Saltram (horse) facts for kids

Saltram (born 1780 – died 1802) was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse. He was also a successful sire, meaning he fathered many other racehorses. Saltram raced from 1783 to 1785, winning four out of eight races. In 1783, he won the important Derby race. Later, he was sold to George, Prince of Wales. Saltram then became a breeding horse in England before moving to the United States, where he passed away in 1802.

Saltram's Early Life

Saltram was a brown horse, standing about 15.3 hands tall. He was bred by General John Parker. General Parker became Lord Boringdon in 1784. He lived in Plympton, Devon, and named the horse after the nearby Saltram House.

Saltram was known for being "beautiful" and "very strong." Interestingly, he had lost one eye. His father was a famous horse named Eclipse. Eclipse was a champion who never lost a race. He became one of the most important fathers of Thoroughbred horses ever. Saltram's mother was a mare named Virago. She also gave birth to Annette, who won the Epsom Oaks in 1787.

Saltram's Racing Career

Saltram raced for three years, from 1783 to 1785. He competed in eight races and won four of them.

1783: A Champion Three-Year-Old

Saltram started his racing career at Newmarket in the spring of 1783.

First Races at Newmarket

At the Craven meeting, Saltram won a 10-furlong (about 2 km) race. He beat another colt and won a prize of 300 guineas. After that, he finished second in the Cumberland Stakes, also at Newmarket.

Winning the Derby

The Derby race at Epsom was held on May 29, 1783. Thirty-six horses were entered, but only six actually ran. Saltram was one of the favorites, with odds of 5/2. This Derby was the last one run over one mile. From 1784 onwards, the race distance was extended to one and a half miles.

Saltram was ridden by Charles Hindley. He won the race, beating Dungannon, Parlington, Gonzales, Cornet, and Phoenomenon. Phoenomenon later won the St. Leger Stakes. Saltram did not race again in 1783. A planned race against Rinaldo was cancelled, and Rinaldo's owner paid a fee.

1784: Four-Year-Old Season

Saltram returned to racing as a four-year-old.

Races and a New Owner

In April, he finished third in the Claret Stakes at Newmarket. At the next Newmarket meeting, Saltram raced against Oliver Cromwell. Saltram was the favorite and won the 100-guinea prize.

After a five-month break, Saltram raced again in October at Newmarket. He was the favorite in a 500-guinea handicap race. However, he finished second to a horse named Balance. After this race, Lord Boringdon sold Saltram to the Prince of Wales.

1785: Five-Year-Old Season

Saltram raced twice for his new owner in 1785.

Final Races and Retirement

In the Craven Stakes, he finished second out of twelve horses. Then, he won a 200-guinea Sweepstakes race. He beat a horse named Cantator, even though Saltram carried more weight. After this, Saltram was retired from racing.

Saltram's Stud Career

After his racing career, Saltram became a stallion (a male horse used for breeding). He started at the Prince of Wales's private breeding farm.

Breeding in England

From 1790, Saltram was available for public breeding. In 1791, he was at Aston Clinton in Hertfordshire. His breeding fee was twenty guineas, which was very expensive for the time. By 1795, he moved to Carshalton in Surrey, and his fee was 10 guineas. By 1798, his fee dropped to five guineas, and he was at a stable in Great Portland Street, London.

Saltram had some successful offspring. His best children were Oscar, who won the Craven Stakes, and Whiskey. Whiskey became a successful sire himself, and his daughter Eleanor won the Derby.

Move to the United States

In 1799, Saltram was bought by William Lightfoot. He was then sent to the United States. Saltram became a breeding stallion at Sandy Point in Charles City County, Virginia. He was known for fathering good broodmares (female horses used for breeding). Saltram died in Virginia in 1802.