Although successful as a racehorse he is most notable as the sire of 1898 Kentucky Derby winner Plaudit and Domino, the grandsire of Colin and Peter Pan.

Himyar lived to be thirty years old, outliving both Domino and his famous grandson Commando, who both died young.

Himyar was a light bay colt sired by Alarm, who was a son of the British-bred stallion Eclipse (by Orlando).

[2] Himyar stood at stud for 16 years at Dixiana Farm but was sold in 1897 by Thomas, who was experiencing financial difficulties and was then bought by Edwin Sumner Gardner of Saundersville, Tennessee for $2,500.

[3] Himyar died at Gardner's Avondale Stud farm on December 30, 1905, of old age[4] and was buried with the epitaph, "From his ashes speed springs eternal.