[2] The colt was sent to England as a yearling and entered training with John Watson at the Palace House stable in Newmarket in Suffolk.

He was sired by the Kentucky-bred stallion Octagon whose wins included the Toboggan Handicap, Withers Stakes and Brooklyn Derby.

[5] When tried against top-class opposition in the Dewhurst Stakes over seven furlongs at Newmarket Racecourse in October he finished unplaced[6] behind the filly Rhodora.

[8] In the Derby over one and a half miles at Epsom Racecourse on 3 June Norman started the 11/2 favourite and was againpartneed by Madden.

[9] In September he was fancied to run well in the St Leger but made no impact as he came home last of the ten runners behind Your Majesty.