Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II Member of the famous Vanderbilt family, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I Date of Birth: 22.09.1912 Country: USA

1. Biography of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II
2. Early Life and Passion for Horses
3. War Hero and Return to Racing
4. Accomplishments and Legacy

Biography of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II was born in London, England. He was the son of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I, who heroically died during the sinking of the British passenger liner 'Lusitania'. His mother, Margaret Emerson, was one of the wealthiest women in America, responsible for the prosperity of at least seven major estates across the country. His grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, was one of the most respected businessmen in America, and his great-grandfather, William Henry Vanderbilt, was one of the richest men in the world.

Early Life and Passion for Horses

From an early age, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II developed a passion for horses. On his 21st birthday, his mother gifted him a horse farm consisting of 600 acres of land, and it was through breeding thoroughbred racehorses that Alfred made a name for himself. By this time, he had already become the president of Belmont Racetrack in New York and the owner and director of Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.

War Hero and Return to Racing

During World War II, Alfred was called to military service and commanded a PT Boat in the South Pacific, earning the Silver Star for bravery under fire. After being demobilized, Vanderbilt II returned to his passion for horse racing. Throughout most of the 20th century, he was a driving force responsible for the prosperity of thoroughbred racehorses.

Accomplishments and Legacy

Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II's mother introduced him to his first race, the Preakness Stakes, in 1922. He often said, "After that, I was hooked." As the owner of a horse farm, Vanderbilt II initially slept in the stables, overseeing horse breeding and training in the barns.

Twice, Alfred served as the president of Pimlico Race Course, first at the age of 20. His first notable acquisition was a racehorse named Discovery, considered one of the best horses of the 20th century by the National Museum of Racing. Vanderbilt II became a member of The Jockey Club in 1935, becoming the youngest member in its history. He won four Eclipse Awards thanks to four of his champion horses: Discovery, Next Move, Bed O' Roses, and the legendary Native Dancer.

In the late 1930s and early 1940s, Alfred founded the Pimlico Racetrack outside Baltimore and organized the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral in 1938.

In the 1950s, his two-year-old colt, Gray Ghost, won all of its nine races and was named "Horse of the Year." The following year, Gray Ghost continued its success, except in the Kentucky Derby, where it was defeated by Dark Star. It is said that Gray Ghost won 21 out of 22 races, suffering only one defeat in its entire career in 1953.

Alfred G. Vanderbilt dedicated his entire life to the world of horses and served as chairman of the New York Racing Association from 1971 to 1975. He passed away on November 12, 1999, at his home in Brookville, New York.