Springfield (horse)

Springfield (1873–1898) was a successful English Thoroughbred racehorse that won 14 consecutive races and was a useful sire of the late 19th century. He was the grandsire of two English Triple Crown winners: Galtee More, who was exported to Russia, and later Germany and Rock Sand, who was exported to the U.S. and in turn was the grandsire of Man o' War, widely considered one of the greatest racehorses of all time.

Springfield
SireSt. Albans
GrandsireStockwell
DamViridis
DamsireMarsyas
SexStallion
Foaled1873
CountryEngland
ColourBay
OwnerMr J.H. Houldsworth
TrainerJames Ryan
Record19: 17 wins, 2 seconds
Earnings£8,920
Major wins
1875 Gimcrack Stakes
1876, 1877 July Cup
1877 Queen's Stand Plate
1877 Champion Stakes
Last updated on 25 September 2011

He was a bay colt foaled in 1873 at Bushy Park Paddocks at Hampton Court. Springfield was sired by the St. Leger Stakes winner St. Albans, his dam was Queen Victoria’s Viridis by Marsyas (who won the July Cup, and later sired The Derby winner George Frederick). He was sold as a yearling and purchased by J.H. Houldsworth for 320 guineas. Springfield was line-bred to Sultan in the fourth and fifth generation of his pedigree (5m x 4f).[1]

Racing record

At two years

Springfield won his first start, the Prince of Wales's Plate at York and the following day won the six furlong Gimcrack Stakes. In October he had a victory in the four furlong Two Year Old Stakes at Newmarket. Following this Springfield then finished second in the Criterion Stakes defeated by a head from Clanronald and another second in the Dewhurst Stakes to the future Epsom Derby winner Kisber, These were the only times that he was defeated during his racing career,[2]

At three years

Springfield was undefeated as a three-year-old, winning nine races, two of which were walk-overs. The wins included the July Cup, Goodwood's Bagnor Stakes, and the Bradgate Stakes at Doncaster. He won twice at Royal Ascot, taking the Fern Hill Stakes and the New Biennial Stakes.

At four years

In 1877 he was again undefeated in his five starts, which included victories in the Queen's Stand Plate, the July Cup. His final race was the 1¼ mile Champion Stakes in which he defeated The Derby winner Silvio.[3]

Springfield finished his racing career with 19 starts, 17 wins and 2 seconds for earnings of £8,920.

Stud record

Springfield stood at Bushey Paddocks at Hampton Court for an initial fee of 100 guineas, later rising to 200 guineas. After the Royal Stud was dispersed Springfield was transferred to Houldsworth's Newmarket stud.

His progeny included:

Foaled Name Sex Major Wins/Achievements
1887 Sainfoin Stallion Epsom Derby
1892 Pastorella Mare
Agave Mare
Briar Root Mare 1000 Guineas Stakes
Morganette Mare
Ponza Stallion Sire in Australia
Sierra Mare
Speedwell Stallion Middle Park Stakes
Sunshower Mare

He died on 31 March 1898, age 25.

See also

References
  1. Morris, Simon; Tesio Power 2000 - Stallions of the World, Syntax Software
  2. Erigero, Patricia. "Springfield". Thoroughbred Heritage. Thoroughbred Heritage. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
  3. "Springfield". Pferdestammdaten. Retrieved 10 July 2011.
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