Gimcrack facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gimcrack
Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with John Pratt. (George Stubbs, 1765)
Sire	Cripple
Grandsire	Godolphin Arabian
Dam	Miss Elliott
Damsire	Grisewood's Partner
Sex	Stallion
Foaled	1760
Country	Great Britain
Color	Grey
Breeder	Gideon Elliot
Owner	Frederick St John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke Sir Charles Bunbury, 6th Baronet Richard Grosvenor, 1st Earl Grosvenor
Record	36: 27-?-?

Gimcrack (born in 1760) was a famous English racehorse. He was a special type of horse called a Thoroughbred.

Meet Gimcrack: A Small but Mighty Horse

Gimcrack was a small grey Thoroughbred horse. He stood about 14.2 hands tall. To give you an idea, that's about 147 centimeters, or 4 feet 10 inches.

His father was a horse named Cripple. Cripple was a son of the famous Godolphin Arabian. Gimcrack's mother was Miss Elliot. She was known for being a strong horse.

Gimcrack's Amazing Racing Career

Even though he was small, Gimcrack was a very successful racehorse. He won 27 out of 36 races! His racing career lasted for seven years.

Changing Owners

Gimcrack had a few different owners during his racing days. His first owner was Frederick St John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke.

Later, he was sold to Sir Charles Bunbury, 6th Baronet. Sir Charles owned Gimcrack from 1768 to 1769.

After that, Gimcrack was sold again. His new owner was Richard Grosvenor, 1st Earl Grosvenor. Sir Charles Bunbury decided to sell him because he wasn't happy with Gimcrack's performance later in his career.

Retirement from Racing

Gimcrack won his very last race in 1771. He was 11 years old at the time. After this win, he retired from racing. He went to live at the Grosvenor stud farm. A stud farm is where horses are kept for breeding.

Gimcrack's Family: His Offspring

After retiring, Gimcrack became a father to many horses. He sired, or fathered, a grey horse named Grey Robin. Grey Robin was a good racer and even beat a famous horse called Pot-8-os.

Gimcrack's family line became even more famous in horse racing in the United States. This was thanks to his son, Medley.

Gimcrack passed away after 1777. He was buried at Haughton Hall in Shifnal, Shropshire. A special pillar made of brick and stone marks his grave. You can find it west of the old walled garden there.

Gimcrack's Lasting Legacy

Gimcrack is still famous today. He is best known from the beautiful paintings by George Stubbs. Stubbs was a very famous artist who painted horses.

A special club in York, England, was named after him. It's called the Gimcrack Club, and it started in 1766.

There is also a horse race named in his honor. The Gimcrack Stakes race is held at York.

Images for kids

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  Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with John Pratt. (George Stubbs, 1765)