Literature

Bessy Bedlam, a bay filly, by Filho da Puta out of Lunatic, was foaled in 1825. She was bred by Colonel King of Ashby House, Lincolnshire who also owned her when in training. An excellent racehorse, as a two year old in 1827, she was unbeaten in her first four races and scored a major triumph with Tommy Lye up in beating the brilliant Velocipede at Doncaster. The present picture probably depicts this win which took place on 20 September 1827. The following year she won four more races and her only defeat was when unplaced in the St. Leger. She won only one of her races in 1829 but her defeats were by Velocipede and another famous mare called Fleur de Lys. In 1830 she signed off with two wins in five starts.