Subotica (horse)

Subotica (foaled February 13, 1988 in Orne) is a French Thoroughbred racehorse. He was bred by Paul de Moussac at his Haras du Mezeray in Lower Normandy. Through his sire Pampabird, owned by de Moussac, Subotica is a descendant of the great Nearco. He was out of de Moussac's mare, Terre de Feu, a daughter of the 1967 United Kingdom Horse of the Year, Busted.

Purchased and raced by Olivier Lecerf, Subotica was trained by André Fabre and ridden in all his major races by Thierry Jarnet. In 1991 Subotica ran second in the Prix du Jockey Club to Suave Dancer whom he had beaten in the Prix Ganay. He went on to earn his most important win of 1991 by taking the Group one Grand Prix de Paris. Health problems forced the horse to be withdrawn from France's most prestigious race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. However, the following year the colt won the Arc, beating a strong field that included the undefeated filly User Friendly (2nd), St Jovite (4th), who had won the Irish Derby by twelve lengths in record time, and Epsom Derby winner, Dr Devious (6th).

Sent to Gulfstream Park in Florida for the October 31, 1992 Breeders' Cup Turf, Subotica finished fifth to upset winner, Fraise. Retired to stud on November 24, Subotica's progeny have met with limited racing success.

References

• Subotica's pedigree and partial racing stats
• Video at YouTube of Subotica's win in the 1992 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe