Sterling (horse)
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| Sterling | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Sterling by Harry Hall | |
| Sire | Oxford |
| Grandsire | Birdcatcher |
| Dam | Whisper |
| Damsire | Flatcatcher |
| Sex | Stallion |
| Foaled | 1868 |
| Died | 26 March 1891 (aged 22–23) |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Colour | Bay |
| Breeder | Graham brothers |
| Owner | Miss Graham |
Sterling (1868 – 26 March 1891) was a British racehorse and sire. While not particularly successful in terms of major wins, he was very highly regarded, being rated by his jockey Harry Custance as the equal of Thormanby.[1]
Sterling was a bay horse bred and owned by the Graham family who owned the Yardley Stud near Birmingham.[2] His dam, Whisper, was bred by Mr. R. Taylor and produced ten foals between 1866 and her death in 1882.[3] Sterling was her third foal and one of six sired by Oxford. Whisper's other good racers included Playfair.[4]
Racing career
Sterling won five races including the Liverpool Autumn Cup at Aintree Racecourse. He also finished second to Bothwell in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on 25 April 1871.[5] In the autumn of 1871, the owner of the Belmont Stakes winner Harry Bassett's owner issued a challenge to the owner of Sterling for a one and a half mile match race at level weights, to be run in the United States. Sterling's owner responded by offering to put up £12,000 to the American's £8,000, but only if the match took place in England. The race never materialised.[6]