Herman B. Duryea

Herman L. B. Duryea (1862-1916) was an American Thoroughbred race horse owner and breeder.

Herman Duryea built an estate in Old Westbury on Long Island, New York known as "Knole". Completed in 1903, it was designed by Carrere and Hastings. In 1910 he sold the property to Henry Phipps who bought it as a wedding gift for his daughter Helen's marriage to Bradley Martin.

Haras du Gazon

Herman Duryea also owned a large estate in Tennessee where he bred dogs and gamecocks. In 1902 he began breeding race horses and soon became one of the leading Thoroughbred racing owners in the United States. However, when many states began passing anti-betting legislation that ended most racing, Duryea moved his breeding and racing operations to Haras du Gazon in Bazoches-au-Houlme, Orne, Normandy, France acquired from Maurice Ephrussi.

Among Duryea's horses were Sweeper II who won the English 2,000 Guineas in 1912 and Durbar who won the 1914 Epsom Derby. He also owned the American-born mare, Frizette (1905-1929) purchased from friend James R. Keene and Payne Whitney. Frizette, a granddaughter of Hindoo, was one of the most important foundation matrons of the twentieth century whose offspring includes Seattle Slew and Mr. Prospector. The annual Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park is named in her honor.