Newminster

Newminster (1848 – 2 October 1868) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse who won the St. Leger Stakes in 1851. He raced for four seasons, winning two of his ten races. He retired to stud in Yorkshire and became British champion sire in 1859 and 1863. Newminster sired the Derby winners Musjid and Hermit and the champion sires Adventurer and Lord Clifden. He was trained by John Scott and owned by Anthony Nichol throughout his racing career. Background Newminster was a bay colt bred by William Orde and foaled in 1848. He was sired by Touchstone, who won the St. Leger Stakes as a three-year-old, before winning both the Doncaster Cup and Ascot Gold Cup twice as an older horse. He was also a successful stallion, becoming British champion sire four times. Touchstone sired many Classic winners including the Derby winners Cotherstone, Orlando and Surplice. Newminster's dam was Beeswing, a daughter of Doctor Syntax. Beeswing was a successful racemare who raced for many years. Her wins included six Newcastle Gold Cups, four Doncaster Cups and one Ascot Gold Cup. Beeswing also foaled the 2000 Guineas winner Nunnykirk, who was also sired by Touchstone. Newminster was purchased as a yearling by Anthony Nichol and put into training with John Scott. Racing career 1851: Three-year-old season A week before Newminster was scheduled to run in the Derby, there were reports that he had gone amiss. However, on 21 May 1851, along with 32 other horses, Newminster lined up at Epsom Downs for the start of the Derby Stakes. Teddington was the 3/1 favourite for the race and Marlborough Buck was next in the betting at 7/2, with Newminster being a big outsider at the odds of 1000/15. Newminster never challenged the leaders and did not finish in the top eight. Teddington won the race by two lengths from Marlborough Buck, with Neasham a further length back in third place.