| Pretender | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Pretender_Derby_winner.jpg) Pretender, by an unknown artist, circa 1869 | |
| Sire | Adventurer |
| Grandsire | Newminster |
| Dam | Ferina |
| Damsire | Venison |
| Sex | Stallion |
| Foaled | 1866 |
| Country | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland |
| Colour | Bay or Brown |
| Breeder | William Sadler |
| Owner | John Johnstone Robert Jardine |
| Trainer | Thomas Dawson |
| Record | 15: 5-2-3 (incomplete) |
| Major wins | |
| 2000 Guineas (1869) Epsom Derby (1869) | |
Pretender (1866–1878) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. After showing promise as a two-year-old in 1868 he improved to become a top class performer in the early part of the following year. He won the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and The Derby. Pretender was the last horse trained in the North of England to win the Derby until Dante in 1945; no other has won since. He failed to complete the Triple Crown when he was beaten in the St Leger at Doncaster. Pretender’s form subsequently deteriorated and he failed to record any significant wins despite staying in training for two more seasons. He made no impression as a stallion.