Basto (1703 – c. 1723) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse, who was one of the most celebrated racehorses of the early 18th century. He was described as "remarkably strong... one of the most beautiful horses of his colour that ever appeared in this kingdom".
History
Basto was a brown horse, sired by the Byerley Turk, out of Bay Peg, a daughter of the Leedes Arabian. His breeder, Sir William Ramsden, sold the horse to the Duke of Devonshire while he was still young.
In his racing career at the home of British racing in Newmarket, he won at least five match races (possibly more, since he raced before records were reliably kept) against some of the leading horses of the time.
At the Duke of Devonshire's stud, he sired several important racemares and broodmares including the dams of Old Crab, Blacklegs and Snip. Other offspring included Brown Betty, Coquette and Soreheels.
Race record Date Race name Dist (miles) Course Prize Odds Runners Place Runner-up Match race 4Newmarket not known not known21Lord Treasurer's Squirrel Match race 5Newmarket not known not known21Lord Treasurer's Billy Match race 4Newmarket not known not known21Lord Raylton's Chance Match race 5Newmarket not known not known21Mr Pulleine's Tantivy Match race 4Newmarket not known not known21Marquis of Dorchester's Brisk
Sire line tree
BastoFoundation Sire: Basto SoreheelsFoundation Sire: Soreheels Grey Soreheels Little Scar
Pedigree
References
Bibliography