Hambletonian (1792-1818) was one of the greatest racehorses of the late 18th century and arguably in the top one hundred thoroughbreds of all time. He was bred by John Hutchinson of Shipton-By-Beningbrough just north of York, and foaled in 1792. He was of impeccable breeding, by King Fergus and a grandson of both Eclipse and Highflyer. In his racing career he won every race but one, including the St. Leger at Doncaster, but he was perhaps more famous for his great match against Diamond at Newmarket in 1799. 

Hambletonian was bred, owned and trained by John Hutchinson, the owner of a large estate in Shipley, near York before latterly being owned by Sir Harry Vane-Tempest. 

In his racing career Hambletonian won every race but one, including the St. Leger at Doncaster and was heralded as the Champion of the North. Consequently Sir Harry threw down a challenge of a 3,000 guinea Match with a 800 guineas side bet, to Joseph Cookson’s colt Diamond (by Highflyer out of a Matchem mare), at that time the best horse at Newmarket. The race to be run at the Craven Meeting over the four mile Beacon Course at Newmarket, Hambletonian to carry 8st. 3lbs and Diamond 8st. 0lb. The Hambletonian-Diamond match took place on 25th March 1799. Frank Buckle, the leading jockey of his day, rode Hambletonian and Dennis Fitzpatrick rode Diamond. 

The race aroused enormous interest in Yorkshire and many travelled to Newmarket to support their champion – who won by half a neck amid ‘a hurricane of applause.’ Hambletonian started at 5 to 1 on with side betting estimated at 200,000 – 300,000 guineas. The Beacon Course was a straight four miles and two furlongs instituted in Charles II’s time and became disused in the early 19th century. The time for the match is variously given as 7 minutes 15 seconds and 8 minutes and 30 seconds.