Morston (horse)

This article is about the Thoroughbred racehorse. For Norfolk village, see Morston.

Morston
Sire	Ragusa
Grandsire	Ribot
Dam	Windmill Girl
Damsire	Hornbeam (horse)
Sex	Stallion
Foaled	1970
Country	France
Colour	Chestnut
Breeder	Park Farm Stud
Owner	Arthur Budgett
Trainer	Arthur Budgett
Record	2: 2-0-0
Earnings	$120,670
Major wins
Epsom Derby (1973)
Horse (Equus ferus caballus)
Last updated on February 18, 2010

Morston (1970-1993) was a French-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse. He is best known for winning the 1973 Epsom Derby on his second racecourse appearance. He was then injured, and retired undefeated.

Background

Morston was bred in France by his owner Arthur Budgett's Park Farm Stud. He was sired by the Irish Derby winner Ragusa out of Budgett's mare Windmill Girl. This made him a brother of the 1969 Derby winner Blakeney.^[1] He was named after a village in Norfolk.

Racing career

Unraced at two, Morston made his debut in the Godstone Plate, a maiden race at Lingfield in May 1973. He won comfortably,^[2] but showed his inexperience- according to Budgett he was "all over the place". ^[3]

In the Derby he was made a 25-1 outsider. His jockey Edward Hide was told not to be too hard on the colt, and was reportedly resentful about giving up good winning chances at Redcar to ride a "non-trier".^[3] In the race he hit the front a furlong out and stayed on well to beat Cavo Doro by half a length.^[2]

Morston was being trained for the Great Voltigeur Stakes when he suffered a tendon injury^[4] which ended his career.

Assessment

Morston has been regarded as one of the least distinguished Derby winners. Writing in the Racing Post, John Randall rated him the worst Derby winner since the Second World War.^[2] Budgett, however, regarded Morston as superior to his other Derby winner Blakeney, and the best horse he had ever trained.^[5]

He was rated 125 by Timeform.

Stud career

Morston had modest success as a stallion. His best runners were probably Whitstead (Great Voltigeur Stakes), Morcon (Prince of Wales's Stakes) and More Light (Jockey Club Stakes).

References

1. ^ "Morston Horse Pedigree". Pedigreequery.com. http://www.pedigreequery.com/morston. Retrieved 2011-10-14. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Unbeaten Morston tops six worst Derby winners". Thefreelibrary.com. 2004-06-02. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pick+6%3A+Unbeaten+Morston+tops+six+worst+Derby+winners.-a0117508032. Retrieved 2011-10-14. 
3. ^ ^{a b} Horse Racing. "Arthur Budgett: A rare breed indeed". Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/5417720/Arthur-Budgett-A-rare-breed-indeed.html. Retrieved 2011-10-14. 
4. ^ "Persian Punch". Famousracehorses.co.uk. http://www.famousracehorses.co.uk/persianpunch/punchbreeding.htm. Retrieved 2011-10-14. 
5. ^ Jon Lees (2011-06-23). "Derby legend Arthur Budgett dies aged 95". Racing Post. http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/derby-legend-arthur-budgett-dies-aged-95/875231/. Retrieved 2011-10-14.