Champion was a bay horse bred at Oxton Hall near Tadcaster in North Yorkshire by his owner Christopher Wilson, a highly respected figure in the racing world who, in his later years, was known as "The Father of the Turf".

[2] Champion's dam, Huncamunca was the direct female ancestor of the Derby winner Mameluke as well as Charlotte (1000 Guineas) and Maid of Orleans (Oaks Stakes).

[7] His mixed form did not deter Christopher Wilson, who, while staying at York's Black Swan Hotel, made so many bets on his colt for the St Leger that he ran out of paper on which to record them.

[8] On 23 September at Doncaster Champion attempted to become the first winner of the Derby to capture the St Leger and thereby win the two most important races of the season for three-year-olds.

[12] On 20 April, Lord Darlington was able to claim forfeit when Mr Heathcote withdrew his horse Schedoni from a match against Champion.

[14] On 4 May he received ten pounds from Mr Heatcote's horse Warter and won a 200 guinea match Across the Flat at odds of 1/4.

The fact that Lethe, who was receiving six pounds from Champion, started "high odds on" suggests that the Derby winner was not expected to win.