

Videos

  • Charles Town Classic 2010 Video, Charles Town - April 17, 2010
  • Charles Town Classic 2009 Video, Charles Town - April 18, 2009
  • Queens Country Handicap Video, Aqueduct - December 13, 2008
  • HBPA Governor's Cup Video, Charles Town - October 16, 2009
  • HBPA Governor's Cup Video, Charles Town - October 17, 2008