Figure (horse)

The small, dark colt is believed to have been sired by an English Thoroughbred stallion named "True Briton."

[1] N.Y. Wallace, a respected trotting expert and 1968 Harness Racing Hall of Fame inductee, claimed that Figure's sire was not the English thoroughbred True Briton.

Morgan and his proponents denied the claims, pointing to the horse's performance as evidence of its legitimacy.

[1] In 1792, Figure was advertised for stud before he was given as payment for a debt to Justin Morgan (1747-1798), a singing teacher and one-time Randolph, Vermont, Town Clerk.

He leased Figure to Robert Evans in the fall of 1795 to clear land for a Mr. Fisk at a rate of $15.00 a year.

In 1796, Figure raced in a sweepstakes in Brookfield, Vermont, beating New York horses to win $50.

Evans owned the horse until 1804, using the stallion for logging, racing, and breeding, until he fell into debt to Colonel John Goss.