Rubens mare


The Rubens mare was an unnamed British Thoroughbred racehorse. In her only race she finished second in The Oaks in 1822. Later she became a top broodmare, foaling Ascot Gold Cup winner Camarine, 1000 Guineas winners May-day and Firebrand and Epsom Derby winner Phosphorus.

Background

The Rubens mare was a chestnut filly foaled in 1819 and bred by Major Wilson. She was an unnamed daughter of Craven Stakes winner Rubens. Rubens was also a successful stallion and was the leading sire in Great Britain and Ireland three times. His other progeny included Landscape, Pastille and Whizgig. The Rubens mare's dam was, Tippitywitchet, a daughter of Derby winner Waxy.

Racing career

The Rubens mare made her only start on 24 May 1822 at Epsom Downs, when she and nine opponents raced for the Oaks Stakes. The Duke of Grafton's 1000 Guineas winner Whizgig started as the 11/8 favourite, with Pastille, who was also owned by Grafton, second favourite at 7/2. Major Wilson's Rubens mare was a relative outsider at about 12/1. Whizgig led the race from Pastille. The Rubens mare challenged and overtook Whizgig in the closing stages to take the lead, before Pastille passed her near the line and won by a head. Pastille and the Rubens mare finished clear of the rest of the field. The race was described as "as good a race ever seen for the Oaks."

Stud career

The Rubens mare was retired to Colonel Wilson's stud. During her career as a broodmare she produced eighteen foals in total. They were:
Note: b. = Bay, ch. = Chestnut
* The Rubens mare was inbred 4×4 to both Herod and Eclipse. This means that the stallions appear twice in the fourth generation of her pedigree.