Ruler (horse) facts for kids

Ruler (born 1777, died 1806) was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse. He was a very successful runner, winning three out of his five races. One of his biggest wins was the two-mile St. Leger Stakes in 1780. Ruler was bred and owned by a man named William Bethell.

Meet Ruler: A Champion Horse

Ruler was a bay colt, meaning he was a male horse with a reddish-brown body and black mane and tail. He was born in 1777. His breeder and owner was William Bethell. Ruler's father was a horse named Young Marske, who was also a good racehorse and later became a successful father to many foals. Ruler's mother was Flora.

Ruler's Racing Adventures

Ruler started his racing career in 1780. His very first race was at Hunmanby on May 24, 1780. He was the favorite to win, meaning most people thought he would. Ruler won this race, beating several other horses.

Winning the St. Leger Stakes

On September 27, 1780, Ruler competed in a very important race called the St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster. This race was two miles long. Ruler won this big race, even though another horse named Antagonist was the favorite. He beat five other horses to claim the victory.

Later Races and Retirement

In 1781, Ruler raced again at York, where he finished third. Later that year, he won another race at Hunmanby, earning £50. His last race was at the York August meeting. Ruler was doing very well and looked like he would win. However, he sadly injured his fetlock (a part of his leg) during the race. Because of this injury, he had to stop racing and retire.

Ruler's Life as a Father

After his racing career, Ruler became a stallion, which means he was used for breeding. He helped create many new racehorses.

Where Ruler Lived

Ruler first lived with John Pratt until 1785. After that, Mark Bulmer bought him, and Ruler moved to Middleham in Yorkshire.

Ruler's Breeding Fees

When Ruler first started breeding, his fee was two guineas and two shillings. This fee went up as his children started winning races. By 1791, his fee was five guineas and five shillings. For a few years (1796-1798), his fee was even higher, at eight and a half guineas. After 1800, Ruler moved to Wyton.

Ruler's Famous Children

Ruler was a very successful father. He had many children who became winners, including horses named Governor, High Eagle, Minikin, Mittimus, Pencil, Phalanx, Sober Robin, and Weathercock. One of Ruler's daughters had a foal named Miss Nancy. Miss Nancy then became the mother of a very famous horse called The Duchess, who won the St. Leger in 1816. Ruler also had a daughter who was the mother of Sweetwilliam, another winner.

Ruler passed away on February 4, 1806, at Wyton.