Gay Spartan (foaled 1971) was a British-bred racehorse who began his career in Ireland and progressed into a top class steeplechaser after moving to England to be trained by Tony Dickinson. His career was interrupted by injury, limiting his racecourse appearances when he was in his prime. Background Gay Spartan's sire Spartan General finished second in the 1965 running of the Champion Hurdle. He was a successful National Hunt sire for many years. The dam of Gay Spartan, Copper Lace, won over hurdles and fences. Early career Gay Spartan ran twice over hurdles during the 1974/75 season when trained in Ireland. On the first occasion he was unplaced in a juvenile hurdle at Fairyhouse in December. On the second run he unseated his rider after the start in a similar race at Leopardstown in February. He later won a bumper race before moving to Tony Dickinson's yard in England. 1975/1976 season Gay Spartan ran twice over hurdles during this season, winning on both starts. These came at Leicester in January over 3 miles, and at Wolverhampton in March over 2 miles 7 furlongs. He won comfortably on each occasion. 1976/1977 season Gay Spartan was switched to fences and ran six times. He started the season by unseating his rider at the fifth fence at Uttoxeter, then was undefeated in his remaining five starts. He won novice chases at Catterick , Wolverhampton and Haydock Park, then was raised in class when running in the Sun Alliance Chase at the Cheltenham festival in March. Run over 3 miles, the Sun Alliance Chase is recognised as the most important event for staying novice chasers. With the trainer's son Michael Dickinson in the saddle, Gay Spartan made all the running and galloped on relentlessly in the heavy ground to defeat Billycan by four lengths. The runner up would win the Irish Grand National on his next start. On his final outing of the season Gay Spartan won a competitive novice chase at Newbury. He ended the season with a Timeform rating of 137. Although Timeform were of the opinion that " he should be a difficult nut to crack where staying power and resolution are necessary for success", they made note of his appearance, stating that Gay Spartan was, "lightly made for a chaser,rather lacking in substance and scope ". 1977/1978 season Gay Spartan ran seven times during this season, winning on five occasions.