Early Modern Thoroughbred Historiography and Its Legacy: Founding Fathers, Forsaken Mothers

This book examines the semi-mythological status occupied by three foundation stallions of the Thoroughbred racehorse: the Byerley Turk, the Godolphin Arabian (or Barb), and the Darley Arabian. In the nineteenth century, it was pointed out that the winners of every significant British horse race were descendants of one of these three "Founding Fathers." This suggestion undoubtedly led to an increase in popularity of these stallions' descendants and encouraged development of their lines by wealthy and competitive racing enthusiasts. However, DNA research and historical investigations call the story of the "Founding Fathers" into question.

This book interrogates this narrative and its enduring popularity. It argues that this tale is, in essence, a constructed patriarchal myth that serviced the dominant biblical, biological, social, and political hierarchy of the period of its emergence.