Seven other Classic winners with names to convey gravitas

After Churchill's success in the 2,000 Guineas on Saturday, we look back at other Classic winners who lived up to their lofty namesakes

Ruler Of The World (2013 Derby)
Though not named after a particular figure, Coolmore's long-established habit of naming their horses hierarchically was perhaps a big clue to the regard in which Ruler Of The World was held at home. Unraced at two, he took the Derby on his third start following wins at the Curragh and Chester.

George Washington (2006 2,000 Guineas)
If Churchill is commonly seen as Britain's greatest statesman, his US equivalent would probably be their first president, George Washington. This mercurial horse did not behave in an especially presidential manner, but had huge reserves of talent, smashing the field in the 2,000 Guineas and also winning that year's QEII. He was sadly fatally injured in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Brian Boru wins the 2003 St Leger from High AccoladeCredit: Edward Whitaker

Brian Boru (2003 St Leger)
Named after one of Ireland's most revered medieval kings, this marvellously bred colt spent the winter as favourite for the Derby following his win in the Racing Post Trophy, but would get his Classic glory somewhat belatedly in the St Leger at Doncaster.

Disraeli (1898 2,000 Guineas)
Less than 20 years after Tory prime minister Benjamin Disraeli left office for a second time, this colt took the 2,000 Guineas under Sam Loates, one of the most famous jockeys of the time. He would be Loates' only winner of the race.

Moses (1822 Derby)
A rare foray into the Biblical naming of horses, this colt won the Derby on his second start, having made a winning debut over six furlongs at Newmarket just a month before. He was owned by the Duke of York, then the heir presumptive to the throne, but he would die before his brother, King George IV.

St Patrick (1820 St Leger)
Ireland's patron saint has given his name to many and varied items, people and ideas. Among them is this colt, who beat 26 rivals in a record-setting St Leger. It was just his third start, all of which to that point had come in Yorkshire. Confusingly, there was another horse called St Patrick foaled in the same year. He was not bad either, winning the Wokingham.

Maid Of Orleans (1809 Oaks)
The moniker often given to French folk heroine and military leader Joan Of Arc, Maid Of Orleans (by the amusingly-named sire Potoooooooo – think pot-8-os) was a relatively unfancied 16-1 when she won the Oaks. She would win only one of her seven subsequent races.