Tom Rolfe
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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 near 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.