Eager (horse) facts for kids

Eager (born in 1788) was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse. He raced from 1791 to 1795, running 22 times and winning 10 races. In 1791, he was one of the best young horses, winning the important Derby race and four others. Eager won four more races in 1792. Later in his career, his performance slowed down, and he won only one more race. Before he stopped racing, he was gelded (a male horse that has had a certain procedure).

About Eager's Early Life

Eager was a brown male horse, called a colt. He was born and raised by his owner, the 5th Duke of Bedford.

Eager's Family Tree

Eager's father was a horse named Florizel. Florizel won many big races between 1772 and 1774. He also became a successful father to other racehorses. Some of his children included Diomed, who won the Derby in 1780, and two winners of the St Leger race.

Eager's mother was an unnamed mare (female horse) by a horse named Matchem. She had 16 foals (baby horses) in total. Eager was her sixth foal. His older brother, Fidget, was also a successful racehorse.

Training for the Races

The Duke of Bedford sent Eager to be trained by his personal trainer, Matthew Stephenson. Matthew Stephenson also rode Eager in some of his races, including the famous Derby.

Eager's Racing Adventures

1791: A Champion at Three Years Old

The 5th Duke of Bedford, who owned and bred Eager.

Back in the 1700s, racehorses didn't always have official names. So, in 1791, Eager was often called "the brother to Fidget" because of his famous brother. People only started calling him "Eager" later on.

First Race and First Win

On April 25, 1791, the "D.of Bedford's brother to Fidget" ran his first race. It was a Sweepstakes race over 10 furlongs (about 1.25 miles) at Newmarket. He was the favorite to win and easily beat the only other horse in the race, a filly named Wagtail.

Winning the Derby

On June 9, Eager raced at Epsom in the Derby. He was the second favorite among nine horses. Ridden by his trainer Matthew Stephenson, he won the Derby! He beat a horse named Vermin, who was the favorite, and Proteus, who came in third.

More Wins in July

A month after his Derby win, Eager raced at Stockbridge. On July 7, he won a one-mile Sweepstakes without even having to run. This is called a walkover because all the other horses were withdrawn. The next day, he won another 10-furlong Sweepstakes, beating his only opponent, Hector.

First Loss and a Big Win

After a three-month break, Eager raced again in the autumn. On October 4, his winning streak ended. He lost to Vermin in a two-mile race. However, a month later, Eager and Vermin raced again in a special match race. Eager won, even though he was not expected to, and took home a prize of 300 guineas (a type of old British money).

1792: Four-Year-Old Season

In 1792, Fidget's brother was finally named Eager! But for a few years, racing records still mentioned "brother to Fidget" along with his new name.

Big Races and More Wins

Eager started his season on April 11 in the Oatlands Stakes. This was a very valuable race, worth more than £5,000! He finished fifth out of 20 horses.

A few days later, Eager won another valuable Sweepstakes without having to run, earning his owner over £1,000. On April 20, he won the Fortescue Stakes, beating Vermin for the fourth time!

Eager also won the Jockey Club Plate on May 8, beating Halbert and Vermin again.

Winning Streak Ends Again

In June, Eager had another walkover win at Stockbridge. But a week later, his winning run ended when he was beaten by Don Quixote in a four-mile race at Winchester.

Later in the year, Eager was supposed to race Vermin again, but Vermin's owner pulled him out. Eager then lost two more races in October.

1793: Five-Year-Old Season

Eager only ran four races in 1793, all at Newmarket. On April 2, he lost a 500-guinea match race. Two weeks later, he got his only win of the year in a Subscription race, easily beating his only opponent, Fergus. On April 30, Eager ran two races in one afternoon. He finished second in one and last in the other.

1794: Six-Year-Old Season

Eager's first race as a six-year-old was on May 9, where he finished third. This was his last race for the Duke of Bedford. After this, he was bought by Mr. Morant.

On September 3, Eager raced at Egham. This race had multiple heats (parts), and a horse had to win twice to win the whole race. Eager finished second in the first heat and fourth in the second before being withdrawn.

1795: Seven-Year-Old Season

Eager's final racing season had two races, both with heats. On July 12 at Ascot, he raced for Mr. Wood, finishing third and fourth in the first two heats before being withdrawn. On July 30, he ran his very last race at Blandford for Mr. Stag. He finished second in both heats. In this race, it was noted that he was a gelding.