Florizel facts for kids

Florizel (1768–1791) was a famous Thoroughbred racehorse from Great Britain. He was a beautiful bay horse, meaning he had a reddish-brown body with a black mane and tail. Florizel was born in 1768 and was the son of another well-known horse named Herod.

Florizel was not only a great racer but also an amazing father. He became a "sire," which is a male horse used for breeding. He produced 175 winning horses! Together, his children won a huge amount of money, over 75,901 pounds. Some of his most famous children included Eager, who won the important 1791 Derby race. Other notable offspring were Tartar and Ninety-three, both winners of the St. Leger race.

One of Florizel's most important sons was Diomed. Diomed also won the Derby and later became a very important sire in the United States. He produced many famous horses there, including Sir Archy, who is considered a founding father of American Thoroughbreds. Florizel passed away in 1791.

What Makes Florizel Special?

Florizel's name is on a special list called "The International List of Protected Names." This means his name cannot be used for any other Thoroughbred horse. It's a way to honor his legacy and ensure his unique place in horse racing history. Even famous people, like the retired jockey Lester Piggott, recognized Florizel's importance by naming his house after him!

Florizel's Amazing Family Tree

Florizel had many successful children and grandchildren. His family line, known as a "sire line," is very important in the world of horse racing. Many of today's racehorses can trace their ancestry back to Florizel through his famous sons like Diomed.

Diomed's descendants, especially in America, became incredibly influential. Horses like Sir Archy and American Eclipse helped shape the Thoroughbred breed in the United States. They passed on Florizel's speed and strength to future generations. This shows how one great horse can have a lasting impact on an entire sport!