Altair, Antares, Aldebaran and Rigel

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Altair, Antares, Aldebaran and Rigel

Background

Altair, Antares, Aldebaran and Rigel are racing horses owned by Sheik Ilderim. They are descended from the Arabian race horses of the first pharaohs. They are named after stars. Antares is the slowest, but has the best stamina. Aldebaran is the fastest but lacks steadiness. Their mother was named Mira.


During the events of Ben-Hur (1959)

Judah Ben-Hur watches as Altair, Antares, Aldebaran and Rigel are sloppily raced by a charioteer for Sheik Ilderim. They then participate in the chariot race versus the horses of Messala and the other Charioteers. Altair, Antares, Aldebaran and Rigel win the race.