Chris Moreton
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cmoreton.bsky.social
Chris Moreton
@cmoreton.bsky.social
The history of the Sport of King's.
The 1942 1000 Guineas heroine and 4-1 ON favourite Sun Chariot was on her worst behaviour in the Oaks (run on Newmarket's July Course because of wartime restrictions). Swerving badly at the start, it was estimated she lost 100yds. Striking the front a furlong out she held Afterthought by a length.
April 29, 2025 at 9:55 AM
The replica of Tattenham Corner, designed and built by Vincent O'Brien at Ballydoyle.
It's importance cannot be underestimated as sixteen winners of the world's premier Classic have now been prepared on that hallowed turf.
April 29, 2025 at 9:37 AM
The trial gallop at West Ilsley where Brigadier Gerard had his final workout before the 1971 2000 Guineas with lead horse Duration.
Later, when jockey Joe Mercer took off his rain-soaked suede jacket and weighed it, he found the horse was carrying an extra 9lbs which instilled stable confidence.
April 29, 2025 at 9:27 AM
From humble beginnings (8th in a seller on debut), Rockfel developed into a filly of exceptional merit. Wins in the 1938 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Champion Stakes, bracketed her with Derby hero Bois Rousell in the 3-year-old Free Handicap.
April 29, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Vincent O'Brien with his outstanding 1984 2000 Guineas and Irish Derby winner El Gran Senor. It has always been difficult comparing different generations, but that colt should take high rank on anyone's list of Guineas greats.
April 29, 2025 at 9:12 AM
In 1967 Lester Piggott went freelance for the first time following his split from trainer Noel Murless. In one week in June, Lester had a double at Salisbury, won the Spanish Derby, rode a double at Doncaster, won the Irish Derby, German Derby and had a winner at Wolverhampton & Kempton.
April 29, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Chestnuts with plenty of white often hold certain prejudices. The Minstrel's courage and determination, however, showed no lack of resolution. The flashy son of Northern Dancer was one of the chief standard bearers for the Robert Sangster, Vincent O'Brien and Lester Piggott triumvirate.
April 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Reposted by Chris Moreton
The latest in my series of shout-outs to English Triple Crown winners. This one would eventually retire as the world’s all time leading money winner: Isinglass www.tbheritage.com/Portraits/Is...
Isinglass
www.tbheritage.com
January 6, 2024 at 4:58 AM
Lamb Chop, a daughter of Bold Ruler, won almost every major US Graded Stakes open to 3-year-old fillies in 1963.
Tragically, whist taking on the boys in the 1964 Strub Stakes, she broke down badly and was euthanized on track.
January 6, 2024 at 12:39 PM
North America's sixth Triple Crown winner, Count Fleet completed his sweep of the 1943 Classics with a 25 length score in the Belmont Stakes.
Never seriously challenged after winning the Champagne Stakes in 1942, Count Fleet remains one of the greatest never to race beyond the age of three.
January 6, 2024 at 12:36 PM
1957 saw the death of the Aga Khan, the outstanding figure in European racing since 1922.
He shared with Lord Egremont the distinction of having won the Derby five times.
He also won the 2000 Guineas twice, the 1000 Guineas once, the Oaks twice and the St Leger seven times.
January 6, 2024 at 10:30 AM
Lord Wavertree presented his magnificent stud at Tully, Co Kildare to the nation.
In 1907, Wavertree leased 6 yearlings to King Edward Vll, one of which became Derby winner Minoru (named after one of the gardeners who helped construct the studs famous Japanese garden).
January 6, 2024 at 10:26 AM
In 1902, the Epsom Gold Cup was replaced by the Coronation Cup to mark the Coronation of King Edward Vll. The innagural winner was Osboch, trained by Richard Marsh for Lord Wolverton, who defeated the 1901 Derby winner Volodyovski (who's form had tailed off).
January 6, 2024 at 10:22 AM
Velazquez was owned and bred by the 5th Earl of Rosebery and trained by William Walters. Although no match for the 1897 Triple Crown winner Galtee More, Velazquez was undoubtedly a colt of the highest class and considered superior to Lord Rosebery's 3 Derby winners.
January 6, 2024 at 10:18 AM
Phalaris was England's champion sprinter in 1917. Crossed to Lord Derby's stoutly-bred mares, he produced an injection of speed that rejuvenated Derby's breeding program... Phalaris went on to establish himself as arguably the most influential stallion of the 20th Century.
January 6, 2024 at 10:11 AM