The Minstrel

The Minstrel
Racing silks of Robert Sangster
SireNorthern Dancer
GrandsireNearctic
DamFleur (USA)
DamsireVictoria Park
SexStallion
Foaled11 March 1974
CountryCanada
ColourChestnut
BreederWindfields Farm
OwnerRobert Sangster
TrainerVincent O'Brien
Record9: 7-1-1
Earnings£333,197[1] ($570,605)
Major wins
Dewhurst Stakes (1976)
2,000 Guineas Trial Stakes (1977)
Epsom Derby (1977)
Irish Derby (1977)
K. George VI & Q. Elizabeth Stakes (1977)
Awards
Horse of the Year in the United Kingdom (1977)
Horse of the Year in Ireland (1977)
Timeform rating: 135
Honours
Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (1979)
Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh
Last updated on 3 May 2011

The Minstrel (11 March 1974 – 3 September 1990) was a Canadian-bred, Irish-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. Bred in Ontario, he was sold as a yearling and exported to Europe, where he was campaigned in Ireland and the United Kingdom. As a two-year-old The Minstrel was unbeaten in three races, including the Dewhurst Stakes, but lost two of his first three starts in 1977. He was then moved up in distance and won his remaining three races: the Epsom Derby, the Irish Derby and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

These performances led to The Minstrel becoming horse of the year in the UK and later being inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. The Minstrel spent his stud career in the United States, where he had considerable success as a sire of winners.

  1. ^ Pickering, Martin (1981). Pedigrees of Leading Winners 1960–1980. London: J.A. Allen & Co. Ltd. p. 184. ISBN 0-85131-372-8.