A FAMOUS SIRE
DEATH OF GAINSBOROUGH
(By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, June B.
The famous racehorse Gainsborough, sire of Hyperion and Solaria, died, aged 30 years. "The Times" racing correspondent* describes Gainsborough as a truly great horse. He had in his long career an influence comparable with that of the greatest stallions in racing history- , -,•-,- Before Lady James Douglas died in 1941 at the age of 87, she stipulated in her will that Gainsborough should be allowed to spend the rest of his days in the secluded Berkshire paddock where he was bred. It is estimated that his earnings as a sire exceeded £250,000, as he received lavish patronage for 20 years at a fee of 400 guineas. In the last few years of his life Gainsborough each season served one mare, Tilly, who was specially reserved for .him, and she produced several foals to him, the last being Tilly's Last, who is now racing. Gainsborough's dam came from a mare who was so indifferently regarded that she was sold at a charity auction. Gainsborough as a yearling was so long-legged and gawky that he failed to reach the reserve -of 2000 guineas which Lady James Douglas placed on him. She raced him herself, and after Gainsborough had won his first race she was deluged with offers to buy him, but refused them all.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/EP19450609.2.124.3
Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1945, Page 12
Word Count
224A FAMOUS SIRE Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 135, 9 June 1945, Page 12
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