The Woodward Family
In 1898 the property was sold to the wealthy New York City banker James T. Woodward. who built large new stables in 1907. On his passing his will bequeathed the property to his nephew, William Woodward, Sr. who built Belair Stud and Stable into the pre-eminent United States racing and breeding operation during the 1930s, 40's and 50's.
During World War I, American horsemen were able to purchase well-bred foals from French breeders who could not afford to feed them during the extremely difficult war years. Some were bought directly by breeders while many were purchased by brokers who immediately resold them in America at the various Thoroughbred auctions. As such, William Woodward, Sr. was able to build his broodmare band on French imports.
Under William Woodward, Sr. the farm produced some of the greatest thoroughbred racehorses in the United States. He was part of a syndicate of breeders who purchased Sir Gallahad III in France and brought him to America. Some of Woodward's most famous horses were Gallant Fox and Omaha, the only father and son horses to ever win the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
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—Anonymous Antebellum Confederate Women. Previously quoted by Mary Boykin Chesnut in Mary Chesnut’s Civil War, edited by C. Vann Woodward (1981)
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