(7-18-25) The use of thoroughbreds in quarter horse racing and breeding has been a success over the years. The infusion of the thoroughbred bloodlines continues to show up in some of the most successful quarter horse pedigrees.

Apollo is one of those thoroughbred sires, who impacted his breed and the quarter horse world.

Apollo’s daughter Apollitical Time is the dam of ‘Super’ quarter horse Apollitical Jess who has produced numerous champions and was a great champion on the track.

Apollo (Thoroughbred):

Apollo

The Western Thoroughbred History – Apollo

This chestnut colt was bred in California by Eclipse Investment and Leon Rasmussen. His sire was Falstaff (Falstaff (USA) (born 1981): A son of Lyphard, he was a stallion that sired 22 stakes winners and the earners of $12 million. He was pensioned from stallion duty in 2004.), and his dam was Tumble Along, by Tumble Wind. He was undefeated in his first four starts, including the 1990 San Miguel Stakes and the 1991 California Breeders’ Champion Stakes, both at Santa Anita Park. He also equaled the world course record for 5 ½ furlongs (approximately 1.1 km) in 1:01.50 at Hollywood Park.

Apollo later became a successful sire of both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, including stakes winners in four breeds. His progeny have earned over $14.6 million, and his daughters became notable broodmares, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest broodmare sires of all time.

He passed away in 2016 at the age of 28.

Apollitical Jess

One of the great Quarter Horse sires…

The All-Time Leading Single Season Sire of Money-Earners SIX TIMES

  • The ONLY Stallion With TWO Earners Of More Than $2,000,000!
  • 1 Of ONLY 2 Stallions With EIGHT Earners Of More Than $1,000,000!

Lifetime Offspring Earnings: $74,463,946

Lifetime Average Earnings Per Starter: $68,630 (January, 2025).

  • 2025 Fee: $35,000
  • ICSI Procedure Fee: $26,000

Apollitical Jess was a very accomplished racehorse, with eight wins from 13 starts including a track-record setting performance in the 2010 Champion of Champions (G1).  Honored as 2010 AQHA champion 3-year-old as well as world champion, retired at the end of 2010.

APOLLITICAL JESS – Los Alamitos Champion of Champions (G1)

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