Champion the Wonder Horse to 1953, and in the television series during the 1950s. Several other "Champion" horses were used as stunt doubles and for personal appearances throughout the years. There were three official Champions that appeared in Gene Autry films. The original Champion was a dark sorrel with a blaze face and white stockings on all his legs except the right front. The original Champion first appeared on screen with Autry in "Melody Trail" (1935) and went on to co-star in 51 additional Autry films. The horse was previously owned by Tom Mix and was used during the filming of "The Phantom Empire"
Adrian Autry 10-year career, Autry retired in 2005 and returned to the states to begin his career as a coach. Autry was born in Monroe, NC on February 29, 1972, to Angeter Redfearn and Marvin Chambers. Autry, his mother and his sister moved to Harlem, NY when he was five years old and lived there until he went to college. Autry has two sisters and one brother. Autry is married with four children. Autry attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine in Bronx, New York. Autry was a standout basketball player in high school. He was a three-year starter and earned All-City First Team