Hambletonian (horse) facts for kids

Hambletonian was a famous Thoroughbred racehorse from the late 1700s. He was known for winning almost all of his races. He also became a successful father (or sire) to many other racehorses. Some of his big wins included two Doncaster Cups and the St. Leger Stakes in 1795.

About Hambletonian

Hambletonian was a bay colt, which means he was a male horse with a reddish-brown coat. He was born in 1792. His breeder was John Hutchinson. Hambletonian's father was a horse named King Fergus. He was also the grandson of two other very famous horses, Eclipse and Highflyer.

Hambletonian's Amazing Races

Hambletonian got his name from the Hambleton Hills. This is a historic racing area in England. It's near the North York Moors.

First Races and Big Wins

Hambletonian won his very first race there on May 14, 1794. This was a special race for young horses. In August 1795, a man named Sir Charles Turner bought Hambletonian. He also bought two other horses from John Hutchinson for a lot of money.

At the same horse racing event in York, Hambletonian won two more races. Then, on September 22, 1795, he won the important St. Leger Stakes race in Doncaster. The very next day, he won his first Doncaster Cup!

His Only Loss and Famous Match

In 1796, Hambletonian had his only loss. This happened at a race in York against The Derby winner, Spread Eagle. Hambletonian actually ran off the course during the race! Later that year, Hambletonian was sold to Sir Henry Vane-Tempest. He raced for Sir Henry until 1800.

Hambletonian didn't race in 1798. But in 1799, he had a very famous race against a horse named Diamond. This race was four miles long! Hambletonian, ridden by Francis Buckle, won by a very small amount. It was said he took a huge 21-foot stride at the finish line! Sir Henry had bet a lot of money on this race.

After this famous win, Hambletonian was painted by the great animal artist, George Stubbs. The painting is called Hambletonian Rubbing Down. In 1800, Hambletonian won his last race at York.

Hambletonian's Offspring

After his racing career, Hambletonian became a breeding horse, or stallion. He started this in 1801. He stood at different stables over the years, and his breeding fee changed.

He had many important children (called progeny) who also became famous:

• Anticipation: Won many races, including the Ascot Gold Cup twice.
• Camerton: Won the Goodwood Cup.
• Camillus: Won the Doncaster Cup and was a successful father horse.
• Fair Helen: Her granddaughter, Margrave, won the St Leger.
• Goosander: She was the mother of two big winners, Sailor (Epsom Derby) and Shoveler (Oaks Stakes).
• Lisette: She was the mother of Clearwell, who won the 2,000 Guineas.
• Whitelock: He helped continue Hambletonian's family line through his son, Blacklock, and then to the undefeated horse, St. Simon.

Hambletonian passed away on March 28, 1818. He is buried at Wynyard Park in County Durham, which was Sir Henry's home.

See also

• List of leading Thoroughbred racehorses
• Hambletonian 10, a famous horse from 1849–1876 who helped create the harness racing breed called the Standardbred.