Medora (horse)

Medora
Medora at stud c. 1828 by John Nott Sartorius
Sire	Selim
Grandsire	Buzzard
Dam	Sir Harry mare
Damsire	Sir Harry
Sex	Mare
Foaled	1811
Country	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Colour	Chestnut
Breeder	Colonel Adeane
Owner	John Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland Thomas Cussans
Trainer	R D Boyce
Record	13: 4-4-2
Major wins
Oaks Stakes (1814) Swinley Forest Stakes (1814) Billingbear Stakes (1814)

Medora (1811–1835) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare who won the classic Oaks Stakes at Epsom Downs Racecourse in 1814. In a racing a career which lasted from April 1814 until May 1816 she ran thirteen times and won four races as well as twice "receiving forfeit" when her opponent did not appear for a scheduled match race. Unraced as a two-year-old Medora produced her best form in the first half of 1814, she finished third in the inaugural 1000 Guineas, won the Oaks and then claimed two races at Royal Ascot. She remained in training for two more seasons but was less successful, winning only one competitive race. She was retired to stud where she became a highly successful and influential broodmare, whose direct descendants won many major races throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Medora was a chestnut mare bred by Colonel Adeane and sold as a yearling to John Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland. Her sire Selim won the Craven Stakes and the Oatlands Stakes at Newmarket and went on to have a successful stud career, siring the classic winners Azor (Epsom Derby), the unnamed Filly by Selim (1000 Guineas), Nicolo (2000 Guineas), Turcoman (2000 Guineas) and Turquoise (Oaks) as well as the British Champion sire Sultan. Selim was British champion sire in 1814. Medora's dam was an unnamed mare sired by the Derby winner Sir Harry.

Medora began her racing career on 26 April in the sixth running of the 2000 Guineas Stakes over the Rowley Mile course at Newmarket Racecourse. Despite being the only filly in the field and her lack of previous experience, she was made third favourite at odds of 7/1 against thirteen colts, but finished unplaced behind Mr Wyndham's Olive. Two days later Medora was one of five fillies, from an original entry of ten, to contest the inaugural running of the 1,000 Guineas over the Ditch Mile. She started 5/2 third favourite and finished third to Charlotte and the Duke of Grafton's Vestal.