Serjeant (horse) facts for kids

Serjeant (born in 1781) was a famous British Thoroughbred racehorse. He raced from 1784 to 1787, competing sixteen times and winning eight races. In 1784, he won the fifth Epsom Derby. This was the first time the race was called the Derby and run over its modern distance. Serjeant continued racing for three more years, winning important races at Newmarket. After he stopped racing, he disappeared from records and did not become a breeding horse.

Serjeant's Early Life and Family

Serjeant was born in 1781. His owner, Colonel Dennis O'Kelly, was also his breeder. Serjeant's father was a horse named Eclipse. Eclipse was a legendary racehorse who never lost a race. He became one of the most important fathers of racehorses in history. Serjeant's mother was a mare named Aspasia. Serjeant had a brother named Dungannon. Dungannon won nineteen races and was also a very good horse.

Serjeant's Racing Career

Serjeant had an exciting racing career. He competed in many races over four years.

1784: Serjeant's First Races

Serjeant began his racing career in the spring of 1784. His first race was at Newmarket. He won a 200 guinea race, beating a horse named Cantator.

Winning the Epsom Derby

On May 28, Serjeant raced in the Epsom Derby at Epsom. He was the favorite to win among eleven horses. Ridden by John Arnull, Serjeant won the race. He beat Carlo Khan, who finished second. This Derby was special because it was the first one run over the modern distance of one and a half miles.

After the Derby, Serjeant raced twice more at Newmarket. He lost a 500-guinea race to Dancer. But he then won the Sion Stakes, beating Dancer and Carlo Khan.

1785: Serjeant's Four-Year-Old Season

In 1785, Serjeant raced as a four-year-old. His first race was the Claret Stakes at Newmarket. This race was very long, about four miles. Serjeant did not finish among the top horses. He also lost a race to a horse named Rockingham.

Later that year, Serjeant finished third in the "1400 Guineas" race. He then won a 300-guinea race against Cantator. Colonel O'Kelly had to pay a fee when Serjeant was pulled from a race against Dancer.

1786: Serjeant's Five-Year-Old Season

In 1786, Serjeant lost a 200-guinea race to Clayhall. But he soon won the "1200 Guineas" race at Newmarket. He beat Collector and Carlo Khan in this race. Colonel O'Kelly also won a fee when Dancer was pulled from another race against Serjeant.

Serjeant then raced away from Newmarket for the first time since his Derby win. He raced at Winchester and Stockbridge Racecourse. He finished third in a four-mile race at Winchester. At Stockbridge, he finished last in a three-horse race. In September, he raced at Maidenhead in the Ladies' Plate. This race had four-mile heats. Serjeant did not win any of the heats.

1787: Serjeant's Final Season

In his last racing season in 1787, Serjeant raced at Newmarket. He competed against a horse named Balloon. Serjeant won this race, earning 200 guineas. This win meant he finished his final season without any losses. After this race, Serjeant disappeared from official records.