Champion, Gene Autry’s sorrel-colored horse, was the only cowboy star’s horse to have his own television series after his movie days were over: The Adventures of Champion (CBS: 1955–1956). Melody Trail (1935) was Champion’s first film, but Autry actually used seven different Champions during his film and television career. According to the official Gene Autry.com website, the seven Champions were the original Champion, the Lindy Champion, Champion Jr., Little Champ, Touring Champ, Television Champ, and Champion Three. Only the original Champion had white stockings on his legs and a distinctive blaze down his face. He died while Autry was away for service during World War II.
Historical Dictionary of Westerns in Cinema. Paul Varner. 2012.