The success of Odgen Phipps’ purchase of La Troienne blood has been documented in writings on Thoroughbred bloodlines, and Numbered Account is a shining example. From the first crop of Phipps’ homebred stallion Buckpasser, Numbered Account traced to that foundation mare on top and bottom. She won a remarkable seven stakes that year, including the Spinaway, Matron, and Frizette, and was the clear choice as Champion 2-Year-Old filly in 1971.
Early in her broodmare career, Numbered Account was bred to dual Classic winner, Horse-of-the-Year, and Claiborne stallion Damascus. The resulting foal was Private Account. He won the Jim Dandy S. at three and at four won both of Florida’s premier Grade 1 winter races – the Gulfstream Park and Widener Handicaps. He earned $339,396, winning or placing in 11 of 13 starts.
Retired to his birthplace for stud duty, Private Account had a successful career, his crowning achievement coming in the form of Champion daughter Personal Ensign. Bred and raced by Ogden Phipps, Personal Ensign was undefeated in 13 starts. Her signature moment was a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff-G1 in her final start. Other notable performances include a win over males in the Whitney H.-G1 and consecutive victories in the Beldame S.-G1. Her record as a broodmare was equally impressive. She produced Breeders’ Cup Juvenle Fillies winner My Flag as well as the Grade 1 winners Miner’s Mark and Traditionally. Personal Ensign is the only mare to be inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame and also be named Kentucky Broodmare of the Year.
Private Account sired over 60 other stakes winners. They include several major ones for the Phipps family: Personal Flag, a millionaire and Grade 1 winner who raced for Odgen Phipps, and Eclipse Champion and Breeders’ Cup winner Inside Information, who was bred and raced by Ogden Mills Phipps. In addition, Ogden Phipps’ sister Barbara and her husband, Stuart Janney Jr., bred and raced Private Terms, winner of the Wood Memorial-G1 and also a Claiborne stallion.
Other top racehorses by Private Account include: French Champion East of the Moon, millionaires Valley Crossing, Public Purse, and Corporate Report, plus English and Irish G1 winner Chimes of Freedom. In addition, Private Account is the broodmare sire of more than 100 stakes winners.
Retired from stud duty in 1995, Private Account lived at Claiborne as a pensioner until his death in 2005. He is buried at the farm.