Eleanor became the first filly to win the Epsom Derby in 1801.
Owned by the Duke of Bedford and trained by Robert Robson, Eleanor won the Derby at Epsom Downs on 2 June 1801. The race was traditionally associated with colts, so her victory was a landmark for fillies in British flat racing.
Eleanor was not a one-race curiosity. She also won the Oaks, the major Epsom Classic for three-year-old fillies, making her the first horse to win both the Derby and Oaks. She later became an important broodmare, producing successful descendants.
Her achievement is sometimes confused with later famous fillies. Sceptre won four British Classics in 1902 but not the Derby, while Tagalie won the Derby in 1912. Eleanor’s 1801 victory remains the first by a filly in the Epsom Derby.