Thoroughbred

Every modern Thoroughbred owes its ancestry to three foundation sires—The Godolphin Arabian, the Darley Arabian, and the Byerly Turk. These three horses were imported to England from the Middle East in the early 17th Century, and were used to improve the tougher native breeds. The result of this crossbreeding program was a strong horse capable of sustaining high speeds over extended distances. This new breed became an almost instant success in the thriving sport of horse racing. Today the Thoroughbred is still known for this quality above all—its speed.