Bucephalus (racehorse) facts for kids

Bucephalus was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse born in 1764. He was known for winning important races. Bucephalus is especially remembered for a big race in 1770 against another amazing horse named Eclipse.

About Bucephalus

Bucephalus was a chestnut colt, meaning he was a young male horse with a reddish-brown coat. He was born in 1764. H. B. Osbaldeston was the person who bred and raised him. Bucephalus's father was a very successful racehorse named Regulus. Regulus was a champion and a top sire, meaning he fathered many other great racehorses.

Bucephalus's Racing Life

Bucephalus began his racing career in May 1768 at a place called Beverley. He won his very first race, beating another horse named Conjuror. After this win, a new owner, Peregrine Wentworth, bought him.

Big Wins and Challenges

Bucephalus then raced at York in a big event called the Subscription Purse. He was the favorite to win, and he did so easily. He beat several other horses, including Leith and Rambler. A few days later, he won another race over four miles, earning a lot of money.

In April 1770, Bucephalus faced his toughest challenge at Newmarket. He raced against Eclipse, a horse that had never been beaten. Many people said this was Eclipse's hardest race ever. Bucephalus lost this race, and the effort made him too tired to race for the rest of that year.

Later Races and Retirement

After his defeat by Eclipse, Bucephalus was sold to the Earl of Farnham. He raced several more times for the Earl, but he didn't win any of those races. In March 1773, he was sold back to his original breeder, H. B. Osbaldeston. Bucephalus won one more four-mile race called the Annual Prize. After that, he retired from racing.

Bucephalus as a Father

After his racing career, Bucephalus became a sire, meaning he fathered other racehorses. He had some success in this role. One of his notable children was a horse named Junior, who was also owned by H. B. Osbaldeston.

Bucephalus's Family Tree