The Thinker (20 April 1978 – 4 April 1991) was an Irish-bred British-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, best known for his win in the 1987 Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Background
The Thinker was a chestnut gelding bred in Ireland by Victor Semple. He was sired by Cantab, a successful hurdler who won the Triumph Hurdle in 1961 before becoming a successful National Hunt stallion. His other progeny included Little Polveir, Little Owl (Cheltenham Gold Cup) and Dixton House (National Hunt Handicap Chase). Cantab was a representative of the Byerley Turk sire line, unlike more than 95% of modern thoroughbreds, who descend directly from the Darley Arabian. The Thinker was the best racer produced by the unraced Maine Pet, but his full-sister Heather-Can did place in a few National Hunt flat and hurdle races in 1979 and 1980.
As a young horse, The Thinker was bought by Arthur Stephenson and entered the ownership of Tom McDonnagh. He was trained in County Durham by Stephenson, who was known for consistently winning numerous minor races at northern racecourses, his motto being "little fish are sweet".
Racing career
