Fearnought

The famous Thoroughbred racehorse Fearnought, a dominating racer in Great Britain and the foremost colonial-era sire in America, was foaled in England in 1755. In 1764, John Baylor brought him to Newmarket in Caroline County, where he stood at stud until Baylor’s death in 1772. William Edwards, of Hicksford (now Emporia), then bought Fearnought and owned him until the horse died in 1776. During his 12 years in Virginia, Fearnought was the leading stallion in America, siring mounts of superior size, strength, and speed. His offspring won many races and carried civil and military leaders such as Thomas Jefferson and Gen. Horatio Gates.