Lounger (horse) facts for kids

Lounger was a famous British racehorse born in 1794. He was a special type of horse called a Thoroughbred. He is most famous for winning a big race called the St Leger Stakes in 1797. This race is one of the most important "classic" races in Britain.

Lounger was born and first trained in Yorkshire, England. As a three-year-old, he won his last three races, including the St Leger at Doncaster Racecourse. He won five more races when he was four years old. After that, he was sold and moved to the south of England. His races there in 1799 were not as successful. It seems he did not become a breeding horse after his racing career.

Lounger's Background Story

Lounger was a bay horse, meaning he had a reddish-brown coat. He was bred by his owner, Gilbert Crompton. Mr. Crompton worked with Reverend Henry Goodricke, who was a church leader in Aldborough.

Lounger's father was a horse named Drone. Drone was a good racehorse himself. He even beat another famous horse named Diomed twice. Drone later moved to the United States to become a breeding stallion. Lounger's mother was a mare named Miss Judy. She had many foals, and Lounger was her fourth. Miss Judy was related to many other fast horses of her time.

Lounger's Racing Career

Lounger raced for three years, from 1797 to 1799. He competed in many different types of races.

Racing as a Three-Year-Old (1797)

Lounger started his racing career at Beverley Racecourse in June. He finished third in his first race. A few days later, he raced again at the same track. This was a "maiden race," meaning it was for horses who had not won yet. It was run in heats, and Lounger finished fourth and then second.

His first win came in August at Nottingham Racecourse. He won two heats in a row to take the prize.

On September 26, Lounger competed in the St Leger Stakes at Doncaster Racecourse. This was a very important race. There were eight horses, but a horse named Stamford was the big favorite. Lounger, ridden by John Shepherd, surprised everyone by winning the race! He beat Stamford, and they were the only two horses officially placed. Lounger finished his season in October at Malton, winning another race over three miles.

Racing as a Four-Year-Old (1798)

In 1798, Lounger had a great year, winning five out of seven races. He started at York Racecourse in May. He tied for first place with a younger horse named Symmetry. Lounger then won the tie-breaking race. Symmetry later won the St Leger that year.

In June, Lounger won a race at Beverley. He continued his winning streak at York in August. He beat a horse named Timothy in a special "match race." Later that day, he finished second in another race.

At Lincoln Racecourse in September, Lounger won a valuable race. He won two out of three heats to claim the prize. Just like the year before, he ended his season at Malton in October. He finished third in one race but then won both heats of another race the next day.

Racing as a Five-Year-Old (1799)

Before the 1799 season, Lounger was bought by a new owner, Mr. Vernon. He moved to race in the south of England. However, he did not win any races that year. He often finished third, but never first.

He raced at Newmarket Racecourse in April, finishing third in two different races. In July, he was third again at Brighthelmstone. His last race was at Bedford Racecourse on September 10. He was beaten by his only opponent in a four-mile race.

What Happened Next?

After his last race in 1799, Lounger seems to disappear from the racing records. He was not listed as a breeding stallion, and he has no known foals. It is possible he died or was put down after his final race. He might also have been "gelded" (meaning he could no longer breed) and used as a regular riding horse or a hunting horse.

Lounger's Family Tree (Pedigree)

This chart shows Lounger's family tree, going back several generations. It helps us understand his breeding.

• Lounger was "inbred" to Snap and Cade. This means these two stallions appear twice in the fourth generation of his family tree. This was a common breeding practice to try and pass on good traits.