Tontine

Tontine (foaled 1822) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare who won the classic 1000 Guineas at Newmarket in 1825. When the other horses entered in the race were withdrawn, Tontine became the only horse to win a classic by walkover. In a racing career which lasted from April 1825 until April 1826 she ran eight times and won three races. Unlike many of her near relatives, Tontine made no impact as a broodmare. Background Tontine 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 the Epsom Derby winner Election whose other classic winning offspring included colts Manfred (2000 Guineas) and Gustavus (Derby). Election died in the year of Tontine's conception of "inflammation", but his daughter's success enabled him to posthumously win the title of Champion sire in 1825. Tontine's dam Pope Joan was a daughter of Prunella, described as one of the most important broodmares in the history of the Thoroughbred breed. Pope Joan herself was a successful broodmare, producing several other good winners, all of whose names began with the letter "T", including Turquoise (Oaks Stakes), Turcoman (2000 Guineas), Trictrac, Tiara, Trance, Titian and Talisman. Grafton sent the filly to be trained at Newmarket by Robert Robson, the so-called "Emperor of Trainers". Racing career 1825: three-year-old season