Darley Arabian facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darley Arabian |
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The Darley Arabian stallion painting by John Wootton
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| Sex | Stallion |
| Foaled | 1700 |
| Colour | Bay |
| Owner | Thomas Darley |
| Awards | |
| Leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland (1722) | |
The Darley Arabian (born around 1700, died 1730) was one of the three most important horses that started the modern Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are famous horse racing horses. The other two founding horses were the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk.
This beautiful bay-colored Arabian horse was bought in Aleppo, Syria, in 1704. A man named Thomas Darley bought him and sent him to Aldby Park in England. It was a special gift for his brother.
When the Darley Arabian arrived in England, it was a very important moment for horse racing. Some people even say it marked the beginning of modern "turf racing" history.
The Darley Arabian lived at Aldby Park and was used for breeding. He was a very successful father to many foals. In fact, in 1722, he was named the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland. This means his children were the best racehorses that year. The Darley Arabian was about 15 hands tall (about 152 cm) and was known for his beauty.
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The Darley Arabian's Amazing Children
The Darley Arabian had many famous children. One of his most well-known sons was Flying Childers, who was an undefeated racehorse. This means Flying Childers never lost a race!
Another important son was Bartlett's Childers. Even though he didn't race, he became a very important father himself. Bartlett's Childers was the great-grandfather of an incredibly famous horse named Eclipse.
The Darley Arabian became the most important father in the history of the English Thoroughbred breed. His son Bulle Rock was the first Thoroughbred horse to be sent to America. This happened in 1730.
Why the Darley Arabian is So Important
Most Thoroughbred horses you see today can trace their family tree back to the Darley Arabian. It's quite amazing! About 95% of modern Thoroughbred racehorses have their male family line (their Y chromosome) directly from this one stallion.
This is mostly thanks to his famous descendant, Eclipse. Eclipse is the direct male ancestor of 95% of all Thoroughbreds. He is also in the family tree of many of the other Thoroughbreds. This shows just how much the Darley Arabian influenced the breed.
Family Tree of the Darley Arabian
The Darley Arabian's family tree is very long and full of famous horses! You can see some of his many descendants below.
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Extended content
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Descendants of the Darley Arabian (click to show)
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See also
- List of racehorses
- Phaéton (trotter horse)
- Kentucky Derby winners descended from the Darley Arabian
