He was bred and owned by Robert Stephenson, before being sold to William Vane, Marquess of Cleveland, whom he raced for as a three-year-old.

[2] He was sired by Blacklock, who won seventeen races including three Great Subscription Purses.

[3] Voltaire was the fifth foal of his dam, an unnamed daughter of Epsom Derby winner Phantom.

[2] Voltaire made his debut on 9 April 1828 at Catterick Bridge, when he beat four rivals to win the Richmond Club Stakes.

[8] Two days later Voltaire walked over for the Gascoigne Stakes, ran over the same course and distance as the St. Leger.

Later in the day had his final race in the Doncaster Gold Cup, ran over two miles and five furlongs.

Voltaire and the previous year's winner Laurel started the race at similar prices in the betting.

The two raced together until Voltaire was asked to quicken by jockey Thomas Lye, when he pulled out a slight lead and won easily by half a length.