He was foaled in Kentucky in 1870 and is best known as the winner of the first running of the Preakness Stakes in 1873 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.
Survivor was bred in Kentucky in 1870 at Ashland Stud, owned by John Morrison Clay.
However, Survivor, ridden by future hall of fame jockey George Barbee, ended up winning the race by ten lengths, a record that stood until 2004.
[3] Following his win in the Preakness, Survivor raced in the Monmouth Cup, coming fourth.
Survivor missed the 1874 season due to an injury, but returned to racing the following year after being sold to a new owner, A. M. Burton.