King Fergus facts for kids

King Fergus (born 1775, died 1801) was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse. He won many races during his career. But he became even more famous for his children! He was named the best father (or "sire") of racehorses in Great Britain and Ireland in 1797. One of his most famous sons was Hambletonian, who almost never lost a race.

Meet King Fergus: A Champion Horse

King Fergus was a chestnut-colored horse. He was born in 1775 and bred by a person named Mr. Carver. His father was an amazing horse named Eclipse, who never lost a race! Eclipse was also a top father of racehorses, with other famous children like Pot-8-Os. King Fergus's mother was a horse named Creeping Polly. King Fergus grew to be 16 hands tall, which is about 5 feet 4 inches. He was known for being strong and well-built.

Racing Adventures

King Fergus started his racing career when he was three years old. He only raced once that year, finishing second in a race at Bath.

First Races and Big Wins

In 1779, King Fergus raced again at Bath. He was the favorite to win a big race called a "sweepstakes," which had a prize of 500 guineas (a type of old British money). He won the four-mile race, beating another horse named Cinderwench. Later that year, another owner paid a "forfeit" instead of racing against King Fergus, meaning they thought King Fergus would win easily.

In 1780, King Fergus continued his winning streak. He beat a horse named Knight Errant at Newmarket. A few days later, he raced against two very strong horses, Dorimant and Pot-8-Os. King Fergus was leading, but he lost a shoe during the race! Pot-8-Os ended up winning, with King Fergus coming in second.

More Victories and Challenges

In May 1780, King Fergus won a £50 race at Epsom. This race had three four-mile "heats," meaning they raced the distance three times. He beat many other horses and was the favorite to win. In October, he won another 200 guineas race. Two days later, he won a "subscription stakes" race, even though another horse was the favorite.

King Fergus started the 1781 season strong, winning £50 at Newmarket. He also won another £50 race by "walking over," which means no other horses showed up to race against him. Sadly, after this, he got injured and had to stop racing for a while.

He tried to race one more time in 1784. He finished second in a race in Ireland. After this, he officially retired from racing.

Life as a Sire: King of Fathers

After his racing career ended in 1781, King Fergus was bought by John Croke. He became a "stallion," which means he was used for breeding other racehorses. He first lived in Ireland for a few years. While there, he had a notable son named Honest Tom, who won 24 races!

Then, King Fergus moved back to England. He moved around to different places in England over the years. His breeding fee (the cost to have a mare breed with him) increased as he became more famous. By 1793, his fee was 20 guineas.

King Fergus became a very successful father of racehorses in England. In 1797, he was named the British Champion sire, meaning his children were winning the most races that year. He passed away in 1801.

Famous Children of King Fergus

Painting of King Fergus' son Hambletonian

King Fergus had many famous children. Here are some of his most notable sons:

King Fergus was also the "damsire" (mother's father) of a horse named Scotia, who won the Epsom Oaks race. His son Overton became the father of Cockfighter, who won the St Leger and Doncaster Cup. Another son, Beningbrough, had many winning children, including Orville and Oriana. King Fergus's most famous son, Hambletonian, also had a son named Camillus who won the Doncaster Cup.

King Fergus's family line continues through Hambletonian's son, Whitelock. Whitelock was the father of Blacklock, who was the grandfather of Epsom Derby winner Voltigeur. This shows how King Fergus's legacy lives on through his amazing family of racehorses!