- Source: Roi Herode
Roi Herode (1904 – June 8, 1931) was a French Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. Though not a particularly successful racehorse, he has left a legacy in the stud, particularly in passing on the grey color found in most Thoroughbreds in modern times, due to his offspring The Tetrarch, Royal Canopy, and La Grisette.
Background
Roi Herode was bred by Maurice Caillaut and born in 1904. He was purchased in 1909 by Edward Kennedy with the objective of reviving the Herod sire line in Great Britain. Roi Herode's name means "King Herod" in French, the ruler of Judea at the time of birth of Jesus.
Racing career
1907
Won the Prix de la Neva, and finished 2nd in the Prix La Rouchette, Prix du Presidente de la Republique, Prix de Rocquencourt, and Prix Royal Oak.
1908
Won the Grand Prix de la Ville de Vichy, and finished 2nd in the Prix de Madrid.
1909
Won the Prix de la Table, finished 2nd in the Doncaster Cup, and 3rd in the Prix Hocquart.
Stud career
Notable progeny include:
The Tetrarch (b. 1911): undefeated in seven starts
Hari Janos (b. 1912): winner of the Magyar St Legar Stakes
Lady Comfey (b. 1913): foaled American Flag, champion 3 year-old horse in the United States
Royal Canopy (b. 1914): sired Bonne Ruit, founder of a dynasty of show jumping horses in the United States
Judea (b. 1915): winner of the Irish Oaks and foaled Zionist, Irish Derby winner
King John (b. 1915): winner of the Irish Derby
St Donagh (b. 1922): winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas
Cinq a Sept (b. 1924): winner of the Irish Oaks
Grey color influence
The most common source of grey color Thoroughbred horses is through Roi Herode. This influence can be found primarily through his son The Tetrarch and daughter La Grisette (4th dam of Native Dancer). The Tetrarch grey color influence has been most pronounced in modern times due to the stallions Tapit and Unbridled's Song. Bonne Nuit, who was grand sire of Roi Herode through his son Royal Canopy, started a dynasty of show jumping horses in the United States, which helps perpetuate the grey color influence through show jumping horses.
Sire line tree
Pedigree
* Roi Herode is inbred 4S x 4D to the stallion Thormanby, meaning that he appears fourth generation on the sire side of his pedigree and fourth generation on the dam side of his pedigree.