Let’s remember that Vestigial Monk Lock was originally highlighted in the Paulick Report concerning Belmont’s "The Ideal of Bloodlines" back in August.
In August 1903, Belmont II acquired the English Burd Mare Fairy Gold, unknowingly investing in one of the most influential broodmares on both sides of the Atlantic. His faith was rewarded when Fairy Gold produced Fair Play, Hall of Fame racehorses, and top sires. Additionally, Fairy Gold gave birth to champion Friar Rock, a half-brother to Man O’War’s broodmare sire Rock Sand. Though often overshadowed by Fair Play, Friar Rock was a top-class champion and a leading performer of his time.
August Belmont II, son of German-born financier August Belmont Sr., made a name for himself as president of the Jockey Club and successful breeder after inheriting his father’s racing interests in 1890. Over two decades, he campaigned notable horses like Hastings, Masterman, Ethelbert, Beldam, and notably Fair Play.
Fair Play and Friar Rock emerged from an unexpected purchase. Belmont, a keen buyer of quality mares especially in the UK, purchased Fairy Gold from Colonel Harry McCalmont for £18,000—incredibly well-bred, being the winner of the British Derby and descending from 12 classically winning stallions. Fairy Gold’s dam line produced several British stars, including Ascot Gold Cup winners. Fairy Gold herself was a highly regarded racer, though not a top-tier one.
After purchasing Fairy Gold, Belmont’s breeding program was bolstered further when he returned to England in 1906 to buy Rock Sand, the 1903 English Triple Crown winner, for a hefty £25,000. Rock Sand became a fundamental sire for Belmont’s breeding operation and the dam sire of Man O’War.
Friar Rock, a chestnut colt born in 1913 and sired by Rock Sand, carried the distinctive bend or spot markings from his ancestors and was structurally strong despite his relatively modest 15.3 hands height. Belmont admitted in 1916 that Friar Rock did not immediately impress but praised his calm temperament compared to other horses in his lineage.
Trainer Sam Hildreth, known for his volatile temper but skilled at conditioning racehorses, took charge of Friar Rock. Initially surprising connections with his success as a two-year-old, Friar Rock won his maiden and allowance races handily. Though he had a decent two-year-old season, it was far from spectacular, and his true potential was eagerly anticipated for his three-year-old campaign.
Friar Rock’s three-year-old season was intense but short, spanning just three months. Belmont-themed races like the Belmont Stakes were the ultimate goal. Friar Rock faced tough competition, including champions like Finn and Spur. Despite some setbacks and a disappointing start in his three-year-old Metropolitan Handicap, Friar Rock rebounded with strong performances in prestigious races like the Suburban Handicap, winning impressively.
However, despite promising results, Friar Rock’s racing career encountered challenges, including a tough defeat by Spur and difficulties with track positioning. Nonetheless, Friar Rock triumphed in the Belmont Stakes in 1916, showing his class by defeating strong fields.
Following the Belmont Stakes, Friar Rock continued competing in top races like the Brooklyn Handicap and Brooklyn Derby, though with mixed results. Later in Saratoga, Friar Rock showed promise but eventually ended his racing career in the Saratoga Cup.
Eventually, horseman John E. Madden purchased Friar Rock for $50,000, surprising many given Belmont’s earlier reluctance to sell. Madden’s breeding program helped Friar Rock sire successful progeny, though ownership disputes led to legal battles over the stallion’s location, causing significant disruption.
Despite spending some years in California and legal struggles, Friar Rock sired 15 stakes winners and influenced American bloodlines significantly through descendants like Pilate and champion filly Friar’s Carse. Friar’s Carse herself became an influential broodmare, linked to a legacy including notable champions and Kentucky Oaks winners.
Although Friar Rock’s racing exploits outshone those of his half-brother Fair Play in some respects, history has largely favored the latter. Nevertheless, Friar Rock stood out among his era’s leading horses, especially during the summer of 1916 when horse racing was a bright spot during wartime.
This story first appeared in the Paulick Report on July 1, 2025.
Fan Take: For horse racing enthusiasts, Friar Rock’s story underscores the lasting impact of careful breeding choices and the fascinating history behind legendary bloodlines. His legacy, marred by legal disputes yet punctuated by top-class performance and progeny, highlights the drama and complexity that continue to shape the sport today.
