Foaled in 1941, Stymie was claimed for $1,500 at two by trainer Hirsch Jacobs and ultimately became the first Thoroughbred to earn $900,000. Some considered Stymie the best bargain since Alsab, who was purchased for $700 and earned over $350,000.

Stymie was known as a stretch runner and a crowd pleaser. He won 25 races at distances from a mile to 2 1/2 miles and set or equaled three track records. Hirsch prepared Stymie to become a champion handicapper. Twice he won the Metropolitan, Saratoga Cup, Gallant Fox, Grey Lag, Aqueduct, and Sussex Handicaps.

In his most financially successful year, at six, Stymie defeated Assault and Phalanx in the International Gold Cup and won six other handicap races.

At stud Stymie was a better than average sire, producing 6% stakes winners.

Stymie was inducted in the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 1975.

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