Épinard

Épinard (1920–1942) was a French Thoroughbred racehorse which was given the French name for spinach. He is considered a racing legend by French racing authority France Galop.

He was a chestnut stallion sired by Badajoz from Epine Blanche by the British Triple Crown winner Rock Sand. Epine Blanche was conceived in the U.S.A. and foaled in France. She was out of an American mare named White Thorn by Nasturtium, who was a brilliant two-year-old. Epine Blanche was also the dam of the race winner Epinette III by Mont Bernina. Épinard was inbred to the undefeated racehorse, St. Simon in the third and fourth generation (4m x 4f).

Racing career

Owned and bred by one of France's leading horsemen, Pierre Wertheimer, Épinard made his racing debut at two by winning the Prix Yacowlef at the Deauville Racecourse. He dominated his age group in France, winning four important races and earning 1922 champion honours. As a three-year-old, he continued to win in France before being sent to compete in England. At the Goodwood Racecourse near Chichester, he won the 1923 Stewards' Cup, defeating a strong field including Pharos. After conceding a great deal of weight, he finished second by a neck to Verdict in the Cambridgeshire Handicap.