Bonnie Scotland

Bonnie Scotland (foaled 1853) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse, who finished second in the St Leger Stakes and won the Doncaster Stakes, after which he broke down. After one season at stud in England, he was exported to America where he stood in Ohio. Relatively late in his career, Bonnie Scotland was relocated to Tennessee and became the leading sire in North America, with notable offspring including Hall of Famer Luke Blackburn and Belmont Stakes winner George Kinney. Through his grandson Ben Brush, Bonnie Scotland's sire line produced multiple American Classic winners in the early 20th century. Background Bonnie Scotland was a bay horse who was sired by Iago out of Queen Mary by Gladiator. Although Iago was a relatively obscure sire, Queen Mary came to be one of the most influential mares of her time, founding thoroughbred family 10-a. On the racetrack, Queen Mary's best foal was Blink Bonny, who won the Derby and Oaks in 1857. Four of Queen Mary's foals became major producers themselves, with Braxey and Blooming Heather founding families 10-d and 10-e respectively. Bonnie Scotland stood high and was said to be an attractive horse with good conformation. According to horseman Henry Herbert, "he has the longest shoulder, deepest heart-place, best forehand, shortest saddle-place, and the most powerful quarters of any horse now before the public." Racing career Bonnie Scotland made only four career starts, recording two wins and one second-place finish. His first win came in the Liverpool St Leger, followed by a second-place finish in the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster. His last start was in the Doncaster Stakes at a distance of 12 furlongs. He won the race but then broke down, prompting his retirement.