Sirian – Childwickbury’s Own Warhorse

Born at Childwickbury Stud in 1913, Sirian was a bay colt by Sunstar—Jack Joel’s 1911 Derby winner—out of Sweet Lassie, the first foal of Our Lassie, his 1903 Oaks heroine. Homebred and full of promise, Sirian embodied the excellence and heritage of the Childwickbury bloodlines.

As a two-year-old, racing in the name of Mrs. J. B. Joel, Sirian showed his ability early on, finishing second in the prestigious Middle Park Stakes, beaten only three lengths. In 1916, he lined up for the wartime Derby, run that year at Newmarket rather than Epsom due to the Great War. The race was famously won by the filly Fifinella—no filly has won the Derby since.

By 1917, Sirian’s story took a remarkable and poignant turn. He was sold to the army for £70 under the understanding that he would go to Lieutenant Jim Joel, Jack Joel’s son, then serving on the Western Front with the 15th Hussars. There, horse and rider remained together through the hardships of war until the Armistice.

After peace returned, Sirian was repurchased by his breeder and returned to training. Remarkably, he went on to win again—taking the Friar Tuck Selling Plate at Nottingham, odds-on in a three-horse field, and victorious by three-quarters of a length.

Sadly, Sirian was later sold once more for 450 guineas (approximately £20,000 today) and did not return to Childwickbury. Jack Joel, ever the pragmatic sportsman, ran his racing operation on strict commercial principles. Yet, even in that era, Sirian’s story stands out as a touching testament to loyalty, courage, and service.

This Remembrance Day, we honour Sirian—the racehorse who became a warhorse—and all the brave animals and humans who served side by side during times of conflict. Their stories remind us that courage comes in many forms, and that devotion and duty often transcend the racetrack.

🌺 Lest We Forget.