138 The American Tborougbhred 



South, and which were the first national events 

 to take place in this country. 



In 18 14 there was foaled at Dosoris, Queen's 

 County, Long Island, a colt got by Duroc out 

 of Miller's Damsel by imported Messenger. His 

 birth took place just one year in advance of that 

 from which Frank Forrester dates the authentic 

 era of the turf in this country. 



This colt born on a May day in 18 14, by Duroc 

 out of Miller's Damsel, was called Eclipse. And 

 then, to distinguish him from the splendid English 

 animal of that name, he was further called Ameri- 

 can Eclipse. 



The racing career of American Eclipse had 

 been one series of brilliant successes. As was 

 the case with nearly all of the early horses of 

 America, there were many disputes over the pedi- 

 gree of Eclipse, and performances credited to him 

 were denied. So great was the discussion over 

 this horse and so extensive the demand for true 

 knowledge of him, that in 1823 a history of him 

 was published. However, the best account of 

 the foaling of this horse, of his pedigree, and 

 of his races up to the time of his national match 

 with Henry, was written by his owner, Mr. C. W. 

 Van Ranst, a gentleman of the highest attain- 



