Blacklegs (horse) facts for kids

Blacklegs was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse born in 1728. He became a top horse for breeding, known as the best "sire" in Great Britain in 1746. Blacklegs was bred by the 2nd Duke of Devonshire. Later, his son, the 3rd Duke of Devonshire, owned him.

About Blacklegs: His Early Life

Blacklegs was a bay colt, which means he was a young male horse with a reddish-brown coat. He was born in 1728. His breeder was the 2nd Duke of Devonshire.

His Famous Father: Flying Childers

Blacklegs' father, called his "sire," was a horse named Flying Childers. Flying Childers was also owned by the Duke of Devonshire. He was an amazing racehorse who never lost a race, winning all six of his starts. Flying Childers was also a very successful breeding horse. He was named the top sire in Great Britain twice. Some of his other famous children included Blaze and Snip.

His Mother and Family

Blacklegs' mother, called his "dam," was an unnamed horse. She was a daughter of another horse named Basto. This same mother also gave birth to other champion horses. These included Crab, who became a top sire, and the previously mentioned Snip. After the 2nd Duke of Devonshire passed away in 1729, Blacklegs was taken care of by his son. This was the 3rd Duke of Devonshire.

Blacklegs' Racing Career

Blacklegs was a successful racehorse, winning several important races. He showed his speed and strength on the track.

Early Wins in Newmarket

In October 1732, Blacklegs raced at Newmarket. This is a very famous place for horse racing in England. He beat a horse named Beauty, owned by the Duke of Bridgewater. Blacklegs won this race, which was four miles long, for 200 guineas. A guinea was a type of British coin used for betting.

Winning Big Stakes

The next year, in April, Blacklegs won an even bigger race. This was the 700 guineas stakes. He beat several other horses in this race, including Sly, Favourite, and Quibble. This race was also four miles long.

More Victories and Match Races

In October of the same year, Blacklegs raced against Sly again. This time, it was a "match race," which means only two horses competed. Blacklegs won this race too, earning 300 guineas. At the same racing event, he also beat many other horses. These included a grey mare named Looby, a chestnut mare named Spot, and horses named Bumper, Favourite, and Robin.

Blacklegs as a Breeding Horse

After his racing days were over, Blacklegs became a breeding horse. He retired to the Duke of Devonshire's farm.

Champion Sire

Blacklegs became a very successful "stallion," which is a male horse used for breeding. He was so good that he was named the champion sire of Great Britain in 1746. This means his children were winning many races.

His Offspring

Blacklegs sired, or fathered, many good racehorses. He also produced mares (female horses) who became mothers of other famous horses. Some of these included Captain, Cassandra, Dorimond, Trajan, Marcus, and Jalap. His legacy lived on through his successful children and grandchildren.