While not particularly successful in terms of major wins, he was very highly regarded, being rated by his jockey Harry Custance as the equal of Thormanby.

[2] His dam, Whisper, was bred by Mr. R. Taylor and produced ten foals between 1866 and her death in 1882.

[4] Sterling won five races including the Liverpool Autumn Cup at Aintree Racecourse.

[5] In the autumn of 1871, the owner of the Belmont Stakes winner Harry Bassett's owner issued a challenge to the owner of Sterling for a one and a half mile match race at level weights, to be run in the United States.

Sterling's owner responded by offering to put up £12,000 to the American's £8,000, but only if the match took place in England.