Problem (horse)

British Thoroughbred racehorse

Problem

Sire| Merlin
Grandsire| Castrel
Dam| Pawn
Damsire| Trumpator
Sex| Mare
Foaled| 1823
Country| United Kingdom
Colour| Chestnut
Breeder| George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton
Owner| Duke of Grafton
Trainer| Robert Robson
Record| 8:3-2-1
Major wins
1000 Guineas (1826)
Match against Reformer (1827)
Match against The Dragon (1827)

Problem (foaled 1823) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare who won the classic 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1826. After winning the classic on her first appearance on a racecourse, Problem was beaten on her next five starts before returning to form to win two match races at Newmarket 1827. After her retirement, Problem became a successful and influential broodmare.

## Background

[edit]

Problem was a chestnut mare bred by her owner George FitzRoy, 4th Duke of Grafton at his stud at Euston Hall in Suffolk. She was sired by Merlin, a horse with a "frightful temper"[1] whose wins included the Port Stakes at Newmarket in 1819. At stud, his best runner apart from Problem was her contemporary and stable companion Dervise who won the 2000 Guineas for the Duke of Grafton in 1826. Problem's dam Pawn was a daughter of Prunella, described as one of the most important broodmares in the history of the Thoroughbred breed.[2] Pawn herself was an influential broodmare, regarded as the Foundation mare of Thoroughbred Family 1-f. Her direct descendants have won hundreds of major races in the last two centuries and include the modern champions Hurricane Run, Snow Fairy and Frankel.[3] Grafton sent the filly to be trained at Newmarket by Robert Robson, the so-called "Emperor of Trainers".[4]

## Racing career

[edit]

### 1826: three-year-old season

[edit]

The Duke of Grafton, who bred and owned Problem

Problem did not race before contesting the 1000 Guineas Stakes on 28 April 1826. She was ridden by John Barham Day and started at odds of 5/1 in a field of six fillies for the race over the Ditch Mile course. She won the race from Tears, a filly owned by the Duke of Grafton's cousin Thomas Grosvenor, with the odds on favourite Butterfly in third place.[5] Problem's win was the seventh in the race for the Duke of Grafton and an eighth for Robert Robson. A month after her win in the Guineas Problem was sent to Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Oaks Stakes over one and a half miles. The race attracted a field of fifteen runners and Problem was made favourite at 6/4, with Tears being the second choice of the betters at 6/1. She went into the lead from the start and still held the advantage on the turn into the straight. In the closing stages she turned back challenges from Butterfly and Shortwaist[6] but was overtaken inside the final furlong and finished second to Lilias, a 15/1 outsider owned and trained by John "Daddy" Forth.[7]

After her defeat at Epsom Problem was off the course for more than four months before reappearing at Newmarket's First October meeting. She started 7/4 favourite for the ten furlong Grand Duke Michael Stakes but finished unplaced behind Lord Exeter's colt Hobgoblin.[8] Two days later Problem again raced against colts in the Newmarket St Leger over the two mile "Ditch In" course and finished unplaced behind the dead-heaters Leeway and Monarch.[9] Her final race of the year came in the Frogmore Stakes at the Second October meeting. She started the 1/2 favourite but was beaten by her only rival, the Duke of York's filly Elizabeth,[10] who won by a head.[11]

### 1827: four-year-old season

[edit]

Problem began her 1827 season at the Craven meeting at Newmarket in April. In the Claret Stakes for four-year-olds over two miles she finished third of the four runners behind her stable companion and close relative Dervise[12] (apart from being sired by the same stallion, Dervise was the son of Problem's half-sister, Pawn Junior). At the Second Spring meeting in May Problem was withdrawn from an engagement is a Handicap Sweepstakes but took part in a match race over the Ditch Mile two days later. Her opponent was Lord Wharncliffe's six-year-old chestnut horse Reformer who was given a weight of 122 pounds, 11 more than the filly. Problem easily[13] defeated her older rival to record her first win in over a year and claim a prize of 200 guineas.[14]

In October Problem took part in a second match race over the Ditch Mile. On this occasion she was required to carry six pounds more than her opponent The Dragon, a colt owned by Lord Jersey. The Dragon was strongly favoured in the betting but Problem, ridden by Francis Buckle, prevailed to win a further 200 guineas.[15]

## Stud record

[edit]

Star Kingdom, one of Problem's many successful descendants

Problem was retired to become a broodmare at the Duke of Grafton's stud.[16] She produced no champions but the successes of two of her daughters ensured that she had a lasting impact on the history of the Thoroughbred and she is regarded as the Foundation mare of Thoroughbred Family 1-g. In 1831 she produced the filly Nameless, sired by Emilius, whose descendants include the British classic winners Pilgrimage, Swynford and Mon Fils. Swynford became a champion sire as did another of Nameless's descendants, the British-bred, Australian-based Star Kingdom. Problem's 1836 foal was Io, a chestnut filly sired by Taurus. Io is the ancestor of numerous leading Thoroughbreds including the Triple Crown winner Gay Crusader. Other descendants of Io are Dayjur, Sky Beauty and Summing.[17]

## Pedigree

[edit]

Pedigree of Problem (GB), chestnut mare, 1823  Sire
Merlin (GB)
1815  | Castrel
1801  | Buzzard  | Woodpecker

|
|
|

Misfortune
Alexander mare  | Alexander
Highflyer mare
Miss Newton
1804  | Delpini  | Highflyer
Countess
Tipple Cyder  | King Fergus
Sylvia
Dam
Pawn (GB)
1808  | Trumpator
1782  | Conductor  | Matchem
Snap mare
Brunette  | Squirrel
Dove
Prunella
1788  | Highflyer | Herod
Rachel
Promise  | Snap
Julia (Family 1-f)

* Problem was inbred 3 x 4 to Highflyer, meaning that this stallion appears in both the third and fourth generations of her pedigree.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Early Studbook M". Bloodlines.net. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
2. ^ "The Dukes of Grafton: Prunella and her Family". Tbheritage.com. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
3. ^ "Thoroughbred Bloodlines - Pawn - Family 1-f". Bloodlines.net. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
4. ^ "The Dukes of Grafton: The Racing". Tbheritage.com. Retrieved 2012-10-23.
5. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1827). Racing calendar. 1826. C H Reynell. p. 26. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
6. ^ Sporting magazine (May-Oct. 1827). Rogerson and Tuxford. 1828. p. 122. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
7. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1827). Racing calendar. 1826. C H Reynell. p. 52. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
8. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1827). Racing calendar. 1826. C H Reynell. p. 214. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
9. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1827). Racing calendar. 1826. C H Reynell. p. 216. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
10. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1827). Racing calendar. 1826. C H Reynell. p. 231. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
11. ^ Sporting magazine (Nov. 1826-Apr. 1827). Rogerson and Tuxford. 1828. p. 49. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
12. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1828). Racing calendar. 1827. C H Reynell. p. 19. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
13. ^ Sporting magazine (May-Oct. 1827). Rogerson and Tuxford. 1828. p. 26. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
14. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1828). "Racing calendar. 1827". C H Reynell. p. 41. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
15. ^ Edward and James Weatherby (1828). "Racing calendar. 1827". C H Reynell. p. 196. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
16. ^ Charles Weatherby (1832). The General stud book. Vol. 3\. C & W Reynell. p. 322. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
17. ^ "Thoroughbred Bloodlines - Problem - Family 1-g". Bloodlines.net. Retrieved 2012-10-28.

* v
* t
* e

1000 Guineas winners

* 1814 Charlotte
* 1815 Filly by Selim
* 1816 Rhoda
* 1817 Neva
* 1818 Corinne
* 1819 Catgut
* 1820 Rowena
* 1821 Zeal
* 1822 Whizgig
* 1823 Zinc
* 1824 Cobweb
* 1825 Tontine
* 1826 Problem
* 1827 Arab
* 1828 Zoe
* 1829 Young Mouse
* 1830 Charlotte West
* 1831 Galantine
* 1832 Galata
* 1833 Tarantella
* 1834 May-day
* 1835 Preserve
* 1836 Destiny
* 1837 Chapeau d'Espagne
* 1838 Barcarolle
* 1839 Cara
* 1840 Crucifix ‡
* 1841 Potentia
* 1842 Firebrand
* 1843 Extempore
* 1844 Sorella
* 1845 Pic-nic
* 1846 Mendicant
* 1847 Clementine
* 1848 Canezou
* 1849 The Flea
* 1850 Lady Orford
* 1851 Aphrodite
* 1852 Kate
* 1853 Mentmore Lass
* 1854 Virago
* 1855 Habena
* 1856 Manganese
* 1857 Imperieuse
* 1858 Governess
* 1859 Mayonaise
* 1860 Sagitta
* 1861 Nemesis
* 1862 Hurricane
* 1863 Lady Augusta
* 1864 Tomato
* 1865 Siberia
* 1866 Repulse
* 1867 Achievement
* 1868 Formosa ₩ ‡
* 1869 Scottish Queen
* 1870 Hester
* 1871 Hannah ₩
* 1872 Reine
* 1873 Cecilia
* 1874 Apology ₩
* 1875 Spinaway
* 1876 Camelia
* 1877 Belphoebe
* 1878 Pilgrimage
* 1879 Wheel of Fortune
* 1880 Elizabeth
* 1881 Thebais
* 1882 St Marguerite
* 1883 Hauteur
* 1884 Busybody
* 1885 Farewell
* 1886 Miss Jummy
* 1887 Reve d'Or
* 1888 Briarroot
* 1889 Minthe
* 1890 Semolina
* 1891 Mimi
* 1892 La Fleche ₩
* 1893 Siffleuse
* 1894 Amiable
* 1895 Galeottia
* 1896 Thais
* 1897 Chelandry
* 1898 Nun Nicer
* 1899 Sibola
* 1900 Winifreda
* 1901 Aida
* 1902 Sceptre ₩ ‡
* 1903 Quintessence
* 1904 Pretty Polly ₩
* 1905 Cherry Lass
* 1906 Flair
* 1907 Witch Elm
* 1908 Rhodora
* 1909 Electra
* 1910 Winkipop
* 1911 Atmah
* 1912 Tagalie
* 1913 Jest
* 1914 Princess Dorrie
* 1915 Vaucluse
* 1916 Canyon
* 1917 Diadem
* 1918 Ferry
* 1919 Roseway
* 1920 Cinna
* 1921 Bettina
* 1922 Silver Urn
* 1923 Tranquil
* 1924 Plack
* 1925 Saucy Sue
* 1926 Pillion
* 1927 Cresta Run
* 1928 Scuttle
* 1929 Taj Mah
* 1930 Fair Isle
* 1931 Four Course
* 1932 Kandy
* 1933 Brown Betty
* 1934 Campanula
* 1935 Mesa
* 1936 Tide-way
* 1937 Exhibitionnist
* 1938 Rockfel
* 1939 Galatea II
* 1940 Godiva
* 1941 Dancing Time
* 1942 Sun Chariot ₩
* 1943 Herringbone
* 1944 Picture Play
* 1945 Sun Stream
* 1946 Hypericum
* 1947 Imprudence
* 1948 Queenpot
* 1949 Musidora
* 1950 Camaree
* 1951 Belle of All
* 1952 Zabara
* 1953 Happy Laughter
* 1954 Festoon
* 1955 Meld ₩
* 1956 Honeylight
* 1957 Rose Royale
* 1958 Bella Paola
* 1959 Petite Etoile
* 1960 Never Too Late
* 1961 Sweet Solera
* 1962 Abermaid
* 1963 Hula Dancer
* 1964 Pourparler
* 1965 Night Off
* 1966 Glad Rags
* 1967 Fleet
* 1968 Caergwrle
* 1969 Full Dress
* 1970 Humble Duty
* 1971 Altesse Royale
* 1972 Waterloo
* 1973 Mysterious
* 1974 Highclere
* 1975 Nocturnal Spree
* 1976 Flying Water
* 1977 Mrs McArdy
* 1978 Enstone Spark
* 1979 One in a Million
* 1980 Quick As Lightning
* 1981 Fairy Footsteps
* 1982 On The House
* 1983 Ma Biche
* 1984 Pebbles
* 1985 Oh So Sharp ₩
* 1986 Midway Lady
* 1987 Miesque
* 1988 Ravinella
* 1989 Musical Bliss
* 1990 Salsabil
* 1991 Shadayid
* 1992 Hatoof
* 1993 Sayyedati
* 1994 Las Meninas
* 1995 Harayir
* 1996 Bosra Sham
* 1997 Sleepytime
* 1998 Cape Verdi
* 1999 Wince
* 2000 Lahan
* 2001 Ameerat
* 2002 Kazzia
* 2003 Russian Rhythm
* 2004 Attraction
* 2005 Virginia Waters
* 2006 Speciosa
* 2007 Finsceal Beo
* 2008 Natagora
* 2009 Ghanaati
* 2010 Special Duty
* 2011 Blue Bunting
* 2012 Homecoming Queen
* 2013 Sky Lantern
* 2014 Miss France
* 2015 Legatissimo
* 2016 Minding
* 2017 Winter
* 2018 Billesdon Brook
* 2019 Hermosa
* 2020 Love
* 2021 Mother Earth
* 2022 Cachet
* 2023 Mawj
* 2024 Elmalka
* 2025 Desert Flower

Legend \- ₩ = Fillies Triple Crown winners, † = Epsom Derby winners, ‡ = 2000 Guineas Stakes winners
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