Born during a total eclipse of the son in 1728 by Marske, a grandson of the Darley Arabian, out of a grandaughter of the Godolphin Arabian called Spilleta, Eclispe could well be called one of the founding fathers of the Thoroughbred, it is believed that over 80% (some say 95%) of modern Thoroughbred racehorses have Eclipse in their bloodlines.
Eclipse was bred by HRH Duke of Cumberland at the Cranbourne Lodge Stud, a chesnut with a white stocking he was said to be somewhat bad tempered and difficult to handle. After the death of the Duke Eclipse was sold at auction for 75 guineas to William Wildman who first raced him as a five year old, he was later purchased by Col. Dennis O'Kelly who first used the expression - "Eclipse first the rest nowhere".
Eclipse went on to win all 18 of his races, always ridden by the same jockey, John Oakley, who was the only one who could ride him. Eclipse had an unusual way of running with his head down. It's said that Eclipse was best friends with a parrot who recited psalms and sang popular songs.
Eventually Eclipse was retired to stud due to the fact that no-one would let their horses race against him knowing that they would be beaten. Eclipse proved very successful at stud siring many winners, he died in 1789 of colic.
Due to the success of Eclipse both as a racehorse and as a sire his body was dissected and it was eventually decided that his phenomenal speed was because of an abnormaly large heart. Eclipse's skeleton is owned by the Royal Veterinary College although his hooves were removed to make inkstands one of which was presented to the Jockey Club in 1837 by King William IV.
Fascination with Eclipse's speed has continued into the 21st century and Scientists of The Royal Veterninary Clinic and Cambridge University have been doing genetic research on Eclipse.
Dr Alan Wilson, who led the study, said: "All the factors for speed were perfectly matched. A key ability for a fast horse is to be able to bring its legs forward quickly, which is difficult for large animals with long limbs. Eclipse was smaller than modern racehorses. Rather than being some freak of nature with incredible properties, he was actually just right in absolutely every way."
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