Crab (horse)

Crab was a grey colt bred by Charles Pelham and was foaled in 1722. He was a son of Alcock's Arabian out of a daughter of Basto. He was sold to David Colyear, 1st Earl of Portmore when he was young.[1]

Although grey was a fairly common color in the foundation stock of the Thoroughbred, it became increasingly rare over time. All modern grey Thoroughbreds descend from Crab through his great-great-granddaughter Bab (foaled 1787) and her great-great-grandson Drone (1823).[2]

Crab first race came in 1727, when he finished fourth in a 20 guineas sweepstakes at Newmarket. He was then sold to Mr. Cotton.[3] His first intended race for Mr. Cotton was at Newmarket in April 1728 against Weaver, but Weaver's owner, Lord Milsintown, paid a forfeit and the race never took place. In the following October he beat the Duke of Bolton's Cleopatra in a 500 guineas race over four miles. In April 1729 he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, beating the Duke of Hamilton's Victorious and Mr. Williams's Spot. The following May he became lame when running in an 80 guineas plate at Stamford and never raced again.[1]

As a stallion he stood for Thomas Panton at Newmarket.[1] He became a successful sire and was British Champion sire in 1748, 1749 and 1750. His progeny included King's Plate winners Brilliant, Bustard, Grasshopper, Othello, Sloe and Spinster. Crab died in December 1750.[1][3]