Indian Skimmer (horse)

Indian Skimmer (12 February 1984 – c. 2002) was an American-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. Trained by Sir Henry Cecil, she was the winner of nine high-class races in Europe, including the French Oaks, the Champion Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes. Indian Skimmer was one of the top-rated fillies in Europe since World War II.

Background
Bred by MIT graduate Ronald J. Worswick in partnership with Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, the grey filly was out of the mare Nobilaire and sired by Storm Bird. Her grandsire was Northern Dancer, the top sire of the 20th century, and her damsire was Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Vaguely Noble. Her name is that of the rare Indian skimmer (Rynchops albicollis), a bird.

Racing career
Owned by Sheik Mohammed and trained by Henry Cecil, Indian Skimmer won top-class Group One races against the best fillies of the day, including a victory over Miesque in the 1987 Prix de Diane. In 1988, she beat some of the best colts in England, Ireland and France. Sent to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, she finished third to Great Communicator in that year's Breeders' Cup Turf. The horse was retired from racing at the end of the 1989 season.

Breeding record
As a broodmare, she produced the Mr. Prospector colt, Manshood, who is the sire of the champion South African mare, Ipi Tombe.