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PosterCo Ltd

"Bay Middleton", Winner of the Derby, 1836 - James Pollard - Framed Print - 16"H x 20"W

£44.99

"Bay Middleton", Winner of the Derby, 1836 - James Pollard - Framed Print - 16"H x 20"W

James Pollard was a British painter noted for his mail coach, fox hunting and equine scenes.

Pollard was the son of the painter and publisher, Robert Pollard

James exhibited at the Royal Academy, and the British Institution. During his career, he also worked with John Frederick Herring, Sr. on several horse racing paintings in which he painted the backgrounds and spectators while Herring painted the horses.

Bay Middleton was an undefeated Thoroughbred racehorse whose victories included two British Classic Races. He was twice the Leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland.

Bay Middleton was a difficult horse to ride, and Lord Jersey had to beg the great jockey James Robinson to try him. Their first ride did not go well, as Bay Middleton broke his martingale and bolted. However, Robinson continued to ride the horse throughout his one-season career, in 1836.

In his first race, the Riddlesworth Stakes he defeated five other horses in the "commonest of canters. " He was in good company that day, beating Mendicant, the 1000 Guineas winner Destiny, and Magician. Bay Middleton won his second race with walk over, for £150, before taking the 2000 Guineas (Newmarket), defeated Elis and four others at a speed which was is debated to have been a new record. He then won the Epsom Derby by two lengths, to beat 21 horses including Gladiator, Slane, and Venison. His next race was in the Buckhurst Stakes at Ascot, where he won in a canter.

At the Grand Duke Michael Stakes, 21 horses withdrew to leave only Bay Middleton and St. Leger winner Elis. Bay Middleton pulled ahead, being hit once with the whip—the single time it was used in his career—to win by a length. The colt finished his race career with a match at Newmarket Houghton against Muezzin for 300 guineas. Despite carrying the greater weight, he won "with ridiculous ease."

Following this race, he was sold to Lord George Bentinck for 4000 guineas

Due to his fine bloodlines and excellent track record, Bay Middleton covered some very good quality mares. He managed to make to be the Leading Sire for two years: 1844 (48 winners) and 1849 (28 winners).


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