Overview
George Wilkes (1856 – May 28, 1882), formerly known as Robert Fillingham, was an American trotting horse and foundation sire. In 1955, George Wilkes was inducted into the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
Origin and early years
First called Robert Fillingham, he was bred in Orange County, New York, and was owned by Col. Thomas Felter of Greenwood Lake. Foaled in 1856, he was sired by Hambletonian 10. His dam was Dolly Spanker, who was sired by Henry Clay. Felter's $25 stud fee to Hambletonian 10 in 1855 produced Robert Fillingham, Dolly's first colt. When Dolly Spanker died foaling him, he was raised by hand on cow's milk, old Jamaica rum, and loaf sugar. He was a brown horse with one white hind foot, the most highly-developed son of Hambletonian 10.
Racing career
The colt showed speed in early training as a three-year-old and was sold for $4,000 to W. L. Simmons. At the Fashion Course on September 10, 1862, he overcame Ethan Allen in straight heats, posting times of 2:24¾, 2:25¾, and 2:31 and taking home $10,000. After taking on his new name, the horse set the world record for stallions. He won against Lady Thorne on June 8, 1868, over Union Course in straight heats, recording a best time of 2:25. Six days later, he beat her to wagons at the same place in straight heats again. The times recorded were 2:27, 2:25, and 2:25.4. He also beat the noted trotters, Rhode Island (2:234), Lucy (2:18), and American Girl (2:16). George Wilkes proved himself the third-fastest trotter of his era, racing under saddle, to wagon, and sulky, and always finishing in the money.
Stud record
In 1873, the stallion was placed at stud and kept in Kentucky. His record as a sire of trotting speed was unequaled for his years at stud, with George Wilkes credited with twelve in the 2:30 list by 1881. By 1910, five of the top ten producing sires were offspring of George Wilkes, with two more sired by his sons. He remained in the stud for approximately eight years prior to his passing.
Death
George Wilkes, the founder of the Wilkes family, died in Kentucky, United States, on May 28, 1882, at age 26.
Legacy
In 1955, George Wilkes was inducted into the United States Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
See also
* List of racehorses
Gallery
George Wilkes LCCN2003666993.jpg George Wilkes, The Great Trotting Sire, Record 2:22, Driven by John Crooks, 1889, Kinney Bros.