The Godolphin Arabian was the youngest of the three most important stallions from whom all thoroughbreds descend. He was said to have been foaled in 1724, but it was suspected that he had been stolen and taken to France. From there, he was brough to England (by 1730) by Mr. Edward Coke, who gave him to Mr. Roger Williams. Williams immediately disposed of him to the 2nd Earl of Godolphin, who placed him at stud at Gog Magog, near Newmarket, where he remained until his death in 1753

A similar version, signed and dated 1731, was sold in these Rooms, 18 June, 1976 (10,000)