GAINSBOROUGH

town, West Lindsey district, administrative and historic county of Lincolnshire, England. It stands on the River Trent, bordering Nottinghamshire. Gainsborough's early importance as a Saxon settlement was augmented when it became a military centre under the Danes (9th11th centuries). Its position on a navigable river and a main road between London and the north of England soon added to its growth when it served as a market centre for the surrounding agricultural district. As a small North Sea river port, it deals mostly with barge traffic. Most of its industries are based on agricultural processing, but many general engineering and light industries connected with hosiery are also important. The town centre was renovated after World War II bombing damage; but some old buildings remain, notably the 18th-century parish church and the 15th-century Old Hall. Pop. (1991) 19,704. (foaled 1915), English racehorse (Thoroughbred) who won the British Triple Crown, consisting of the Two Thousand Guineas at Newmarket, the Derby at Epsom Downs, and the Saint Leger at Doncaster in 1918. The horse later became a stud of worldwide importance, being the sire of the famous stallion Hyperion. Sired by Bayardo and foaled by Rosedrop, Gainsborough was owned by Lady James Douglas and trained by Alec Taylor. Despite his promising appearance as a two-year-old, he won only one race. In 1918 he won the Two Thousand Guineas by 1 1/2 lengths, becoming the first horse to win a classic race in the racing colours of a woman owner. He then won the Derby and the Saint Leger to complete the Triple Crown. He lost his last race at the Jockey Club Stakes to Prince Chamay, a horse from his stable. Retired to stud, he became one of the top stallions whose blood lines still are influential. He died at the age of 30.