Rubens (horse)

On 2 June 1808 at Epsom Downs and racing for the Prince of Wales, Rubens started as the 10/3 second favourite for the Derby where he face nine rivals. The race was won by 25/1 outsider Pan, who beat the favourite Vandyke. Chester finished in third place, with Rubens in fourth.[3] Rubens was then purchased by 3rd Earl of Darlington and at Brighton in August he was one of four horses who contested the Pavilion Stakes. Derby runner-up Vandyke was the 5/6 favourite, with Rubens second favourite at 3/1. Rubens won the race from Vandyke.[4] He was also intended to run in four match races during the season, but his opponents in each of these paid a forfeit and the races never took place. The forfeits were from Bradbury, a colt by Gohanna, Dreadnought and Jock.[5]

In April 1809 at the Newmarket First Spring meeting he won a Sweepstakes of 100 guineas each over one mile, after starting as the 4/7 favourite. Chester was second and Zoroaster finished in third place of the five runners.[6] The following month he lost to Vandyke in a 200 guineas match race at Newmarket.[7] In October he was intended to race against Oaks winner Morel at Newmarket, but Darlington paid a forfeit.[8] Three days later he also paid a forfeit to Currycomb.[9]

On 23 April 1810 he beat odds on favourite Plover to win the Craven Stakes at Newmarket. A colt by Dick Andrews finished last of the three runners.[10] Runens' final race was in a Handicap Sweepstakes of 200 guineas each at Newmarket in May. He finished the race in third, behind winner Spaniard and runner-up Cecilia.[11] Rubens was then sold to General Leveson Gower and retired to stud.