Memoir was a dual classic-winning British Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare. As a two-year-old in 1889 she showed considerable promise as she won the last three of her six races. In the following spring she appeared an unfortunate loser when stable arrangements prevented her from beating Semolina in the 1000 Guineas but she went on to win the Newmarket Stakes, Oaks Stakes, Nassau Stakes, St Leger and Newmarket Oaks. She added a win in the July Cup before being retired at the end of 1891. Although she produced no major winners, she had an enduring influence through her daughter, Miss Gunning.

The British Classics are five long-standing Group 1 horse races run during the traditional flat racing season. They are restricted to three-year-old horses and traditionally represent the pinnacle of achievement for racehorses against their own age group. As such, victory in any classic marks a horse as amongst the very best of a generation. Victory in two or even three of the series marks a horse as truly exceptional.