Bayardo
Bayardo was one of the greatest horse of the first half of the 20th Century. He won a record 15 races in a row for a British Racehorse,a feat only equaled by Brigadier Gerard who is rated the best British Race horse of the last Century. Only Citation, Cigar and Ribot have surpassed that figure for consecutive wins in Racinghistory.
Bayardo was unbeaten in 7 races in his 2 year old career. He simply demolished the opposition like starters hacks over sprinting distances.
Unfortunately he had a training setback as a three year old. The cold and dry spring affected the colt whose preparation suffered considerably. He lost both the Guineas after being odds on and also was beaten in the Epsom Derby by the King's Minoru. Interference from the favourite, Sir Martin cost him the race. Bayardo lost 6 lengths as a result of that interference.
However after that the colt performed like a great equine machine. He simply annihilated his rivals in the Prince Of Wales Stakes, at Royal Ascot, the Eclipse Stakes, the St. Leger (Thrashing Derby winner Minoru)and the Champion Stakes.
Bayardo made a winning debut in his 4 year old season gaining a narrow win in the Chester Vase as his jockey Danny Maher left it too late. In the Ascot Gold Cup Bayardo gave one of the great performances of flat Racing hitting the front 6 furlongs from home to win by 4 lenghts. It was one of the last Century's greatest triumphs in the Ascot Gold Cup. The colt displayed his infinite reservoirs of energy which only a superhorse can posses.
Sadly, Bayardo was beaten in his last race, the Goodwood Cup;failing to catch a younger horse Magic who was receiving 36lb.
Bayaro retired winning 22 races out of 24. He died at the age of 11. He sired Triple Crown winner Gay Crusader and Hyperion, the last Century's greatest sire was his grandson.
Bayardo was given a rating of 141 ranking him in the top 10 racehorses of the last Century. Amongst British greats only Hyperion,Brigadier Gerard, Tudor Minstrel and Mill Reef(Equal Rating of 141) have been rated ahead.
By Harsh Thakor
With Reference to Julian Wilson's favourite racehorses
