The racehorse Tom Rolfe (1962 - 1989) was one of the best American sons of the great racehorse and sire Ribot. His dam was the blue hen mare Pocahontas, from whom he takes his name (The historical Pocahontas's only child was named Thomas).
A winner of 16 of his 31 starts, with total earnings of $671,297, Tom Rolfe was champion of his age at 3, when, ridden by future Hall of Fame jockey, Ron Turcotte, he counted the classic Preakness Stakes among his victories. To showcase his versatility, Tom Rolfe shipped to France and contested the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He could finish only sixth, but that result remains one of the best ever by an American-trained entry in that French classic.
Retired to stud at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, Tom Rolfe proved a successful sire. Known today largely as a sire of outstanding broodmares, his best offspring on the track was the champion 2-year-old and leading sire Hoist The Flag. Tom Rolfe died in 1989 and was buried at the farm's Marchmont cemetery.
The racehorse TomRolfe (1962 - 1989) was one of the best American sons of the great racehorse and sire Ribot.
A winner of 16 of his 31 starts, with total earnings of $671,297, TomRolfe was champion of his age at 3, when, ridden by future Hall of Fame jockey, Ron Turcotte, he counted the classic Preakness Stakes among his victories.
TomRolfe died in 1989 and was buried at the farm's Marchmont cemetery.
TomRolfe let it be known that he was a legitimate Kentucky Derby contender with a victory in the April 24 Stepping Stone at Churchill Downs a week before the big race.
TomRolfe, who went into the Stepping Stone off a win in the Cheapeake Stakes at Laurel, was last of six before taking command around the turn.
TomRolfe beat Dapper Dan in the Preakness, thus launching the Ribot era in the U.S. In the Belmont, TomRolfe finished second to Hail to All, with Dapper Dan fourth.
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