Damascus (horse)

Damascus was an American Thoroughbred racehorse foaled in 1964. Bred by Mrs. John D. Hertz's Stoner Creek Stud near Paris, Kentucky, he was sired by Sword Dancer out of Kerala, by Nasrullah. He was trained by Hall of Famer Frank Yanak and owned by William Haggin Perry.

Damascus was a dominant force in American racing during his three-year-old season in 1967. He won the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and Travers Stakes, establishing himself as one of the leading horses of his generation. He also won the Wood Memorial Stakes, American Derby, and the Woodward Stakes. His victory in the Woodward, defeating Buckpasser and Dr. Fager, is often cited as one of the greatest races of the 20th century.

He was named the American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse and Horse of the Year in 1967. Damascus retired from racing with a record of 12 wins from 21 starts and earnings of $1,176,791.

After retiring from racing, Damascus became a successful stallion. He sired numerous stakes winners, including Highland Blade. Damascus died in 1995 at the age of 31 and is buried at Stoner Creek Stud. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1974.