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TUFTS UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

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014 541 193

Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at

Tufts University

200 Westboro Road

North Grafton, MA 01536

^ -/

JOHNA.SEAVERNS

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

PUBLISHER'S ANNOUNCEMENT

THE BRITISH THOROUGHBRED HORSE.
By W. Allison, M.A. ("The Special Com-
missioner" of The Sportsman.) With Por-
traits and other Illustrations. Royal 8vo.
Cloth, {.■z 2S. net.

FROM GLADIATEUR TO PERSIMMON:
Turf Memories of Thirty Years. By Syden-
ham Dixon (Vigilant of The Sportstnan.)
Illustrated in colours. Medium 8vo. Cloth.
i8s. net.

Two Books by "The British Yeoman."

I. THE SPORT OF KINGS. By W. Scarth

Dixon. With Portrait. Crown 8vo. Cloth. 6s.
" Certainly one of the best books on hunting
yet ■pnh\\%\ve.6.." Sporting Life.

II. IN THE NORTH COUNTREE: Annals
AND Anecdotes of Horse, Hound, and
Herd. By W. Scarth Dixon. Illustrated.
Demy Svo. Cloth. los. 6d. net.

Three Bootes by "Nat Qubblns."

I. THE FLOWING BOWL : A Treatise on

Drinks of all Kinds and of all Nations.
By Edward Spencer. Crown Svo. Cloth. 5s.
" An exceptionally clever and entertaining
book. " — Newmarket Journal.

II. THE GREAT GAME: And How it is
Played. By Edward Spencer. Crown Svo,
Cloth, ss.

" No one will care to lay it down until the
last page is reached." — Sportstnan.

III. CAKES AND ALE : A Memory of Many
Meals. By Edward Spencer. Third Edi-
tion. Crown Svo. Cloth, as.

The Earl of Rosebkry, K.G., writes: "I
never thought to read a cookery book through ;
but then I never came across so pleasant a

A Novel of Turf Life.

THE SPENDTHRIFT. By Francis Dods-
woRTH. Crown 8vo. Cloth. 6s.

" He knows his subject thoroughly, and he
also knows how to write." — St James's
Gazette.

CINDER-PATH TALES. By W. Lindsey.
Crown Svo. Cloth. 3s. 6d.

" No athlete past or present should fail to
read it." — Sportsman.

LONDON : GRANT RICHARDS
9 Henrietta St., Covent Garden, W.C.

GEORGE HODGMAN
From a Photo by Clarence Hailev, Newmarket

SIXTY YEARS ON
THE TURF

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF
GEORGE HODGMAN

1840-1900

EDITED BY

CHARLES R. WARREN

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

LONDON
GRANT RICHARDS

1901

PREFACE

Long prefaces nowadays are companions in mis-
fortune of long sermons — in being out of date. Nor,
unless the preface bear to the book the importance
the postscript does usually to the lady's letter, is
the, so to speak, preliminary or explanatory notice
of much purpose. Still, a few words of why this
book of " Keminiscences " came to be written, and
how it was put into shape, may be held pardonable.
Mr. Hodgman is now in his seventy-seventh year,
and for over sixty seasons has he been associated
actively with the Turf In that considerable period
he has met, naturally, " all sorts and conditions of
men," and stored in a marvellous memory is a rare
harvest of anecdote, from which, in paddock or at
dinner-table, he has drawn for the amusement of his
friends, many of whom, time back, pleaded the
desirability of publication. Mr. Hodgman, however,
was not in a mood for the pen, and perhaps would
never have seriously regarded the idea but for the
insistence of the late Lord Kussell of Killowen.

PREFACE

Two years ago at Ascot his lordship, who was one
of Mr. Hodgman's best friends, seized the occasion
to test his memory by "leading questions." He
received such an avalanche of anecdote that he
turned to Mr. Hodgman and said, " Hodgman, you
ought to publish your Reminiscences." " If I did,
my lord," was the answer, " I should need the help
of one or two like you to put them together."
" And that should be no trouble. You really ought
to publish." Nor is it too much to say that had Lord
Hussell been spared he would have stood sponsor for
the volume.

Helen's babies wanted to see the works go round,
and the Turf world may be similarly curious as to
how the ensuing pages were compiled. Briefly,
then, I have spent some three months with Mr.
Hodgman, taken note of his reminiscences, and
welded them into some degree of cohesion.

I wish to add that the chapter on the Jockeys
was penned some time ago. This I mention because
I notice in the " Sheet Calendar" of March 8, 1901,
licences were recorded as taken out for over a
hundred apprentices. Apparently the policy of
"drifting" has received a check. It remains to be
seen whether the lost ground can be recovered.

CHAS. R. WARREN.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

Early days— A useful reminder — Rogues and rascals — My first "book'" —
"Feathers to sell" — I win a "pony" — Mr. Tim Kelly and "Hop, step,
and a jump ''—I win a " century " — Kelly advises London — Tattersall's
Yard on Sundays — Caurouch for the Cesarewitch of 1847 — I leave
Ramsgate for London — Sweeps and lotteries — I draw the Cur-
Colonel Peel's Cambridgeshire three (1848)— Small stakes, but good
racing — Lenient handicapping ; no stakes— Derby and Oaks winners
in 100 guineas Plate Pp. 9-19

CHAPTER II

Financial reverses — Flying Dutchman's Derby — A dread of Derbies —
Layers of "safe 'uns" — Bon Mot's Liverpool Summer Cup — A home-
made guide — Profit therefrom — A run from Bedford Racecourse to
Bletchley — The Cambridgeshire of 1851 — A near prophecy — A Good
Friday visit to Newmarket — Concerning Weathergage — A Derby
thrown away — Objections to Plaiting — A "tip" for Stockwell — His
Derby defeat — Da vies "The Leviathan" — His heavy losses over
Daniel O'Rourke — The turn of the tide — My first racehorse Pp. 20-35

CHAPTER III

Davies " The Leviathan " — His humble start — His letter in retirement —
Derby and Oaks losses — A wonderful Ascot — An equine battle —
Davies's character — The man who could not whistle — Accident and
assault — A sad end Pp. 36-42

CHAPTER IV

Admiral Rous— Handicappers of to-day — Their disabilities — My first bet
with the Admiral — " Young Impudence " — Putting weight on Gridiron
— Handicapping at dinner — The Derby course — Mr. Dorling's economy
prevented — Mrs. Rous's opinion of myself — ''He's sure to doyou!" — A
bet in the dark — The Admiral's testimonial — How conceived — A
notable menu ......... Pp. 43-66

I

CONTENTS

CHAPTER V

Mr. Sykes — Mr. "D'Orsay" Clark — A Cesarewitch Trial — A commission
saved — A negligent trainer — "Mr. Sykes " at Egham — Admiral Rous
angered — Mr. Sykes versus Robgiil — Major Brabazon's bets — Mr.
Greville — A " close " character — His Muscovite bets — Perkins pockets
same — Mr. Shelley — " In the wrong Boat" — Eleven thousand pounds
posted Pp. 57-70

CHAPTER YI

Wild Dayrell's Derby — His "nobbling"' arranged — How prevented — A
costly "getting out" — Palmer the Poisoner — Marlow's opinion — Mr.
Fred Swindell " readied "—Saved by the success of Doubt — Cockburn's
grim assurance — Who set the law in motion . . . Pp. 71-78

CHAPTER VII

Virago — The best filly of last century — Unplaced in a selling race ! — Mr.
William Day in error — Heavy Chester Cup betting — The handicapper
awake — City and Suburban and Great Metropolitan won on one day
— Virago's Epsom trial — The real weights — Mr. Lambert's letter —
"Something out of Virago" — Lord Glasgow — Insistence on more
weight — "Don't hesitate. to shoot" — A memorable Saturday on the
Heath — Racing for Life Pp. 79-90

CHAPTER VIII

Ml'. Drinkald — His eccentric attire — Why I laid Boiardo for the St.
Leger of 1854 — A riot at Doncaster — The fighting brothers Broome —
Black Tommy and the Derby — Ten Thousand pounds to a suit of
clothes — Mr. Drinkald's bitter pill — Blink Bonny's triumph — The Leger
Defeat — Mr. Swindell's advice — The Jackson confederacy — Prioress's
Cesarewitch — A dead-heat between three — A change of jockeys and of
result — My opinion of Fordham — How Captain Little "kidded "him
— Heiress's defeats — Dulcibella's Cesarewitch — Her previous running —
Ladies in hiding Pp. 91-102

CHAPTER IX

Lord Brampton (Sir Henry Hawkins) — On Friendship — His letter — A
shooting incident at Beddington — The long-eared parson — Shillelagh
— His successes — Accident and death — I sue the Railway Company —
Mr. Hawkins against me — I win once and lose twice — Hawkins on
"The Claimant" — His belief in him — His later opinion — A fortunate
"get out " — The Claimant sharpens a knife . • . Pp. 105-113

CONTENTS

CHAPTER X

Mr. "Ned" Smith — His financial diiiiculties — A poaching episode — His
victim's threat — " Who shot the fox ? " — Margery Daw— Useless for
racing — A paddock failure — I give her away — Her subsequent value —
She throws See Saw and Ecossais — Extraordinary career of the latter
— Doeskin : another "gift horse" — Rocket's trial for the Cesarewitch
of 1858— Faith lost — I try to buy Tame Deer — Confidence in Rocket
restored — Colonel Forester's opinion — Rocket's victory — Mr. Edward
Green — His "averaging" habit— How I purchased Emigrant — Mr.
Green has half share — Emigrant's Grand National training — Accident
to his jockey, Charlie Boyce — I hedge my monej'^Boyce wins with
one arm tied up — Lucas's Repository — Mr. Hodgson forces a fight —
The result — Heavy damages claimed — I sell my responsibility — The
trial — Baron Martin suggests arbitration — Acceptance of Admiral
Rous — His judgment ....... Pp. 114-134

CHAPTER XI

Sir Joseph Hawley — Reasons for engaging John Porter as trainer — I sell
Sir Joseph The Beacon — His sarcasm about that horse's food — "Was
it sawdust ? "—Lord Westmorland — A dispute over my boy Morris — I
give way, and beat his lordship — Tom Heartfield — A fine horseman —
Vestminster — His trial — I mystify Lord Westmorland — A good haul —
Vestminster and tlie Cambridgeshire — A pertinacious "tout" — Strong
measures necessary — An ague-stricken " chucker-out "- — My confidence
in Vestminster — Mr. Gideon's warning about Cerdagne — Mr. Foy's
"little beggar" — The French filly handsomely beaten . Pp. 135-151

CHAPTER XII

Eacecourses that were and are not — Thunder at Stamford — How I missed
him — Stamford's extinction : reason — Mr. Sam Merry and Davies the
Leviathan — Mr. Merry's stratagem — Davies' good humour — Shrews-
bury— Mr. John Frail — " Passage of arms " with Mr. Attorney-General
Cockburn — Funny things at Shrewsbury — "A New Race" — The
getting-home stakes — An undesirable entry — The diflSculty solved —
We go for the " undesirable " — An extraordinary race — The sharing of
the spoils — Eghara — Mr. James Weatherby loses his watch — Mr.
Lefevre's opinion of racecourse thieves' cleverness — The watch again
disappears — And again — " For the last time" . . Pp. 152-165

CHAPTER XIII

Custance and Fordham — Dr. Shorthouse's frank criticism — " Driving Jack
out of Town" — Archer's opinion of Fordham — Macaroni's Derby — Lord
Clifden beaten a head — Mr. Oldaker's unfortunate sratement — The
serious result to himself — Fordham heart-broken — Mr. William Day
"carpeted" Pp. 166-174

CONTENTS

CHAPTER XIV

My best horse — Victorious — His unsightly head — I buy him for 125 sovs,
— Vision — Her Brocklesby victory — Subsequent successes — Her trial
with Victorious — He gives her 2 st. — The defeat of Le Bearnais — Tona
Jennings's opinion — The Goodwood trial — The Sweepstakes victory —
Admiral Rous's idea — The Nursery success — Lord Granville takes
under the odds — Jackson's disgraceful offer — A dead-heat at Wolver-
hampton : Cause of same — Shelly feet — Mr. Jackson and the "Short-
house " ale — Victor — How purchased — Frozen out at Lincoln — "Not
quite like a thoroughbred "—A half-crown for luck — A Royal Hunt
Cup track— A Royal Hunt Cup trial — Mr. George Herring drinks
champagne and throws "cold water" — Victor's victory — He breaks
dov?n in the Cambridgeshire — Sold for an old song — Success at the
stud Pp. 175-190

CHAPTER XV

Matches — Fashionable forty years ago — A match I lost and won by — Lord
Westmorland lays the odds, but hedges — My " old brood mare," Paul
Jones ! — Match with Admiral Rous — Mr. " Spectacle " Perry — His
sporting ambition — He presents me with Otho, who beats his Tubal
Cain — Another match — Mr. Perry satisfied— Sensational betting over
a match at Goodwood— Mr. " Teddy " Brayley— His want of judgment
and obstinacy — Morris's opinion of his Derby horse — Paul Jones's
Chester Cup trial with Mariner — Even weights or no gallop — The
result — Mr. Brayley helps himt>elf — Paul Jones as a yearling and a
two-year-old — His Derby and Brighton running — Why wrong — I train
him myself for the St. Leger — A satisfactory trial — Steel gets me
37,000 to 1000 — An unlucky defeat — Fordham's explanation — Mr.
Graham's munificence — Inexplicable Cesarewitch running — Butler's
folly — An unfortunate cannon — A " certainty " upset . Pp. 191-211

CHAPTER XVI

The Duke of Hamilton — He puts me a thousand on Valiant — A "good
thing " — The Duke misses a chance — What 1 said to him — His laugh-
ing agreement — I buy John Davis of him— The Brighton Stakes run-
ning— "Tubby" Morris and Billy Nichol think they "smell a rat" —
A drive to Telscombe— John Davis's extraordinary trials — He beats
Provider 150 yards — Fordham wishes to ride at 14 lb. overweight — I
lose Butler and put up Sammy Mordan — His eccentric disobedience —
A Cesarewitch thrown away — I sell John Davis for 19 gs. — The
Stewards' Cup — The Duke of Hamilton's Midlothian and Lollypop —
His Grace's declaration — His orders to Custance — My orders — I try to
buy Sutler Pp. 212-224

CONTENTS

CHAPTER XVII

Mr. Fred Swindell and the Truth gelding (1874) — Admiral Rous's hesitancy
— His message to Mr. Swindell and the bluffing answer — I fall into the
trap, and lay the gelding for the Cesarewitch — Mr. Swindell's silence
— The Admiral's bet and wish — Archer's weakness — The " good thing "
fails — Woodlands for the Cesarewitch of 1876 — The Admiral's dis-
belief— Some fine bets — Rosebery prevents their realisation — The
Curate— Tom Green's idea of not hurrying a horse — The Lincolnshire
Handicap — How raised to a thousand pounds — The Ring subscribe a
" monkey " — Mr Ford's Gratitude Pp. 225-237

CHAPTER XVIII

Veni, Vidi, Vici, especially Vici — The Nottingham fiasco — What the
faithful paragraphists invented — I present Vici to Fordham — The
incident of the lane — Tom Cannon comes into possession — He thinks
he is in luck's way — Mr. Tubbs's cheque: its value — King Lud — Deter-
mination to purchase — Mr. Tom Lawley's advice to Lord Lonsdale —
King Lud's Ebor running — His Lordship's promise — I get good odds
— An easy Cesarewitch victory ..... Pp. 238-240

CHAPTER XIX

Jockeys — The American Invasion — The poet's mistake— Americans in 1857
— Mr. Ten Broeck and English jockeys — The two sides of the shield —
The causes of our decay — Apathy of trainers — Disinclination of
owners — A "corner" in jockeys— The "little boy" bogey — What about
Johnny Reiff? — Why he is an exception — A Gilbertian travesty — A
plea for a lower scale — Some Chester Cup examples — Striking figures
— The easiest proves the hardest way — Why trainers are negligent —
Thomas Dawson — Old John Osborne — J. G|odding — Matthew Dawson
— ^Why I put up Morris — Admiral Rous's Comment — " My boys " —
Heartfield, Morris, Quince, &c. — Confirmation by Custance — The good
the Americans have effected — Mr. Greville's indignation at an attempt
to ruin his jockey — The striking case of Herbert Jones — W. E Elsey's
wisdom — Inimical surroundings for bojs — E. Hunt's Cup successes —
What they brought him — Jockeys' fees protected — Mr. W. G. Craven's
wise legislation — What will be the end ? . . . Pp. 247-269

CONTENTS

CHAPTER XX

Another tale of Mr. Swindell — He and Mr. B. Phillips seek a " settling "
in Manchester — The nature of the same — A case of obstinacy —
Captain Hawkesley suffers and sulks— The late Harry Hall — The New
Barns fracas explained — Harry Morgan — The Stewards in the sixties
— The "Tout" and the late Lord Russell— Mr. Willes ("Argus" of
the Morniruj Post) offends — A solemn council — Resolutions and
amendments — "Argus the Exile "—A new tale about Hermit — William
I' Anson as a starting-price engineer — Lord Russell's views on the
needed age of whisky — I am taken for Mr. Gladstone at Waverley
Station— The reason for the V's .... Pp. 270-28&

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

George Hodgman .

Admiral Rous

Mr. " Judge " Johnsoti .

Emigrant (Charlie Boyce Up)

Vestminster ....

Mr. John Frail, of Shrewsbury

Dr. Shorthousi'

Victorious ....

Victor

Mr. Richard Tattersall

Frontispiece

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♦ Cl.

SIXTY YEARS

ON THE TURF

CHAPTER I

Early days — A useful reminder — Eogues and Eascals — My
first "book" — "Feathers to sell" — I win a "pony" — Mr.
Tim Kelly and " Hop, step, and a jump " — I win a " century "
— Kelly advises London — Tattersall's Yard on Sundays —
Caurouch for the Cesarewitch of 1847 — I leave Ramsgate
for London — Sweeps and Lotteries — I draw The Cur —
Colonel Peel's Cambridgeshire three (1848) — Small stakes,
but good racing — Lenient handicapping : no stakes — Derby
and Oaks winners in 100 guineas Plate.

Everything and each career must have a beginning ;
and sometimes the earher the start, and the smaller
the scale thereof, the better the result. I am not
saying that any share of fortune my portion these
past sixty or so years was traceable to juvenile
initiation in what proved the business as well as the
pleasure of my life ; but it was certainly in favour
of gaining soon the learning which comes, and
only can come, from experience that before I was
fifteen I set out one day with intent to bet on a
horse my juvenile judgment suggested held a reason-

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

able chance. The place of meeting was in the Isle
of Thanet, in which pleasant south-eastern corner of
England I was born and reared. Like most boys of
the age mentioned I had a fair opinion of my
sharpness, and for an attempt at displaying the
same I received on my way to the course a smart
cuff over the ears. This was the reward of warning
one I took to be a yokel against yielding to the
fascinations of the insidious game known, and sixty
years ago constantly practised at all race meetings,
as " pricking the garter." The to my mind victim
turned out to be a confederate, and instead of
thanking me he gave me a tingling smack on the
side of the head, accompanying the physical rebuke
with a verbal warning that in future perhaps I
would mind my own business ; not, as I aflerwards
thought, half bad advice.

Between the adjuncts of race courses then and
now there is little or no comparison. Tlu: rough
and the roguish element at that time was tlie pre-
dominant characteristic. The three c;; tiick,
thimble-rigging, and pricking the garter w.. games
of petty swindling that though not recogi were

more or less tolerated, the operators even ing a

distinctive dress of nankeens and velvet c while

they unblushingly carried their tables on t eads.

At popular open resorts I know there sti o be

10

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

found descendants of the tribe of thieves. But the
plucking of the pigeons has to be done in furtive
fashion, whereas in the days to which I refer the
supposed protectors of the pubHc indulged in a
flutter themselves, theirs generally being a winning
" hand."

Shortly beyond the minor incident related I was
put to trade, in the way of assisting my uncle, who
lived at Ramsgate, in his furniture business. The
work was none too congenial, and I relieved its
tediousness by copious studies of Bell's Life, the
backing of my fancy, and the making of a little
book at the " Shipwright's Arms," situated at the
back of the pier. These mixed extra occupations,
varied with visits to London, by the steamer
Duchess of Kent, in order to back one " bad for
the book " at the lists, or invest for other reasons,
gave me considerable insight into the financial side
of the Turf, and, inevitably, a longing for permanent
residence in the metropolis, then the Mecca of the
sporting operator. How long I might have remained
at Ramsgate, or whether indeed I should ever have
deserted the rather hum-drum paths of trade, except
for one incident, I cannot say. Probably I should
have followed furniture to my grave, and made
racing the pastime, instead of the pursuit, of my
life. The incident referred to was the arrival, in

11

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the absence of my uncle, of one Mr. Tim Kelly, a
tall, burly Irishman (as would be guessed by his
name), singularly active of body, with a mind of
sporting bent, and " keen as mustard " on getting
the better of a bargain. He came with feathers to
sell. And he did not, " in any shape or form," give
them away. No ; he sold them. They were good
feathers — very good feathers indeed. But I did
not, for my uncle's interests, desire such a loading
of sand in the lower sections of the bags as I later
discovered. Mr. Kelly appeared very satisfied with
the sale, and then, his eye falling on Bell's Life, he
asked if I betted. He quickly, I think, learnt that
whatever the deficiencies of my education in the
proper manipulation of feathers for sale I was fairly
familiar with Turf matters.

It was, I well remember, the Goodwood Stakes
day of 1847 ; and I thought that Hydrangea, who
had run second a fortnight earlier for a Gold Cup at
Stamford, held a winning chance. During a walk
on the pier I told Kelly this, whereupon he offered
me a " pony to three " against Lord Exeter's fiUy,
who won comfortably from Plaudit, starting at 15
to 2. I was able to tell Kelly of the result before
evening, but he refused to believe till I showed him
a telegram. "Communication by wire" was then
an uncommon because expensive process, the minimum

12

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

charge, I believe, being half a crown. That, how-
ever, is a detail. What I wish to say is that during
the afternoon Kelly and I went for a walk on the
sands, made hard and dry by the sun after the
retreat of the tide. He was, as I have said, of
agile nature, and commenced frisking and jumping
about.

" Can you do hop, step, and a jump ? " he
inquired.

I confessed to ignorance of the game, though I
could, in the ordinary way, both hop and jump, and
many years later thought nothing of clearing, on
one leg, four substantially-built chairs. The name
of the game explained fairly its character — first you
hopped, then stepped, and then jumped without
cessation of action. The " step " was new to me,
and Kelly beat me very easily. I thought the thing
worth practising, and next morning was hopping,
stepping, and jumping by four o'clock. On the
Saturday Kelly and I were again on the sands, and
he was soon at what evidently was his favourite
exercise. I told him I had improved, but he only
laughed.

" I should like a match with you," he said.

" Oh, wait till I have had more practice."

" Oh, no ! I'm going away. Look here, youngster.
I owe you a pony over Hydrangea. I'll bet you

SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF

three ponies to one that I beat you now, no matter
how you've improved."

" Right," I said, tempted by the odds, and know-
ing how I had improved by practice.

'* The best two out of three ; and you go first,"
was his remark.

Well, I just beat him, but I was sure he had not
done his best, and said so.

" I daresay I might do a bit better," he remarked
in a casual way, and off he went again, setting me a
much harder task. But, " putting all in," I cleared
his mark by two feet ; and thus had increased my
winning account to a " century." Kelly's language,
I am afraid, was not of drawing-room character,
though it might now be counted Parliamentary, for
they say funny things in the House these times.

"Hydrangea and Hodgman," he exclaimed, " a nice
pair ! I wish you both were — " well, in, personally,
undesirable quarters. " And to think," he said, as
he handed over a nice new hundred pound Bank of
England note — " To think, damme ! of coming down
to a hole like this and being done by a youngster
like you for a hundred ! Young man, I tell you what
it is. You're wasting your time down here. Come
to London. That's the place for your sort ! "

Afterwards Kelly — I forgave the sanded feathers —
was very much my friend. By his invitation I visited

14

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

London in the following October, the 9th day, or
the Saturday before the Cesare witch (1847). I
met him at Fisher's, in Aldersgate Street, the "Brown
Bear," — where he stayed. Through association with
the trade, I suppose, I took stock of the furniture.
It was chiefly remarkable for the absence of house-
maidenly attentions, and if any one had happened to
call without his card he could conveniently have
written his name in the dust on the table or the
looking-glass. Next day (Sunday) Kelly took me
to Tattersall's Yard, where always, morning or
afternoon, was to be met a motley company —
swells, men about town, bookmakers, horse-dealers,
copers, and the rest of the kind. The Rooms,
of course, were not open ; but none the less, on
the eve, so to say, of important events, betting
ruled brisk. My companion pointed out to me
Mr. Disney.

" That man, Hodgman," he remarked, " owns the
winner of the Cesarewitch — Caurouch. I've backed
him at good prices. You'd better stand with me ;
say a hundred to two."

I took the ofler, and, as is known, the son of
Irish Birdcatcher made all the running and won
comfortably by a length from Giselle. By next
season (1848) I was fairly launched in London
sporting life. But I never ^saw Kelly again. He

15

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

may not have been a perfect type of the " honest
dealer." Yet he had good points.

The star of my fortunes rose with remarkable
rapidity. Everything ahnost in racing that I touched
turned to, or, rather, turned in, gold. My invest-
ments may have been on a minor scale, but they
were pleasurably profitable. Sweeps and lotteries
were then as common in public-houses as cards pro-
hibiting betting are to-day. They were a powerful
attraction to the people, and, so far as my experience
goes, were honestly conducted. Whether the ex-
citement engendered by the holding of them was
unhealthy or not I leave the learned in ethics to
decide. But life without a sweep in the " brave
days" of Forty-eight would have, to most, seemed
as terribly dull an aifair as one of Mr. Gilbert's
characters declared existence to be when all went
right and nothing went wrong. Of course, I speak
in this case interestedly. I was that year borne on
the full tide of success. " Big " Willis, who kept the
"Kings Head," in Newgate Street, ran two sub-
stantial sweeps on the Cesarewitch. It was a heavy
betting house, and hence there was a plentiful crop
of subscribers. One sweep was for four thousand at
a shilling a head, and the other for forty at ten
pounds a piece. I joined in both, and drew The Cur
for each. This was an extraordinary stroke of

16

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

fortune, as the son of Bran named beat thirty-one
opponents, starting second favourite to SurpHce, a
great pubhc fancy because of his Leger success.
That, however, entailed a 12 lb. penalty, and Lord
Clifden's colt ran unplaced. The Cur, to my mind,
was a very good horse in a day when good horses
abounded. Thus he, in the said Cesare witch, beat
Dacia by a length in spite of a disadvantage of
3 St. 3 lb.. Colonel Peel's filly carrying 4 st. 13 lb,
to his 8 st. 3 lb. Dacia was destined to carry off
the Cambridgeshire, for which the Colonel started
three — she, Taffrail, and Lola Montez. I was then
acquainted with the owner of Orlando, — who got
the Derby Stakes in " Running Rein's " year — and
on the morning of the Cambridgeshire met him
outside the Subscription Rooms at Newmarket.

" You run three, I understand, Colonel," I said.

"Yes."

" Do you make a declaration ? "
!i " No. They run on their merits. But I think
Dacia is best."

She won cleverly from her stable companion,
Taffrail, with Gaffer Green third, and Lola Montez
fourth. The public had seized on Dacia, and though
the Colonel could have won with Taffrail, and
obtained long odds (she started at 25 to 1), he
disdained such a proceeding, which is more, I must

17 c

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

say, than some, even of the aristocracy, would
have done who played the "great game" In the
" Forties." But Colonel — afterwards General — Peel
was a grand specimen of the English sporting
gentleman, and, happily, we do not look in vain
for worthy successors in this the first year of a
New Century.

Racing in those far off days was not, in the
matter of stakes, conducted on the present lavish
scale. Owners had, in the main, to find their own
money. For their profit they were forced to look to
their dealings with the holders of books. One has
heard, and still hears, of owners who do not and
never have betted, and who yet maintain extensive
establishments. I am not surprised ; nor is there
need for wonder. If a stud of fair class horses is
decently managed, it should, year in and year out,
pay its way, to say nothing of the point of profit.
I won, I venture to state, as many races as most of
my period. But a glance at my Weatherby's books
in no year discloses the netting of great sums : for
the sufficient reason that the sums, like the Spanish
Fleet on a memorable occasion, were then not in
sight. Sometimes stakes, even when won, were of
visionary character. The thing would not be
tolerated now. But fifty years ago laxity prevailed,
and if your horse was let in very nicely it was

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

understood the managers of the meeting were giving
nothing.

" Stakes ? " said a certain Clerk of the Course on
an occasion. " Stakes, sir ? " in a tone of increasing
increduhty and surprise. " Why, we put yours in
to win ! Didn't you back it ? "

Still, I must own that even for the smaller sums
that then existed sport of the highest class prevailed.
Thus in the year under notice (1848) I remember
being at Canterbury, on August 23, and seeing
Pyrrhus the First and Miami run in two-mile heats
for Her Majesty's Plate of 100 guineas. The one
had secured, by a neck, the Derby of 1846, and the
other had captured the Oaks in the succeeding
season. This, in view of modern occurrences, was an
extraordinary incident. No longer is there a course
at Canterbury ; and no longer are Derby heroes and
Oaks heroines run in two-mile heats for a hundred
guineas plate.

19

CHAPTER II

Financial reverses — Flying Dutchman's Derby — A dread of
Derbies — Layers of "safe 'uns" — Bon Mot's Liverpool Sum-
mer Cup — A home-made guide — Profit therefrom — A run
from Bedford Racecourse to Bletchley — The Cambridgeshire
of 1851 — A near prophecy — A Good Friday visit to New-
market— Concerning Weathergage — A Derby thrown away —
Objections to Plaiting — A " tip " for Stockwell — His Derby
defeat — Davies " The Leviathan " — His heavy losses over
Daniel O'Rourke — The turn of the tide — My first racehorse.

To [attempt, in a work of this character, a strict
respect for chronology were not so much an irksome
task for the writer as one calculated to make a
tedious record for the reader. Sixty years is a large
span of existence, and even with each year restricted
to a chapter the book would swell to the size of that
Italian historian's masterpiece rather than read
which the prisoner preferred to serve seven years at
the galleys. Possibly I have dwelt with more
amplitude on some matters than may be reckoned
either justifiable or desirable. I can only plead
guilty, and put the blame upon a memory that
lingers, as dwells a lover upon the initial stages of
courtship, on a happy time when I thought the ball

20

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

of Fortune was at my feet. Failure was a word I
imagined, as I hope all my readers have at times
supposed in their cases, that had been expunged
from my dictionary. The Turf, though, if a tempt-
ing is at times a stern mistress, and by the hour
Flying Dutchman (1849) won the Derby I had
severe reason for reflection on the fleeting character
of riches. I went for a very heavy stake on
Tadmor, and the combination of backing the son of
Ion and opposing the son of Bay Middleton played
havoc with my banking account. The Turf world
at the time was divided in about equal sections over
the pair, who started at the same price (2 to l), and
ran first and third, the intervener being Mr. Godwin's
Hotspur. (I should have mentioned that at the
time I kept a list, at the Fleet Street end of Poppin's
Court.) Of course Tadmor was, as events proved,
" taking on " in " The Dutchman " one of the horses
of the century. Yet he, small as he was, proved
himself no " slouch," and so stoutly was he galloping
at the finish that I thought, and still think, that in
another fifty yards he would have overhauled his
mighty rival. The experience gave me a dread
rather than a dislike of the Derby — in truth of the
classics generally as betting then was conducted.
Nor did the course of after years do anything to
mitigate the feeling. Such men as " Davies the

21

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Leviathan," *' Tubby " Morris, and myself had not
then or at any time much chance of laying the
" dead 'uns," and usually on the morning of a classic
race found ourselves full against the genuine candi-
dates, the "safe" sort falling to Harry Hill,
Hargreaves, Jackson, and company, who were the
better positioned for, and the more affected, the
peculiar business. I do not claim an extravagant
delicacy of sentiment. But I will say I never cared
for the practice of daylight robbery, while Davies,
big as were his transactions, scorned the proceeding,
and was rarely approached by the engineers of
" dirty work." I once did, for an owner, lay a horse
to lose five thousand pounds for the Great Ebor.
He was a good favourite, and, in all, I booked the
odds to eighteen hundred pounds. At times, so
persistent were the inquiries, I thought that the
owner was " doing the double " on me. But no !
when the last penny had been garnered the pen was
put at work. Without explanation the horse was
scratched.

" I've done this for you," I said, at settling time.
*' But no more, either for you or anybody else.
Why, I'm ashamed to say I've taken a deal of
this money off my friends."

That was a true bill ; though it was not my fault
they lost, as I warned them not to back the horse.

£2

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

** He is," I used to say, " no good. Don't back him."
I could not tell them more. But, like many another
warner of danger, I was only laughed at.

However, to return to 1849. If necessity is held
to be the mother of invention, I think she may also
claim to be the maternal relative of pushfulness for
the " ready." After Flying Dutchman had won, and
I had lost, it was a case of living and thinking hard ;
and I cannot recall a hit until Bon Mot, with John
Osborne (5 st.) up, won the Liverpool Summer
Cup. John was not then the important character he
afterwards became. But he had been reared in a good
school, and I knew he could ride. I had heard
before most that he would have the mount, and my
self-made "weekly guide" impressed me with the
chance of Osborne's mount, who had run respectably
in Ireland, whence he came. There were not then the
" guides " to form that now week by week are issued ;
and to overcome the inconvenience I used to paste
up the returns from Bell's Life in a common school
exercise book, which I also indexed. It served me
well, but it also brought a deal of bother, friends and
acquaintances being ever loaning it. I suppose
they thought they could not spare the time to " go
and do likewise." Well, I supported Bon Mot at
various prices with the listmen, and he won by a
length from the Essidarius, starting at 20 to 1.

23

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

There were long-priced winners in those days as in
these; and the odds were certainly more easily
obtainable. This was the first winner of importance
that John Osborne rode, and the second time the
colours he carried (Bon Mot was the property of
Mr. Disney, owner of Caurouch) had proved fortu-
nate for me.

In the autumn of 1851 I was at Bedford
Races, and saw Mr. Waring's Manifold win the
Scurry Handicap, when not at all expected by his
party. The performance struck me as good^ and I
desired to get back that night to London in order
to back him for the Cambridgeshire. The train
service was of indifferent character in those far-off
days, and to effect my purpose I needed to reach
Bletchley. There was, however, no conveyance
procurable, but rather than be foiled I ran the
dozen miles, thinking then little of such an exertion.
From the station I took a cab to the " Salisbury
Arms," a public-house near Charing Cross, where
Davies " the Leviathan " kept a list. On looking
at his Cambridgeshire prices I found he had Manifold
at 100 to 1.

" Davies," I said, " I think this horse will win
the Cambridgeshire. What will you lay me at
that rate ? "

" Ten thousand to one hundred lad." I accepted

24

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the bet, and paid over the hundred. I was then, as I
have said, keeping a Kst myself, on a minor scale, and
next day put Manifold at 40's. To encourage business
by, if the race came off as I prognosticated, being
talked about I stuck up, so all might see, the following
forecast of the Cambridgeshire result :

MANIFOLD
TRUTH
AEIOSTO .
FAUX PAS .

That, of course, was my view of the handicap.
But it did not coincide with the judge's verdict,
which went to Truth, with Ariosto second, Manifold
third, and Faux Pas fourth. I may add that though
I should have won much money over Manifold, I was
no loser by Truth, and as I had also done fairly by
Mrs. Taft in the Cesarewitch, there was no reason for
complaint.

On the Good Friday of 1852 Mr. Thornhill, a
confectioner in Gracechurch Street, Bill Mundy,
and myself went down to Newmarket to meet Mr.
Thomas Parr. He had bought from the Duke of
Bedford's stable — the horses in which were under
the complete control of Admiral Rous — a bay colt,
Weathergage, for a trifling sum under Lord Exeter's
conditions. He wanted 100 so vs. in order to be
able to run him in the Riddlesworth Stakes of 200

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

sovs. each, on the ensuing Tuesday. Thornhill
proposed that he, Mundy, and myself should club
together, and lend Parr the hundred — a proposition
accepted and carried out. But when on the Tuesday
I saw that Nabob was a starter I said to Thornhill,
*' What is this stupid man doing ? The horse hasn't
been out of the stable for days, and Nabob's a top
sawyer."

*' Oh, let him alone ! He knows what he is
about."

And he certainly did in getting hold of Weather-
gage at old song price, seeing that that son of
Weatherbit that season won the Goodwood Stakes
and the Cesarewitch, not to name a variety of small
races that Parr so much affected. After Weather-
gage, with his owner-trainer up, had, on Wednesday,
May 19, won the Aristocratic Handicap at Bath in
a canter, I advised Mr. Parr to start him for the
Derby in the following week. Davies earnestly
supported my counsel, offering the colt's party a
wager of 100,000 to 1000. "And," he added, with
emphasis he rarely used, ** you'll win it ! " But no.
They were going for Barbarian, also a 100 to 1
chance, and he was beaten by Daniel O'Rourke.
Neither the winner nor the second was of much
account, and had Weathergage started he could not,
as the race was run, have easily lost. It may be

26

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

asked why so shrewd a man as Admiral Rous sold
Weathergage for a nominal sum. Well, the best of
us are apt to err at times, and on Weathergage's
failure in a Selling Plate at Northampton just before
he was sold no encouragement existed to hold him
in regard.

Tom Parr, I may add, was the first trainer who
discarded the absurd practice of plaiting a horse's
mane before it raced. And I think I was the next
to follow. My conversion to the new treatment — or,
rather, absence of treatment — was effected through
one day seeing a boy at work on a little horse of
mine called Soothsayer. He was a black colt, but
through excitement and agitation he was, by lather-
ing, more like a grey.

" What are you doing?" I said to the boy standing
on the bottom end of a bucket.

" Please, sir, he's going to run, and I'm plaiting
his mane."

" Balchin," I called, " look at this horse. He's in
a nervous funk. Never again plait the mane of one
of my horses. It's telling him what he has to do.
I'll have no more of it."

Common sense has, I am glad to say, prevailed, it
being the exception now to find that which then was
the rule.

One of my purposes in visiting Newmarket on

27

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

that Good Friday was to interview Sam Quince,
who kept me informed of the principal doings at
head-quarters. His chief news concerned the forth-
coming Two Thousand Guineas and Derby. His
advice was that Stockwell should be backed for the
first and he and Alcoran for the second race. I
returned to London that night, and next morning
sent a man, of the name of Wilberforce, to do my
commission (if possible) with Davies. The Leviathan
had Stockwell priced at 25 to 1, and laid Wilberforce
to ready money 3000 to 120.

" Will you back him for the Derby?" asked Davies.

"Yes. But not 'ready.' Li your book. What
price J

" Ten thousand to two hundred."

" Yes, and what odds Alcoran ? "

" Same price."

'' Right."

Next week (as Quince told me would be the case)
Alcoran and Stockwell ran in a sweepstakes of 100
sovs. each, over the Ditch Mile, the former winning
by half a length. Stockwell, as any one understand-
ing the horse could see, was not nearly ready, and I
regarded my Two Thousand wager with fondness.
The fancied horses for the first of that season's
classics were Homebrewed, Filius, and Daniel
O'Rourke, 10 to 1 being tendered Stockwell. But

28

SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF

the great colt, destined of imperishable fame, cleverly
pulled through by half a length from Homebrewed.
On the following Sunday evening I called at the
" Salisbury Arms," where Davies was generally to
be found.

" Well, Bill," I said, " how are you ? "

" Come inside, lad. What will you have ? "

" We may as well have a settling," I answered.

"A settling? Why, I haven't had a bet with
you ! "

I produced the Stockwell tickets, each represent-
ing 1000 to 40.

" Oh," he laughed, "I see now. You're Wilberforce,
are you ? " And with that he paid me 3120 pounds.

" Then you have those bets," he went on, " about
Stockwell and Alcoran for the Derby."

" Yes."

" I'll hedge them for you if you like."

" Well, hedge Alcoran for 5000."

" And Stockwell ? "

" No, thanks. I shall stand him. He's a real
good horse. Alcoran should never have beaten him."

Unluckily, Stockwell was afflicted with a bad gum-
boil, which had to be lanced ; and, of course, the
circumstance of him being amiss caused his retreat
in the market. None the less, in spite of whatever
he lacked in condition, he would, with plain sailing,

29

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

have won the Derby. But Norman could not get
through when he sought an opening, and instead
of securing a clear course was forced on to the
rails, Stockwell, in the scrimmage, having his stifle
severely cut. The upshot was a victory for Daniel
O'Rourke, whom Stockwell had thrashed in the
Two Thousand and whom he trounced afresh in
the Leger.

That was a shocking Derby for Da vies. Mr. Greville
approached him one day with a view to backing
Daniel O'Rourke, trained by John Scott, who
generally let Mr. Greville into his plans. Davies
tendered him 100,000 to 2000, but the price was
declined. Then Davies offered to split matters, by
laying 100,000 to 1500. But Mr. Greville refused.
Davies was equally firm, and, nettled at the refusal
of what he considered a good offer, turned to the
barmaid at the " Salisbury Arms " (she used to make
up his list and take money in his absence) with
"Emma, put up 100 to 1 Daniel O'Rourke. But,
mind, nobody can have that price to more than a
fiver. If the stable won't take 66 to 1, let the
public have the money." Mr. Greville heard this,
but remained unmoved. The liberal odds tempted
the public, and yet Davies did not alter the rate
till he had laid "Daniel" to lose £100,000. After-
wards he betted Mr. Greville 50,000 to 1000.

30

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" You have,'' said that gentleman to Davies after
the result, " had a bad race."

" So everybody says," Davies answered. " But, Mr.
Greville, you can have a cheque now for your money."

" Oh no ! Not at all. I positively refuse to
accept it now."

In all, Davies told me, he lost 80,000 pounds over
that Derby, and he was also badly hit when the
afore-mentioned Weathergage ran away with the
Goodwood Stakes — as indeed were all the list-
keepers, big or little. Messrs. Tom Megson, Jack
Bennett, and Thornhill had managed the business,
and that combination was bad to beat. But Davies
retrieved himself when Stockwell cantered off with
the St. Leger. He had discovered that my opinion
of the colt was right, and he " peppered " Daniel
O'Rourke and Songstress unmercifully. Of course
he had to lay Stockwell for small amounts in his
lists. But his big book was a sealed volume when
Stockwell was mentioned. On the Leger morning I
said to him, "Bill, will you lay me 1000 to 500'
Stockwell ? "

" No. Not a penny. I've sworn I won't write
his name in my book."

Just before the race I offered him a hundred
pound note. " You needn't," I said, " put that in-
your book."

31

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" All right. I know you've always been fond of
the horse — 200 to 100." And before even the
numbers went up he paid me the 300. There was
no doubt what had won, for the official verdict was
ten lengths ! The turn in the tide of affairs con-
tinued for Davies through the autumn, but he took
fortune as equably as he accepted failure. He was
not at all a man to make a noise whatever befell
him ; and he rarely shouted over a race. But he
broke through his custom over the Cambridgeshire of
1852, for which he had laid a big bet to Mr. Merry
against Hobbie Noble, backing Knight of the Shire
for himself. The pair singled themselves out some
way from home, and as the " Knight " shot forth
with a length lead, Davies called, " Go on, Knight

of the Shire ! There's that d d Hobbie Noble

after you ! "

I especially remember 1852, because it was in that
year I first owned a race horse, or, rather, a portion
thereof, Mr. J. Barnard (of " Barnard's Ring ") and
I "going halves" in a bay filly by Sirikol from
Amata, named Tobolski, whom we purchased for
700 sovs. from Squire Heathcote. At that time
there was betting on almost any little race before
the day of decision, and having no idea that Tobolski
was to run for the Beddington Stakes at the Epsom
Autumn Meeting I laid her to lose 700 pounds on

ADMIRAL ROUS'

See pnge 33

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

my list. This I told Mr. Barnard about an hour
before the race. " Good heavens ! " he exclaimed,
" she's fit and she must run. That was a condition
of the sale."

" Then you'll have to back her back. It seems to
me we have made a nice mess of affairs."

In a little while I went to Mr. Barnard again.
" Who have you put in to do the business ? "

" Mr. Sam Merry."

"Well, I've seen him take 2000 to 1000 off
Davies." .^•

" That's all right. Half is for us."

Tobolski won by a short head, Wells riding a
splendid race. But as we had to pay 700 out, and
came within a shade of losing 500, I did not think a
deal of owning horses.

35

CHAPTEE III

Davies " the Leviathan " — His humble start — His letter in
retirement — Derby and Oaks losses — A wonderful Ascot —
An equine battle — Davies's character — The man who could
not whistle — Accident and assault — A sad end.

The name of William Davies has been of necessity,
and frequently will be, mentioned in these pages.
Other pens have more or less faithfully depicted
the man who by the gigantic nature of his
transactions became known as the " Leviathan of
the Turf " There had been, possibly, "leviathans"
before him ; and there are, in a quieter way,
"leviathans" now. But no big layer of my ac-
quaintance ever betted with the fearlessness of
Davies, and a man with a keener sense of honour
never trod earth. In tracing the genealogy of most
successful layers, whether of to-day or of the years
that have sped, there is usually no need to consult
Debrett ; and Davies was not an exception to the
common run. The initial business of his life was
that of carpentering, and in the exercise of his craft
he found himself one day repairing the skirting

s6

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

board of the Newmarket Subscription Rooms. His
hammering and sawing did not prevent him paying
heed to the general conversation of the members,
and as the betting proceeded he jotted do\\ai with
his pencil a good many of the wagers. A close
examination of the figures showed Davies that the
bookmakers had much the better of the argument,
and he quickly decided that laying the odds was a
more profitable business than fixing skirting boards.
The Messrs. Cubitt, of Clerkenwell — his employers —
did not long retain his services, Davies flitting to
Long Acre, where he put up a list at a public house
kept by one Joe Barr. This was his first step on
the path to fortune, and the name and fame of
Davies as a bold, dashing bettor, thoroughly trust-
worthy, soon spread over London. After the sup-
pression of the List Houses he took regularly to
travelling the meetings, and continued pursuit of
the career he had marked out for himself till the
hand of affliction fell heavily upon him. The
closing passages of his life were saddened by
an attack of paralysis, and towards the end he
could see no one. Between Davies and myself
there was ever a strong bond of friendship, and
our transactions were as numerous as on occasions
they were important. The last letter I received
from him I present :

37

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" 18 Gloster Place,
" Brighton.

" Dear Hodgman,

" Thanks for your kind letter. In consequence
of the number of persons who call to see me — most
of them strangers, many of them beggars, parsons,,
or professed religious people — I have been obliged
to ask my doctor to give strict orders that I must
not see any one. Believe me nothing would give
me greater satisfaction than to see you or any of
my old friends. Therefore it is with great reluctance
I am compelled to decline your kindly offered visit.
I hope you will not be offended. My limbs are na
better. Otherwise I am in good health and spirits.
I was pleased to see Jacky's [Mr. Jack Bennett]
name among the winners on the Cesarewitch. I
hope he had a good turn. I think I may congratulate
you upon having had a very successful year, judging
from your increased stud. I hope it is so. I am
afraid some of my old pals have not been so lucky.
Please to remember me to all inquiring friends ; and
believe me to remain yours,

"W. DAVIES."

There were, of course, with Da vies, as with others,
the fat and the lean years. He, for instance, lost
nigh a fabulous sum when Voltigeur won the Derby
in 1850. Voltigeur was the idol of the sporting

38

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

public, much as, a few years back, Victor Wild was
the cherished horse of London. Teddington's Derby
was another bad one for Davies, and so again was
that of West Australian (1853), the losses over him
being accentuated when Catherine Hayes won the
Oaks. Everybody was paid to the uttermost
farthing, but the drain had been so heavy that
Davies reached Ascot with no more than two
hundred "ready" on him. Among the notes he
held were the two first " fivers " issued by the Bank
of England. To collectors they would have indeed
been treasures, but Davies was tired of them.

"I've had no luck since they were given me.
Here, Perry," he said, " will you buy them ? "

" How much shall I give you. Bill ? "

" How much ? Why, ten pounds ! That's all I
want. And may they bring you better luck than
they have brought me."

The parting with the "curios" was followed by a
startling change of luck, and Davies told me at the
€nd of the meeting that with the 200 so vs. lie had
won 12,000 pounds ! One of the best races of the week
for him was the Fourth Triennial Stakes, the last
-event of the second day. Herein ran Mr. Gratwicke's
Sittingbourne, Lord John Scott's The Ileiver, and
Lord Exeter's Filbert and Nutpecker. The last
named pair were for betting pui'poses not reckoned

^9

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" on the map," but heavy and sustained gambUng
ensued over Sittingbourne and The Reiver, and
against them Davies laid till backers were exhausted.
I was " reading " the race for Davies, and seeing
Filbert coming over the hill by himself, with Nut-
pecker some distance off second, I cried, " Why, Bill,
here's Exeter's pair leading. It must be a false
start."

But it was nothing of the kind. To Filbert went
the stakes and to Davies the bets. The explanation
of the extraordinary result was that as soon as the
flag fell The Reiver and Sittingbourne, instead of
racing, started fighting, rearing up like mad beasts,
and rushing open-mouthed at each other. An inci-
dent of this character stands unique in Turf story.

If at tunes Davies was one of the sternest he
could also be one of the kindest of men. The points
he insisted upon were complete truthfulness and the
fulfilment of promises. A client who had had a bad
time, and approached him with an unvarnished tale,
was safe of lenient treatment. "You say you can't
pay me on Monday. Very well. When can you
pay ? Name your own time ; only, when you have
named it you must pay. And in the meanwhile you
can go on betting. I shall not stop any winnings."
Davies had, too, a shrewd sense of humour. In
1850 there lived in the Borough a sporting pawn-

40

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

broker of the name of Powell. In big handicaps he
would back many horses with a view to hedging ;
and he commonly won a little. But the Cesarewitch
of 1850 was a "nose-ender" for him. It was won
by Mr. Payne's chestnut filly, Glauca, who figured
at 66 to 1.

" On my oath, Davies," said Powell when her
number went up, " I've backed every horse in the
race but that."

" Then, Powell," Davies answered, " I'll bet you a
pony you can't whistle two minutes."

" No bet ! No bet ! I couldn't ! "

Powell, it must be added, was a notorious whistler.
People said the only times he was not whistling were
when he was either eating and drinking or sleeping.
In truth, his society at times was intolerable
through this irritating habit. But Glauca's victory
knocked the whistling out of him.

As I have said, the closing years of Davies's life
were clouded ; and I always dated the beginning of
his physical collapse from the day he fell through
the dilapidated Grand Stand to the weighing room
below at the Rochester and Chatham Meeting. It
was an extraordinary spectacle — that of Davies
dangling, hung up by his arms, and struggling in
vain to touch the gi'ound. He was promptly extri-
cated, but the shock was severer than the bruises.

41

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

With an idea of shaking off the effects of the acci-
dent he ran the circuit of the course twice, though I
do not think the " faculty " would have recom-
mended the proceeding. Shortly afterwards he was
struck on the head with a heavy blunt instrument
by some scoundrel intent on robbery. The plan was
foiled by the timely appearance of strangers, but
though Davies offered a big reward the identity of
his assailant was never disclosed. In 1857 he
retired from the Turf, giving a farewell dinner at
Brighton. His parting words I still can recall.
*' Now, gentlemen," he said, "we have, I think, all
had a good night ; and I am very glad to see you.
But now I must say good-bye to you. And it is
good-bye. I shall, owing to the state of my health,
never see a race-course again. I shall never possibly
see any of you again. But I wish you well.
Gentlemen — friends, I may say — one and all, good-
bye." What Davies said he meant. He was, after
that night, at home to nobody. The late Sir Robert
Peel once declared that Davies would grant him an
interview, and called at his house. But his effort
was futile, Davies making no exceptions. The letter
I have quoted demonstrates that. He died on
October 4, 1879, "after" — to use the words of his
memorial card — "many years of suffering."

42

CHAPTER IV

Admiral Rous — Handicappers of to-day — Their disabilities —
My first bet with the Admiral — "Young Impudence" —
Putting weight on Gridiron — Handicapping at dinner — The
Derby course — Mr. Dorling's economy prevented — Mrs. Rous's
opinion of myself — " He's sure to do you ! " — A bet in the
dark — The Admiral's testimonial — How conceived — A
notable menu.

Poets, it is said, are born not made ; and, in a sense,
the remark holds true of handicappers. Of course,
as practice improves the poet so does the continuous
exercise of the art of handicapping improve the
handicapper. But no man, be his assiduity what it
may, can aspire to high honours in handicapping
unless he has a natural bent for the business. The
entire absence of rules demands an incessant drain
upon the judgment, and the plan that would lit one
situation would be woefully unsuited to the next.
That we have good and conscientious handicappers
now I freely allow ; and I am pleased to be able to
state that most are my friends. But not one of
them would I care to place on a level with the late
Admiral Rous, who, in truth, occupies a pedestal by

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

himself. Of course being human, he made mistakes
at times. But, considering his opportunities of
error, his work was singularly free from blunders.
Handicapping when the Admiral, voluntarily, and
without notion of financial gain, assumed command
was no matter of rule and thumb, and though his
position in the Jockey Club placed him beyond the
province of hampering criticism it was his courage
and ability that gained him the respect of all
healthy-minded sportsmen. It has been said that
he was prejudiced and obstinate. Granting that he
was tenacious in his opinions, it must be urged that
his so-called prejudices were based on knowledge of
the people he dealt with. No owner and no trainer
had to fear the Admiral if the game were played
with a fair regard to the decencies. When anybody
complained to him about his treatment of a horse, he
would say, "Well, run him ! If you don't run him
how can I tell what he is ? Run ! and when I know
your horse's true form I will give you a chance. Not
till then."

On his courage I would lay special emphasis, as I
think the absence of a spice of dash and daring is
one of the defects of our present-day officials. They
seem to work as though ever the acceptance was in
their mind's eye, and in trying to ensure the con-
tentment of the best horses, the bad too often go by

44

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the board. In the main the scale at present adopted
is of too restricted a character. Handicappers can,.
if they please, take a range of 4 st. 7 lb. But they
rarely avail themselves of the privilege, thinking —
and perhaps rightly — that as soon as an owner sees
his horse with much over 9st., his first action is to
strike him out. For this reason I regret the raising
of the handicap minimum to 6st., and I cannot say
I have ever heard a sound argument in its favour,
while we had better racing, bigger fields, and a
larger number of good jockeys when "feathers"
were possible. Of course handicappers now have
much to contend with, and I hold it most unfair,
except in cases of glaring incompetency, that any
owner can, if he chooses, bring them before the
Stewards for an explanation of their action. The
inevitable result is timidity, and we see on occasions
a slavish acceptance of running when it is notorious
that the same was incorrect from want of condition
or other causes. If I were a handicapper, and I saw
a horse palpably unfit, or watched him "snatched
up," I would not take an ounce off his back, and the
complaining owner would be told the reason in terms
he might not appreciate, but which he could
certainly understand. Owners themselves are often
to blame in being frightened at an apparently heavy
burden, and in this connection I recall that the late

45

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Fred Gretton declared he would scratch Isonomy
for the Manchester Cup as soon as he saw he had
9st. 12lb. to carry.

" Don't be a fool ! " I said. " He can win with all
that. He'd have won the Cesare witch with 9 st.
10 lb. if your other horse, Westbourne, hadn't swerved
•on to him." As a matter of fact, I was the cause of
Isonomy having 9 st. 12 lb. Mr. Johnson had him
in at 9 st. 8 lb. when he showed me the handicap.
" Judge," I said, " you've given the race to Isonomy.
Put 4 lb. more on him, and even then he'll win."

The friendship that existed between Admiral Rous
^nd myself was of no ordinary character ; and yet
the beginning of the association was of a prosaic
nature. In 1850 I was making a book at the
Newmarket First Spring meeting, when the Admiral
(then Captain Rous) rode up and asked the price of
the Exotic filly for the One Thousand Guineas. She
was then at evens ; but wishing to get a bet with
him I said, " I will bet you 5 to 4, Captain."

"I take it. What name?"

" George Hodgman."

The name was fresh to the Captain, and he
paused a moment. Whereupon Bill Da vies called
out, " It's all right. Captain ; only we call him Young
Impudence."

After the race I offered Captain Rous the fiver,

46

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

but he hesitated to take it, saying, " Send it to the-
proper place." I told him I had crossed the bet out,
and he would oblige me by taking the note. That
transaction opened ujd an acquaintance that developed
into an enduring friendship ; and in later years the
Admiral, as he became, scarcely ever published a
handicap without first asking, and often taking, my
opinion.

A rather striking instance of acceptance of my
views by the Admiral occurred in 1861 over a horse
named Gridiron, a four-year old bay colt by Daniel
O'Rourke out of Monge's dam. At the Lewes
Summer Meeting I had seen him run in the Lewes
Handicap, distance two miles. To my mind he
could have been a deal nearer the winner, Stam-
pedo, who beat my three-year-old, Balham, by
three lengths. Fordham, who rode in the race, was
fully of my opinion, advising me to try and buy
Gridiron, as only want of condition prevented him
romping in. Well, Gridiron was entered for the
Cesarewitch, and at the ensuing York August
gathering the Admiral gave me the weights to
glance at. One of my first searches was for Grid-
iron, whom I found on the 6 st. 4 lb. mark.
*' Admiral, you have given Gridiron this race."
" Oh, nonsense ! A very bad horse. He's been
sold for £200,"

47

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Indeed ! I rather fancy not. But if he has been
■so sold it's a ' barney.' A different owner maybe,
but the same stable. When you see Mr. Sturt
(now Lord Alington), who is staying at Lord Scar-
brough's, tell him he has made a very bad bargain
by selling him at that price. And tell him also you
can get £1000 for him, which I will give myself."

" Nonsense ! You're mad, Hodgman."

" Well, I'm not particular to a hundred or so.
Oet him for 1200 if you can ; if not, 1500 ; and I'll
pay you in the morning."

Next day the Admiral made haste to meet me by the
^' Round Tower " — the Stewards' Stand — remarking :
"You are perfectly right about Gridiron. I don't
believe they would take 2000 for him. What an
old fool they would have made me look ! " When
the handicap appeared Gridiron had not 6 st. 4 lb.,
but 7 st. 13 lb., and even under that substantial
burden made a formidable show. With 6 st. 4 lb.
the affair would have been a " walk-over."

On Tuesday, July 31, 1860, I was presiding at a
dinner at the " Old Ship," Brighton, when Mr.
Dorling, father of the present Clerk of the Course,
walked in and said, " Oh, Mr. Hodgman, I've seen
Admiral Rous, and he asked me to give you this
handicap for you to look over. If you see anything
needing alteration, wiU you kindly do it ? "

4S

.k

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"I suppose you'll make it for yourself," chaffed
" Tubby" Morris, who sat opposite me.

" Oh no ! And just to show you, I'll take 4 lb.
ofi" The Don and 6 lb, off Zingari, leaving mine,
Wild Bird, as it is, 5 st. 7 lb. And now I shall
very nearly win it, though mine's bad." Curiously
Wild Bird beat The Don a head, and Zingari was
third.

It may not be generally known that early in the
year of 1876 Mr. Dorling purposed diverting the
Derby track in order to avoid paying a rental of
£1000 a year to Mr. Carew, then lord of the manor
at Epsom. Nobody can say much against the
economical tastes of the then Clerk of the Course.
If he could have saved so substantial a sum, and not
made worse an already bad track, well and good.
But any one familiar with the course, and any one
who had seen the fresh staking-out, must have
immediately recognised that the safety of and
fairness to competitors were being sacrificed to
motives of economy. I, who by training near, knew
every inch of the ground, thought it incumbent on
me to direct the attention of Admiral Rous to the
matter before affairs had progressed too far, and one
day I called on him.

" I wish," I said, " you would come with me to
Epsom, and see what Dorling purposes doing with

49

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the Derby track so that he may save a thousand a
year."

After careful inspection, the Admiral coincided
with me to the letter, and he requested the Messrs.
Weatherby to write to Mr. Dorling, instructing him
that on no consideration was he to interfere with
the Derby track.

On the completion of our talk about Mr. Dorling^
the Admiral remarked : " Wait a minute, Hodgman,
I'll fetch you my handicaps." Mrs. Rous, at the time
very poorly, was in bed in the adjoining apartment,
the rooms being merely separated by folding doors.
When he went for his handicap papers she called
out (and of course I heard every word, much as I
rattled the fire) : " What are you doing there ? "

" Oh, I'm only going to show Hodgman my handi-
caps."

" Now, didn't you promise Westmorland and
Sturt that you wouldn't show them to any one ?
and now, of all men, you're going to show them
to Hodgman. He's sure to do you ! "

When the Admiral returned it was with, " Take
no notice. She's not herself."

In the spring of 1877 — the year of his lamented
death — the Admiral asked me to put him £5 on
Scamp for the Northamptonshire Stakes. I said,
" Admiral, Scamp has as much chance as you have

50

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

to run on foot. Stand £10 with me. I'm putting
£50 on one. I'll not tell what it is until the race is
over. When you see the result you will be perfectly
ashamed of your handicap."

The horse I proposed backing, and did back, was
Queen of Cyprus, and obtaining seven 50's I put
the Admiral down 70 to 10. The public were mad
for Scamp, but Queen of Cyprus won by thirty
lengths ! Some days passed before I met the Admiral.
He put up both hands in acknowledgment of defeat.
" When I go," he said — the gallant old Admiral was
then growing feeble — " Hodgman, you must be
handicapper."

" They would not stand me above once," I replied.

"Ah, but /would!"

Very often the Admiral and I agreed to the letter
with respect to horses' chances, as the following note
demonstrates :

"13 Berkeley Square,
''Jommry 21, 1876.

" Dear Sir,

" Many thanks for your ' City ' Handicap. I
have commenced at 9 st. 10 lb., and our weights
agree throughout.

" The Lincoln Handicap is very good. My pick
would be Volturno, Baumber, Gem of Gems, and
Grassendale.

51 E

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Where I shall fail will be relative to the
American horses.

" I am,

" Truly yours,

" H. J. ROUS.

" P.S. — I am going to Lord Stamford's on Monday,
for the week."

This was the first year the Admiral did not make
the Lincolnshire Handicap ; and I had sent him
mine, which I also forwarded to Mr. Ford. It was
the Admiral's constant plan to let me know where
he would be week by week, in case I wished to
write him.

In the May of 1865 Mr. "Tubby" Morris, Mr.
George Reynolds, Mr. Jack Bennett, Mr. John
Barnard, and myself were driving from the " White
Hart" Hotel to the Salisbury Racecourse. There
was a deal of talking and laughing, till Mr. George
Reynolds called out to Mr. Morris, " I say, ' Tubby,'
don't you think we ought to get up a testimonial to
the Duke of Beaufort ? "

" What's that ? " I exclaimed. " A testimonial to
the Duke of Beaufort ? What the dickens for,
Reynolds ? Because you settle his accounts — is that
it, George ? No. If you're in the mood for testi-

52

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

monials get one up for a man who has done some-
thing— for Admiral Rous ! "

" Capital," cried Morris. " The best thing you've
ever suggested, Hodgy. We'll talk about it as soon
as we get on the course."

The first thing was to learn whether the Admiral
would accept the proffer, and Morris suggested he
should approach Mr. Greville.

" Not at all," I urged. " He isn't the man. Lord
Granville's the one."

" Of course he is," Morris owned. " I'll go to
his lordship as soon as I get back to town, and
ask him if he will see whether the Admiral is
agreeable."

Everything worked smoothly. Lord Granville saw
his old friend. Admiral Rous, who said he should be
gratified at such a token of esteem.

On this I said to Morris, " This must be a general
affair, and to make it so no one can be allowed to
give more than a ' pony.' " In a very brief space
of time, though 25 was the maximum, .£4000 was
collected — a fact eloquent of the regard in which
the Admiral was held by all classes.

The testimonial took the shape of two candelabra,
consisting of a stem or stand, in Renaissance style,
supporting branches for six lights, and, as a descrip-
tion before me states, " terminating with a figure of

53

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

' Zephyr,' the propitious wind." To quote further :
" The stem rested upon a circular base, intersected
by four projecting panels, decorated with heads of
sea horses. The base was further ornamented by
figures in round reliefs of Neptune and Fame, in
allusion to the Admiral's early career, and the
renown he earned both as an able officer and an
unparalleled judge on the Turf." There were further
"basso relievos, one 'Pique' (the ship commanded
by the then Honourable Captain Rous) as she
appeared when after having taken the rocks on the
previous night on the Coast of Labrador, about
Point Fortneau, she was, by the great exertions and
skill of her captain, hove off in the morning of the
23rd September, 1835, and eventually, although
fearfully damaged and almost sinking, brought
safely back to England." In all, this portion of the
testimonial cost 3000 guineas and not even the
Messrs. C. F. Hancock, of New Bond Street, who
manufactured it, from designs and models by the
celebrated sculptor, Monti, have ever produced a
better. The other portion of the testimonial was
a portrait of the Admiral, executed by Mr. Henry
Weigall : the best of the grand old sailor I have
seen. The presentation banquet took place at
Willis's Rooms, St. James's Square, London, on
Monday, June 18, 1866 ; and as the occasion was

54

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

an historic one for the Turf I take the liberty of
reproducing the menu.

MENU.

POTAGES.

Tortue Claire. Tortue a I'Anglaise.

Consomme de Volaille aux Quenelles.

POISSONS.

Saumon de Gloster racoUe. Turbot sauce de Homard.

Truites a la Tartare. Whitebait.

Entrees.

Croustades des Cailles aux Fines Herbes.

Blanquettes de Poulet aux Truffes.

Cotelettes d' Agneau aux Petits Pois.

Releves.
Petits Poulets a la Printaniere. Jambons de Yore.

Selles de Mouton. Haunches de Yenaison.

Rots.
Cailles bardes. Canctons. Chapons.

ENTREMETg.

Petits Pois Anglaises. Asperges en branche.

Gelee de Fraise aux Marasquine. Bavaroise a la Vanille.

Champignons a. la Bordelaise. Petites Bouchees a la Princesse.
Gateau Conde aux Pistaches.

Releves de Rots.
Poudings glaces de Millefruit.

Glaces.
Framboise. Ananas. Cerise.

Fruits.
English Pines. Hothouse Grapes. Strawbemes. Cherries, &c.

Lord Granville presided at the banquet, and paid

55

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

an eloquent tribute to the worth of his old friend.
He said nothing, however, that was fresh to those
assembled, though all were pleased at the tribute
passed to one who feared no man, and who, in his
earlier days, had battled successfully with that cruel
mistress, the sea.

56

CHAPTEE V

Mr, Sykea — Mr. "D'Orsay" Clark — A Cesarewitch Trial —
A commission saved — A negligent trainer — "Mr. Sykes" at
Egham — Admiral Rous angered — Mr. Sykes versus Robgill —
Major Brabazon's Bets — Mr. Greville — A " close " character
— His Muscovite bets — Perkins pockets same — Mr. Shelley —
" In the wrong Boat " — Eleven thousand pounds posted,

I HAVE been connected with all varieties of race
horses — good, bad, and indifferent. But none had a
more curious history, I venture to think, than Mr.
Sykes, a bay colt by Sir Tatton Sykes out of a
sister to Gobbo. His was the misfortune to be
foaled in the year in which West Australian
and Rataplan saw light. But mighty as was the
first named, and of exceeding good character the
second, Mr. Sykes's owner, Mr. E. B. Clark
(known from the extravagance of his attire as
Mr. " D'Orsay " Clark), determined he would offer
the pair battle in the St. Leger. He had about
as much chance of beating either as I have of
flying over the Monument ; and as the colt was
in at a very light weight for the Cesarewitch
I protested against the plan as an unnecessary

57

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

exposure of the horse. But Mr. Clark persisted in
his purpose.

" It's madness," I said.

" Madness or not, he runs," was the answer.

" Well, let me give the orders. If he is placed
there will be no getting a shilling on him for the
Cesarewitch." It was agreed that I should give
Ben Bartholomew his instructions, and these briefly
were that if he couldn't win — and a nice chance he
had with West Australian ! — he was not to knock
the colt about. " Ben," who frequently rode for
me, obeyed his orders to the letter, and informed me
afterwards that though by no possibility could he
have been placed, he could have finished fourth.
This made it plain that under, I think 6st. 7lb.,
Mr. Sykes could not reasonably be beaten for the
Cesarewitch.

Still, to make assurance doubly sure a trial was
determined upon, I lending Tobolski for the spin, in
which Missive and Winter also took part. The trial
came off one pouring wet Saturday at Newmarket,
the finish being adjacent to the Bushes. Only one
" tout " saw the spin, and as he had to lie prone in
a turnip field under a pitiless deluge, most of the
company thought he had earned his information,
though Mr. Clark wished to borrow a horse to
gallop him down. [This " tout," by the way, turned

58

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

out to be my man, Quince, and he considerably-
surprised me by sending a telegram containing the
correct result to my London address.] The gallop
was in the highest degree satisfactory, and read the
better after Missive, who had been beaten a long
way, headed a respectable field at the Chester
Autumn Meeting for the Handicap Stakes, a mile
and seven furlongs affair. We then agreed to have
4000 so vs. on Mr. Sykes for the Cesarewitch, and
Mr. Clark wished immediately to commence betting,
the race being fixed for the following week. At
that time it was easy to back a horse from Saturday
to Monday night to win any sum in reason — say a
hundred thousand pounds — without exhausting the
market. Consequently, the day being Wednesday,
I urged that nothing should be done till the end of
the week, especially as no news of the horse's well
or ill being had reached us at Chester. We met at
Mr. Clark's chambers in London on the Friday
morning', to arrang-e the details of the financial
campaign. Some twenty letters were awaiting him,
and among them three communications from the
trainer of Mr. Sykes — saying, first, that the horse
was not himself ; second, that he was no better ;
and, third, he was still bad. We were a very
flabbergasted party ; also an indignant one, inas-
much as the trainer had been told to write to

5i)

^hi.

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Chester, and by his not doing so we might easily
have lost heavily. No thanks were due to him that
the commission had not been executed.

" What's to be done ? " said Mr. Clark.

" Nothing, apparently. But if you like I will go
down and see the colt."

" Do."

And there and then I started for Royston. The
stables of the trainer were by no means of an ornate
character, nor were they spacious as a market-place.
They were more fit for herding swine in than housing
thoroughbred stock. The colt, I saw, was in hope-
less plight, and I expressed myself pretty plainly to
the master of the place, rating him for the state of
his stables and his negligence in not writing to
Chester. Very high words passed, and we parted
without assuming the formality of friendship.

" Don't you," wrote the trainer to Mr. Clark,
" ever send that Newgate Knocker down to see me
again."

The illness of Mr. Sykes was of prolonged character,
and, not the first of his kind, he drifted into the
lowest equine society. If my memory is not at
fault, the next I saw of him was at Egham, on the
30th day of August, 1855 : that is, after a space of
two years from the time his trainer wrote of me as
a " Newgate Knocker," a term of opprobrium which

60

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

is beyond me to explain. Mr. Sykes then formed
one of a party of three for the Surrey and Middlesex
Stakes, distance a couple of miles. And the principal
cause of his starting was that, unknown to each
other, the connections of Fulbeck and Winkfield had
promised Mr. Clark 50 so vs. each to make running
for their horse ! The betting ruled even money
Winkfield and 6 to 5 Fulbeck, while 10 to 1 was
vainly tendered against Mr. Sykes, who was not
expected to win, and whose jockey had no idea the
horse had ability to win. But when the jockey
found himself carried strenuously to the front he
certainly did not over-exert himself. The horse, how-
ever, took matters very much under his own control,
and in the end dead-heated with Fulbeck. That
Mr. Sykes should have won easily was apparent to
the meanest intellect ; and, red hot with passion,
Admiral Rous was quickly at the weighing-room
door.

" This dead-heat," he thundered, "is to be run
off, and Fordham shall ride Mr. Sykes."

That was impossible, as naturally Major Brlng-
hurst stood out for Fordham again riding his horse
Fulbeck. On that the Admiral went to Preece,
Mr. Sykes's jockey, to whom he said, " You, sir,
make your way home on that horse as best you can.
If you don't win, or I see you don't try to win, mind

61

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I'll warn the whole lot of you off ! " The general
opinion was reflected by the betting on the decider,
4 to 1 being laid on Mr. Sykes, who won in a canter
by a length.

At this time Mr. Clark owed a Mr. Hargreaves a
sum of £500, for which he had given a bill, then
overdue. Mr. Hargreaves (in his day a commercial
traveller) was recognised as one of the shrewdest
men on the Turf, and he did a deal of Jackson's
often undesirable work. He wasted no moments
in grasping the bearings of the situation ; and act
promptly followed thought.

" You owe me," he said to Clark, " £500. I want it."

Clark pleaded he couldn't pay. Hargreaves in-
sisted he must, or take the consequences. Clark
again cried in his wailing voice, that rose to a pro-
testing shrill, that the thing was impossible : he
hadn't — on his honour he hadn't — got £500. But
he might as well have prayed to a stone as to
Hargi'eaves.

" Look here, Clark," he said, " here is a way out
of the difficulty. I will burn that bill, and in ad-
dition, here, give you a cheque for £500. All I want
in return is Mr. Sykes for the end of the season."

"Oh, give me the cheque, and take him! Oh,
take him ! He's brought nothing but trouble to
me."

62

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

The bargain was then and there made, the lease
of the horse being made out to the Honourable
Francis Lawley. The deal was no bad one for
Hargreaves, as on the Egham form the five-year-old
looked indeed bad to beat in the forthcoming
Cesarewitch, a 3 -lb. penalty only raising his burden
to 6 st. 8 lb. In truth, the race was a certainty for
him if he did not again go amiss.

Everybody, however, fortunately, did not think so,
and particularly adverse to him, and keen on the
chance of their own horse, were the friends of Mr.
Tom Parr's Robgill. One of his staunchest sup-
porters was that fine, dashing bettor, Major
Brabazon (Colonel Higgins). He ridiculed the idea
that Robgill could lose, and freely supported his
opinion with his money. I met him about ten on
the morning of the race, in front of the Newmarket
Subscription Rooms.

" Well, Major," I said, " Mr. Sykes will start a
better favourite than Robgill for a hundred."

" I'll bet that," was his response.

" Tubby," Morris said, " I'll follow Hodgy. I'll bet
you a hundred."

" Done," answered the Major.

On the course, after the horses had gone to the
post. Major Brabazon came to our coach and shouted,
*' Robgill beats anything for a thousand ! "

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" I'll take Sykes," I said.

" Right, Hodgman ! Two thousand ? "

" No. I'm finished."

"I'll bet you the other thousand," called out
Morris.

" Right."

Then in stentorian tones the Major cried, " Robgill
beats anything. I'll bet 5000 to 4000."

" Good bye, Major," was my retort. "You've settled
matters now. Morris and I have lost our hundreds.
But you'll have to pay us the thousands."

Well, Robgill, who did start favourite, was not
placed, and Mr. Sykes won with plenty in hand by
a couple of lengths, the present trainer, Mr. Fred
Bates, riding him. Thus, in eventful fashion, Mr.
Sykes, as a five-year-old, won the race he could not,
health continued, have lost as a three.

Muscovite, I may add, was one of those beaten

by Mr. Sykes. A rare good horse was this son of

Hetman Platoff, but he was outhandicapped when

asked to give Mr. Sykes, of the same age, 2 st.

11 lb. His chance had come in the previous year

(1854), when, by-the-bye, Mr. Greville, his owner,

did not get all the money he won. A very " close "

sort was Mr. Greville. I remember him once saying,

" If you should try a horse in your bedroom by

yourself, by heavens the result would be known all

64

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

over England ! " In his Turf proceedings he was as
" keen as a razor," and whoever had the better of
Mr. Greville needed to be an early riser and void of
walnut shells on his eyes. Even his commissioners
were rarely let into his secrets. When he gave
them their instructions he invariably impressed upon
them that though he was risking his own money the
horse was not worth theirs.

" I've got so many friends who want to be on,"
was his common formula. " There's very, very little
for myself"

The late Mr. John Warrington (father of the
present " Teddy " Warrington) did a good deal of
Mr. Greville's business, but, as he told me, he was
so constantly "put off" that he rarely benefited.
Of a different turn of mind was a Mr. Tom Perkins,
a Manchester man, who acted for Mr. Greville. Not
that he was not " put off." In fact, he was so often
" carted " that one day he swore the next big deal
should be for himself — if it came off ! This said deal
happened to be Muscovite, for the Cesarewitch of
1854, and Perkins, acting on Mr. Greville's orders,
backed the horse to win £13,000, £2000 of which
had to come from a Mr. John Whittaker, who kept
a fish shop in Manchester. In the ordinary course
of events the London settler for Mr. Perkins sent
word, on the Monday after the race, that he had

65

SIXTY YEAllS ON THE TURF

collected the whole of the money save the £2000
from Mr. Whittaker, who had written to Beeton's,
in Milk Street, Cheapside, saying he was not in a
position to pay, and asking that all his Cambridge-
shire bets should be scratched. On hearing this,
Perkins called on Whittaker to see if he could get
something. But Whittaker was obdurate. He had
lost, and was not going to pay !

" Well," said Perkins, " if that's your intention,
Whittaker, I'll be frank with you. You can wipe
off that £2000, and send and receive in London
your winning bets if with that amount knocked oft'
there's a balance for you. I tell you plainly that I
don't intend tipping up old Greville a farthing. The
bets are in my name, and they're going into my
pocket. Mr. Greville has put me oft" any number of
times. Now, without his permission, I am going to
put myself on."

Whittaker acted as advised, and never afterwards
" looked back." It is impossible, of course, to pen a
word in extenuation of the action either of Mr.
Perkins or of Mi\ Whittaker. But I must say that
when the tale got abroad Mr. GreviUe did not
receive a deal of sympathy. He was so very, very
close.

If the victory of Muscovite, by their piratical
policy, benefited Messrs. Perkins and Whittaker it

66

MR. "JUDGE" JOHNSOxN

Sfe page 67

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

had a contrary effect on the fortunes of Mr. John
Shelley, at that time a prominent layer, and owner
of Lifeboat and Gunboat, two rattling good horses.
From "information received" he went a raker against
Hetman Platoff 's son, and, filling his own book to
the hilt, desired to continue the opposition. With
this purpose he put in Mr. Jimmy Barber to lay the
horse to lose ten, twelve, or twenty thousand pounds.
Barber went to Colonel Higgins (Major Brabazon),
who, for Barber, for Shelley, laid 11,000 to 1000
against Muscovite. But the Colonel was careful.

" This," he said, " is a bet with you. Barber. I
know nothing of Shelley, and if the horse wins I
shall look to you for the money. You perfectly
understand."

*' Certainly."

Later, Colonel Higgins, learning on unimpeachable
authority that so far from Muscovite being all wrong
he was very much right, went to Barber, with, " I
understand you have laid that money against
Muscovite for a friend of yours of the name of
Shelley."

"Yes."

"Well, tell him he had better get out. He's in
the wrong boat."

Barber saw Shelley, and told him. But Shelley
refused to be convinced.

69 F

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Never mind," he remarked, "what the Colonel
says. I shall not get out. And to save any trouble
about the money, if that is what he is thinking
about, I will post now. Here are eleven one thousand
pound notes."

Barber cut the notes in halves, retaining one set
himself and giving the Colonel the other.

Such extraordinary hostility roused the fears oi
the Muscovite party, and led to the expulsion from
the stable of the person who was thought likely to
serve the layers. With the agent of " safety "
removed from the premises Muscovite soon hardened
in price, and at flag fall touched 3 to 1. His was
one of the easiest victories ever associated with the
Cesarewitch, perhaps the easiest, save and except
that of Dulcibella.

70

CHAPTER VI

Wild Dayrell's Derby-His "nobbling" arranged-How pre-
vented-A costly "getting out "-Palmer the Poisoner—
Marlow's opinion— Mr. Fred Swindell " readied "—Saved by
the success of Doubt— Cockburn's grim assurance-Who set
the law in motion.

The present generation can have only a historical
interest in the Derby victory of Wild Dayrell in
1855. But some who were at that period in the
active pursuit of racing may— if they backed the
horse— not even now be aware how near they came
to losing their money; in truth, of not "having a
run " for the same. I am in a position to relate the
circumstances, as I played a principal's part in the
spoiling of the intended roguery. A brief period
before the Derby— for which Wild Dayrell had been
heavily backed alike by the stable and the public—
I received a letter from a man I never cared for—
indeed, always suspected— he was what was then
known as a " dangerous party "—making an appoint-
ment, which, unaware of the business on hand, I
kept. He was not long in unfolding his purpose,
which was the fearless laying of Wild Dayrell.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"You are in a position to lay him. So get all
you can out of him. And think of me."

" Come, come," I said. " I don't quite understand
you. Will this horse run ? "

" No ! He'll be ' settled ' before then."

"Ah," I remarked, "I'm much obliged to you.
But I'm afraid you have come to the wrong man.
I have no wish to be mixed up in that kind of
business."

He was disagreeably surprised at my attitude,
for being a young and at times a heavy layer he
thought I would be sure to jump at the chance of
operating against a " safe 'un."

"Well," he said, "as you say you won't act,
Hodgman, I suppose I can trust you not to
interfere."

"It's your business," I returned, "not mine."

Immediately he had cleared off I jumped into a
cab, and whipped off to Bishopsgate-street, to see
my old friend, Mr. Frank Robinson, to whom had
been entrusted the London backing of Wild Dayrell
by the stable. He was soon in possession of the
facts, and quickly wired to a Mr. Manning, at
Northampton (he had the supreme control of the
Derby commission) : "I will be down by such and
such a train. Meet me." After hearing the
incidents, Mr. Manning, with my friend, made haste

72

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

to Hungerford, near by which place Wild Dayrell
was trained by Rickaby, the grandfather, I believe,
of the present jockey. So soon as the trainer heard
of the proposed dastardly outrage he picked on the
suspect, and without a word of explanation pitched
him neck and crop out of the stable. From that
moment till the hour of the race Wild Dayrell was
carefully guarded by trustworthy attendants, and,
with Bob Sherwood in the saddle, won by a couple
of lengths from Kingstown. It was currently
reported at the time that the intending " nobblers "
of Wild Dayrell had, apart from laying him, sub-
stantially befriended Kingstown, the property, by-
the-bye, of Harry Hill. With the unmasking of
the plot came a rare disturbance "among the dove-
cots " of those who " pulled the strings." They had
taken such liberties that they had to get on some-
where somehow : with the result that Wild Dayrell
started at even money.

Of all the cold-blooded murderers whose names
are discoverable in the calendars of crimes probably
none deserves more execration than William Palmer
of Rugeley, who rightly expiated his monstrous
deeds on the scaffold. In the way of Turf
business I had many dealings with Palmer, but,
fortunately for myself, he never owed me a large
sum of money, and though I frequently visited him

73

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

at his old-fashioned house at Rugeley, occasion for
eating and drinking did not arise. There was, to
my mind, always an air of undesirable mystery
about his proceedings, and, a dead gambler at heart,
he cared not so much about the price of a horse he
fancied as the substantial character of the bet. It
was, my intuition taught me, only desirable to deal
with Palmer when he was known to be in funds,
and long before he was arrested for the murder that
justified his hanging he bore a most sinister reputa-
tion. Thus after Charlie Marlow was brought in
with a broken leg through the fall of Palmer's
Sweetmeat filly, Nettle, in the Oaks, his comment,
made in my hearing, on the misfortune, was "It
serves me right. What business had I to ride a

d d poisoner's horse ? " This was in the month

of May 1855, and as Nettle was deemed of such
character as to be entitled to favouritism for the
Ladies' Race the position of Palmer, to the ordinary
eye, must have seemed one of passing respectability.
The defeat, through accident, of Nettle — she bolted,
and fell over the chains near the New Mile post — -
was a great financial blow to Palmer, who had
plunged upon the filly, heroine in the previous
season, when the property of Mr. T. Wilkinson, of
the Gimcrack Stakes.

Mr. Fred Swindell had a very "narrow squeak"

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

of not preceding the unfortunate Cook. In truth,
he entirely owed his salvation to the success of a
mare named Doubt in the Wolverhampton Handicap
of 1853 — then a rare betting race, both before and
on the day. It was, in fact, as big a financial
concern as some of the chief handicaps are now.
Ordinarily I attended Wolverhampton, where for a
number of years I had a couple of bedrooms and a
sitting room at the "Swan" Hotel. Through some
business in town I was unable to attend the races in
1853, and, hearing of this, Mr. Swindell asked me if
I would let him have my lodgings.

" Yes," I said ; " but whom are you going with ? "

" Palmer."

"All right, Fred, but take my advice and be
careful of your pal."

" Thanks. I shall be all right. By-the-bye, he
says he has a good thing in Doubt for the handicap.
I've put him 500 on at 7's ; and I've got 250 on
myself. You had better have a ' pony,' lad."

" Certainly," and we parted — and I honestly
believe that would have been a final farewell if
Doubt had failed to win. That Swindell was
doctored for death in case of the mare's defeat
cannot indeed, in view of all the circumstances,
be questioned. Palmer, as has been mentioned by
others, had a peculiar way of drinking his brandy

75

'»

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and water, he emptying his glass at one gulp. You
gained more flavour so, he asserted, than by sipping.
The real reason was that the poisons he conveyed to
the liquors of his victims should be sure of effect.
When he and Swindell had their "toddy" on the
Saturday night — the races began on Monday — he
persuaded Fred to adopt the gulping fashion. Next
day Swindell was very unwell — so queer that he
spoke of going home. But Palmer persuaded him to
stay on.

" Well, get some fresh advice," said Swindell. " I
can't make out what is the matter with me."

A doctor was called in by Palmer, and he,
naturally instructed by the poisoner, endorsed the
view that Swindell should remain at Wolverhampton
rather than journey to London.

" Mr. Palmer is treating you admirably. You
could not be in better hands," were his parting
words, as Swindell informed me.

Monday, the day of the race, brought no improve-
ment in Swindell's state, and he was confined to bed
while Doubt was running for his life ! There were
nine starters, of whom Musician and Pastrycook
were most regarded. Neither gained a place, the
first falling to Doubt, who, ridden by W. Sharpe,
pulled through by half a length from Montagu. The
racecourse then was very near the town, and no

76

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

great distance from the " Swan." So as soon as
Doubt had won Palmer hurried from the course to
the hotel. As the bet — 3500 to 500 — was in
Swindell's name, his death before settling day would
have made void the wager. Palmer's interest was
now to save the life he had already jeopardised. In
the twinkling of an eye he had Fred out of bed,
before a big fire ; started vigorously rubbing the
calves of his legs ; and administered some exceed-
ingly hot soup ; measures which brought the needed
relief While the trial of Palmer for the poisoning
of Cook was proceeding, Attorney -General Cockburn
(afterwards Lord Chief Justice of England) called on
Swindell, when I happened to be chatting with him.
The conversation, over a bottle or so of claret, turned
to the trial, and naturally to the Wolverhampton
incident.

" Fred," said Cockburn (the pair were great
friends), " I cannot understand how you escaped the
scoundrel. But I'm sure to hang him — sure ! "

" Oh, be easy with him ! " returned Swindell.

" Easy ! Yes ! You mark my words, I'm sure to
hang him."

And hanged he was. I may mention that it was
through the insistence of Mr. Ishmael Fisher, the
proprietor of the first Victoria Club, and of
Mr. George Herring, happily still alive, that Palmer

77

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

was eventually brought to book. His sinister
reputation I have already referred to, and after
Cook's death, under suspicious circumstances, the
gentlemen named represented to his mother and his
stepfather the necessity for action. " You will be
almost as bad as he is," they said, "if you don't do
something." Once the law was set in motion the
end was inevitable. It was never known, and it
never now can be known, how many people, in the
course of his nefarious operations, Palmer got rid of.
He thought no more of poisoning a man or a woman
to serve his ends than a chemist would of dosing a
cat. To the last Palmer asserted that his agent of
death was not strychnine. This was more or less a
chemical quibble, for he may have employed Nux
vomica, from which strychnine is obtained. If he
did not use Nux vomica or strychnine it is probable
he resorted to morphia, the active principle of opium,
which produces analogous symptoms. I write this
not of my knowledge of toxicology, but from infor-
mation gleaned in a conversation concerning the
matter with Mr. Edgar Nicholson, M.KC.S.,L.RC.P.,
of Fenny Stratford, Bucks.

78

CHAPTER VII

Yirago — The best filly of last century — Unplaced in a selling
race ! — Mr, William Day in error— Heavy Chester Cup
betting — The handicapper awake — City and Suburban and
Great Metropolitan won on one day — Virago's Epsom trial —
The real weights — Mr. Lambert's letter — " Something out of
Vu-ago " — Lord Glasgow — Insistence on more weight — " Don't
hesitate to shoot " — A memorable Saturday on the Heath —
Racing for Life.

Much discussion has arisen, at varying periods, as
to which horse is entitled to the character of being
the best of the past century. Those famihar with
the giants of the last sixty years have no hesitation
in awarding the position of pre-eminence to Ormonde.
It has been my privilege to see all the mighty ones
of the period mentioned, and I unhesitatingly vote
in favour of the late Duke of Westminster's great
horse, who even when a roarer was able to set con-
siderable opjjosition at defiance. I knew all the best
horses — West Australian, Voltigeur, and so forth.
But I never came across the equal of Ormonde.
Whosoever challenges the position of the son of
Bend Or will indeed be hard pushed for argument ;
and in the main most critics are agreed. But there

79

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

is no such unanimity, as in truth there has been no
such discussion, as to which counts the best filly of
the century that lately was sealed in the book of
history. If my opinion were asked I should, after
careful thought of all the magnificent fillies I have
watched seek Turf honours, unreservedly place
Virago on the highest pedestal. She was a daughter
of Pyrrhus the First and Virginia, and the property
of Mr. Padwick. Her glorious career commenced
most ingloriously, for at the Shrewsbury Autumn
Meeting of 1853 she ran unplaced in a selling race*
That truly stands an extraordinary circumstance ;
nor is it one to be explained away by the suggestion
that her trainer, old John Day, was unaware of her
exceeding worth. Her full merits may not have
been known to him ; but the Danebury trainer had,
through a rough up, a shrewd suspicion of her
ability, and to get her beaten in a selling plate
towards the end of her juvenile days was part and
parcel of the game.

Mr. William Day, son of John Day, says, in his
*' Reminiscences," when speaking of Virago's " sell-
ing" effort, "I should remind my readers that in
those days it was only the winner that could be
bought or claimed, or she would not have run, as
her merits were too well known at the time to her
party to run the risk of losing her." In one way

80

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and another Mr. William Day has seen fit to be very-
severe on some of his contemporaries, particularly
when his pen was dealing with the dead. Therefore
there is the less reason for refraining to point out to
Mr. William Day that his own claims to perfection
cannot go unchallenged. If Mr. Day will turn to
his "Calendar" of 1850 he will find, on page Iv.,
these words :

" At a meeting of the Jockey Club, held at New-
market on Wednesday in the Second October Week,
1850, it was —

" Resolved — That any horse running for a selling
stake or plate shall be liable to be claimed by the
owner of any other horse in the race for the price
for which he entered to be sold and the amount of
the stake — the owner of the second horse to be first
entitled to claim."

This, I take leave to think, is pretty explicit, and as
the Rule is repeated in the '51, '52, and '53 volumes
it is clear that, despite Mr. Day's emphatic pro-
nouncement, Virago, according to Jockey Club law,
could on that November day at Shrewsbury have
been claimed. As a matter of fact, her party were
very uneasy till the claiming time had expired.
After her defeat, and when retention was assured,

81

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Padwick went to Shelley and said he wished to
back Virago for the Chester Cup of the following
year ! A beaten selling plater for a Chester Cup
seemed a safe thing to lay in the middle of Novem-
ber, and Shelley betted Mr. Padwick 5000 to 75.
In another quarter, I think it was from Jack
Bennett, he procured a similar wager, and the
winter through her party picked up all the long
odds, until layers said, " Who the devil is this
Virago?"

The news of the amounts she had been supported
for I mentioned to the late Mr. Topham, who then
framed the Chester Cup weights. " She's a bad
selling plater on the book," I said, " but according
to the market she's something out of the ordinary."

This caused Mr. Topham to take care of her, and
when the weights were issued she had 21 lbs. more
than her party expected. In a fit of passion Mr.
Padwick (not then aware of what she was capable)
scratched her ; and in so doing sacrificed what to
many would have appeared a tremendous fortune,
for even with the penalty, by her Epsom successes,
she would have incurred Virago could not, save
by accident, have been beaten. She was indeed
a marvellous creature, winning the City and Sub-
urban and the Great Metropolitan (under a penalty)
within the space of an hour ! On each occasion she

82

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

won in a common canter, and after her twin successes
those who had laid her so deeply for the Chester
Cup were indeed relieved that she had been
scratched. Had she been able to run she must, as
I have said, won, and the Ring would have received
a shaking up of unparalleled character.

How good Virago was even Mr. Padwick had no
idea — not to the day of his death. John Day was a
very reticent person, and while giving Mr. Padwick
a general idea, he withheld the details. Mr. William
Day says Virago " was tried at Findon before the
Epsom Spring Meeting, with Little Harry, a five
year old, at 10 lb., and beat him easy over two and
a quarter miles, myself riding the old one, and the
rest beat a long way. This, at least, proved how
she was, if we may take it that she was Little
Harry's equal at even weights, and he afterwards
won the Ascot Stakes, carrying 8 st. 7 lb., beating
Kingston, the same age, at 7 lb., and fourteen others."
It is to be feared that when penning those sentences
Mr. Day's memory was as treacherous as his know-
ledge of the trial weights was fanciful. It may be
said that a son should know more of his father's
business than one outside the family. Yet I venture
to state that only one man, besides the trainer, knew
the real strength of Virago's trial for the Epsom
events, and that was my old friend, Mr. George

83

SIXTY YEAllS ON THE TURF

Lambert. Between him and John Day prevailed a
friendship, based on mutual interests and personal
liking, only to be dissolved by death. I reproduce
the pertinent points of Mr. Lambert's letter to me,
the same bearing date January 22, 1901 :

"Virago was tried, when a two-year-old, one
mile, and old John Day thought her better than.
Crucifix. Little Harry tried her for the two Epsom
events. The weights I never knew before the Good-
wood Cup. She was tried as follows :
" Virago 8 st. 7 lb. — 3 years.
" Little Harry 7 st. 7 lb. — 5 years.

" Little Harry won by a neck. The old man told
me this as they started for the Cup. Mr. Padwick
never knew it — nor any one else."

Trainers of the present time might well sigh for
another Virago, who was only beaten once as a
three-year-old. This was at York, in a T.Y.C race,
when odds of 2 to 1 were laid on her. And I recall,
as though it were but yesterday, the Ring expressions
at her failure. " At last," was the general comment
of the bookmakers ; "at last we have got something
out of Virago ! " That something had been a long
time coming, as, in addition to the City and Subur-
ban and the Great Metropolitan, Virago had swept

84

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

off In succession the Great Northern Handicap
(6 to 4 on), the Flying Dutchman's Handicap (4 to 1
on), a 1000 guineas stakes at Newmarket First
Spring Meeting (3 to 1 on), the Goodwood Cup
(6 to 1 on), the Nassau Stakes (" Any odds," says
the Calendar, "on Virago"), and the Yorkshire
Oaks ("High odds on Virago"). Then came the
defeat mentioned ; but she speedil}^ picked up the
winning skein, taking the Cup at Warwick and the
Doncaster Cup.

Many as are the tales that have been told about
the eccentric Lord Glasgow, the yield Is even at this
time far from exhausted. A more eccentric man
scarcely ever breathed ; and I was present at the
dinner-table when he asked Admiral Rous how he
had handicapped a certain horse of his. On learning
the weight he burst into a violent fit of Indignation
— ^not because he thought he had too much to carry,
but because he reckoned he had too little !

" If, Admiral," he exclaimed, " you don't put 7 lb.
more on I'll scratch him this instant."

" You have," said the Admiral, " very little chance
as matters are ; but if you wish it, you can have
7 lbs. more." And of course the horse did not win.

" Don't hesitate to shoot ! " was an instruction
that gained a certain statesman of modern time? ^^
an amount of notoriety that he could readily have

87 G

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

dispensed with. In this direction, so far as his
horses were concerned, the Earl of Glasgow knew
no such word as " hesitation," his thinnlng-out
process by aid of the gun being a common topic of
conversation at the period he figured largely on the
Turf A bad horse. In his opinion, was only fit to
be shot ; and as the majority of his racing stud were
indifferent, there was ample need for gunpowder.

On one occasion, however, the horses beat their
master. The Incidents I refer to occurred on Saturday,
October 30, 1852, at Newmarket. On Friday night
Lord Glasgow declared that he Intended to run six
horses the next day, and that the losers should pay
the penalty of death. The news spread in wildfire
fashion, and many who originally proposed "cutting"
the last day of the spun-out Houghton proceedings
changed their plans. The first to take her chance
of life or death was Senorlta, a bay filly by Hetman
Platoif, matched against Lord Cllfden's Plunkett over
the last half of the Abingdon Mile.

" Good-bye, my girl ! Good-bye, my beauty !
We've seen the last of you ! "

Such and various were the cries from the crowded
coaches as she went to the post ; while some who
were near her at saddllng-tlme plucked hairs from
her tail. What betting existed — there was, indeed,
very little owing to the excitement — favoured

88

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Senorita, who saved her existence by a length and

a half. The next to try his luck was Knight of the

Garter, a chestnut colt by Faugh-a-Ballagh. His

opponent was Lord Exeter's Ilex, with the course

the last mile and three-quarters of the Two Middle

Miles. By three-quarters of a length, after a stern

tussle, did the "Knight" earn his continued right

to corn. The case of Double Thong, a bay colt by

Assault or Irish Birdcatcher, who was pitted against

Lord Clifden's Feramorz, appeared to the onlookers

desperate, as in a true-run race the latter would

easily have conceded the former 2 lb. Across the

Flat. The Fates, however, were as decidedly that

day in favour of the Glasgow colours as usually

they were adverse ; for as soon as the flag dropped

Feramorz bolted, leaving Double Thong to win by

a hundred yards. Caracara, a brown colt by Irish

Birdcatcher, was the fourth on the fateful list, being

matched with Lord Clifden's Sackbut over the Ditch

Mile. His paper superiority caused 3 to 1 being

laid on him ; but his was a near thing, as he only

triumphed by a short head. In truth, until the

number went up nobody could confidently say

which of the pair had won. When Caracara's

number was hoisted there was general cheering,

and " Caracara's health ! " became the general toast.

Feeling was at a high tension by the time the sister

89

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

to Caracara went down to give battle to the Duke of
Bedford's Hesperus Across the Flat. " She's certain
to be shot," was the common comment ; and 3 to 1
was laid on her rival. But the odds were cleverly
floored, and Caracara and his sister were handsomely
toasted. With Ernestine the Duke of Bedford would
not oppose the filly by Don John from Miss Sarah,
preferring to pay forfeit. So ended as memorable
a day on a racecourse as I can recall; and the
strange part of the business was that neither before
nor afterwards did luck flow so steadily Lord Glas-
gow's way. Flatman rode the first four winners ;
but he could not do the weight (7 st. 71b.) on the
sister to Caracara, over whom Tommy Lye threw
a leg.

90

CHAPTER VIII

Mr. Drinkald— His eccentric attire— Why I laid Boiardo for
the St. Leger of 1854— A riot at Doncaster— The fighting
brothers Broome— Black Tommy and the Derby— Ten Thou-
sand pounds to a suit of clothes— Mr. Drinkald's bitter pill
—Blink Bonny's triumph— The Leger defeat— Mr. Swindell's
advice— The Jackson confederacy— Prioress's Cesarewitch—
A dead heat between three— A change of jockeys and of
result — My opinion of Fordham — How Captain Little
"kidded" him— Heiress's defeats— Dulcibella's Cesarewitch
— Her previous running — Ladies in hiding.

Mr. Drinkald, who played a prominent part on the
Turf in the Fifties, was one of the most extraordinary
looking- men that 1 ever saw. His straight, jet
black hair nearly touched his shoulders, and his
countenance was of a hue that would have befitted
a gipsy. The curious hat, with a remarkably narrow
brim, that he always affected accentuated the
strangeness of his appearance, further heightened
by the conspicuousness of his clothes. Yet though
by reason of his "get up" he attracted attention,
he was no seeker for popularity. In truth, one of
his aims in life appeared to be to excel in the
" gentle art " of making enemies. Still, to those he
affected he could be very agreeable, though I confess

pi

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I did not think a deal of his humour when the night
before the St. Leger of 1854 he approached me in
the Subscription Rooms at Doncaster with :

" I understand, Hodgman, you have some money
to lay against Boiardo." What he said, under the
circumstances, was sufficiently irritating, but equally
so was the manner of the saying.

" What d d fool has been telling you that ? "

I asked, being nettled.

"Oh," he returned in his bland way, "you have
been christened right. You undoubtedly are Young
Impudence 1 "

" Young Impudence or not," I answered, " here
ai'e the facts. At the present moment if Boiardo
wins I shall have to pay £15,000, which is no
laughing matter. Bill Davies, I suppose, has told
you to come to ask me to lay Boiardo, thinking it a
joke."

He admitted Davies was the instigator of the
inquiry.

" Oh, well, I suppose it amuses him, and it can't
do me any harm."

"But how is it you are so bad against Boiardo ? "

" I will tell you all about the affair. You know
Mr. Baily, of Baily's Magazine, in Cornhill. I
am in the habit of calling in there for a chat with
him. He knows all John Scott's business — or at

92

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

least a deal ; and at times bets for him. He asked
me to back Acrobat [the stable companion of
Boiardo] and to lay the latter : as Acrobat was the
better. Well, I backed Acrobat for him, and laid
Boiardo for him at 3000 to 30. And, of course, I
followed suit to a heavier tune. Well, when Lord
Derby's lot were tried, Boiardo won easily. Mr.
Baily got out of his money, but I couldn't, beyond
laying some of my Acrobat money off. Now you
see the reason why Da vies is joking with me about
having Boiardo money to lay. Still," I went on,
" I will lay you an even thousand against the colt,
and," suiting the action to the word, "stake the
money."

"No," returned Drinkald, "I'll take you 1000 to
800, and never mind about staking."

This I declined, and we separated, to be always
afterwards on a friendly footing. Fortunately, for
my interests, Boiardo broke down in the race, and
my friend, Mr. " Tubby " Morris's horse. Knight of
St. George, won from Ivan, with Arthur Wellesley
third. The third would have been a winner for me
to a little bit, for I had a wretched book.

Now, although the stable, on the strength of the
trial, went solid for Boiardo, the public would not
be stalled off Acrobat, their investments keeping
him at 7 to 1. He "ran nowhere," as the saying

9S

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

is, getting a very handsome beating indeed from
Ivan. The pair met on the same terms on the
Friday, in the Doncaster Stakes, run over a quarter
of a mile less ground than the St. Leger. Ivan,
not unreasonably, was favourite, but his position was
threatened by Acrobat, over whom tlie Scott party
went for a tremendous stake. This time Acrobat,
having, as the phrase runs, his head loose, ran a
very different horse, beating Ivan in a canter by
a length. On Templeman returning to weigh there
ensued a scene almost unparalleled in Turf annals —
the nearest approach being that wliich occurred at
Epsom when Paul's Cray beat Phenix, The mob,
red hot with fury, swarmed round the weighing-
room, intent on lynching Templeman, John Scott,
or anybody connected with Acrobat on whom they
could lay violent hands. Some bother had, however,
by the ominous murmurings of the morning, been
anticipated, and conveniently placed at the door of
the weighing enclosure were the famous pugilists,
Johnny and Harry Broome. The incensed Tykes
made an ugly rush, but on the leaders the fighting
brothers rained pitiless blows, and with assistance
coming the entrance was desperately held. What-
ever the Brooraes received they had stoutly earned,
as without them there was a grim prospect of
murder.

94

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

But to return to Mr. Drinkald. Anxious as he
may have been to get 1000 to 800 about Boiardo
for the St. Leger of '54, when three years later it
came to one of his own horses in the Derby he
preferred to have the market to himself I must
say that nobody but himself believed in his Black
Tommy, so Mr. Drinkald escaped interference.
Such a contemptuous opinion had Harry Hill of
the Derby pretensions of the son of Womersley
that he laid the owner a genuine bet of £10,000
to a suit of clothes ! I was at the moment of
the finish of the race standing with Mr. Drinkald
in Tattersall's enclosure. His Black Tommy, on the
upper ground, flashed past looking all over a winner.
In truth, it seemed any odds on him. Thinking the
stake in his pocket, Mr. Drinkald shouted out.
*' Thank God ! I've won the Derby, and not a soul
is on but myself ! "

" By heavens ! " I said, " they haven't put your
number up, Drinky ! They've put up Blink Bonny 's."

I never saw a man turn such a sickly colour.
His swarthy cheeks seemed blanched ; and he gasped
as if he had received a heavy punch under the heart.
By a neck had the spoils gone to Malton, and
instead of receiving £10,000 from Harry Hill, Mr.
Drinkald was the loser of a suit of clothes. Black
Tommy, I may add, started at 200 to 1.

95

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Blink Bonny next won the Oaks, and, of course,
developed into a strong favourite for the St. Leger.
Various tales have been penned and spoken of as the
cause of her defeat. Those, however, " behind the
scenes " — who were thick in the " inner business " —
never doubted but she was " stopped " at the
instigation of Jackson and his friends. Old Mr.
I' Anson, I know, was warned by Mr. Fred Swindell
that all was not as all should be with the " coach-
man." But Mr. I Anson would not listen to such
an aspersion. " The same thing," he added, " was
told me before the Derby. The rumours prevailed
again before the Oaks. Well, he won both. And I
shall not listen to slander now."

I had, because of the shortness of the price, laid
extra against Blink Bonny for the Leger ; and told
Swindell of the matter. His reply was, " Lad,
keep heavy against her. I Anson won't listen to
me. But I know I'm right."

Right or wrong, Blink Bonny was never in the
race, and the truth was that the Jackson con-
federacy had laid Blink Bonny and gone for the
winner, Imperieuse. That St. Leger day was a sad
one for Highfield House, and yet one cannot but
admire the staunch loyalty of Mr. I' Anson. It is a
serious business to take a jockey off at the last
moment, and much the more distasteful when he

96

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

can point out that he has won for you the Derby
and the Oaks. It is beyond denial, however, that
Jackson had then the "pulse" of many of the
Northern riders, and it is beyond me to recall a
man who was so positioned to pull, and did pull,
the strings in favour of his pocket. The Turf has
known many " dangerous " men, but the equals of
Jackson and his confederates have yet to be born.

Taking one thing with another the season of 1857
must be held to have been prolific in exciting
incidents. Thus in the Cesarewitch Mr. Ten,
Broeck's Prioress, Captain Smith's El Hakim, and
Mr. Saxon's Queen Bess ran a dead heat. The
American jockeys of that period were not as those
of to-day. One would have had to travel far and
look hard to find such specimens of all in horseman-
ship that was indifferent. They were, in truth,
about as bad as anybody could make them, they
riding, for instance, with the reins twisted round
their wrists ! Tankerley, the jockey on Prioress,
was of the Yankee school, and it was evident to me,
from my place on our coach, that he ought, at the
least, to have won by a couple of lengths. Taking
a flying leap from the vehicle, I called out to
"Tubby" Morris, "They must run off! Put me a
hundred on Prioress. And do the same for yourself.
I'll run and see Ten Broeck to put Fordham up."

97

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I caught Mr. Broeck at the paddock entrance,
and said, " Will you put Fordham up ? "

•* Can I get him ? "

" Yes. He told me he should have liked to have
ridden for you this morning."

" Get him, then."

I soon found Fordham, and engaged him, with
the satisfactory result that Prioress won comfort-
ably by a length and a half from El Hakim, who
finished a head in front of Queen Bess.

I always had a high — indeed, the highest —
opinion of Fordham, whose superior, taking him all
in all, has not appeared in my time. He would,
when able, always ride for me ; and, in turn, I was
ever glad to hand him my colours. Only once, in
a friendship extending over a great number of
years, do I remember being thoroughly " at elbows "
with him. This was over a mare called Heiress
that I had in 1860, which I had bought of Mr.
Carew of Epsom. She had run moderately in the
Great Metropolitan, and yet I thought she ought to
win a good race. In June I took her to the Bibury
Club Meeting, for the Stakes. She was not in high
racing trim, and I told Fordham not to knock her
about. But Captain Little, on The Greek — he was
as good as most professionals — " kidded " so nicely
that Fordham fell into the trap, and thinking The

98

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Greek beaten came to win the race, to find, when
he had clapped on full steam, that the Captain had
a bit up his sleeve. Fordham, in a way, lost his
head, and freely plied whip and spur.

" Well, Mr. Butcher," I said to him as I looked
at the bloodstained sides of the mare, " you've done
a nice thing."

" I couldn't help it," he answered. " The Captain
got me racing, and I had to come along."

" Humph ! " I returned, walking away.

Well, Fordham, with me, was " Mr. Butcher " for
some time. Then he came and begged me to " drop
it," saying that though he allowed he did knock
the mare about he thought he had had enough
reminders. In this he was perfectly right, and, as
the French say, the incident closed.

With this same Heiress I was not destined to
have any luck. She nicely recovered, and I put
her in the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire. She
received 6 st. in each, and I rather fancied mv
chance, especially for the Cesarewitch, a race for
which I had an especial fondness. My first invest-
ment about her was a thousand pounds, which Mr.
George Herring put on for me, returning me 42,000
to 1000. I afterwards took 30,000 to 1000, and,
with the mare satisfying me, began to "dream
dreams" of netting a huge stake. Unluckily for

99

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

me, I had to meet Dulcibella, who scampered home
alone, with Heiress but third. Time upon time
friends told me Heiress could not win while Dulci-
bella kept well. I failed to make it out on form,
as on August 1 I, at 10 lb., had with Wild Bird —
a very, very bad horse — beaten The Don a head,
and he, at 10 lb., on August 16, had "lost" Dulci-
bella. This was at Oxford, when The Don beat
Little Gerard by a neck, with Zingari third ; and,
adds the Calendar, "a very bad third." There
were eight runners, and Dulcibella was seventh !
Consequently, knowing what a wretched horse Wild
Bird was, and how bad, too, must be The Don, I
was not impressed with Dulcibella, always pre-
suming she had revealed her true form at Oxford.
This she could not have done, or else in the space
of six weeks William Day had wrought in her an
improvement that approached the miraculous. It
was this rapid, this startling improvement in horses'
form that roused the wrath of Admiral Rous, and
the stables from which sprang these equine miracles
were generally by him cared for.

Dulcibella did not, as I have stated, forget to
half win. The official verdict was ten lengths. It
could easily have been a hundred. Before the race
Mr. Fred Swindell came to me, and said, " Do you
fancy yours ? "

100

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Yes, I do. But, Fred, I'm told that Dulcibella
could draw a cart and beat me."

" I believe she could, lad," was his answer.
** And be sure you don't lose by her " — a remark
that caused me to save my money. A fortnight
later Heiress took her chance in the Cambridge-
shire, but, as in the Cesarewitch, could only finish
third, Mr. Swindell's Weatherbound securing for
him an immense stake by a head from Mademoiselle
de Chantilly. It was commonly reported that
Weatherbound had been tried with Dulcibella ; and
most likely this was the case, for William Day and
Mr. Swindell were inseparables.

Heiress, I may add, never won me a race. So I
made no bargain over her when I purchased her
from Mr. Carew, whose wife I had put on 5000 to
nothing for the Cesarewitch. It was in that year
(1860) that Mrs. Carew and a lady friend of hers
were placed in a very awkward predicament, or,
rather, I had better say, put their husbands in one.
They hid themselves, one evening, after dinner, in a
curtained embrasure of the billiard-room at Bed-
dington House (Mr. Carew's home), with an idea of
frightening their spouses. But in the meantime
Mr. Jonathan Gain and myself had called in for a
smoke and a chat, and thinking the ladies were in
the drawing-room, the four of us adjourned to the

101

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

billiard-room. The conversation over the game was
rather of the smoke-room order. Once or twice I
thought I heard a stir, and at last said, " Carew,
there's some one in the room ! " I went to one
embrasure, pulled aside the curtain, but "drew
blank." But Mr. Carew, in another, had unearthed
the " quarry " — his wife and her friend ! Gain and
I beat a precipitate retreat to allow the ladies to
retire. But we did not forget, on return, to chaff
the husbands on the prospect of a curtain lecture
lasting till the morning. They certainly had been
very frank in their admissions, and in relating those
kind of reminiscences that warmed the blood of
Ealstaff in his old age.

102

t:

CHAPTER IX

Lord Brampton (Sir Henry Hawkins) — Our Friendship — His
letter — A shooting incident at Beddington — The long-eared
parson — Shillelagh — His successes — Accident and death — I
sue the Railway Company — Mr. Hawkins against me — I win
once and lose twice — Hawkins on "The Claimant" — His
belief in him — His later opinion — A fortunate " get out " —
The Claimant sharpens a knife.

In their professional capacity lawyers perhaps are
best avoided. At least, proverbial wisdom dating
back to antiquated times, and enforced by modern
precept, conveys the warning some by their neces-
sities cannot and others by their disposition will not
heed. For my part, I have a strenuous dislike of
law, and, on their social side, a great regard for
lawyers, or, at least, for those it has been my privilege
to know familiarly. One whose society was always
enjoyable in his unbending moments was Mr., after-
wards Sir, Henry Hawkins, now Lord Brampton. We
have met on the racecourse, in the shooting field, at
rooms where play ran high, though I never saw him
gamble ; and, unfortunately for myself, once as an
opposing counsel in the courts. The sternness that

105 H

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

became him on the bench was an absent factor in his
earlier days, when he was the j oiliest of companions,
with a keen relish for a joke of yours, and frequently
the cause of laughter in others. Since, through
advancing years, his lordship ceased attending
Epsom for the Derby, I have missed sight of him,
but on his elevation to the peerage I wrote a con-
gratulatory note — my first communication to him —
and received the following answer, the only letter I
had from his hand, which I am sure he will not mind

being published :

"5, TiLNEY Street.

" December 26, 1898.

" Dear Mr. Hodgman,

" I thank you much for your note, and all
your good wishes. It amused me to read your
reminiscences of the old days, though I cannot write
about them so vividly as you do.

" Poor Carew ! He was a good fellow, and
a very liberal, kind-hearted man. I remember the
day's shooting at Beddington well, though I do not
remember hitting much myself. But oh ! how old
friends have died off since those cheery days !

" With all good wishes for the new approaching
year,

" Believe me,

*' Always yours truly,

" H. HAWKINS."
106

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

The day's shooting at Beddmgton, to which his
lordship refers, was on the last day of January 1858,
he and myself being the guests of Mr. Carew. I
had been trying Old Robert in the morning, and,
hastening on Emigrant from Epsom, joined the party
just as lunch was being finished. After I had had a
hasty meal (though I always think a hungry man in
ten minutes can eat enough to last him a few hours)
Mr. Carew said, " Come along with me, Hodgman."

"No," said Hawkins, "let Hodgy stop here."

" All right."

" Which way, Hawkins, will you shoot ? "

" Up."

*' Then I'll shoot down."

At that moment a rabbit flew by, and I caught
her broadside, nearly cutting her in two. " I've
given that something, Hawkins," I said.

" Hush, hush ! " he cried. " There's a d d old

parson the other side of the hedge."

" All right, Mr. Hawkins," piped the cheery cleric,
" I heard you." Whereupon Hawkins whispered me :
" Ears like a donkey, Hodgy ! " Hawkins, in those
days, was a regular man of the world, and the things
that he didn't know were scarce worth learning
The knowledge of all sorts and conditions of men
that he then gained proved a valuable asset to him
in his career.

107

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I have mentioned that once Mr. Hawkins was
against me in the Law Courts, and here is the tale.
In 1861 I purchased Shillelagh from Lord Strath-
more (otherwise "RoUicking Bob") for £50. He
was a chestnut colt by Teddington from Thorn, as
quiet as a lamb, but as game as a fighting cock.
He was then three years old, and I put him in the
Autumn Flying Handicap at Worcester, wherein
he ran third. The next race was the Shorts Selling
Stakes, winner to be sold for 30 sovs. I started him
again, and he failed by a neck to Grant, a Flying
Dutchman filly, who was sold for 33 gs. Fortunately
he was not claimed. At the end of that season I
changed my trainer, engaging Ben Land. One day
in the spring part of 1862, I said, "Ben, where's
ShiUelagh ? "

" You'll find him round by The Warren wall, his
old walking-place."

I went back to Land with, " Why, I shouldn't
have known him. He's picked up wonderfully these
past six weeks."

" Yes, he has. And I think he's a good horse.
But he's not quite yet to my liking. An eye-opener
in public wouldn't do him any harm."

So I ran him in the Earl Spencer's Plate, putting
up Jack Reeves, who had been standing down for a
long time for impudence to the starter, and who

108

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

would not have got back except for my intercession
with Admiral Eous. As I pointed out to the
Admiral, the boy had done nothing grievously
wrong, and endless suspension for cheekiness was an
excessive penalty. " If you let him come back," I
said, " I'll put him up."

" Well, well ! I hope he has learnt his lesson.
Tell him he can weigh to-morrow."

Reeves professed the utmost gi'atitude, and, as I
said, I gave him the mount on Shillelagh. " I don't
want you," I said, " to knock this horse about. He's
not quite fit." Reeves's idea of not knocking a horse
about was to spur him at the post, and spur him
all the way, and he had the satisfaction of finishing
second to Biondella, with twenty-two behind. I
have often wondered what Reeves would have done
had I told him to ride out to the last ounce. I
thought that I had brought an honest boy back to
the Turf, but certainly not a clever one. However,
I suppose it was over-anxiety that caused him to
lose his head, and I am glad to be able to state that
on settling down in Austria as a trainer he com-
manded alike respect and a competency.

Shillelagh's next race was in the Inkerman Plate
at Epsom, which he won. He also took the Free
Handicap at Newmarket, of 25 sovs. each, and an
hour later a £50 plate. The horse was exposed and

109

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF^

the "little fish" had to be caught. In June at

Epsom he was matched over half a mile for 100 sovs,

with Mr. Hall's ("Spectacle Perry") Fravola, this

being the last race of the summer meeting. My

party at the time were very strong, and as I advised

them to bet, they did in no half-hearted style. But

Mr. Hall and his friends were equally keen, and

sovereign for sovereign was found. In all, a huge

sum was at issue, and I had to thank Fordham for

the half-length victory. Shillelagh was conceding a

year, and the performance stamped him a good horse,

Fravola being particularly smart. At Ascot ShiUe-

lagh won the Queen's Stand Plate, and at Worcester

the Flying Stakes — thus making six races ofiP the

reel. At the Worcester station, when next morning

the journey for home began, the railway man called

out, " Horses for the South come this way." " This

way" meant past a lot of iron girders that were

strewn on the ground, and just as Shillelagh was

clearing them an engine screamed by, and, startled,

the horse jumped back among the obstacles, and so

severely cut his sinews that, mortification arising, he

was dead inside three days. Holding the Company at

fault, inasmuch as they should have had clear ground

for valuable thoroughbred stock, I sued them for a

thousand pounds, and the jury returned a verdict in

my favour. I had given evidence that to me he was

no

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

worth nearer five thousand, whereupon Hawkins,
who was acting for the Company, quietly passed a
note up : " Never mind what he was worth. Tell us
how much you got out of him." The Company im-
mediately gave notice of appeal, and Hawkins said
to me, "We appeal, Hodgman. And as sure as
you're a living man we'll beat you." He was a true
prophet ; to the Company went the second trial ; and
I tried for the " rubber." The second appeal came
on before Lord Chief Justice Cockburn, with (I
think) Justices Smith and Payne. The latter, being
the juniors, dehvered their judgments first, and went
solid for the Company. Their senior, however, was
against them, he stating that he totally and entirely
differed from his learned brothers. He considered
the Company's servants guilty of gross negligence in
leaving girders about a place over which valuable
horses had to pass. " I will," he said (I am writing
from memory), "go so far as to say that if I had
been in the habit of inviting friends to dinner,
and one night I dug a hole, and told them nothing
about it, and one of them fell in, and was injured
I should be responsible." This was, I thought,
common sense, though not in any way satisfactory
seeing I had two to one against me. I saw
Hawkins outside the court, laughing at me ; and I
went to him. " What did you tell me this morning,

111

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Hawkins ? That it was a thousand to one on
you?"

** Yes. And so it was. And we've won."

" You have. But it would have been a thousand
to one against you if the old 'un had spoken first."
He only laughed afresh.

The names of Hawkins and the Claimant are in-
dissolubly linked in the public memory ; and how
far instrumental he was in getting the alleged
"Sir Roger" convicted is well known. But it is
not common property that in the beginning the
clever lawyer really thought the impostor was the
genuine man. This, though, is mere truth. Any-
way, one Sunday Hawkins met my old friend,
Mr. George Lambert, in Hyde Park, and asked him
if he had seen me lately. Yes, he had.

" Well," said Hawkins, *' when you see him again —
and make it your business to see him — tell him that
Tichborne is the man, and that he ought to bet on
it. And so ought you, Lambert." That was enough,
and Lambert took 400 to 200, I sharing in.

Months later Hawkins crossed Lambert again.
** By-the-bye," he asked, " did you and Hodgman
back that man Tichborne ? "

" Yes. We took 400 to 200."

" Then hedge it. I was wrong. He's an im-
postor. I know just about enough to hang him."

112

SIXTY yp:aiis on thp: turf

Fortunately for us Tichborne still had his cham-
pions, and one of the chief was Mr. George Reynolds.
At Newmarket, when the case was all the talk of the
hour, he came to our carriage and said, " No matter
what any one says, I'll back Tichborne. I'll take
200 to 100 now."

" Done," said Lambert.

" Twice ? " asked Reynolds.

" Yes."

All I can say is that the Claimant must have
been a very clever man to have even for a time
deceived Hawkins. It is, of course, idle to deny that
he had both considerable brains and immeasurable
effrontery. Yet in little ways he gave himself
away. Mr. Warner, of the Welsh Harp, was, at a
time, one of his chief backers, and used to have him
out to dine with him at Hendon. But one Sunday
came disillusionment. The carving-knife cut rather
badly, and Mr. Warner could not coax an edge on.

" Give it me," said " Sir Roger."

And the deftness with which he handled carver
and steel was an eye-opener for Mr. Warner, who,
when their guest was absent from the room said to
his wife, " We're done ! He's a butcher right
enough ! "

113

CHAPTER X

Mr. "Ned" Smith — His financial difficulties — A poaching
episode — His victim's threat — "Who shot the fox ? " — Margery
Daw — Useless for racing — A paddock failure — I give her
away — Her subsequent value — She throws See Saw and
Ecossais — Extraordinary career of the latter — Doeskin :
another " gift horse " — Rocket's trial for the Cesarewitch of
1858 — Faith lost — I try to buy Tame Deer — Confidence in
Rocket restored — Colonel Forester's opinion — Rocket's vic-
tory— Mr. Edward Green — His " averaging " habit — How I
pm-chased Emigrant — Mr. Green has half share — Emigrant's
Grand National training — ^Accident to his jockey, Charlie
Boyce — I hedge my money — Boyce wins with one arm tied
up — Lucas's Repository — Mr. Hodgson forces a fight — The
result — Heavy damages claimed — I sell my responsibility —
The trial — Baron Martin suggests arbitration — Acceptance
of Admiral Rous — His judgment.

Mr. Edward Smith — or " Ned Smith," as he was
more commonly known — was a reporter on Bell's
Life when that paper was remarkable alike for
its brilliancy and its power in the world of sport.
He was, in his time, an athlete, a fine shot, a rare
judge of prize-ring matters — in a word, an all-round
sport. On his financial side, however, he was un-
fathomable, as no matter what the quantity of
money he won, he was perpetually in difiiculties.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

He raced under the name of " Mr. Mellish," and at
times had quite a large number of horses in training.
When out and about he drove a very fast pony in a
smart trap, and there were few that could pass him
on the road. One day he had some shooting with a
friend of his, a Mr. James Gray, a very respectable,
if anything starchy, old gentleman. Smith was
never wanting in impudence, and as they drove
home he said, " Next time you come to Newmarket
I'll give you a little shooting at my place."

Mr. Gray expressed his thanks, and in due course
the day of the " shoot " dawned, Smith driving his
friend to the coverts, leaving the pony and trap in
charge of the boy.

" Now, Jim," he said, " we must get to work
quickly, as I have to attend the races." The place
swarmed with game, and in less than an hour they
had shot sufficient almost to fill the trap. Smith
then looked at his watch. " By Jove ! " he exclaimed,
" we must be off. I've some writing to do, and
mustn't be late for the course. I've some even better
shooting than this for to-morrow. Come along,
Jim, give a hand with the game. I can't afford
another five minutes." Very hurriedly did Smith
hasten along the road, putting the pony to its
best pace. The sudden departure, the hastening
home, the careful manner in which the game was

115

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

covered over set Mr. Gray thinking : until with an
illumined mind he grasped the situation. " Smith,

you d d scoundrel ! you've had me poaching !

That's no more your place than it's mine. By God!
if I'd been caught I'd have shot you ! " Smith
would not admit the accusation. " Nonsense, Jim,
I wouldn't think of such a thing." But none the
less poaching they had been, and I have no doubt
but that the keepers had been squared to be deaf
for a brief period.

Another tale of Mr. Smith and a shooting incident
may conveniently be placed here. One autumnal
Saturday Mr. Carew (the lord of the manor at
Epsom) had a shooting party, of which I was
to form a unit. I was rather late, and meeting
Smith on the road (he was not shooting that day)
we walked on together. Somehow in our search
for the others we got into an awkward corner,
thick-set with trees. It was dangerous to move,
as, though nobody could be seen, the guns were at
work all round us. At a moment when I was least
prepared the game rushed all our way, and I fired
without taking particular aim.

" Good God ! " said Smith. " You've shot a fox ! "

So I had, for there was Master Beynard on his

haunches, with open, gasping mouth — and then

dead.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"This is a pretty kettle o' fish," Smith com-
mented. " What shall we do with him ? "

" Oh, leave him where he is ! "

*' No. That won't do. There'd be an awful row
about it. I will conceal the crime." And, ripping
open the lining of his coat, he popped Mr. Fox out
of sight. By this lunch time had arrived, and we
walked to Mr. Carew's house. The journey of about
a mile and a half, and the weight of the fox, were
too much for the stitches of the lining, and at the
critical moment, when we met the rest of the party
opposite the house, out tumbled the fox.

" Who shot the fox ? " they all roared.

" There is the culprit," said Smith. " Hodgy —
Hodgy alone — did it."

However, the accident was soon explained, and
the matter left my mind till the ensuing Monday,
when I strolled into Tattersall's Yard. The first
man I noticed was Harry Hill, with Smith whisper-
ing at his ear.

" Good morning, Hodgy," called Hill. " Feeling
all right ? "

" Famous, Harry. Never better."

" Have you had any shooting lately ? "

*' Yes," I shouted, so that everybody could hear,
for the grin on many faces told me that Smith had
not been idle. "Yes, Harry. I had some on.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Saturday. Capital. I shot a d d old pal of

yours — a fox ! " The laugh then went the other
way.

That Smith was a really first-class judge of the
thoroughbred I should be the first to allow. Yet
though, at different times, I purchased many horses
from him, I never came into possession of one that
did me the least good. My first deal with him was
Margery Daw, a bay filly by Brocket out of Pro-
tection, the price being 400 sovs. I kept her some
time, and found her entirely useless for racing ; and
even as a hack she was a failure. Soon after I
bought Adamas for 500 sovs. But though a smart
horse in his day, he lost his form ; and I sent him to
stand at Stockwell, at a stud farm kept by a friend of
mine, Mr. "Billy" Smith. I had Margery Daw
covered several times by Adamas, but he could never
stint her, and matters were the same when, after I
had made her a present to Mr. " Billy " Smith, he
put her to Grecian. " Billy," finding he had too
many horses to keep, asked me to take Margery
Daw back, but I had had enough of that lady, and
declined.

" What am I to do with her ? " he asked.

" Do ? Why, sell her, and the others as well."

At auction she fetched 26 gs., going to the bid of
Mr. Pedley. He went wrong financially, and at

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Doncaster in 1865 she was, with See Saw at foot,
sold to Mr. Richard Bell — for years manager of the
Cobham Park Stud — for 55 gs. He afterwards sold
her to the elder Mr. W. Blenkiron for 950 gs.,
when she was carrying Crinon, who made 1800 gs.
as a yearling. At the dispersal of the Middle Park
Stud, consequent on Mr. Blenkiron's death, the
Cobham Company, in July 1872, gave 1200 gs.
for the mare, while her Blair Athol foal realised 500.
Apart from See Saw she threw Dunbar and Ecossais,
the latter of whom had not run at the time of her
sale. He was an extraordinary horse, winning his
three juvenile engagements — one the New Stakes at
Ascot — and then going, next season, so completely
to the bad that he was made a present to his trainer,
old Tom Jennings. Tom promptly had him " cut "
(this was in 1874) and did not race him till 1876,
when at 71b. he beat Trappist at Windsor. That
was in August, and in October at 1 5 lbs. he cantered
away from Lowlander, later carrying 11 st. 3 lbs.
successfully in a Flying Welter, giving some of the
runners 4 st. ! All courses were alike to Ecossais,
and he was — when well and backed — indifferent to
weight. Old Tom Jennings told me that he had never
tried a two-year-old so highly as he had Ecossais —
a fact that caused him to start an odds on chance
for the New Stakes, which he won by half a dozen

119

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

lengths. " Old Waterworks," as the late Mr. Tom
Jennings was familiarly known, frequently chaffed
me about my judgment in giving Margery Daw
away. But even that monument of patience might
have been forgiven for tiring of her.

Still, I cannot say that my experiences of making
presents of apparently useless mares give rise to
pleasant reflections. Thus, years before Margery
Daw, I had a filly called Doeskin, by Newminster —
on whom by-the-bye, the celebrated Jimmy Grimshaw
had his first winning mount, the race being a handicap
sweepstakes, run at the Houghton Meeting of 1859.
I kept Doeskin till the following autumn, when
at Newmarket I ran with her second to Mr.
Whittaker's White Rose, whom I claimed. I then
said, in the presence of Mr. H. Savile, " I shan't
run Doeskin again. I shall give her to a young
lady friend to ride."

'* Oh," he returned, " you saw that mare I was
riding the other day ? "

" Yes."

" Well, I'll swop, and you can give my mare to the
young lady."

" Why, what do you want Doeskin for ? "

" Well, you see, she's by Newminster, and I want
to breed from her."

*' What, breed from a pony like that ! She's only

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

14 "2, and though her legs are good they're no thicker
than a stout walking stick."

" Never mind your objections. Can I have
her ? "

"Yes, take her now."

Her first alliance w^as with Skirmisher, I think ;
and, anyway, in due course she threw Blueskin,
Sealskin, Moleskin — and other " skins" — all animals
about 16 hands, powerful of bone; in fact, the very
opposites of their dam.

Reverting to Mr. Ned Smith and my bad luck
with the horses I bought of him, I may mention that
I gave him 600 guineas for Rupert, who turned out
a perfect brute ; and I know not, nor do I care, what
became of him ; and yet when I offered to buy one
that indubitably would have paid me well, Mr. Ned
Smith would not — I rather fancy he could not — sell.
The reference is to Tame Deer, whom I borrowed to
try Rocket with for the Cesarewitch of 1858. Also
in the gallop were Sweet William and Queens-
town, these — with Rocket — being partnership horses
between Mr. George Lambert and myself, though I
let Mr. Edward Green have half of my share. The
trial took place a week, before the Cesarewitch, on
the Lewes Racecourse, Fordham riding Rocket,
Custance Queenstown, Covey Tame Deer, and Jim
Goater Sweet William. It was a very foggy morn-

121 I

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

ing, and more by accident than knowledge of their
whereabouts the parties came together. Mr. Lam-
bert and I had the arrangement of the weights,
and not knowing quite how good Tame Deer was,
we put him in at evens with Rocket, to ensure a
cUnking pace, while Queenstown was allowed 18 lb.
We expected Rocket to win, but Tame Deer came
right away, and Rocket was beaten a couple of
lengths by Queenstown, Sweet William breaking
down. On this form, apparently. Rocket would win
no Cesarewitch, and, rather than bother in that
direction, I was more intent on securing Tame Deer.
I said to Mr. Lambert, " I'm afraid it's no go. I shall
get off and see Ned Smith. If he will sell, I'll buy
Tame Deer." Smith, who was a bit seedy, I found in
bed. I told him every detail of the trial, and said,
" Now, Ned, you owe me a lot of money. I've tried
to be a friend to you. Not one of the horses you
have sold me has been of any account. So I think
you should sell me Tame Deer. I'll give you a
thousand this moment for him." Smith looked
rather sick, and said, " I'm much obliged to you,
George. But I can't sell." This told me it was not
his horse.

But to take up the tale of Rocket's trial and
Rocket's Cesarewitch. The trial, unlike the birth
of a certain Thackerayian character, was not

122

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

wrapped up in mystery, with the consequence that
though before the spin we had taken 20's, the offers
extended to 33's and 40's. Yet the intention always
was to run, with Custance up. The Houghton
Meeting then (1858) commenced ou a Monday, and
Queenstown was started for the Handicap Plate
decided over the Cesarewitch course. She gave 1 st.
3 lb. to Harry Bluff, who could win races, and beat
him a head. Tame Deer was in the race, but I do not
think Mr. Ned Smith backed him that day. After
Queenstown had won, I dropped into conversation
with Colonel Forester (" The Lad ").

" How did you gallop Rocket with Queenstown ? "
he asked.

''At 18 lb., Colonel, and the mare beat him by
two lengths,"

" Well, Hodgman, I think that is good enough.
She'd nearly win with his weight. Rocket, depend
upon it, will take a deal of beating, and I'm going
to back him."

The situation certainly, in the light of the success
of Queenstown, looked brighter, but I did not go
to market again, then standing to win 5000. Mr.
Lambert speculated afresh, while Mr. Edward Green
stepped in and went for 25,000 so vs. There
was, though, so much money for Prioress and
Malacca that even at flagfall 14 to 1 was obtainable.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Custance rode with spurs, but no whip, and just got
home by a head from Prioress (Fordham), and The
Brewer (Hughes), who dead-heated for second place.
Mr. Lambert, I may add, gave 800 sovs. for Rocket
and Queenstown, purchasing the pair from Mr.
Padwick. Mr. Lambert and I had many trans-
actions both in betting and buying. I have never
met a fairer dealer or a firmer friend.

With Mr. Edward Green matters did not run so
smoothly. He was a very heavy bettor, and often
when I asked him to put me a tenner on he would
make his own investment three hundred. This I did
not mind, except that he " averaged " the price.
Thus he would get lO's to his first outlay, and then
accept 5's, returning me 6's or 7's. Morris knew
this, and used to chaff me about Green being my
" master." One day at dinner at the Regent Hotel
at Leamington, I called to Green, " What did my
fiver on King of Greece bring in ?"

" Thirty."

"Tut, tut," said Morris. "That's not fair. I
laid you eight fifties, and I saw you take another
eight fifties. The governor ought to be on at 8's."

" But I took 5's and 4's afterwards to money. I
average matters."

" Oh, that's it, is it ! You scarcely know a horse
from a hen. You follow me blindly, win any amount

124

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

of money, and yet I can't have the first rate of odds
to my pocket-bet. Green, it's not good enough.
After to-day we cease business transactions, and if
you'll tell your man to come to The Warren
I'll send you the horses I think are yours. Now,
Morris, I hope you are quite satisfied that Mr. Green
is not my master."

There and then the connection between Mr. Green
and myself terminated, though we remained on
friendly terms. But I always thought, and continue
to think, that he might have played the game a
little more generously. But he was a man hungry
for money, and a rare " pincher" in prices. Yet he
had every reason to be fair to me, for I was generous
with him. Thus, at his earnest request, I let him
have half my portion in Queenstown and Bocket,
and I also consented to a partnership in Emigrant :
not because, at any time, I wanted the money,
but by reason that I thought I was serving
him.

Emigrant won the Grand National in 1857, and I
may as well relate how I came possessed of that
horse, than whom a better fencer never saw Aintree.
1 was at Shrewsbury one evening in the spring of
1855, staying at the George Hotel. Old Ben Land
had bought Odiham and Emigrant for a steeple-
chase— either one or the other, or both. He was

125

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

playing cards, which went against him all the night,
and he lost heavily.

"Well," said he, " if things go on like this I shall
have to sell Emigrant."

I was not playing, but looking on. "I'll buy him
at a price," I said. " What do you want ? "

" Six hundred."

" No. I'U not give that. I swear I won't."

After bargaining I gave him 590 — just that
I might keep my word. The Shrewsbury engage-
ment was included, with the proviso that Odiham
also was to run, and that if Emigrant won I paid
Land another hundred.

Next morning, on my way to the course. Green,
who had been waiting for me, came up with, "I hear,
Hodgman, you have bought Emigrant. Can I have
half of him ? "

"Well, I don't mind sharing, Green, but matters
are this way. There's the 590 I've paid Land ;
I intend having 200 on ; you, I suppose, will
risk 200. Now, if he loses, can you put your
hand on, say, 500 ? That's a plain question, and
wants a plain answer."

" I have," said Green, " the money in my pocket,
Take it now."

" No. I don't want it now. As long as you say
you can pay, that's sufficient. You have a half

126

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

in Emigrant." Both Green and I had a rattUng
race, our gains far exceeding the cost of the horse.

I kept Emigrant at Epsom part of the summer,
until the ground became very hard. Then I sent
him to Codford, in Wiltshire, one of my other
places. Late in the autumn he returned to Epsom,
and commenced a preparation, extending the winter
through, for the Grand National. As I have said, I
do not think ever a better fencer than Emigrant
has been to Liverpool, and so confident was I of his
ability in this direction that he was not schooled
in the orthodox way, a little hurdling sufficing.
When the weights appeared (Emigrant had
9 st. 10 lb.) I thought he was a paper certainty,
and backed him substantially, as did Green. Un-
fortunately, Charlie Boyce — his intended jockey —
about a week before the race went out hunting, and
severely hurt his right arm. On hearing of the
mishap I hurried from Northampton, and when
I neared home Boyce tried to wave an umbrella
at me, to show me he was practically all right.
It was nonsense, however, as I told him. I
was so annoyed that I could scarcely speak to
him, for I had asked him to keep quiet, in
view of landing: a h'lcr stake, in which he was
to share. I might certainly have looked elsewhere
for a jockey, but there was none I thought the

127

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

equal of Boyce, and 1 was so upset I did uot care
what happened.

" Take the horse," I said to Boyce, *' to Liverpool,
and ride him if you can."

On the morning of the race he asked me how he
was to ride him. " Do as you like," I answered, for
I had hedged a deal of my money the night before.
Had the jockey been in sound condition I should
have gone for a stake of 25,000. But how could
anybody be confident, no matter what the cha-
racter of the horse, with a jockey forced to ride with
the upper part of his right arm strapped to his side ?
I knew too much of the game to feel decently hope-
ful, let alone extravagantly " cocksure," as I have
always held the opinion that to win a National
a jockey should be in almost prize-fighting con-
dition. Green, who only looked to the betting side
of the business, never gave a thought to the style
in which Emigrant was handicapped through the
temporary infirmity of Boyce, and threw in for over
£25,000. Emigrant won, but so beaten was Boyce
that he needed assistance to the weighing-room.
His was a rare exhibition of grit and pluck, but even
while admitting this I could not feel enthusiastic
about the victory. It is true I won £5000 or there-
abouts. But great indeed would have been the
spoils had Boyce not gone hunting on that in-

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

auspicious day. Of Boyce, as a man or as a rider, I
know not how to write too eulogistically. To my
mind, over a country he was so far the best of
his contemporaries that I should not care to select
a second. He was a splendid specimen of physical
development, and, singularly handsome ; his manners
were charming.

The big betting centre at Liverpool in 1857 was a
place known as Lucas's Repository, and thither I went
on March 2 to lay off some, or most, of the money
I had on Emigfrant, because I had no faith in Bovce's
ability to last the tiring journey under his physical
disabilities. We used to gather at a large green
baize-covered table, round which stools were placed.
All the leading men on the day mentioned were
present, including William Davies, Harry Hill, Mr.
Wm. Marshall (father of the present Mr. W.
Marshall), Harry Dowson (clerk to Davies), and a
host of others : among them Mr. Harry Steel, whom
I met for the first time. Also of the company was
one named Mr. Hodgson, reported to be the holder
of a judicial position in India — how true I know
not. But, at any rate, his frame of mind that day
was anything but becoming the possessor of such a
post. I was carelessly sitting on the table with my
leg on a stool, when Mr. Hodgson approached me
in an insolent and overbearing manner about

129

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Emigrant. Naturally I was in no mood for inter-
ference, especially from people I did not know, and
I asked Mr. Hodgson to go away. But he refused
to budge an inch, and poked his face into mine,
with, " And what was Emigrant doing at
Worcester ? "

At Worcester, I may explain, the weather was
extremely bad, and owing to the wet and the cold
the reins slipped from the hands of his rider, who
came off. The horse was quickly remounted, and in
the end only suffered a narrow defeat. I may also
add that at the time Emigrant was not mine, but
the property of Ben Land. This by way of
explanation.

But to return to Mr. Hodgson, and the trouble
that his temper brought upon him. " What," he
repeated, "was he doing at Worcester? What are
you laying him for the National for ? Is it to be
Worcester over again ? " He then fell back on
abuse, and, working himself up into a pitch of un-
controllable excitement, exclaimed, shaking his fist
in my face, " I'll give it you — by G — d, I will ! —
before you leave this room," I merely laughed at
him, and took no notice of his threats. Like a man
half demented he strode up and down the room,
breathing vengeance, until Mr. Drinkald came to me
and said, " Hodgman, I believe that man will hit

130

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

you. And he has two big gold rings, about the size
of knuckle-dusters, on. Don't you let him have the
first go at you ! " With that I thought it was
about time to close the incident, which threatened
seriousness. So I jumped on my feet, and, button-
ing up my coat, stood strictly on the defensive. In
the twinkling of an eye Mr. Hodgson " peeled,"
rolled up his shirt sleeves, and made a rush. I
feinted, dodged, and, seeing an opening, drove tlie
left flush on his mouth. Up went his feet and
down his head, striking the fender heavily. He
bled profusely, but pluckily jumped up, and came
pell-mell at me again. I manoeuvred, thinking he
would stop, and not desiring to hurt him more.
But he was mad with his self-fed passion of hatred,
and rushed furiously on to me. I gave him another
plug — and that was the finishing stroke. He fell,
knocked out, and was conveyed in a cab to his hotel.
He was smothered in blood : so was I — but with
his, not my "vital fluid."

I took little — I may say no — notice of the matter
for a considerable period, until I received notice of
an action against me by Mr. Hodgson for damages
for assault — the said damages, I think, being placed
at £2000. I went to my friend Mr. Thornhill,
the well-known confectioner of Gracechurch Street
— who was also an owner of racehoi'ses — and told

1 ;; 1

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

him of the matter. He ridiculed the action because
he knew all the facts.

"It's nothing, Hodge. If you like, I'll take the
miction off your hands for a tenner ? "

" Do you mean it ? " I asked.

'* Yes."

"Well, that'll suit me. Here, old boy, is a tenner
— and a clean new one."

We had a drink over the affair, and Mr. Thorn-
hill, pointing to a splendid ham, said, "That's for
So-and-So " — one of Mr. Hodgson's solicitors — " and
that " — directing his finger to a fat turkey — " is for
So-and-So " — the other partner of the legal firm
Mr. Hodgson was employing.

I said, " I don't care how you work it, or what
you do. I'm out of it. And a jolly good job. But
stay ! suppose I get three months ? "

" Oh, you'll have to do them. They wouldn't let
me ! But there's no fear. Hodge, my boy, it's a
walk over." With that I dismissed the matter from
my mind, forwarding all correspondence I received
to Mr. Thornhill.

Mr. Hodgson was as persistent in his legal as he
had been in his pugilistic business, and in due course
— I think in the spring of 1858, just prior to the
City and Suburban— my party and myself had all to
go to Liverpool. Harry Hill, Harry Dowson, and

1J2

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. William Marshall volunteered evidence, while
Mr. Drinkald would have gone if necessary. Still,
he wished to be spared the journey, and was left
out. The case came on before Baron Martin, who
was appealed to by plaintiff's counsel to order wit-
nesses to leave the court. The Baron declined to so
act, saying that he did not attach such importance
to the case — which was a pull for our side. After a
spell Baron Martin broke in with, " I really think
this is a case not for the courts, but for arbitration."

" I agree with you, my lord," said my counsel.
" And, if I may be allowed to make a suggestion, I
think Mr. Henry Hill would be a proper person to
settle the affair."

" Oh, certainly," said the plaintiff's counsel sar-
castically. " Quite the proper person, considering
that he is the chief witness for the defence ! "

Mr. Greville was next suggested, to which Baron
Martin was agreeable, but the plaintiff's party hesi-
tated. Whereupon I whispered to Hill, " Harry,
Admiral Rous ! Tell our man." So soon as the
Admiral's name was mentioned Baron Martin said,
"I do not think a better gentleman could be
chosen." The other side acquiesced, and, with
matters so arranged, we streamed from the Court
for the South for the City and Suburban.

The arbitration proceedings, in due course, took

133

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Place at Admiral Rous's house, 13, Berkeley Square,
and lasted several hours. After every scrap of
evidence had been offered, and threshed out, the
Admiral, without leaving his chair, gave his award.
" The plaintiff," he said, " on the evidence put
before me, clearly asked for all he got. He was the
aggressor, and whatever befell him he merited. I
give judgment for the defendant, with all costs."

Mr. Hodgson, on the plea of continued indisposi-
tion, did not appear in person at the arbitration
proceedings, and when Mr. Thornhill, who was
responsible, by reason of the "bargain" of the
" tenner," sought to find him for the costs, he
proved a very " rare bird." However, after a time
— as he was on the point of leaving the country — he
was neatly " attached," and had to settle the heavy
account before he was liberated.

♦

134

CHAPTER XI

Sir Joseph Hawley — Reasons for engaging John Porter as
trainer — I sell Sir Joseph The Beacon — His sarcasm about
that horse's food — " Was it sawdust ? " — Lord Westmorland
— A dispute over my boy Morris — I give "way, and beat his
lordship — Tom Heartfield — A fine horseman — Vestminster —
His trial — I mystify Lord Westmorland — A good haul — Vest-
minster and the Cambridgeshire — A pertinacious "tout" —
Strong measures necessary — An ague-stricken " chucker-out "
— My confidence in Vestminster — Mr. Gideon's warning about
Cerdagne — Mr. Toy's " little beggar " — The French filly hand-
somely beaten.

In most reminiscences relating to the Turf the
name of Sir Joseph Hawley necessarily largely
figures. But in not one that has come under my
notice has been told the unvarnished tale of the
reasons that induced him to entrust his horses to
my esteemed friend, John Porter. Sir Joseph was
a man of peculiar temperament. He had a con-
suming hatred of advice, and would tolerate any-
thing rather than interference. Yet the most self-
willed of us are from our necessities at times forced
to seek counsel. Still, I own I was surprised when
one day Sir Joseph approached me for guidance on
so vital a matter to him as the choice of a new

135

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

trainer. At the time Mr. Manning (uncle of the
present Mr. Manning, Clerk of the Scales at New-
market) had control — in the way of preparation —
of the Baronet's team. Unfortunately, Mr. Manning
was in poor health — indeed, was entering on the
last mournful stage of life.

*' Poor Manning is settled," said Sir Joseph. " I
must look round for a new trainer. Can you re-
commend any one, Hodgman ? "

"Well, Sir Joseph," I answered, "to be frank
with you, you're such a funny man to please."

" I don't know that I am," he returned. " I know
what I want, and, as far as I am able, what I want
I mean to have. I desire a trainer — a man who can
and will get my horses fit. But over them I hold
complete control. The man I wish mustn't advise
or suggest, or do anything but train. I decide
placing, accepting, running, or scratching."

" In that case," I said, " I know the very man to
suit you. Perhaps Lord Westmorland may stand
in your way. He might not like to part with him,
as he thinks a deal of him. His name is John
Porter. Where he is Mr. George Lambert and
myself have horses. But that makes no difference.
I cannot, however, answer for his lordship."

" Oh, bother Westmorland," Sir Joseph exclaimed.
" I'll see that he is agreeable. For that matter, he

136

MR. JOHN FRAIL, OF SHREWSBURY

See ptrgf ijy

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

€an know all my business. What stable is Porter
m f

" Bill Goater's at Findon."

" That's the stable," said Sir Joseph emphatically.
*' I'll see into the affair."

A short time after I met Sir Joseph walking with
Lady Pigott in Regent Street. He stopped me and
said, " Oh, I have engaged Porter. And Pm much
obliged to you." The combination, as all know,
worked with successful smoothness.

I had not many dealings with Sir Joseph either in
the sale or the purchase of horses. In fact, I can
only recall one transaction ; and that took place in
1857. In that year Harry Hill won with The
Beacon a £50 plate at Newmarket, the race being
over the Cesarewitch course. At Shrewsbury later,
at our lodgings, a deal of chaff arose as to the worth
of the horse named.

" Will you sell him, Harry ? " I asked.

"Yes."

" What do you want ? "

" Three hundred."

" It's a deal," I said, and The Beacon became
mine. I could make nothing of the horse, with
whom it was not a case of improvement following a
change of stable. One day Sir Joseph said, " You
still have that horse. Beacon ? "

139 K

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Yes."

" What will you take for him ? "

" What I gave for him."

" And that was ? "

'' Three hundred pounds."

" rU have him."

The Beacon had not long been the Baronet's pro-
perty before he wrote to me, " I have been wonder-
ing what you fed The Beacon on. Will you kindly
say whether it was saw-dust? I am very pleased
with him now. He has greatly improved."

The second change had evidently been ^beneficial.
Sir Joseph ran him in the Cesare witch of 1858,
wherein his weight was 4 st. But he was dis-
appointed about his jockey, and, failing anybody
else, put up Billy Bottom, who could not go to
scale luider 5 st. ! This action was typical of Sir
Joseph, capable of going to any extremity whenThe
had " made up his mind." The flouting of the
handicap was not attended with success, as The
Beacon ran nowhere. But in the Cambridgeshire
he beat all but Eurydice, this meaning he defeated
thirty-four opponents. Nor did he lose the race by
more than a length. In the ensuing season he won
the Queen's Plate at Newmarket over the Bound
Course, and afterwards was sold to the Italians.
He certainly did come on apace while Sir Joseph

140

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Hawley's, but it is beyond the fathoming of man
to say why a horse does well at one place and
badly at another when the treatment is practically
the same.

Lord Westmorland, mentioned in connection with
the Hawley-Porter business, was a great friend
of mine, and many were the dealings between us.
His lordship was a man gifted with charming ways,
hut with all his urbanity he was a keen judge of
racing, though, at times, was too apt at gambling
on selling races — a proceeding, as the lady novelist
would say, fraught with peril. He had a very high
opinion of the merits of the jockey, Morris, who was
apprenticed to me, or rather my trainer, at the same
time as was Tom Heartfield, to my thinking one of
the best boys that was ever lifted into a saddle.
At the Warwick September Meeting of 1864 Lord
Westmorland wished Morris to ride his Practitioner
in the Shorts Handicap, wherein I was running
Hawkshaw. This was rather a " tall order," and I
demurred. " My lord," I said, " it's unreasonable.
I want Morris for Hawkshaw." " And I want him
for Practitioner. And I mean to have him." " Well,
he's my boy, and, my lord, as you talk in that tone
you shan't have hun." The subsequent conversation
was not of a complimentary character on either side,
but I think I had the better of the verbal argument.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Anyhow, when the storm had cleared the air, I
cooled down. "After all," I said, "I'm not so
particular about Morris. Damme, my lord, you can
have him. I'll put Heartfield on mine, and beat
you." Practitioner was a hot favourite, while 8's
and lO's were laid against Hawkshaw, on whom I
had only a " fiver." Curiously, the finish was left
to the pair, and the upshot of an exciting struggle
was supremacy for Hawkshaw and Heartfield by a
neck. I must say his lordship took the set-back in
the best style. He laughed heartily, shook hands,
and praised Heartfield without stint.

It would indeed be a difficult task to praise Heart-
field too highly, and to show the sincerity of my
words, I may mention that on one occasion the
excellence of his horsemanship cost me a Cesarewitch.
The matter came about this way : in 1864 I claimed
a chestnut two-year-old colt by Marsyas (which I
named Verdant), at Brighton, from William Day
for 150 sovs., and soon discovered that in him I had
gained possession of a rattling stayer. Evidence of
this was forthcoming in the spring of the following
season, when, with Heartfield up, he dead-heated
with Golden Dust (T. Cannon) over the Ditch Mile,
and won the decider in a canter. In the Great Ebor
Handicap he was nicely weighted, and, though not
quite ready, I determined he should take his chance,

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

esteeming, however, more highly the prospects of
Claremont, whom Fordham rode, while Heartfield
was on mine. I met the two jockeys together in
the paddock, and said, "Fordham, I have 1500 to
500 about yours, and, Heartfield, I've 800 to 100
about yours. He's short of a few gallops, and will
run well. Don't knock him about, though win if
you can." About a mile from home the pair came
away from the others, and there ensued as magni-
ficent a struggle for supremacy as ever was witnessed
on the Knavesmire. Endeavour, though, as Ford-
ham might, he could not shake off Heartfield.

" You're winning," said Mr. Tom Lawley to me.
" No. It will be a desperate finish."

And it was, Heartfield beating Fordham a head.
As soon as Fordham dismounted, I said, "I wish
you had won, George."

" So do I. But that's the best boy I've seen for
years. I did everything to beat him, but it was no
good." Nor was Verdant, as he never ran again,
while the same year Claremont died. Undoubtedly
the severity of the struggle left its mark on the
pail', and unquestionably also had Verdant escaped
more lightly he would have taken, on the handi-
capping that must have prevailed, Cesarewitch
honours.

It soon became an understood matter between

143

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Lord Westmorland and myself that the one could
at any time borrow a horse of the other for trial
purposes. If his lordship sent over for one of mine,
my trainer had instructions to comply with the
request ; supposing the animal asked for were fit
and well ; and I had the same privileges with respect
to his horses in training. In the year 1868, a short
time prior to Ascot, I met him and asked him if he
had anything with which I could gallop a two-year-
old.

" No, Hodgman, I haven't."

" But," I said, " what about the old mare ? "

" Oh, she isn't mine."

" She's been galloped, hasn't she ? "

"Yes. And really I see no reason why you
shouldn't borrow her. It will be all right."

In due course she was sent over, and I tried my
youngster. On the morning of the first day at
Ascot (1868) I met his lordship in the paddock.

*' Oh, Hodgman," said he, " how did that gallop

go?"

"Well, I tried three of mine with the mare, and
she just won. So it looks as if none was good. The
colt I thought smart was beaten a good distance.
But one stuck a bit to her, and as two or three
friends want me to put something on for them, I
shall risk a little. It's Vestminster, in the Maiden

144

SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF

Plate. You had better put me a couple of hundred
on. But, my lord, on no consideration must you
touch it yourself. It's not worth your while."

Fordham, whom I should like to have had riding,
was engaged for Mr. Drewitt's Claret ; so I put up
Parry.

pil " Now, Parry," I said, " don't go down to the post
too early. I've seen Fordham. Join him. Canter
past the stands, and then walk. It will be all right
with the starter if you are a trifle late."

I then went to his lordship. " I will see you
just before the race, by the steps of the Stewards'
Stand. There is one I may wish to save on ; and it
will be at a good price."

As Vestminster was walking to the post I met
Lord Westmorland at the spot mentioned.

" Have you put that two hundred on, my lord ? "
I asked.

"Yes."

" What price ? "

" Twenty- four hundred to two." Then he added,
" Which is the one you wish to cover on ? "

"Vestminster! Put me five hundred more on
on him. And mind, my lord, you must help your-
self."

" But what does all this mean ? I can't under-
stand it."

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"You'll understand it after the race. Get the
money on."

The verdict was a head in favour of my colt, Parry
riding capitally. Lord Westmorland was soon with
me, full of congratulations.

" Well, what price to the ' monkey ' ? "

" Eights."

" What did you do for yourself? "

" I won six thousand," he cried delightedly.
" But what was the meaning of all the mystery ? "

" You," I said, " are as big a fool as I am. You've
a large following, and you tell them everything. I
do the same myself, too often to my cost. Had I in
the morning asked you to put me seven hundred on,
and told you the trial, the news would have been all
over the place. You know you couldn't have kept
quiet. Lord This and Lady That would have known.
And in the end we should have had to take 5 to 2,
or less. Now the money yields a nice average."

"By Jove! Hodgman," he said, "you're quite
right. We're both at times bad at keeping
secrets."

In the next season (1869) I laid myself out for
the Cambridgeshire with Vestminster. Springtime
I bought a horse called Van Amburgh for £800
from Mr. George Angell. He was in the autumn
trial, with another, and one I borrowed from Lord

146

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Westmorland. I was then training at Telscombe,
and was constantly annoyed by the presence of a
man named Brown, brother to Tom Brown, the
trainer at Newmarket. He was supposed to be a
keeper, but observing my trials was more in his
way than preserving game. In truth, he was ever
prying into my business, and, through his reports to
bookmakers, upsetting my plans. I cautioned him
once or twice, adding :

"Now, be reasonable. Brown. Whatever you
want on at any time you can have with me, and it
shall cost you nothing. But I'm not going to be
pestered with your presence."

The offer did not suit Brown, and the caution was
thrown away. He only became more diligent in
his policy of annoyance by making public my
private affairs. Now, it stands to reason that I
had no wish to have my Cambridgeshire trial sent
here, there, and everywhere before I had a penny
piece on. So I went to a public-house, in the
Borough, kept by Jemmy Welch, a fine boxer at his
weight.

" Jemmy," I said, " can you send me down a man
capable of looking after a good rough 'un ? "

"Yes."

" Well, let him put up at that little pub between
Lewes and my place. I've made all arrangements."

147

SIXTY YEARS OF THE TURF

The arrival was a splendidly built man close on
six feet in his stockings. He came down dressed
very quietly, more resembling a parson than a
pugilist. His occupation was that of doorkeeper at
Jessop's Dancing Saloon, from which often an
objectionable patron had to be handed down with
alacrity rather than tenderness. I kept him for a
fortnight without needing his services. But on the
day of the trial I went over to see him. He was
very bad with ague, and looked as if, in his shaky
state, a boy could beat him. I told him that I was
going to try a horse, and I wanted Brown cleared
off.

" Well, guv'nor," he said, " he's a bad 'un if he
can't beat me as I am."

"It can't be helped. He may not be on view.
If he isn't, so much the better. If he is, you must
move him off."

As soon as I saw my trainer, Balchin, he cried :
" That Brown's there, hiding in the furzes."

I went to him and tried persuasion. But he only
cursed me. So resort was had to force.

" I want this man," I said to the Londoner, " to
go to the bottom of the hill."

" What are you doing there ? " he sharply queried.
" Get up ! " And he roused him with his foot.

Brown sprang up to strike at the pugilist, but

148

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

before he could get his blow home the professional
caught him a snorter in the face that sadly marred
the symmetry of his nose and loosened his teeth.
The " claret " was " tapped " with a vengeance.
We had to find him a cloth and water so he could
cleanse himself Mr. Brown had no more stomach
for fighting, and, in charge of two of my boys, went
off. That night his friends from the village rallied,
and, armed with hay-forks, pitch-forks, and so forth,
went to the inn to pay out the Londoner. But the
bird had flown. I had, after the trial, driven him
to Brighton, and about the time the incensed yokels
were " seeking his liver " he was safely in the
metropolis. Solace for Mr. Brown's wounds was
found in " golden balm," and afterwards he ceased
to tout.

Vestminster did not win his trial, failing by a
neck. I had, however, set him a severe task, and
was very well satisfied. I put Mr. George Herring
in to back him, and he kept the market a bit open
by first taking 800 to 100 about Vestminster and
Van Amburgh coupled. On the morning of the
race I met Mr. John Gideon by the Bury Hill.

" What," said he, " do you think will win ? "

" My horse — Vestminster."

" Well, George, I hope he will. But there is
one at GG to 1 that you ought to save on."

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Thanks. But I've done betting."

" Right. But, mark my words, the filly I mean,
Cerdagne — she's by Newminster — will go close."

"Now one like that of which we know nothing
[she came from France] may beat me. But I'm
sure of beating the English lot."

I told, later, Admiral Rous the same ; and after
the result — Vestminster, 1 ; Cerdagne, 2 — won by
three-quarters of a length — with Cardinal York
third, three lengths away — he hastened to con-
gratulate me alike on the victory and my weighing
up of his handicap. I had said to Mr. Gideon that
I had finished betting ; and then I meant it. But
there was a very long delay at the post, and Mr.
John Foy, riding past, called out :

"I've seen your little beggar, Hodgman, and I
don't like him. I'll lay you eleven fifties."

" Right. Book that."

" Twice ? " he asked.

"No."

"I'll take you eleven fifties," called "Tubby''
Morris.

The bets were hardly recorded before I cried,
"Foy, that little beggar you don't like has won
now." And he pulled through comfortably. Cer-
dagne was conceding 18 lbs., and this made her a
very good filly. As I remarked to Admiral Rous

150

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

in the morning, if she could beat me at that
difference she would have had no difficulty in
winning the Leger. At that time I had no boy of
my own that could do Vestminster s weight (6 st.
4 lb.) ; so borrowed Gradwell, a well-behaved, bright
little lad, from Jimmy Barber. Poor Jimmy was
then out of touch with fortune, and found the
thousand-pound note I gave him in the evening
most acceptable. Altogether I cleared about fifteen
thousand pounds, and, moreover, had the satisfac-
tion of knowing that most of my friends were on.

151

CHAPTER XII

Eacecourses that were and are not — Thunder at Stamford— ^
How I missed him — Stamford's extinction : reason — Mr. Sam
Merry and Davies the Leviathan — Mr. Merry's stratagem —
Davies's good humour — Shrewsbury — Mr. John Frail —
" Passage of arms " with Mr. Attorney-General Cockburn —
Funny things at Shrewsbury — " A NewEace " — The getting-
home stakes — An undesirable entry — The difficulty solved —
We go for the " undesirable " — An extraordinary race — The
sharing of the spoils — Egham — Mr. James Weatherby loses
his watch — Mr. Lef evre's opinion of racecourse thieves' clever-
ness— The watch again disappears — And again — "For the last
time."

Many an interesting article could be written about
meetings that have been and are no more. One
sees at odd times in the papers references to
departed Croydon and 'Appy 'Hampton, now re-
suscitated as Hurst Park. The suppression of the
former was no matter of genuine concern, for it
could never aspire to the dignity of Gatwick. But
there are some resorts one could have wished en-
during life, and among them may be placed Stamford,
which faded from the fixture list in 1874. One of
the best straight miles existed at Stamford, and to
old stagers its final meeting (1873) was rendered

152

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

memorable by the success of Thunder in the
Lonsdale Cup. That son of Thunderbolt, then a
three-year-old, won by half a length from Thunderer
(of the same age), who was in receipt of 2 st. 3 lb.,
though, of course. Thunder stands immortalised in
Turf story by his City and Suburban victory in
1876, when with 9 st. 4 lb. in the saddle he played
with over a score of opponents, among them being
Hesper (6 st. 6 lb.). I may mention that previously
I had tried to purchase Thunder for 4000 sovs.,
from Matthew Dawson. But when I went to him
the old man shook his head. " Too late, Hodgman.
Tve sold him to Mr. Clare Vyner."

Stamford's extinction was in large measure
brought about by laxity of management, the cause
of so many collapses. Mr. Sam Merry, the Clerk
of the Course, was an amusing, rather than a
dignified ofiicial, and, into the bargain, gambled
heavily. His consequent temporary financial em-
barrassments caused him much thought in the way
of search for devices to circumvent " the enemy,"
but I think his masterpiece was effected when
he outwitted Bill Da vies many, many years ago.
He was very much in Daviess debt, and, try as he
might, no settlement could be had.

" All right, Mr. Merry," said Bill one day. " Wait
till I come to Stamford. I'll settle you there."

153

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

The Clerk of the Course's office was, so to speak,
part and parcel of the Eing, and hence Mr. Merry
could not step outside without putting foot in
Tattersall's. Davies's idea was to post him as a
defaulter to the Stewards, and so prevent him
fulfilling his duties. Mr. Merry was as slippery as
an eel and cunning as a fox, and, in the end, he
had the laugh on Davies. Thus he ran up fencing
from his office door to the course, posting a police-
man at the entrance gate with strict instructions to
allow nobody to pass who was not running a horse !
Consequently, he could not be ordered out of the King
for the sufficient fact that he was never in it ! The
reason of the stratagem was an open secret, and
the incident supplied the humour of the day, Davies
laughing heartily when Mr. Merry popped his head
over the fence and called out, " Good morning, Mr.
Davies ! I'm here ! I hope you're very well this
morning, Mr. Davies." Afterwards, when Mr.
Merry's luck changed, the outstanding account was
settled.

Shrewsbury is another course with a past, but
not a present. Indeed, the ground over which in
the long ago we raced and chased is now covered
with buildings. The meeting was managed by the
father of the present Mr. John Frail, who began the
business of his life as a barber. The old gentleman

154

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

was never ashamed of his initial occupation, and
the circumstance once served him well in a court
of law. He was a witness in some Parliamentary
bribery case, and, on getting into the box, Mr.
Attorney-General Cockburn pounced upon him.

" What is your name ? "

" John Frail."

" What are you ? "

" A barber at Shrewsbury."

" Ah, John Frail ! According to my instructions
a very frail man ! Have you been long at Shrews-
bury ? "

" Yes. Nearly all my life, and " — not relishing
the joke on his name — " I know you, and you should
have known me. I shaved you many times at
Shrewsbury when you were courting two sisters."

Mr. Frail was soon informed that he could leave
the box. The shrewd wit that served him upon this
occasion benefited him through life. He was a man
who meant to make his way in the world, and he
so accomplished his purpose that at this moment
the name of the Frails is one of the best known in
Turf official circles.

I am not prepared to say that everything at
Shrewsbury was managed on the lines that now, say,
prevail at Windsor or Manchester. Ways and means
then, in the absence of a considerable public, formed

155 L

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

a serious question ; and the authorities tolerated
many things their successors would regard with
amazement to-day.

Some funny things have been done at Shrewsbury,
particularly at the Autumn Meeting. But whatever
took place was generally with an idea to help out
some decent sportsmen who at the finish of the
season were hard up. The year I have in my mind's
eye was that of 1862, and the last day (Friday) of
Shrewsbury was the final of the season. Hence with
many it was a case of " neck or nothing." On the
Thursday, Captain Little, Captain Townley and Mr.
George Fade went to Mr. George Angell and said,
" Matters are serious. We're all broke. What's to
be done ? Can you get up a race ? "

Angell replied, " I'll think matters over. I've no
power. But I'll go and see Hodgman, and talk the
matter over with him."

He approached me with the idea of making up a
small handicap, for gentlemen riders, with jockeys
the usual extra. I went to Mr. John Frail, sen.,
and said, " I want you to put another race in for
to-morrow, for gentlemen riders. There are four of
the swells dead broke, and we must get a race up
for them. I know there are already plenty of races
on the card, but it will stand this one."

" All right. I leave the affair in your hands."

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I saw Mr. Charles Frail (the son, now, alas ! dead)
and said, " Put a notice up outside, as follows :

"A NEW RACE

•' The WELTER HANDICAP, of 5 sovs. each, with 20
added, for three-year-olds and upwards. Gentlemen
riders : jockeys 51b. extra. The winner to be sold for
50 sovs. Half a mile."

"And," I went on, "enter Mr. Hodgman's Sheer-
ness ; Mr. Angell's Astarte ; Mr. Dunne's [he was
Mr. George Bryan] Zora; and Mr. J. Barber's
Abron."

These were all we wanted, and as the notice was
not exhibited till it was striking four o'clock — the
time of closing — I imagined everything would be
right, especially as I was going to assist in the
framing of that handicap. But when I went back
I saw, tacked on to the four entries I had supplied,
"Mr. Priestley's Tom Sayers, 3 years."

" Who put this in ? " I asked Mr. John Frail, sen.

" I don't know. Here, ring the bell and have
Jack up."

" Jack," he asked, " why did you take this entry
when the notice plainly said the race closed at four
o'clock, and I know at that time he hadn't been
nominated ? It's not a legitimate entry."

" Well," said Jack, " I didn't notice, father. Mr.
Justice [who raced as Mr. Priestley] gave it me,

157

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

saying he had no notion of such a race closing ; so I
thought I might take it."

" All right," said his father. " That wiU do."

Mr. Angell was over at the George Hotel ; so I
sent for him to come and see Mr. Frail and myself.

" Here, George," I said, " there's a nice mess.
Mr. Priestley has entered Tom Sayers. What's to
be done ? "

" I don't know," returned George. " But he's a
wretched bad horse. Let him alone."

I said " No. There might be an upset. George,
tve will go for him."

" Good gracious ! " he exclaimed. " He's such a
bad 'un, we can't ! "

" But we must. Yours they would be laying 3
or 4 to 1 on ; same with mine ; same with either
Barber's or Bryan's. Perhaps this unnecessary entry
will be for the best after all. I'll see we have good
men up, and we're doing this for them. None will
know till they get to the post, where Captain
Townley is to tell them."

On the morning of the race — that is, next day — I
suggested to Fordham (without adding a word) that
he ought to see Mi\ Priestley about the mount on
Tom Sayers, as I thought he might win. In all
innocence Fordham found out the owner, who was
only too glad to have him, and give away the 5 Ibo

15S

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

extra. That was enough. We knew George would
try for all he was worth, and bad as was his horse
we were determined he should win. It had been
arranged that Captain Little should ride Abron, but
as the horse was such a terrible puUer, I said that
Palmer was the man,

" Now, Angell," I said, " we must put a thousand
pounds on Tom Sayers. How is it to be done ? "
Mr. Angell was agreeable, and said he would leave
the matter in my hands.

"All right," I answered. "I'll attend to the
betting. You go and see Fordham weigh out, and
keep with him. Leave the rest to me. I've seen
Townley, and arranged everything."

I went straight to Mr. George Payne, and said :
*' I want you to put me a thousand pounds on this
race."

" What do you mean ? The thing's impossible.
You couldn't get it on."

" Oh, you'll be able," I laughed, " to get anything
on this cove. It's Tom Sayers."

" Good gracious ! He's not worth a thousand
pence ! He's a wretch ! "

" It's all right, Mr. Payne. We've good men up.
Nobody will know anything till they get to the post.
Look at the names ! "

" But," he answered, " I can't get a thousand on."

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

At that moment Mr. Ten Broeck was descending
the Grand Stand steps.

" Mr. Broeck," I called. " I want you. I have
asked Mr. Payne to put me a thousand on Tom
Sayers."

He laughed. " A brute ! You're mad, Hodgman ! "

I told him all I had informed Mr. Payne, about
the good men, &c. &c., and, in the end, Mr. Payne
took one part of the Ring for five hundred, and Mr,
Ten Broeck the other for the same amount.

At the post Captain Townley said (out of the
hearing of Fordham) that he (Fordham) was to win
on Tom Sayers. At the first attempt Tom Sayers —
he truly was a brute — refused to jump oif, and the
others (although it was a start !) obligingly came
back ; and at the next " go " he was soon allowed to
take the rails. After travelling about 100 yards,
Captain Townley called out :

" For heaven s sake, George, push the beast
along. We're going for you ! It's a man or a mouse
to-day ! "

Fordham then had a two-lengths' lead, and Captain
Townley said, " Now, let's have a bit of a flutter."

Before they reached the bottom end they were
pressing Tom Sayers a bit too close.

" Gentlemen," said Townley, " let him get nearer
home. Then we'll flutter again."

1(50

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

The J " fluttered " so astutely that while Tom
Sayers crawled home by three-quarters of a length,
merely necks separated the others. The only owner
concerned in the race who was not in the game was
Mr, Priestley, the owner of the winner ! And he
tumbled head over heels into the fog. Thus, on
reaching the paddock from the weighing-room, he
asked a friend what was favourite.

" Why, yours is ! "

"Mine?" he queried incredulously. "Why, I'll
bet four ponies against him myself"

" I'll take it," was the answer.

I turned round, and said, " You've a good bet
there. I'll lay you a level fifty he wins."

" Done ! "

After the race I told Fordham all about the busi-
ness ; and he roared with laughter. " I thought,"
he said, " they were confoundedly kind to me. I
ought to have been left on my beast a hundred yards."

The thousand laid out brought in 2500, which
was cut up as follows : Captain Little 500 ; Mr.
Fade (Mr. Edwards) 500 : Captain Townley (Mr.
Dixon) 500 ; Jimmy Barber and Mr. Dunne 250
each. Perry and Palmer had 150 between them,
and the remainder — 350 — Mr. George Angell and I
shared. The tale soon leaked out, and a consider-
able time elapsed before I was ceased to be asked :

i6i

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

*' Well, Tom Sayers, how are you going ? "
I append the Cale7idar return of the race :

THE WELTER HANDICAP.
Mr. Priestley's Tom Sayers, by King Tom, 3 yrs., lOst. 31b.

_, ^ , G. Fordham 1

Mr. Barber's Abron, aged, 11 8t. lib. . . . Palmer 2

Mr. Dunne's Zora, 4 yrs., 12 st. (car. 12 st. 3 lb.) . Mr. Dixon 3

Mr. Hodgman's Sheerness, 3 yrs., 9 St. 10 lb. . . Perry 4

Mr.AngeirsAstarte,4yrs., lOst. 12 1b.. . . Mr. Edwards 5

Evens on Tom Sayers. Won by three-quarters of a
length, a neck each between second, third, and fourth.

Close on twenty years have sped their way since
the racehorse speeded along the Egham turf, the
meeting finding its termination in 1884. A better
track for the purposes of racing none could have
desired, but at times visitors possessed of portables
had reason for wishing they had left them at home.
One who on an occasion so wished was the late
Mr. James Weatherby, in the day of which I am
speaking head of the now world-famous Old Bur-
lington Street firm. Mr. Weatherby was a perfect
type of the "fine old English gentleman." He
could crack a joke or a bottle with the best, and
was fond of reciting in the morning the dishes of
the feast of the evening.

Hodgy," he would say, " I did myself weU last
night— very well indeed."

162

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"You look it," was my answer. "Judging by
your appearance, no one ever did himself better."

One day, however, at Egham, he came to me
considerably put about.

" Hodgy, I've lost my watch."

" Well, what kind of a watch is it ?

" Oh, it's an old relic of the family's."

At that moment Mr. Lefevre came up, with
"What's the matter, Mr. Weatherby ? "

" I'm just telling Hodgy that I've lost my watch,
and I'm rather annoyed, as it's a heirloom."

" Oh," said Mr. Lefevre, " those thieves, they
are very clever. Only two days back they took
two hundred and fifty pounds in notes out of the
lining pocket of my waistcoat. I would, I swear,
give the thief fifty pounds if he would show me how
he did it. I thought it was as safe as though in
the bank."

"Well," I remarked, "how about recovery? I
don't see a detective handy. I'll have a look in the
other ring. I suppose you would like to get it
back, Mr. Weatherby."

" I should indeed."

" Well, if I see one of the detectives, what shall
I tell him you will give for it ? "

" Oh, a tenner ; though it's not worth that or
anything like the sum — except to me as a memento."

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I soon met the detective I was in search of, and
told him what had happened, and that if the watch
was returned to 6, Old Burlington Street, ten
pounds would be paid and no questions asked.
He jumped on a stool, and took a rapid glance of
the occupants of his ring.

" Mr. Hodgman," he said, " there's not a prig
here. Do you know where the watch was lost ? "

"Mr. Weatherby was standing close by the
judge's box."

" Oh, that's not in my ring. How long is it since
the watch was missed ? "

" About an hour — perhaps more."

" Oh," he said, " Boss Tyler's party would work
that. The watch by now is on its way to Bristol.
But I'll do my best."

In a very few days the heirloom was returned to
Old Burlington Street, and the ten pounds paid.

Not long after I met Mr. Weatherby, and casually
asked : " And how's the watch going on ? "

" Oh, I forgot to tell you. It went again."

" But you told me you would never take it on a
racecourse again."

" So I did. But one day I forgot to leave it at
home, and it went. Still, I've got it back, though
it cost me another tenner."

Nearly twelve months had passed when, in a joking

16"4.

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

spirit, I remarked : " I hope you haven't been losing
any more watches, Mr. Weatherby."

" Oh, Hodgy," he said, " unthinkingly I put it on
again."

" And ? "

" It went. But, Hodgy, mark my word, it's gone
for good. There are no more tenners. The beggars
thought they had an annuity. But they've got the
old thing, and they can keep it."

165

CHAPTER XIII

Custance and Fordham — Dr. Shorthouse's frank criticism —
*' Driving Jack out of Town" — Archer's opinion of Fordham
— Macaroni's Derby — Lord Clifden beaten a head — Mr.
Oldaker's unfortunate statement — The serious result to him-
self— Fordham heart-broken — Mr. William Day " carpeted."

Ample, and entertaining, as are the " Reminiscences "
of my old friend, Harry Custance, he has, I venture
to gently remind him, neglected to mention a comical
incident that occurred at Carshalton when I lived
there close on forty years ago. Custance and Ford-
ham came down one day to ride in a trial the next
morning on Epsom Downs. In the evening we
three went to a little hostelry, known as " The
Greyhound," kept by an old gentleman of the name
of Denby. While we were seated in the cosy smoke-
room. Dr. Shorthouse dropped in ; and here I must
mention that I had instructed Mr. Denby and his
family not to call Fordham and Custance by their
names — the one was to be " Simpson " and the
other " Wilson." After sitting talking I, knowing
the Doctor's prejudice against both Fordham and
Custance, said, thinking there would be some fun,

166

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and noticing that the Doctor (who did not then
get a deal about) had not recognised either,
"Doctor, what do you think of Custance's riding
now ? "

" Custance ! " returned the peppery old gentleman,

" He be d d ! He can't ride a bit. He hanofs

on. That's all he does."

Custance, at first, was inclined to take the affair
seriously, till I winked at him.

"Well," I said, "perhaps there is some truth in
what you say. But surely you will allow Fordham
is better."

" Oh, yes ! He's a bit better. But, mind you,
not much. Tom Chaloner can beat his head off ! "

The fun was a little bit too real for Fordham, sa
I suggested the three of them should take a hand
at cards, I looking on. They set to work on some
simple-seeming game, called, unless I am mistaken^
" Driving Jack out of Town." The stakes were
nominal, but Fordham and Custance between them
won from the old Doctor five shillings. Both were
as pleased as if they had netted a big sum. They
might not be able to ride, but they were too clever
for him at cards.

" Now," I said, " I must be off. Doctor, in the
morning I am going with these two gentlemen up
to The Warren to have an hour's shooting and a

167

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

look at the house. Will you come and have a
bit of lunch with us here ? "

" Certainly."

The hour's shooting was a trial, and when the
business was ended we returned to the " Grey-
hound" anticipating the Doctor. We were stand-
ing outside the house, and soon saw him walking
briskly up. He carried a very heavy ashplant, with
a top on it about the size of a decent cauliflower.
Just before he reached us he raised his stick, and
shaking it at Custance and Fordham called out :

" Oh, Mr. ' Simpson ' and Mr. ' Wilson,' I've
found you out ! I know now who you are ! But I
haven't altered my opinion. Neither of you can
ride ! " The only answer was a hearty laugh.

This was a humorous occasion. But I recall
another, in connection with Fordham, that was very
grave. It was on Derby Day of 1863 — the year of
Macaroni. No sterner struggle than that between
he and Lord Clifden for supremacy in the chief
stake of England had been seen on Epsom Downs
from the time they were consecrated to the horse ;
and only in the last stride did Tom Chaloner — ever
one of the doughtiest opponents of Fordham — squeeze
Mr. Naylor's colt home. The verdict was a head ;
and I should say one of the shortest on record.
Fordham was naturally upset by so narrow a defeat,

168

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and the man who can retain philosophic calm after
losing a Derby by the length of his hand must be a
masterpiece of composure. Fordham was no such
stranger to sentiment, and the chief fault of that
magnificent horseman was his excessive sensibility.
It is perhaps too late in the day to attempt to praise
him. But no rider, neither of his own nor any other
day, excelled him ; and I question if his equal, all
round, has been seen. Even the "terrible Archer"
acknowledged Fordham's unapproachable artistry,
while he had a " holy horror " of his " kidding."

" You look a trifle put out. Archer," I said one day.

" Yes. And I feel what I look. And you'd
perhaps be put out if you'd been riding against
Fordham in that race. He was ' cluck, clucking '
at his mount the whole of the way. I thought I
had him beaten two or three times in the two miles.
But, with his infernal ' cluck, cluck ' he was always
coming again. Still, two hundred yards from home
I supposed I had him dead settled. ' I'll cluck,
cluck you,' I thought, and at that instant he swoops
on me and beats me easily. Yes, I do feel put
out."

However, to the Derby of 1863. I had arranged
for Fordham to dine with me at Carshalton, of the
party being Mr. George Lambert and Mr. Manning-
ton, the noted vet. of the day. Mr. Lambert and

169

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

myself drove home, leaving Fordham and Mr.
Mannlngton to follow on their horses. They some-
how missed each other, and Fordham fell in with
Alfred Sait, the famous steeplechase rider. As they
trotted along, across Banstead Common, a Mr.
Oldaker, Clerk of the Course of Harpenden, joined
them. He was a well-known acquaintance of Sait,
but did not recognise Fordham in his " mufti."
On reining up, he said:

" Well, Sait, I've often heard it said that Fordham
pulled horses, but I wouldn't believe it. Now I am
satisfied. / saiv him with my own eyes deliberately
pull Lord Clifden this afternoon. I did."

Sait tried to stop him, but Oldaker persisted,
blackguarding (as he supposed) the absent Fordham
like a pickpocket.

"To do such a thing, and the horse favourite !
It's shocking. I can't make out what the Stewards
were about ! "

This was more than flesh and blood could stand,
and Fordham made an ugly rush, sideways, at
Oldaker, forcing him into the abounding prickly
furze. Not in the least understanding matters
Oldaker cried :

" Cheese it ! Here, sir, you cheese it ! "

" I'll cheese you ! " Fordham savagely retorted.

*' I'll cheese you ! " And, raising his whip, he rained

170

**

DR. SHORTHOUSE

From a copy of a sketch made by Mr. Gedkge J. B. Jacksux, of Croydon
Kindly Inil hy Mr. T. \\\ Galk

See pase 171

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

blows upon Oldaker's head, back, and shoulders,
until Salt interfered.

" Oldaker," he said, " you've asked for this. This
is Fordham."

" Beg my pardon ! " cried Fordham ; and Oldaker
immediately apologised. But Fordham was mad
with rage. " Beg it again, you scoundrel ! " And
up went the whip afresh.

Seeing how^ matters were, Sait said, " Mr. Oldaker,
we're going to Carshalton. You had better go the
other way."

" Don't speak to me," said Fordham, when Oldaker
had gone. " But don't leave me. I'm cruelly hurt."

The horses jogged along at funereal pace; and, in
the end, Sait rode ahead to explain the cause of the
delay. We were all very sorry, and a sadder man
than Fordham was when he appeared I do not wish
to see. '* George," I said, "we've been waiting
dinner for you."

"Thank you, Mr. Hodgman, I don't want any
dinner. I'm too upset."

Nor would he come into the room ; but sat on the

stairs, and cried. Later he journeyed to London,

and next day, quite himself, rode Suburban to

victory in the South- Western Stakes. I know

that Custance tells the tale differently. But the

above is the true story.

173 M

SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF

Fordham, as the preceding anecdote shows, was
most jealous of his reputation, and whenever he was
attacked (if he heard of it) he brought his traducer
to hook. An instance of striking character cropped
up in 1858, after he had been beaten on Happy
Land by Wells on FitzRonald for the Two Thousand
Guineas. In explanation of the defeat, William
Day, who trained Happy Land, made some dis-
paraging remarks to Lord Ribblesdale, the owner,
about Fordham's riding. ''If," he said, "I train a
horse to win a race and a jockey doesn't second my
efforts, is it my fault, my lord?" The insinuation
reached Fordham, and he promptly laid the matter
before the Stewards of the Jockey Club. This put
William Day in a tight corner, and he received a
severe wigging from the heads of the Turf Senate.
Fordham, right off, told Day that never again would
he ride a horse he owned or a horse he trained.
Day thus did not mend matters, and always after-
wards Fordham kept a close eye on any of his
horses that he thought would be improved by a
gallop or so.

174

CHAPTER XIV

My best horse — Victorious — His unsightly head — I buy him
for 125 so vs. — Vision — Her Brocklesby victory — Subsequent
successes — Her trial with Victorious — He gives her 2 st. — The
defeat of Le Bearnais — Tom Jennings's opinion — The Good-
wood trial — The Sweepstakes victory — Admiral Rous's idea
— The Nursery success — Lord Granville takes under the odds
— Jackson's disgraceful offer — A dead-heat at Wolverhampton
Cause of same — Shelly feet — Mr. Jackson and the " Short-
house " ale — Victor — How purchased — Frozen out at Lincoln
—"Not quite like a thoroughbred" — A half-crown for
luck — A Royal Hunt Cup track — A Royal Hunt Cup trial —
Mr. George Herring drinks champagne and throws "cold
water " — Victor's victory — He breaks down in the Cambridge-
shire— Sold for an old song — Success at the stud.

Had the late Duke of Westminster been asked
which was the best horse he ever owned, he would
unhesitatingly have named Ormonde. And were
the question put to me which of the many horses
that passed through my hands I most regarded, I
should say, right oflP, Victorious, a bay colt by
Newminster from Fairplay's dam. I bought him
privately from Rawcliffe Paddocks, near York, now
Mr. Vyner's place. The original purpose was to
send him up to auction at Doncaster, but he had

175

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the strangles so bad that he could not be taken out
of his stall. I do not think I have ever seen a
horse in a worse state, or one that looked so un-
sightly. His head was so disfigured that no fair
view could be gained of his limbs and body ; so I
said to the groom :

" Cover his head up with a sack, and then per-
haps I can see what he is like."

The more I examined him the better I liked
him, and I made up my mind to run the risk of
evil results from his affliction, and purchased him
then and there for 125 sovs. The stud-groom, a
real good fellow, who had done me several turns,
said :

" You had better pay me now, sir, and settle the
matter. There's about a score owing for him at
present."

I instructed him to call at Doncaster the next day,
when I paid him the hundred and twenty-five.
When I told my friend Mr. Mannington of my
purchase, he expressed a wish to see the colt.

"Well, seeing him won't do much good now.
He's mine, and he's paid for. Still, John, I should
like you to examine him, and give an opinion as to
whether you think his illness will affect his wind.
But whether he turns a roarer or remains sound, I
am sure he is worth the money I have paid."

176

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Mannington's report was that the horse was
going on as well as could be expected, though he
was a bit inclined to think that the illness, because
of its severity, might leave its traces. " But if," he
said, "he fully recovers, you have got a rare
bargain. He would be worth ten times the money.
I positively declare, George, I have not for many
years seen a yearling I like better."

Happily, Victorious came from his affliction sound
as on the day he was foaled, and had he not
suffered from shelly feet he would never have been
beaten.

The same year — 1863 — I purchased a yearling
filly, Vision, by Windhound from De Ginkell's
dam, at auction for 50 sovs., at Nelson's Yard,
York. I had strolled casually into the place, and
was looking at the filly, thinking her a nice one,
when the auctioneer, Mr. Johnson, catching sight of
me, said :

" Gentlemen, she's too cheap at thirty. Stand
aside, and let Mr. Hodgman have a better look at
her. I'm sure he'll give more money."

I had no idea how she was bred, but liking her
quarters and general air of liveliness, bid thirty-
five.

*' Forty," said Mr. Saxon.

" Fifty," I called ; and she was mine.

177

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I am aware that this is not the orthodox way of
purchasing blood stock, as I know that, according to
the modern school, you should study strains and
families of this number and of that. But I never
went deeply into such matters, and if I thought a
colt or a filly would race I was a buyer. Nor did I
pay much heed to elegance of contour so long as the
legs were all right ; and when some one said to me
of Paul Jones, " What an ugly head he has ! " I
thought a sufficient answer was that the horse and
not myself had to carry it.

Both Vision and Victorious progressed nicely at
Epsom, and I ran the filly in the Brocklesby Stakes.
There was a field of eleven, and with Water Baby
and Blackbird the popular fancies, any price could
have been had about Vision, who nevertheless, with
Perry up, won by half a length from Blackbird,
with La Mechante third. In the next week she
met this pair in the Little John Plate at Notting-
ham, and, despite a 5 lb. penalty, again beat them.
The second victory proved her first was no fluke,
and clearly she was the sort that could safely be
put in a gallop. At Warwick she won the Two
Year Old Stakes, and had the prizes been of much
value the opening of that season would indeed have
been profitable to me. But to the Brocklesby only
40 sovs. were added ; to the Little John Plate, 30 ;

178

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and to Warwick race, 50. Small wonder that
owners in those days had to exercise their wits to
make things pay ! After being beaten at Ascot in
the Fern Hill Stakes, she won a race at Hampton
(25 added !), and following a failure at Newmarket
in a sweepstakes, I sold her for, I think, 300 sovs.

But before I parted with her she had told me all
I wished to know about Victorious. I galloped the
pair on the Friday before the Epsom Summer
Meeting, which started on Tuesday, May 24. The
trial was between the three V's — Victorious, Vision,
and Vixen. As I was driving to The Warren I met
David Hughes, the jockey, brother to Mr. Tom
Hughes.

" What are you after, David ? " I called out. " I
suppose you've heard I'm going to have a gallop,
and you've come to see the spin ? "

" Nothing of the kind, Mr. Hodgman. I didn't
know you had a trial coming off."

"Jump up," I said, "and we'll have a glass of
champagne at The Warren."

After the drink, I said : " Let's get along, David.
I'm going to try the three V's, and I believe one of
them, Victorious, is the best horse in England.
Now, David," I went on, " I'm going to ask
Victorious to give Vision 2 st. What do you
think?"

179

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" It will be a great thing if he does it."

"Oh, he'll do it," I returned, "or I shall be
abominably disappointed."

Fordham rode Victorious, Perry Vision, and
Morris Vixen; the course, half a mile. About 150
yards from home Fordham and Perry were together,
each riding hard. In the next five or six lengths
Victorious shot out, and won in a canter. I started
him on the Thursday of the race week for the Two
Year Old Stakes, of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added,
twenty-nine subscribing. Count Lagrange's Le
Bearnais came with a very tall reputation from
Newmarket, and started a hot favourite. But in
the handsomest style Victorious won by a length,
and I had a very nice race, winning about £2000.
Old Tom Jennings, who trained Le Bearnais, was
much impressed with Victorious, and said :

"Governor, that horse of yours is a real good
one.

Afterwards he won a, race by ten lengths at
Hampton, and scored at Nottingham.

Through the courtesy of the Duke of Richmond,
I was able to take my Goodwood horses to the Park
a fortnight before the races, putting up in one of
the Lodges, where I also stayed for Brighton and
Lewes. I took Victorious there, and tried him up
the Halnaker gallop — one of the best in England —

180

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

with Confederate (3 years). The young 'un gave the
old 'un 3 lb., and beat him by a neck, thoroughly
satisfying me. I did not race him till the Friday,
when he was engaged in a sweepstakes endowed by
the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, and
the Nursery Stakes of a mile. The first named was
the second event on the card and the other the fifth.
Before the sweepstakes was decided I met Admiral
Rous, and asked him how he would ride Victorious
against the pair of old 'uns he had to meet, Birch
Broom and Cranbury, both very fast.

" Oh," he said, *' I should wait — most decidedly."

" Well, I differ from you, Admiral. I'm going to
take the jockey's whip away, put a pair of spurs on
him, and tell him to pelt right through as hard as
he can."

" Very bold, very bold," commented the Admiral.

" Not at all. The old 'uns have to give me 29 lb.,
and that's too much, if it's utilised, at this time of
year. They both go like the wind, and might easily
come and beat me for speed in the run home,
especially as I have only a boy up. To win I must
keep them on the stretch the whole of the way."

Morris, who rode, obeyed his instructions to
the letter, and Victorious won by a length. The
Admiral was much impressed with the perform-
ance.

181

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Hodgman," he remarked, " that's a very fine
horse. Do you run him in the Nursery ? "

" Yes, I do. It's a mile, and staying is his game.
And, Admiral, Fordham rides."

" Well," he said, " with all he's got I see nothing
to beat him."

" It will be a big thing if he does it. But I shall
back him to win me a thousand, and I expect I shall
get a good price at flagfall."

In those times there was much betting upon such
a race as this Nursery long before the numbers were
put up, and on occasions the " early birds " did not
get the best of the bargain. One of these on that
day was Lord Granville, who hearing from Admiral
Rous that he thought Victorious was sure to win,
stepped into the Ring and took two big bets — five
" monkeys " with Jackson and six "monkeys" with
" Tubby " Morris. Jackson was a dangerous man to
bet with, and, as proof, I state that after he had laid
Lord Granville the 2500 to 500 he came to me and
said, "I've laid the odds to a monkey against yours,
Hodgman. Would you like to have the bet, or part
of it ? " That was typical of Jackson. His passion
through life was to make horses safe, and he was not
particular about the methods he employed.

" No, thank you, Jackson. Not for me. Mine is
going to win if he can." At that moment the

182

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Admiral approached me with, " Why, you're running
another, Hodgman — Victory." " Oh yes ! But he's
very bad, and he's only running to give Morris
practice."

I waited till the last moment, and took 1000 to
80. I saw Fordham, and said, "I've 1000 to 80,
George. You have the odds to a pony."

Fordham got a nice place on the rails, and making
nearly all the running won by a neck from Mr. W.
Day's Watcbbox (who had a pull of 21 lb.) and
Waldegrave, they dead-heating for second place.

Later I remarked to Fordham, " George, how
came you to make running with all that weight, and
in such a field ? "

"Well, you know — you know — I got a nice place,
you know," he answered. " And I was always
going easy — always easy — very easy indeed, you
know, you know."

Lord Granville was one of the first to offer his
congratulations. I thanked him, but said, " My
lord, you may know a deal about politics, but you

know d d little about betting. You've taken

5500 to 1000 about my horse, and you ought to
have had 12,000 to 1000, and could have got it, my
lord, if you had gone the right way to work. By-
the-bye, how came you to risk such a stake ? "

" Oh, Rous told me."

183

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Well," I said, " one of the men you betted with
came to me, and asked me to have a ' monkey ' of
your bet. So, you see, you might have been throwing
a chance away."

" Ah, Hodgman, I shouldn't have done it except
for Rous. He had seen you, and I knew by that
that everything was right."

The next race of Victorious was the Chilli ngt on
Stakes at Wolverhampton, in the month of August.
Herein he had only to give The Grappler, ridden by
Fordham, 3 lb. As in the Goodwood Nursery he
had beaten that horse anyhow at 21 lb. disadvan-
tage, the affair seemed a "soft one." At exercise
that morning I met Fordham.

" You will walk over for the Chillington Stakes,"
he remarked. " Wadlow tells me The Grappler
doesn't run."

So I said to my trainer, Balchin, " You may let
Victorious have what he wants. He walks over."

Being a bit of a glutton, he did himself royally
well. Just before weighing out time, Fordham ran
to me with, " Oh, I'm so sorry. Wadlow this
moment has had a message from Captain Christie,
saying he must run The Grappler, and of course I
have to ride him."

I was in a nice fix, but thinking Victorious had
such a deal in hand, I determined on a fighting

184

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

policy. The public, of course, knew nothing of
Victorious being fed, and odds of 7 to 1 were laid
on him. He was not a quarter himself, and could
only manage a dead-heat. Mr. George Payne was
in a rare state.

" What are you going to do, Hodgman ? I've laid
100 to 15 three times."

" Oh, I shall run it off. But you shouldn't have
betted without seeing me." And I told him of the
occurrences.

" Well, I shall back him again."

In the decider only 9 to 4 was laid on Victorious,
and he claimed a neck advantage. He ran in the
Fitzwilliam Stakes at Doncaster, but he ought not to
have been started, as he had had his foot in a bran
poultice for forty-eight hours, and could merely finish
third. Still, the race did him no harm, and two days
afterwards he, with 6 lb. the worst of the weights, in
the Eglinton Stakes ran Wild Agnes to a neck. As a
three-year-old he was a very difficult horse to train,
owing to the brittle character of his feet. At times,
indeed, he could not wear a shoe. In the Chester
Cup he was much knocked about, and in the Gold
Cup at Ascot he hit his leg badly. That finished
his racing career, and he went to the stud, dying a
very old horse in the neighbourhood of Hereford.

Jackson, the practical controller at that period of

185

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the Wild Agnes stable, won a huge stake by the
success of the filly. He invited me to accept a
slight shade of odds against Victorious to a very big
sum. But I said, " No. You're going heavy for
Wild Agnes. That tells me she is all right. And
my horse is not the horse he was. I shan't bet."
I cannot say I was ever very partial to Jackson,
who was saturated with self. If he could get
something for nothing he was always to the fore.
It was the custom of myself and friends to have
our carriages at Newmarket well laden with food
and wines, while each day there was a two-gallon jar
of Mr. Jacobs's (he kept the "Wellington") ripping
old ale — the sort that would have caused a glow of
satisfaction to the lover of Lorna Doone, John
Ridd. Jackson was very partial to ale — especially
other people's, and he and two of his pals, in my
absence (for I was the biggest beer drinker of the
party), would help themselves so freely that often
the jar ran dry in the middle of the afternoon. As
the Americans say, I " grew tired," and one day at
Carshalton mentioned the matter to Dr. Shorthouse.
" I'll stop Mr. Jackson and his pals," he said. And
he gave me a little phial of stuff, the proper quan-
tity for two gallons — " to be well shaken before
taken." None of our party touched the ale that
day, and by the time Jackson and his friends had

186

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

finished the jar they were so seriously amiss that
" for the stomach's sake " they needed a little
brandy. We let a great number of people into the
secret, and the repeated flights over the heath to
get from sight of the three ale drinkers were
punctuated with roars of laughter. After that
neither Mr. Jackson nor his friends tampered with
our ale. They never knew when the " Shorthouse
brew" was on tap.

I have mentioned in connection with Vision how
little intention at times I had of dealing in blood-
stock till the accident of situation prompted me.
An even more striking case, I think, was my pur-
chase of Victor in 1861. The February of that year
was an awful time ; indeed, so bad were the condi-
tions that the Lincoln races had to be postponed,
a start not occurring till Friday, February 15, the
Lincolnshire Handicap being run on the Saturday.
Sportsmen " in residence " by the Cathedral were
naturally hard pushed for ways to spend their time,
and the general resort was to cards. I was not
much given to that diversion, and used rather to
stroll about the town and beyond. When starting
for one of my jaunts, I happened to pass the yard
of the " Saracen's Head," and, glancing in, found a
rough sort of a countryman holding a horse. At
the moment I had no more idea of making a deal

187 ,-.•

M 1 V

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

than I had of flying over the moon. I took fair stock
of the horse, and rather fancied him, as he possessed
good quarters and was well ribbed up, his chief
defect being his forelegs, which stood over a bit.

" He don't look quite like a thoroughbred," I
remarked.

" That's just what he is," was the retort. '* Per-
haps you don't know much about horses."

" You're quite right. I don't. If he is thorough-
bred, what's he by ? "

" By Vindex, Sir Charles Monk's horse."

" Ah, well ! Just let that boy trot him about."

The boy took hold of the halter-string, and can-
tered him up the yard. I had another look at him,
and was satisfied.

" What's his figure ? "

" Eighty pounds."

" I suppose he's yours," I remarked.

" Whose the h 11 do you think he is ? " was the

rough retort.

"All right. Keep your temper. I'll give you eighty
pounds. He's mine."

I pulled the eighty pounds from my pocket, and
handed them over. The countryman was extremely
satisfied with the deal, and pressed on me, for luck,
a half-crown, smacking it into my hand with a
force that left the impression.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" He's yours, governor, and I hope he brings you
luck." That horse was Victor, destined two years
later to win for me my first, and my only, Royal
Hunt Cup.

Victor did not do much that season, running
twice, and on neither occasion being placed. As a
three-year-old he only ran once, also without dis-
tinction. The spring of 1863 was a very dry one,
and the ground at Epsom became very hard. I
knew of a good stretch of galloping ground at
Winchester, though it was then in a dilapidated
state. I spent a hundred pounds on its preparation
because of its extreme resemblance to the Ascot
Mile, and the Royal Hunt Cup was the race I had
in view for Victor. He, when the place was com-
pleted, took his gallops there, thriving admirably.
At the Epsom Summer Meeting I had with Libellous
run second to The Drummer Boy, my horse carrying
8 st. 12 lb. to the other s 7 st. 7 lb. over six furlongs,
with a party of sixteen behind. The next week I
despatched Libellous to Winchester to try Victor at
7 lb., and my Lincoln purchase just won, by, I think,
a neck. This satisfied me, and I sent for Mr. George
Herring to meet me at The Warren, when Mr. Tom
Hughes was also present. The day was dreadfully
hot, and we sat in the shade of the trees, slaking
our thirst with a champagne cup. I told them both

189 M

<4lr

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

of the trial, when Mr. Herring, who could administer
a cold water bath better than most, said, "Oh, I
don't think much of that, George. That's no
catch."

" Well, I didn't ask you to come down and hold
an argument with me. I suppose I know my own
business. At least, I think I do. I don't know
what you want, George. The trial's good enough
for me."

" Who rode Libellous ? " asked Mr. Tom Hughes.

" Your brother, Tom."

" Oh, that's all right. I now say it will win."

*' So do I," I answered. " And, George, I want
you to put me a thousand pounds on. That's what
I think of it."

Starting favourite, with Morris up, he won by four
lengths, but in the Cambridgeshire he broke down,
and I sold him at Tattersall's for 28 gs. He went
to Ireland, where he begat many good winners — of
the number Valour, hero of the Manchester Cup in
1881.

190

CHAPTER XV

Matches — Fashionable forty years ago — A match I lost and
won by — Lord Westmorland lays the odds, but hedges — My
" old brood mare," Paul Jones ! — Match with Admiral Rous
— Mr, " Spectacle " Perry — His sporting ambition — He pre-
sents me with Otho, who beats his Tubal Cain — Another
match — ilr. Perry satisfied — Sensational betting over a match
at Goodwood — Mr. " Teddy " Brayley — His want of judg-
ment and obstinacy — Morris's opinion of his Derby horse —
Paul Jones's Chester Cup trial with Mariner — Even weights
©r no gallop — The result — Mr. Brayley helps himself — Paul
Jones as a yearling and a two-year-old — His Derby and
Brighton running — ^Why wrong — I train him myself for the
St. Leger — A satisfactory trial — Steel gets me 37,000 to 1000
— An unlucky defeat — Fordham's explanation — Mr. Graham's
munificence — Inexplicable Cesarewitch running— Butler's
folly — An unfortunate cannon — A " certainty " upset.

Matches, it must be owned, are not very fashionable
aowadays. But forty years ago they were a popular
diversion, and men would stand out for a pound
much as boxers do at present. I was always very
partial to match-making, and do not, of the great
number in which I was engaged, recall having lost
more than three. One of these was with Paul Jones,
when a two-year-old. He was pitted against Chivalry
lor 200 sovs. at the Newmarket Second October

191

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Meeting of 1867, Chivalry being the property of
Mr. Samuel Haughton, father of the present Mr.
George. At first I thought I would pay forfeit, as
my horse, having been thrown up, was more like a
covering stallion than aught else. But I afterwards
reflected that the gallop might do him no harm :
and how did I know Chivalry was all right ? So I
took him from London on the morning of the
match, arriving about eleven o'clock, and had him
saddled down the Criterion Course. Chivalry, I
found, was all right ; so I knew I had no chance.
Still, I thought it might serve Paul Jones in future
if Chivalry beat him at a stone, for ordinarily 2st.
would not have brought them together. I did not
go near the betting men, and only myself and
trainer saw the colt. While Chivalry was on his
way to the post Mr. George Beckett rode up.

" What have you done ? " I said.

"Taken 1200 to 1000 you don't win."

" You never mean," I exclaimed, " to say I'm
favourite ? "

"You are — G to 5 on."

" Great heavens ! Those who are backing him
haven't seen him. He's as fat as a bullock. I should
like to have half your bet."

" So you shall. Book it."

At that moment Lord Westmorland came up.

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Hodgraan," he said, "I've laid GOO to 500 on
you."

" On me, my lord ! Why the colt's not trained.
Gallop back, and get out of your money. And you
can lay mine to lose me 500."

Chivalry must have been very bad, for Paul Jones
only lost by a length and a half. I did not see his
lordship till next morning, when I asked what my
" monkey " had brought In.

" Six hundred. And many thanks. I got out a
winner." Thus in tlie two deals I won 1200, so
clearing a 1000, more by accident than design,
for I had no intention of betting, and Imagined
people would lay substantial odds on Chivalry.
After the race I met Joe Lowe, the trainer of
Chivalry, looking pretty glum.

" What did you do, Joe ? " I remarked.

" Ah, Mr. Hodgman, I laid 30 to 20 on you. But
I hadn't seen your hrood mare ! "

If this was a match I lost It was not one I lost by.
But I had the worst of a deal with Admiral Rous in
1868. I then had a two-year-old filly by The Dupe
from Couleur de Rose (afterwards named Duplicity)
and he one by Knight of St. Patrick from Noisette
called Nutglrl. For over a month we had been
chaffing each other about the respective merits of
these youngsters, and the Admiral proposed a

193

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

match, forXSO a side. But I wanted 7 lb., while he
thought 3 lb. would be sufficient to make the affair jt
close thing. In the end I gave way, and the pair
ran over the last four furlongs of the Rowley Mila,
when Fordham on Nutgirl beat Parry on Duplicity by
three-quarters of a length. I had no bet on the race ;
nor did the Admiral. But he was as pleased at the
victory as though he had won a thousand pounds.

" You see," said he, " you'd have beaten me had I
given you 7 lb."

Mention otherwhere occurs of the matching of my
Shillelagh with "Mr. Hall's" Fravola, on the final
day of the Epsom Summer Meeting of 1862. " Mr„
Hall's" right name was Perry, and as there were
several Perrys about, he was, to his familiars, by
reason that he wore glasses, known as " Spectacle
Perry." Mr. Perry was on the Stock Exchanga,
but his heart was in sport, though he was pretty
'cute at the business of his life, and no one whom he
knew, deserving of a turn, looked to him in vaiit.
One of his ambitions, on his sporting side, was t®
beat me in a match, and he must be given whatever
credit attaches to perseverance. We were talking^
on a day, and I remarked to him, " Perry, you have
a little horse, Otho."

" Yes. But I've sent him up to auction, at a fifty

reserve."

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SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Oh ! I should rather have liked to have bought
him."

" Well, George, as for that matter if he doesn't
reach his reserve I'll make a present of him to you."

I attended Tattersall's for the sale, and said to
Ml'. Richard Tattersall, "There's a horse, Otho, to
be sold. If he fails to command his reserve, fifty, put
him aside. He will be mine. Mr. Perry has given
me him on that condition." I added, " If any one
bids fifty I shall go on. So keep your eye on me."

Nobody bid fifty : so he became mine. I won a
race with him in the spring of 1862, and in July I
met Mr. Perry at NeAvmarket. He was passing our
carriage, and called out : «■-

"Well, Hodgman, do you want any more
matches ? "

I returned, " Yes ; and, if you like, with the little
horse, Otho, you gave me. I'll back him against
your Tubal Cain, at 7 lb., for 200 aside, on the last
six furlongs of the Rowley Mile."

The match was concluded there and then. Half
an hour later Mr. Perry returned. " Hodge," he
said, " I'll give you a ' pony ' if you will make the
distance five furlongs."

" No ; I made it six furlongs because though yours
is much the better horse, at 7 lb., he is a roarer, and
mine stays."

195

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

"Very well. Let the match remain."
The race came off at the First October Meeting,
Fordham riding mine and Sam Rogers Tubal Cain.
Opinions were evenly divided, but Fordham set a
strong pace, and won in a canter by three
lengths.

In the early part of 1865 Mr. Perry showed fresh
anxiety for a match. We were talking at the Club,
and he remarked, in a casual sort of way, "Would
you like another match ? "

" Yes. I'm not particular. What shall it be ? "
" Well, I have an old horse, The Principal."
" And I have an old 'un. The Monk, I'll run him
against yours, even weights, over the Rowley Mile,
for 200 sovs."

" That," he said, " will suit me ; and this time,
Hodgy, I shall win."

So the public thought, when the race was decided
on the second day of the Craven Meeting, as they
laid G to 4 on The Principal. I again put up
Fordham, while Billy Boyce threw a leg over the
favourite, who was beaten three parts of a length.
Afterwards Mr. Perry said, " Good-bye, Mr. Hodg-
man. I'm quite satisfied. I shall have no more
matches with you."

Speaking of matches recalls an incident of
Houghton Week, 1849, when "Mr. Gordon's" The

196

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Bee Hunter and Lord Airlie's Clincher were pitted
against each other over the TA^.C. for 200 sovs. a
side, the first named conceding 7 lb. Immense
rivalry existed between the partisans of each, and
the betting, without any exaggeration of language,
was stupendous. " Monkeys" and " thous " were as
marbles in a playground, and even hardened
fiCamblers were amazed at the sums at stake. It
might have been the last race of tlie last day of the
world, so sublimely indifferent to settling occasion
seemed those who had caught the fever. To the
general relief the liorses ran home locked together,
and the judge decided they had dead-heated. The
character of the betting was more than the Duke of
Richmond (the father of "Mr, Gordon") cared for,
and from that time he kept but a restricted stud.
Had a dead-heat not resulted, whichever party had
won would have ruined the other.

The tale has often been told of how the late
Mr, " Teddy " Brayley enjoyed such a run of luck
that he professed he grew tired of winning. Whether
he meant what he said the saying certainly was his,
the remark once escaping his lips in my hearing.
With most men a kind of superstitious feeling that
Fortune is not to be flagrantly flouted without
entailing reprisals would act as a restraint against
such an expression ; and it is regretful to add that

197

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

ill the closing years of his Hfe Mr. Brayley was
bitterly acquainted witli the fleeting character of
riches. I am no behever in the superstition men-
tioned, or any other. So I do not attribute
Mr. Brayley 's downf ill to retribution from the Fates,
the rather fixing the blame on the poorness of his
judgment. And the evil of the business in the end
was that he often obstinately stuck to his erroneous
ideas in the face of information and evidence. Thus,
because at Ascot in 1869 he beat Yestminster with
Duke of Beaufort he would not believe in my horse
winning the Cambridgeshire ; and the more I told
him that Yestminster at the time of his defeat was
not himself, the more he protested he knew better.
This same Duke of Beaufort let him down badly in
the Derby of that year. He formed a notion that
lie was a good colt, whereas the best judges told him
he was a bad.

" I'll back him all the same," he said, and took
30,000 to 1000 oft* " Tubby " Morris.

"He'll see 10 to 1," he told Morris as he booked
the bet.

" I tell you what it is," said Morris. " If your
horse goes on nicely, you bring him to the post fit
as he can be made, and the people like him, you'll
be able to get 100 to 1, never mind lO's."

Matters were not so bad as that, but all the same

19S

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Duke of Beaufort stood at 50's, doing rather better
than many thought would be the case ))y running
sixth.

But perhaps the most striking instance of
^Ir. Brayley's infatuation with his judgment was
revealed in the spring of 1868, when I tried Paul
Jones with his Mariner for the Chester Cup. The
spin took place at Telscombe over a very severe two-
mile track, on about as bad a mornino; as the
elements could have conspired to devise. A bitter
wind swept across the downs, and with tlie wind
was a blinding rain. It was not at all a day
on which to idle about, and I pushed on with
matters.

" Here, Fordham," I said, " look sharp. Let's
get this over. You weigh out at 9 st., and you
Cannon at 8 st. 7 lb." (I should explain Fordham
was to ride Paul Jones and Tom Cannon Mariner,
the other in the trial being Vixen, with a little boy
up, to make running).

"What's that?" shrieked Mr. Brayley. Your
Paul Jones give my Mariner 7 lb. ! Hidiculous ! "

" Not at all," I said. " You'd have no chance
with Mariner at Chester with my horse's weight.
And, Brayley, I shan't back mine unless he beats
yours easily."

" Perfect nonsense ! Your horse can't, and isn't

199

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

going to try to give my horse weight. There'll be
no trial if the weights are not level ! "

Seeing that, of his vanity about his Mariner,
Mr. Brayley was determined, I had to give way,
and it was a case of 9 st. each. I expected Paul
Jones to win, but scarcely anticipated that he would
so completely smash Mariner up as to thrash him
by about a quarter of a mile, which he did. In
fact Mariner, from our standpoint, could not be
seen.

*' Oh," cried Mr. Brayley, " I wouldn't have had
this happen for a thousand pounds ! Mariner, I'm
sure, has broken down ! "

After an interval Vixen passed us, and in time
Mariner, with Tom Cannon drenched to the skin.

" What's the matter, Tom ? what has happened ? "
called Mr. Brayley excitedly. " Has he broken
down ? "

" Nothing of the kind," Tom returned. " That
big brute [Paul Jones] had me settled half a mile
from home. Mine was stone cold at the bottom of
the hill."

That satisfied even ]VIi\ Brayley, who ceased his
lamentations, and on getting to town anticipated
me in the backing of my horse, with the result that
I was left with the " skim " of the market. No
more than 7 to 4 was laid at flag-fall, and that price

200

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

could not be had to money. The last bet I laid was
700 to 400 to Mr, " Ilosebery " Smith, more to oblige
him than because I wished to hedge. He wanted
1400 to 800, but that was out of reason, as the only
bet I had was 4000 to 1000. There have been equal
certainties in racing, of course ; I question, however,
whether a greater has existed in connection w4th a
handicap.

Paul Jones, as a yearling, only cost me 100 guineas
at public auction. I liked the look of him as he
was led into the ring — a colt of great bone, perhaps
a trifle coarse, but quite the sort to work upon.
After the sale I met Mr. Mannington.

"I hear," he said, "you have bought that Buc-
caneer colt, Paul Jones."
"Yes."

"Well, it's a funny thing, but Fve been looking*
e very where for you to persuade you to buy."

"It is curious. Well, he's mine, and I must say
I like him very much,"

" So do I ; and I feel sure that, with average luck,
he will do you some good."

Paul Jones, as indicated, was a sort that could
not be hurried ; and I did not have him anything
approaching my fancy till the Goodwood week of
18G7. Even then he was scarcely cherry-ripe; but
he was so well in the Mile Nursery that I resolved

201

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

to back him. I gave the commission to Mr. John
Foy, who returned me what I thought was a very
poor price, his explanation being that Captain
Hawkesley had had the market. I rephed that
the Captain was not acting for me. There were
four-and- twenty runners, and, starting at 5 to 2,
Paul Jones pulled through by a neck from Kingsland.
Quince, one of my stable lads, had the mount. He
was a very fine horseman ; and, seeing that Butler
was on Kingsland, young Quince must be held to
have shaped Avell. After the race Mr. Foy said :
*' Well, you've w^on, but I wish the second had."
Surprised, I asked, "Why?"
** Because I had a big interest in him."
" Well, I should have thought you might have
told me, Foy, in case I wanted to save." He turned
away and laughed.

" That," I said to myself, " is John Foy all over."
After his Chester Cup victory Paul Jones took
his chance in the Derby, figuring third favourite to
Lady Elizabeth and Blue Gown. This position was
assured him by the magnificence of his action in the
preliminary canter. As the saying is, he went down
best. To put matters at the utmost, he ran well,
without ever threatening victory ; and when at the
top of his form, I should say he was always 10 lb.
behind the winner, Blue Gown. I had a good look

202

r* • — -^r-

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TUKF

at my horse after the race, and was the reverse of
pleased. He struck me as being on the "beefy"
side, and I did not, knowing what a gross feeder he
was, think he had had sufficient work. The form, I
was certain, was much wTong, as Speculum ran
third ; and at any time Paul Jones was 5 lb. and a
neck in front of the Duke of Newcastle's colt. He
was indulged with a walk-over for the Rous Stakes
at Goodwood, and failed later in the afternoon to o-et
a place in the Stewards' Cup — Avon by Vex,* who

« Vex was a brown filly by Vedette from Flying Duchess ; hence
full sister to Galopin, who was foaled in 1872. I could make nothing
much of Vex, for though a beautiful lengthy filly she was of so ex-
citable a disposition that she used to beat herself at the post, the
perspiration pouring off her in, so to say, bucketsf ul style. I thought
she would suit Lord Westmorland for the matches of which he Cas
so fond, as she, when all right, went like the wind. She cost me only
96 guineas, at auction in Newmarket High Street. After her Good-
wood exposition of brilliancy I was naturally keen on her relatives.
But though I bought the progeny of Flying Duchess from Mr.
Simpson for three years, they did not realise expectations. In truth,
they no more resembled Vex than a hen does a horse ; and I am as
sure as I am of my own existence they were not by Vedette. The
fact was, Mr. Simpson's stud was conducted in deplorable fashion.
The whole business was a hotch-potch, through the dilatoriness and
haphazard ways of Mr. Simpson and his associates. There is only
one ending to an establishment so conducted, and that bankruptcy,
which speedily overtook the owner of Vedette. Had misfortune not
befallen him, I should certainly have come into possession of
Galopin, whose likeness to his full sister. Vex, was as pronounced as
were his excitable ways. I have often been asked whether I thought
the alleged Vedette-Flying Duchess produce I purchased between
Vex and Galopin were by Vedette, and I have ever answered in the
negative.

203

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

early in the year I sold to Lord Westmorland for
200 sovs. At Brighton, in the Cup, Speculum gave
Paul Jones 7 lb. and a handsome beating — form
that I knew to be wrong, and puzzled indeed was
I to make out what had come over my colt. He
had in no way lost his action ; he was not in the
leastwise ungenerous ; and the fault, I concluded,
must be in the training.

" Balchin," I said, " I am going to have Paul
Jones trained for the St. Leger — trained, mind you.
He can't be as bad as the Cup running makes him
out. I shall be down every day to see him do his
work, and then I shall be satisfied." Nor did I
whenever possible, fail to act up to my word, suffer-
ing any inconvenience, travelling any distance, in
order to keep an eye on my colt.

In the Yorkshire Oaks a fortnight later a Birdhill
filly, named Maesllwch — that I had purchased from
the Duke of Beaufort — ran a good third to the Duke
of Hamilton's Leonie and Mr. Watt's Mysotis, and
later in the afternoon won the Chesterfield Handicap,
distance a mile. I determined I would try Paul
Jones with her, and the pair were stripped on
Friday, August 28 (1868). To Maesllwch I set
Paul Jones to concede 2 st. 7 lb., a task he cleverly
accomplished. By taking a line through Leonie —
who was uncommonly smart — I made out that I had

204

^^it^^ - . i.^jcaaSte^

■^

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

a rattling chance of winning the St. Leger, provided
Paul Jones kept well. On the following Tuesday I
went to the Warwick races, and met Mr. Harry
Steel. "Billy Marshall," I said, "has offered me
5000 to 25 against Paul Jones for the Leger, and so
has Stephenson."

" Well, I shouldn't take the bets. I think it's
all the odds against him."

" Now, Steel, don't make a mistake. I've scarcely
left that horse since Brighton. This time I've seen
that he is trained." And I told him the trial.

Steel was well aware that when I laid myself out
for a coup I was not in the habit of practising self-de-
ception, and his grave face became more thoughtful.

" I'm so satisfied," I added, " that I want you to
put me a thousand pounds on."

" You didn't take those bets ? "

" No."

"Bight. I'll manage the business. You attend to
the horse."

I did not again meet Steel, or hear from him, tih
I saw him in the Subscription Booms at Doncaster.

" I've done that for you," he said. " You have
37,000 to 1000."

Fordham, who had been engaged for Formosa,
begged off, as it was common property she was
not herself, in order to ride Paul Jones, at

207 o

^'

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

the finish a 100 to 15 chance. As the world has
known for these past thirty odd years, Formosa,
despite her amissness, beat my colt by a couple of
leno;ths. But the world has not known that Fordham
always blamed himself as being the cause of the
defeat.

"I thoucrht when' I saw Osborne at work o»
Mercury I had the race safe, and took matters a bit
easy. If I had, as I should have done, come clean
away, I must have won in a canter. Mr. Hodgman,"
he said, "I have lost you tlie Leger and all that
money. I shall never forgive myself" This Ford-
nam told me in my rooms on the night of the race,
and he wished there and then to go home. But 1
saw no sense in that, though I own that I was very
disappointed, an added tinge arising from knowledge
of the fact that if Paul Jones had won the Austrians
would have bought him for 5000 so vs.

Still, if I lost the race I gained some whisky.
Mr. Graham, the owner of Formosa, was a spirit
merchant, trading under the name of Nicholson —
"Nicholson's London Gin." He shook hands with
me after the weighing-in, remarking, " I'm glad I've
won. But my filly was amiss, and I went for yours,
Hodgman."

Mr. Graham was not prodigal in his ways, and
" Tubby " Morns, who stood with us, said, " WeU^

208

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

anyway you can aiFord to send us some whisky out
of the stakes."

" So I will." And he took the addresses of Morris
and myself. I met Morris later, when he asked,
" Did you get any whisky from Graham ? "

" Oh, yes ! An eighteen-gallon cask."

" A what ? Why, the old skinflint only sent me a
two-gallon jar."

I laughed. "Well, Tubby, that's all he sent me,
I hope it won't break his heart."

By running second in the St. Leger I incurred a
6 lb. penalty for the Cesare witch — an unfair arrange-
ment that no longer prevails. Still, Paul Jones was
even then in receipt of 15 lb. from Blue Gown, and I
put 500 so vs. on. To my dismay the horse, indubi-
tably one of the finest stayers of his year, walked In
with the crowd. That bit of running never was
explained, and I cannot explain it now ; all I know
is that Jackson did the financial work for me. He
was standing by me on Leger day, and remarked,
" Your horse will nearly win the Cesare witch."

" He must have a chance," I said.

"Shall I back it for you?"

"Yes. Put me 500 on."

The thing was done on the spur of the moment,
but I afterwards reflected that I might, without
travelling far, have selected somebody in whom I

209

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

had more reason for confidence. I was so piqued at
the disgraceful running of the colt that I promptly
struck him out of the Cambridgeshire, and had the
mortification of witnessing the success of See Saw,
whom I had beaten "all ends up" in the St. Leger.
It is as well at times not to act on impulse. In the
Chester Cup of the following year (1869) Paul Jones
was handicapped at 7 st. 9 lb. , and I thought he held
a respectable chance of " repeating history." The
^gean was favourite, ridden by Wilson, while
Butler was on my horse. The pair went " hammer
and tongs " for each other, clapping on the pace to
such an extravagant extent that at a period they
were fully twenty lengths ahead of the rest, each
jockey riding as though the five furlong were the
finishing post. The ordeal was more than horseflesh
could endure, and gradually The ^gean and Paul
Jones dropped back, pumped out ; so that Fordham,
on Knight of the Garter, at the Grosvenor Bridge,
had the race nicely in hand. Dalby, who finished
third, conceding Paul Jones 2 lb., met him next day
in Her Majesty's Plate. I gave Butler a severe and
deserved rating for his ridiculous riding. In truth,
I had a good mind, as Fordham was disengaged, to
make Butler stand down, and told him so.

" If," I warned him, " you do to-day what you did
yesterday, I will never put you up again."

210

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Butler rode as well that afternoon as on the pre-
vious afternoon he had ill, and Dalby was beaten by
a couple of lengths, this circumstance supplying clear
proof that Paul Jones should have been in the thick
of the Cup fight. That autumn — 1869 — I planned
three coups : Paul Jones for the Great Yorkshire
Handicap ; John Davis for the Cesarewitch Stakes ;
and Vestminster for the Cambridgeshire. The
easiest of realisation I took to be the first and the
hardest the third. But curiously — so strangely
Fortune shuffled her cards — the most difficult was the
only successful effort. Still, Paul Jones was for the
" Great Yorkshire " a " moral," accidents excepted.
Unfortunately, the interfering agent of accident was
present. A quarter of a mile from home, when full
of running, Paul Jones was cannoned on to the rails,
and Butler's feet came out of the stirrup irons. He
made a marvellous recovery, but the race was then
lost, poor third honours being my horse's share.
Afterwards Paul Jones did nothing, and was sold
with the rest of my racing stud.

211

CHAPTEE XVI

The Duke of Hamilton — He puts me a thousand on Valiant
— A " good thing " — The Duke misses a chance — ^\Vhat I said
to him — His laughing agreement — I buy John Davis of him
— The Brighton Stakes running — " Tubljy " ]VIorris and Billy
Nichol think they " smell a rat " — A drive to Telscombe —
John Davis's extraordinary trials— He beats Provider loO
yards — Fordham -wishes to ride at 14 lb. overweight — I lose
Butler and put up Sammy Mordan — His eccentric disobedi-
ence— A Cesarewitch thrown away — I sell John Davis for
19 gs. — The Stewards' Cup — The Duke of Hamilton's Mid-
lothian and LoUypop — His Grace's declaration — His orders to
Custance — My orders — I try to Ijuy Sutler.

Whoever knew the late Duke of Hamilton with
any degree of intimacy found in him a staunch
friend and a charming companion. There was
nothing namby-pamby about His Grace, a man of
rare physique, and able, when occasion arose, to use
his fists with admirable dexterity. The very soul of
kindness, he would do anybody he liked a good turn,
and many lost a real friend when he was " gathered
to his fathers." His Grace and myself always hit
matters excellently, and the number of business
transactions we had together is beyond my memory
to recall. It must be understood that the members

o\ a

,9

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

^tf the King were always anxious to bet with him,
for if at times he dealt them a shrewd blow, they in
turn had their hauls, and never had to wait a
moment for their money. The first big thing the
Duke did for me was at the Shrewsbury Races, on
Thursday, November 16, 1866. I had a horse
called Valiant running in the Hawkstone Welter,
sxnd, thinking his chance an extraordinarily good
*)ne, determined to risk a thousand. Had I gone to
the bookmakers myself I should have in all likelihood
liad to lay odds to get on such a substantial sum,
So I saw his Grace early in the day, and said, " I
want you to put a thousand on Valiant."

" Oh, I can't, Hodgman. I really can't. I'm
short of money."

" You misunderstand me," I answered. " I want
jou to put a thousand on for me. Mind, it's a good
thing, and you ought to back it for yourself. But I
don't want you to bet till the last moment. Please
stand by the steps in the Ring, and keep an eye on
me. When I take my hat off, begin. If you can't
get the thousand on, do what you can."

The bookmakers time after time approached the
Duke to know if he fancied anything. But he turned
a deaf ear to their requests until I gave him the
signal, which was not before Fordham, who rode,
was well on the way to the post. Then the Duke

213

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

said to Jackson, as if he had suddenly made up his
mind, *' I'll back Valiant."

"I'll lay you two monkeys."

Then Stephenson offered 600 to 300, and Bayliss,
wishing for a deal, sprung 410 to 200, making in all
2010 to 1000. The horse won anyhow, and after
seeing Fordham weigh in I went to his Grace.
The bookmakers promptly deciphered the situation,
remarking, " Oh, he does your business now ! What
next?"

"Well, your Grace," I said, "what have you
done?"

He told me, and I thanked him, adding, " And
what did you put on for yourself? "

" Oh, I put nothing on. Not a penny,"

" Well," I said, " excuse me, your Grace, but you

are a d d old Avasherwoman. I told you it was

a good thing."

" So you did. And I really think I have been slow."
The incident lived long in the ducal memory.
Indeed, a short time before his death the Duke
called to me in the Birdcage at Ne^vmarket. He
was seated with Mr. Langley ("Pavo" of the
Morning Post) under the shed.

" Hodgman," he said, " what was the name of that
horse I put you a thousand pounds on at Shrewsbury?
It began with a V."

314

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

*' Valiant," I answered.
" Yes, yes."

"You got me 2010 to 1000."

" I did. And now, Hodgman, would you mind
telling our friend ' Pavo ' what you called me when
I told you I had done nothing for myself? "

" Well, your Grace, if you want the exact words, I
said you were a d d old washerwoman."

"Yes. And, mind you, Hodgman, you called me
by my right name."

In 1869 I noticed that John Davis was ad-
vertised for sale in the "Calendar." He was
a brown horse by Voltigeur from Jamaica, and
then aged. He had done the Duke of Hamilton
capital service, but as the horse was getting
on in years he determined to sell. I had seen
this said John Davis run in the Northamptonshire
Stakes, and from what I then noticed considered
him good for racing. I met the Duke one day,
and remarked, " Your Grace, I see John Davis is
in the sale list."

" Yes. He goes up."

" Have you put a reserve on him ? "

"Yes. Five hundred."

" I will give you that now."

" Well, Hodgman, I can't take him out of the sale,
you know."

215

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" May I mention to Tattersall that you told me
the reserve price ? "

" Certainly. Do what you like."

I went to Mr. Tattersall, and said that if there
was no bid over 500 he was to knock the horse
down, at the reserve price, to Mr. W. S. Stonehewer,
a, rich Yorkshire Justice of the Peace, who stood
over six feet high, and was dearly anxious to win a
big handicap. The reserve was not reached, and
John Davis was knocked down as I had instructed
Mr. Tattersall. I immediately wired to Mr. Stone-
hewer, " Have bought the horse. Dine with me to-
night at the Bristol Hotel, Brighton." I gave him
the five hundred pounds over the dinner-table, and
he filled in the cheque and sent the same off to
Tattersall's at once. Though he was a Yorkshireman,
Mr. Stonehewer lived at Shoreham, and I let the
liorse go to his farm, where he galloped round hay-
stacks ! This was the only work he did before he
ran in the Brighton Stakes, wherein he was ridden
by Butler.

I said to Mr. George Cutt, " I want you to put
me £10 on John Davis. Go to ' Tubby ' Morris, and
put £5 on with him, and lay out the other with
Billy Nichol. Don't you touch it yourself. He
may win, but he has not been trained."

Just as the horses were going out Mr. Cutt took

216

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

£50 to £5 from Morris and a similar bet from
Nichol. I was standing close by the last-named,
and asked, " What has he done, Billy ? "

*' Oh, you know d d well what he's done. I've

laid him 50 to 5 against your ' boiler.' "

"I'll take 100 to 10," I answered.

" No, thank you. Not for me ! "

Morris, who overheard us, thinking a coup was
intended, soon covered his little bit, and added to
it ; and Billy Nichol sent all over the Ring to back
the horse. By this means he w^as kept nicely in the
market, which was exactly what I wanted. I
watched the race by the side of Billy Nichol, and
saw that John Davis ran remarkably well — so well
indeed that Billy called out, "You'll win, Hodge!
You'll win ! "

" I hope I may," I said. But the want of con-
dition told its inevitable tale, and he died away up
the hill.

What I had noticed told me that John Davis
retained his action to the full, and was a bit too
good for haystack training; so he was sent off to
Telscombe, and I entered him in the Cesare witch
in Mr. Stonehewer's name. On the afternoon the
weights came out I was at the club, and Bill Mundy
read out the lists for the Cesarewitch and the
Cambridgeshire. After he had finished I said to

217

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. T. Hughes, Avho stood next me, " Tom, I shall
win both those races, the one with John Davis and
the other with Yestminster." On the following
morning I drove from my place in Nightingale Lane,
Clapham, to Telscombe. My first stop was at an
inn just beyond Croydon, and on the signboard, in
gilt letters from a scarlet ground, was

"JOHN DAYIS."

I was thinking deeply at the time of the horse of
that name, and the incident caused me to pull up
and have a drink, telling the landlord the reason of
the call. Next morning I saw John Davis do his
work, and he went with such dash and resolution
that I was delighted. That year there were at the
First October Meeting^ two races decided over the
Cesarewitch course. One of them Avas won by
Mr. Ray's Wildflower, by Wild Dayrell. She won
with ridiculous ease, and, the owner being a friend
of mine, I borrowed her to try John Davis with.
There were several others in the spin, but Wild-
flower, as representing recent form, was the chief
tell-tale. I put her in with 2 st. less than the old
horse, who simply played with her. Indeed, he won
with such a deal to spare that T did not see how
under 6 st. 12 lb. he could possibly be beaten in the
Cesarewitch. The trial, in fact, seemed to be almost

218

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

too good to be true, and I resolved on another
gallop, this time on Brighton racecourse. Meanwhile
I had met Sir John Astley.

" Hodgy," he said, " I hear you are going to
gallop your Cesarewitch horse."

"Yes, I am, Sir John. Next Friday, over the
Brighton racecourse. I have tried him, but I want
to test the spin."

" Will you jDut Provider in for me ? " he asked.

" Certainly. What weights shall I put on ? "

" Oh, the handicap weights."

The result was striking confirmation of the first
test, John Davis cantering home from Wildflower,
while Provider was beaten 150 yards. I saw Sir
John on the first day of the Second October Meeting,
and told him what had happened.

" Much obliged, Hodgy," he said in his cheery
way. "But I shall run. You have no chance if you
keep them in the stable." On that day Mr. Ray
ran Wildflower in the Handicap Plate, decided over
the Cesarewitch course. She, carrying 7 st. 2 lb.,
won by a neck from Mr. Savile's Miss Gratwicke
(7 St. 9 lb.) : so evidently the mare was in form.
Going on my trial, I made out that John Davis
at 6 st. 12 lb. was Wildflower at 4 st., and I thought,
" If that isn't a certainty, racing never knew one."

Fordham, who rode in both trials, begged me to

219

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

let him have the mount at 7 st. 12 lb. I said,
" George, how can I, for the Admiral's sake, do
such a thing ? Put up a stone over weight ? No ! I
can't do it. The Admiral would never forgive me."

o

Godding's boy, Dan Butler, w\as engaged, but, for
some reason, this said Godding, a very peculiar
character, took offence, and swore that I shouldn't
have the boy — not a little finger of him. Having
said this, no matter what persuasion I brought to
l^ear, he declined to change his mind. This was a
great blow, and with Fordham impossible he sug-
gested the only course was to put Sam Mordan up.
My orders to him were, " Sam, you've only to get
fairly away. Get him nicely balanced, then put
your hands on his neck, and he'll do the rest.
You'll come home by yourself" But Mordan paid
no heed to the instructions, and instead of allowing
his mount to stride out, as directed, he pulled and
sawed him about, singing, as some of the jockeys
who rode in the race told me, " Mittith Thammy
Mordan's husband will win the Thetherwitch to day.
Mittith Thammy Mordan will have her thewing
mathine to-night." Could more egregiously foolish
tactics be imagined ? Fordham, who rode Taraban,
kept an eye on the horse, and repeatedly shouted,
" Sammy, go on ! Let his head loose ! " But Sammy
would not listen, and threw the race away by a

220

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

length and a half to Cherie. Provider, three lengths
away, was third, and him John Davis should have
beaten by a hundred yards. My commission,
executed by Steel, was a heavy one — over a thou-
sand at a fine rate of odds. I had no patience
even to speak to Mordan, especially as through
being tangled up with the runners he had got
the horse struck into, two hours being occupied
in walking him from the course to the town.
I determined to put him up for sale, and he-
realised the magnificent price of 19 guineas. Thfe
Rugby vet. Avho bought him was afterwards offered
thousands. The horse got no end of stayers,
among them Don Juan, who brought off a big
thing in the Cesarewitch for Mr. George Lambert
in 1883.

But to return to the Duke of Hamilton. In 1878
his Grace won the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood
with Midlothian. The public had fixed on Lollypop
as the better of the Duke's pair, and so he was.
But a gallop revealed that either at the weights
could win, and as nice odds could be obtained about
the little horse, Midlothian, while Lollypop was
nearly favourite, the Duke determined to give the
first-named the preference. I shared the general
view, which ran for Lollypop, and I put a fair
amount of money on the son of Souvenir. I chanced

221

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

on the Duke at exercise hours, and said, " Well,
your Grace, Avhat about your horses ? "

" Oh, I'm going to declare with Midlothian."

" But he can't beat Lollypop on his merits."

" Perhaps not. But he'll beat him to-day."

" That's a nice thing, and my money's on
Lollypop ! "

" Well, Hodgman, you're on the wrong one. But
there ! I'll see you later." The jockeys had weighed
out when I saw the Duke again, and he asked me
if I had noticed Custance (Lollypop's rider) about.

*' Here he is," I said, Custance that moment
coming in sight.

" Custance," said his Grace, " I've declared to
win with Midlothian. You understand now ? "

" Yes, your Grace."

" And you ride Lollypop accordingly."

" Yes, your Grace."

" Has your Grace finished ? " I asked.

"Yes."

"Well, Custance, these are my orders. You let
Lollypop have his head, come right through, and
you'll win by the length of a street."

His Grace and Custance laughed, and the latter
walked away to his horse. " Well, Hodgman," said
the Duke, " What have you done ? Have you backed
Midlothian?"

222

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Not a penny piece. I'm on Lollypop."

''But you must be on Midlothian. Book 16 to 1
to a pony with me."

Well, with Lemaire up, Midlothian won by four
lengths from Lollypop, but It took Custance all his
time to prevent the big horse getting nearer than
second, he riding In Life -guardsman fashion. At night
the Duke called at our place (Mr. Lambert, Mr. Tom
H i ^hes, and myself " joined forces " for Goodwood
at Pilleygreen Lodge), and his first words were,
" Well, Hodgman, I told you Midlothian would
beat Lollypop."

'Yes, you did," I returned. "But if Custance
hac not been tied down with orders he could have
w< a anyhow." The proceedings of the evening
wer'^ of the liveliest character, the Duke staying
tOl past ten o'clock.

¥7hen in 1879 I saw by the advertisements that
the Duke purposed selling Sutler, I resolved that if
poo. ible I would become possessed of the son of
Baibillonne, of whom I had a very high opinion.
"I will," I said, "give you 1500 for him, if you
dou t want the money immediately."

'■' file must go through the ring, Hodgman," he
an /ered, "and if he is knocked down to you, you
ca- 3ay when you like. But I must say," he added,
"t}i;,t I think 1500 is too much for him."

223 p

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" He's worth that to me," I returned. " I know
where to place him."

I put Mr. Charles Hibhert in to buy him, ex-
plaining the circumstances, which the Duke con-
firmed. " Fifteen hundred and no more," I said to
Mr. Hibbert : so that, by necessity, when Mr. John
Percival, acting for Sir George Chetwynd, made a
bid of that amount Mr. Hibbert retired. Sutler did
fair service for Sir George in minor kind of stakes.
But I always regarded him as a horse that should
have won a big handicap.

224

CHAPTER XVII

Mr. Fred Swindell and the Truth gelding (1874)— Admiral
Eoub's hesitancy — His message to Mr. Swindell and the
bluffing answer — I fall into the trap, and lay the gelding for
the Cesarewitch — Mr. Swindell's silence — The Admiral's bet
and wish — Archer's weakness — The " good thing " fails —
Woodlands for the Cesarewitch of 187G — The Admiral's
disbelief — Some fine bets — Rosebery prevents their realisa-
tion— The Curate — Tom Green's idea of not hurrying a
horse — The Lincolnshire Handicap — How raised to a thou-
sand pounds — The Ring subscribe a "monkey" — Mr. Ford's
gratitude.

In the Cesarewitch of 1874 Mr. Fred Swindell
entered a gelding by Wamba from Truth, then a
four-year-old. He had not run since his juvenile
days, when he figured in selling plates without
success. Bill Scott had his management early on,
but in 1874 Mr, Swindell directed him to send the
gelding to Matthew Dawson, as he wished him to
be tried. He was sent, and never returned to Scott,
who was a deal cut up by the business. But
Swindell was a long-headed man, and knew that if
he kept the horse with Matthew Dawson he could
make sure of the services of Fred Archer, then able
to go to scale at 6 st. 1 lb. On September 8, 1874,

225

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

as I was going upstairs at the Regent Hotel,
Leamington, about 8.30 at night, I met Admiral
Rous.

" What ! " I said, " not dined, Admiral ? It's near-
ing nine o'clock."

" No. Dinner's not till nine. Such hours don't
suit me. But I suppose I must put up with them."

" Well, I've finished dinner," I returned, " and am
going over to the Warwick Arms at Warwick,
where Lambert, Swindell, and the ' school ' are
staying."

" Oh," interposed the Admiral, " do you know
anything about the Truth gelding ? "

" Who does he belong to ? "

" Swindell."

And with that he pulled his handicap for the
Cesarewitch from his pocket, and showed it me.

"What does all this mean ? " I asked, pointing to
the Truth gelding, " You have him in at all sorts
of weights— 7 st. 4 lb., 6 st. 12 lb., 6 st. 4 lb., 6 st.,
5 St. 12 lb. What does it mean ? "

" Well," he answered, " I am told by several
people that he's a rod in pickle. Others say he is
bad. And I'm bothered because he hasn't run for
two years. That is the reason why I can't settle on
his weight. As you're going to see Swindell, would
you mind asking him about what sort of a horse he is?"

226

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Now, Admiral, you really don't seriously expect
that that old fox would tell me anything ? "

" Well, he might. Just ask him."

I walked over to the Warwick Arms, and found
the party I expected. After general greetings I
turned to Swindell with, " Fred, I've a message for
you from the Admiral. He asked me to ask you
what sort of a horse the Truth gelding is. I told
him he really couldn't expect an old fox like you to
tell me anything. Still, I've carried out his wishes.
Is there any answer, Fred ? At present he has you
down at all sorts of weights — from 7 st. 4 lb. to
5 St. 12 lb."

"Tell him," said Swindell, "that if he's got 6 st.

on him he may scratch the d d horse. And

further, tell him he can have the brute for a hundred."

" Say two hundred, Fred," remarked Mr. Lambert.
"The old boy might take you at your word, and
give a hundred."

" Well, two hundred, Hodge. And, mind, tell him
what I say I mean. If he puts 6 st. on him he can
scratch the beast."

On my return to Leamington I saw the Admiral,
and delivered the message.

" Thanks," he said. " I'll put him down 5 st. 12 lb.
I'll do it now." And he took up the pen and jotted
down the burden.

227

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

The next day, on reaching the Ring, I looked in
vain for Mr. Swindell. He had disappeared, as was
his way when he wished to avoid questions. At
night I wrote him : " Your horse's weight is 5 st.
12 lb. I should advise you to leave him in. Those
who have told the Admiral he is a ' rod in pickle '
are sure now to back him, and if he is as bad as
you say you can lay him." He returned no answer^
and at Doncaster, after the acceptances were de-
clared, I went to speak to him ; but he made a
flimsy excuse for hurrying away, and next morning
"stepped it" to London.

Considering the friendly terms we usually were
on I thought the treatment, to say the least,
was peculiar. Still, I paid no great attention
to the matter, for Swindell at times acted in
funny fashion. The following week I went to
Ayr, and while out for a walk in Glasgow on
the Tuesday morning I heard a tap at a fruiterer's
window.

" Hallo, Musgrove," I said.

" Hallo, Hodgman," he returned, " what are you
doing here ? "

" Oh, I'm up for the races, and was taking a con-
stitutional."

"Very glad to see you. By-the-bye, are you
betting on the Cesarewitch ? "

228

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" No. But if you want to back one I don't fancy
I'll lay you a fair price."

** Well, the Truth gelding."

" Oh, I'll lay that one. 1000 to 30."

" No. Forty ponies."

''Eight."

"Forty fifties."

"Yes."

"Forty hundreds."

" No. Forty fifties will be enough."

At night I wrote to Mr. Swindell, informing him of
the bets, and, in accordance with the custom between
us, I expected an answer, saying whether I should "get
out " or " hold on." But he never dropped me a line,
and purposely kept out of my way till the Sunday
night before the Cesarewitch. In the meanwhile there
had been a tremendous backing of the Truth gelding,
and I had a sorry -looking book. On the day named
he walked into my rooms at Mr. Heavens's house at
Newmarket. I said, "Well, Fred, you here! This
is nice treatment. You've neither answered my
letters nor spoken to me since Doncaster."

"Well, lad, I've not been very well."

"But your d d horse seems all right. And

I've been nicely carted."

" Well, lad," he answered, " I'll lay thee nineteen

ponies."

22q

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" But what about the forty fifties ? "

** Nay, lad, I know nothing of that bet. T- ou
must get out of that thyself I've not much
money on."

As a matter of fact he had backed the horse to
win £100,000. Next morning, by the Subscription
Rooms, I met Admiral Rous.

"Admiral," I said, "that old fox came to my
rooms last night. I've scarcely had the cha.nce of
speaking to him since that night he told me you
could have the Truth gelding for a couple of
hundred."

"Yes, I know. Mr. Swindell has played a very
high game with me."

" He's laid me nineteen ponies," I remarked.

"Why, just this instant," said the Admiral, "he
laid me twenty ponies." (The Admiral, I may add,
after the weights were declared, would bet with
anybody.) " He tells me," the Admiral went on,
" that he's very moderate, but that he may pull
through. I took the bet, but I do hope he will be
beaten. Matt Dawson, however, says the race is as
good as over."

Nothing further passed between the Admiral and
myself till the number of Lord Allesbury's Aven-
turiere went up first in the frame, with that of
Truth gelding in second place, Glover, on the

230

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

daughter of Adventurer, just beating Archer on the
Truth gelding, who carried 3 lb. overweight, and
started at 5 to 1. I always hold that it was Archer
rather than the horse that was beaten. Even in
those early days Archer would waste, and he went
to scale as weak as a rat. Had he been allowed a
few pounds extra he must have won in a canter.
So, after all, poetic justice was meted out, the
cleverness of Mr. Swindell in getting his horse in at
5 st. 12 lb. being the cause of the failure of the
coup. To show how Archer had wasted, I may add
that on the following Thursday he had considerable
difficulty in riding at 6 st. 4 lb. Instantly the
numbers were hoisted the Admiral came to the
Ring-side and called out in a loud tone, " Hodgman !
Hodgman ! "

Then the Ringmen took up the cry, till I said,
" All right. I see the Admiral."

I went to him, and he grasped me tightly by the
hand.

"I'm delighted," he said, "delighted. To think,
after all, he's been done, and my dear old friend
Payne has won."

"I am glad, too," I said, "especially as at the
last moment I took 500 to 20 about the winner
from Steel."

Two years later — that is, 187G — Mr. Swindell

231

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

had a horse named Woodlands, a four-year-old
chestnut colt by Nutbourne out of Whiteface. In.
looking over the handicaps for the Cesarewitch and
Cambridgeshire at the Admiral's house, 13, Berkeley
Square, I told him that he had Woodlands too well
in at 7 st. 2 lb. for the Cesarewitch. But he would
not listen to me, saying that Swindell was going for
the Cambridgeshire, in which he had given him 8 st.
" Well, Admiral, if I were you I should put
7 lb. on his back for the Cesarewitch and take
off 7 lb. for the Cambridgeshire. And when the

o

race is over I think you will say my views were
right."

" No. I will not believe in him for the Cesare-
witch. Nor shall I think of him winning even with
7 St. 2 lb."

Finding the Admiral wedded to his own ideas,
and hearing that all would be right with Woodlands,
I took the liberty of backing him, as a set off to the
laying against the Truth gelding. That day, in the
evening, I went to the Victoria Club, and met an
old friend, Bob Reece.

" Bob," I said, " to-morrow morning — not to-night
— do you think you could find Charlie Bush ? "

"Yes."

*' Well, here are two one-hundred-pound notes.
Try and run against Bush early, and see what he

232

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

will lay you Woodlands for the Cesarewitch. You
should get forties."

That was the price Bush offered, but Bob, remind-
ing him it was to be a " ready " transaction, asked
for a little more, and obtained 4200 to 100.

" Twice ? " he queried.

" No. Once is enough."

I had made an appointment for Reece to meet
me at the " Two Brewers," in Jermyn Street, to
"report progress." "Now," I said to him, "about
half-past two or three o'clock take that other
hundred-pound note and back the horse with the
little men." He returned me forty fifties and forty
ponies twice — so my bets in all about Woodlands
were 8200 to 200. The weights came out that
evening, and a glance at the Calendar showed
the Admiral had " stuck to his guns" — there was
Woodlands, 4 years, 7 st. 2 lb. I backed the horse
again, and stood, at long odds, to wdn, in round
figures, £12,000. On the morning of the race
Woodlands was favourite, and I laid off 2000 to 400.
Mr. James Smith came to me, and said, " Hodgman,
how do you stand about my horse ? " — that being
Rosebery.

"Well, Jim," I answered, " I'm against him."

" Do as you like," he remarked, " but I'm sure to
win. You can have what you like at 9 to 1."

233

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I thanked him, and, to the best of my recollection,
I had £35 on at that rate, my fancy, of course,
being Woodlands. But I had always a great
respect for Mr. Smith, and believed in his judgment,
also in that of his commissioner, Mr. Harry Steel —
a fine, straightforward man. Mr. Swindell was not
destined, with Woodlands, to avenge the defeat of
the Truth gelding, for Rosebery beat his horse in
hollow style by four lengths.

Still keeping to tales of Mr. Swindell, I may
mention that in 1874 I ran a horse called The
Curate in the Lincolnshire Handicap, which was
won by his Tomahawk. In 1873, he then being a
four-year-old, I thought a good deal of The Curate,
even to the extent of winning a Cambridgeshire.
But, unfortunately, one day in the summer a terrific
storm swept over Telscombe, the thunder and light-
ning being appalling. The visitation was reckoned
the severest ever experienced in the district, and
my stables were shaken to their foundations. The
Curate was terrified, and in his fear reared up and
fought the walls of his box, in so doing injuring
himself severely. When I fetched Mr. Mannington
to him The Curate was apparently a hopeless cripple,
but by careful attention he was brought round and
became practically sound. I thought that perhaps
a change of quarters would be to his benefit, and so

234

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I sent him to Tom Green at Beverley. He met me
in London, and took charge of the horse — who still
bore signs of his injury — at Victoria Station. This
would be in the beginning of the December of '73.
I explained to Tom Green all about the accident, and
said, "Now, be careful with him. He is on no
account to be hurried. I can give you till next
autumn."

Later Green wrote, saying, " You had better enter
The Curate in the Lincolnshire Handicap. We need
not run him, but I should like to see how he is
treated."

Then came another letter telling of the marvellous
change that had come over the horse, and stating
that if he was nicely handicapped at Lincoln he
would win. I wrote back to Green asking if softening
of the brain was setting in. However, to satisfy
him I entered the hqrse, and at his urgent solicita-
tion, accepted. Green was cocksure he trained the
winner of the race, and, thinking I might be wrong,
though I was nine- tenths sure I was not, I took 2000
to 100 for a win, and 500 to 100 for a place.

" I shall not," I wrote to Green, " put a shilling
on for you. You must please yourself what
you do."

" Come down," he returned, " and look at the
horse. You won't know him."

235

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I own his improvement was great, but I was very
sceptical of him holding a winning chance, as instead
of three the horse needed twelve months. I met
Swindell afterwards, and he said, " Why, they're
a-backing your horse."

" I have a hundred each way, and shall have no
more. I don't think he will win. I can't make
out how Green has got him so fit. He must have
rushed him. Fred," I said, " you will win this
handicap with Tomahawk. He's a good horse."

" If you think so you can back him. I have some
money on myself. I think as you do."

I took fourteen ponies about Tomahawk oif Bill
Mundy, and he won from Oxford Mixture, with
Shy lock third, and The Curate fourth, missing a
place by a neck. I afterwards sold The Curate
to Fred Swindell for a thousand pounds, and
he won several races with him, though no big
handicap.

Tomahawk's year was the first time that a
thousand pounds were added to the Lincolnshire
Handicap ; and the man to whom the credit is due
for the further endowment of the stake was Mr.
Harry Steel. He came to me in 1873, after Vest-
minster (not then my horse) had won, and said,
" Hodgman, don't you think that this handicap
ought to have a thousand added ? The others are

236

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

all going up, and if something isn't done this will be
left in the lurch."

" Certainly. But where are you going to get the
extra five hundred from ? "

" Why, we'll get it out of the Ring. Go round
for it. Will you ask Mr. Ford [the father of the
present Mr. W. J. Ford] whether he will accept it ? "

Mr. Ford, a dear good old gentleman, was
delighted. He said he felt the race should be one
of a thousand added, but that the estate could not
then bear the burden. " It would make our meet-
ing," he remarked.

" Well, it shall be made."

The raising of the " monkey " from the Ring was
an easy matter, Steel, Billy Nichol, and myself
being the collectors. After the race Mr. Ford came
and thanked Steel and myself.

" It's the best meeting, by a long, long way, we
have ever had. In future, a thousand shall always
be added to the Lincolnshire Handicap. And we
can now afford the money ourselves."

2S7

CHAPTEK XVIII

Veni, Vidi, Vici, especially Yici — The Nottingham fiasco
— ^What the faithful paragraphists invented — I present Vici
to Fordham — The incident of the lane — Tom Cannon comes
into possession — He thinks he is in luck's way — Mr. Tubbs'
cheque : its value — King Lud — Determination to purchase —
Mr. Tom Lawley's advice to Lord Lonsdale — King Lud's
Ebor running — His Lordship's promise — I get good odds —
An easy Cesarewitch victory.

It is the misfortune of most owners in their time
to come into possession of a horse on whom the
vocabulary of obloquy might be exhausted without
the language of exaggeration being used. One of
the kind indicated that reached my hands was Vici,
a son of Fazzoleto and Heiress. I had three un-
named horses at the time, and, chaffing me about
my fondness for the " V's," Lord Stamford suggested
they should be called Veni, Vidi, and Vici. They
certainly came (to hand), and they as assuredly saw
(the racecourse). But there was not a deal of the
conquering character about any one of them. Vici
undoubtedly could go a bit. But without allowing
that, like " the little girl who had a little curl which
reached right to her forehead," when good he was

238

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

very good, I certainly must grant that (as she)
when he was bad he was horrid. No doubt he could
go when he liked. But the mood for vigour in the
proper direction was so rarely upon him that he was
a constant source of annoyance and trouble, I re-
member one race at Nottingham in the July of 1867
when he was only opposed by Mr. J. Barber's Contract.
The public betted 7 to 4 on him, and it was soon a
case of 100 to 1 on if he did not resort to pranks.
When he had the race at his mercy he took it into
his head to get out of the course, and jumped the
rails, leaving Contract to finish at his leisure. Some
of the faithful paragraphists of the day suggested
that because I had good prices at the clubs about
Vici, I paid Mr. Barber to run Contract, so that
there should be a race. I do not claim credit for
more than an average amount of common sense,
but I certainly do think I had sufficient prudence
not to risk a deal of money on such a horse as I
knew Yici to be. The extent of my betting on that
race was exactly a five-pound note : so where Mr.
Barber's " corner" came in I leave the paragraphists
to discover. Next day I ran Yici in the Chesterfield
Handicap, and he won : upon which he was made
favourite for the Goodwood Stakes, though he carried
very little of my coin or confidence. He was,
unfortunately for his backers, in his worst mood,*

241 Q

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

while Veni, whom I had passed to Mr. E. Green (he
well re-named her " Eye Sore "), finished second.
Vici later won me a Welter Handicap at Egham,
but I was weary of his vagaries, and at the end of
the season made a present of him to Fordham.

Fordham used him as a hack, while, further, he
was a splendid jumper. But with added age came
increasing eccentricities, and on one occasion, at
Slough, Vici stopped two hundred yards from home,
and try as George might, neither backwards nor
forwards nor sideways would he move. " Stop where
you are, then, you beast ! " exclaimed Fordham,
removing the saddle and walking away.

" Where's the horse, sir ? " said his man.

" I don't know, and I don't care. I left him in
the lane. You can either fetch him or you can leave
him."

Ultimately Vici returned home, but Fordham had
had enough of him, and passed him on to Tom
Cannon. The genial master of Danebury soon knew
he had a horse, for a change of quarters brought no
change of mood. He was an equine law unto him-
self, and about as persuadable as the proverbial pig.
One day at Stockbridge, when Tom Cannon was on
him, he whipped round and thrust his rump through
a bow window and he was altogether capable of
anything in the way of misconduct. Cannon was

242

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

naturally not over-keen about retaining possession,
and considered himself in luck's way when a Win-
chester horse-dealer, of the name of Tubbs, met him
out hunting and asked, '* Will you sell that horse,
Tom ? "

" Yes. I'll take thirty pounds for him."

" I'll give it you if you'll ride him home to my
place."

Cannon did not dally by the way, taking the pre-
caution that he was preceded by an old mare in whose
society, and in whose society only, Vici was amenable
to reason. Right off Mr. Tubbs drew a cheque for
thirty pounds, and Tom went back in satisfied mood.
That did not last long, however, for in due course
the document was returned bearing the usual bankers'
superscription when there is an absence of assets !
What Tubbs did with Vici I cannot say. But to
this day Cannon laughs if I ask him about Vici,
Tubbs, and his cheque.

On the horses that ought to have been theirs, but
through the curious twists of Fate were not, the
majority of owners could teU tales without any
straining of the truth. As I have shown, I was
distinctly unlucky to miss Galopin, and I was not
in Fortune's way with respect to King Lud. Though
that son of King Tom won nothing as a three-year-
old (he did not run as a two), I had particularly

243

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

paid him attention, and thought few finer horses of
the powerful type had ever looked through a bridle.
In 1873 he was advertised for sale with the rest of
Lord Zetland's horses. I went to Mr. Swindell and
said, " Fred, King Lud's for sale. He ought to be
bought. I'm sure he can win a Cesarewitch. Will
you join me ? "

" Yes," he replied, " willingly. We will go to-
gether."

Shortly afterwards I met my old and much
esteemed friend Mr. Tom Lawley. I have always
held his judgment in respect, so I said, in order ta
get his opinion, " Tom, Swindell and I are going ta
buy King Lud. What do you think of him ? "

" Why, he's a real good horse, and can win almost
anything. But, George, I'm sorry to say you won't
get him at any price in reason."

"Why?"

" Well, you see, I had no notion that you had an
idea of buying him, so I wrote to Lord Eglinton,
advising him to purchase. He said he was not
disposed then to make a deal, and that caused me
to send to old Lord Lonsdale. I said in my letter
that he must, or at least ought, to buy the horse,
who, properly managed, was certain to take a big-
handicap. And he's written me back to say that,
cost what he may, King Lud shall be his. So,,

24.4.

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Oeorge, I'm rather afraid you're out of the running."
I told Mr. Swindell how matters stood, with the
consequence that neither of us went near the sale.
King Lud, I think, fetched 1500 or 1600 gs., and
we were prepared to give 2000. But his lordship,
I expect, would not have been beaten.

King Lud passed under Captain Machell's manage-
ment, and was not stripped until the York August
Meeting (1873), when he took part in the Great
Ebor Handicap. He was a deal on the big side, but
ran remarkably well for a mile and a half, and, had
he been fit, would have easily won. I met his
lordship later, and said, " That's a very nice horse
of yours that ran to-day, my lord."

"Yes, Hodgman, I like him very much. He's
not fit yet. I didn't back him.."

His lordship, I may add, rarely exceeded ten
pounds in a bet.

" Now," I said, " my lord " (for I had been looking
over the Admiral's handicap), " if you don't run this
horse till the Cesarewitch, and he keeps all right,
you cannot lose."

" Well, if you think so, Hodgman, he shan't run
till the Cesarewitch. I'll see to that."

" Then I may back him ? "

"With confidence." Unquestionably the late
Lord Lonsdale was one of the kindest of Nature's

245

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

noblemen, not especially because he was so amiable
in this particular case, but because at no time would
he hesitate to do good to a fellow man. A little
while after leaving his lordship I met Mr. Robert
Lee, a prominent member of the Ring.

"Well, Mr. Hodgman," he remarked, "do you fancy
anything for the Cesarewitch ? I've a book on it."

" Yes. I fancy a horse that ran to-day — King Lud."

" I'll bet you 1000 to 20 against him."

" Oh, no ! "

"Well, 1000 to 15."

" Yes. I'll take that— twice ? "

"Yes."

" Three times ? " I asked.

" No. Twice will do."

Later I backed the horse again, and stood, in all,
to win 3000 sovs. On the morning of the race
Lord Lonsdale told me that Captain Machell
thought that the horse would run very fairly, but
that it was no good thing. " Still," he added, " I
have my tenner on. Steel got me 400 to 10."
Right to the finish King Lud stood at a good price,
the starting odds being 1000 to 45. But he won,
with much to spare, under the guidance of Bruck-
shaw ; and in the ensuing season upset the odds
laid upon Boiard for the Alexandra Plate at Ascot,
the deft handling then being distance's.

240

CHAPTEK XIX

Jockeys — The American Invasion — The poet's mistake —
Americans in 1857 — Mr. Ten Broeck and English jockeys —
The two sides of the shield — The causes of our decay —
Apathy of trainers — Disinclination of owners— A " corner "
in jockeys — The "little boy" bogey — What about Johnny
Reiff ? — Why he is an exception — A Gilbertian travesty — A
plea for a lower scale — Some Chester Cup examples — Strik-
ing figures — The easiest proves the hardest way — Why
trainers are negligent — Thomas Dawson — Old John Osborne
— J. Godding — Matthew Dawson — Why I put up Morris —
Admiral Rous's comment — " My boys " — Heartfield, Morris,
Quince, &c. — Confirmation by Custance — The good the Ameri-
cans have effected — Mr. Greville's indignation at an attempt to
ruin his jockey — The striking case of Herbert Jones — W. E.
Elsey's wisdom — Inimical surroundings for boys — E. Hunt's
Cup successes — What they brought him — Jockeys' fees pro-
tected— Mr. W. G. Craven's wise legislation — What will be
the end ?

Had anybody, some ten or so years ago, dared to
hint that the first season of the twentieth century
would see American jockeys in such demand in
England as by their presence to be a serious danger
to the livelihood of many of the home school, his
alleged foolishness would have been held a fit matter
for ridicule. Yet the apparently impossible change
has come to pass, and there are no signs of any

2i7

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

abatement of the invasion ; rather, the reverse is
threatened. In truth, to judge by American com-
munications the United States will soon be denuded
of its leading professionals, the oiFers emanating from
English owners being of irresistible character. That
there are here and there still English owners firm
believers in the old school must be allowed. But
the great trend of opinion runs solid for the Yankees
when they preserve the proprieties, and only his
folly in pursuing practices he must have known the
Turf authorities could not tolerate has caused the
absence of Sloan from the saddle in England. If
the present state of affairs is satisfactory to the
English division, then indeed are they easy to
please.

" We yet retain
Some small pre-eminence. We justly boast
At least superior jockeyship, and claim
The honours of the Turf as all our own."

This may have been true at the moment when
the poet Cowper designed the preceding lines. But
it is so far from the fact at the present as to cause
the quotation to carry a quaintness never anticipated
by the author. Superior jockeyship, if not all the
honours of the Turf, were in very truth our own when,
say, in 1857 we saw the American Tankerley taken off
Prioress (after she had dead-heated with El Hakim

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and Queen Bess for the Cesarewitch) and a different
result ensue by the substitution of Fordham. In
fact, by the conspicuous absence of abih'ty in the
American riders Mr. Ten Broeck was eager for the
services of Enghshmen. So it comes to this : that
in the course of fifty years — that magnificent half-
century of progress the historians delight to dwell
upon — our English jockeys have so misused their
opportunities that instead of American owners look-
ing for English riders, English owners are scouring
the States for American jockeys, whose countrymen
rarely give patronage to ours. If this is pleasing
to our so-called insular pride that same must be a
very funny quantity.

When the causes of a disease are on examination
apparent, the proper treatment, if the case be not
too far gone, should eflect a return to health.
The present disease of decay in English jockey dom
is of desperate character, and necessarily demands a
desperate remedy. You do not cure peritonitis by
outward application of a semi-warm bandage. You
require a boiling hot flannel saturated with turps.
And, similarly, for the jockey disease only a drastic
remedy will sufl&ce. If the only remedy be held to be
too drastic, matters, so far as we are concerned, will
end rather than mend, with the result, possibly, that
the English boys will be reduced to " strapping " the

219

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

horses the Americans ride. To my mind the evil
has been wrought by :

(1) The extraordinary apathy of trainers in the
education of apprentices ;

(2) The grievous disincHnation of owners to
allow apprentices to ride ; and, thus,

(3) The steadily decreasing numbers of capable
English jockeys, and by consequence (till came the
American invasion) the high terms, they could,
owing to the existence of a " corner," not so much
ask as dictate.

With regard to the third point, I suppose I have
not lived these seventy-seven years without under-
standing that, in a measure, a man, whatever his
trade or profession, has a right, by the exercise of
his skill, to do the best he can for himself That is
a proposition of such self-evidence as to need no
demonstration. But, none the less, I am not pre-
pared to allow that it is for the best interests of the
Turf that a diminished number of jockeys, by the
very restriction of their numbers, should be so
placed as to be able to demand princely salaries ; while
I am equally certain that if stable affairs had been
managed on a basis of common sense, the opportunity
of demanding extravagant terms would not have
arisen. But stable affairs have not been so managed,
with the consequence of an absence of youthful riders

250

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

who, were the apprenticeship scheme in fair sway,
would offer strong competition to the old hands. The
sporting proverb runs that nothing beats a good old
'un except a good young 'un. The lack of good young
'uns has tended to the enrichment of the old 'uns, who
lived in a paradise of apparent security till the
Americans swooped down " like the wolf on the fold."
In olden times the average trainer usually had
three or four boys that, apart from causing to work in
the stables, he taught to ride, and that he saw were
given opportunities to ride in public. Practice,
everybody knows, tends to perfection, and without
practice there can be little cleverness. There has
grown up an idea that it is not safe to trust a
little boy when a coup is in contemplation ; and
yet, on the other hand, there is a rush for Johnny
Keiff even at the expense, as some would call it, of
putting up two or three stone of dead weight ! How
can the views and the practice be reconciled ? " Oh,"
it may be said, " Reiff is an exception." Yes ; he is
an exception, because he has been exceptionally
treated. He has had exceptional — which should be
common — facilities of tuition ; he has had exceptional
opportunities of practice ; and, above all, he has had
exceptional supervision by his relatives. These are the
reasons why the younger Reiff is an exception to
some of our youngsters.

251

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

It is a disgrace to a country boasting Turf pre-
eminence that the constant cry should concern the
dearth of Hght-weights. If an owner's horse is let
lightly in he is afraid to bet because he cannot find a
boy! Could anything, in the way of putting the
tail before the head, be more exquisitely Gilbertian ?
Already we have raised the handicap minimum to
6 St., and there have been demands for a rise to
6 St. 7 lb. I did not always think so, but I am
convinced now that a return to even 4 st. 7 lb. would
be an immense benefit to the Turf In that case
trainers would be compelled to look after and bring
out apprentices, and owners, in turn, to allow them
to be put up. Suppose we had such weights and
such fields as existed for the Chester Cup in the
'Fifties, where should we be ? Regard the following
examples :

THE CHESTER CUP OF 1851.

Mr. Lister's Nancy. 3 yrs., 4 st. 12 lb.

Mr. Saxon's The Black Doctor. 3 yrs., 5 st. 4 lb.

Mr. Gratwicke's Hesse Homburg. 3 yrs., b st. 6 lb

(inc. 10 lb. ex.)

Mr. Brown's Haricot. 4 jts., 6 st. 12 lb. .
Mr. Glen's Damask. 4 yrs., G st. 10 lb.
Mr. E. Herbert's Sir Robert. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb
Mr. Filling's Lady Eden. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.
Mr. Foster's Mickleton. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.
Mr. Lawson's Cam-ire. 5 yrs., 6 st. G lb.
Mr. Carew's Eva. 5 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb.
Mr. C. Peck's York You're Wanted. 4 yrs., G st. 4 lb
Lord Clifden's Wallflower. 5 jts., 6 st.

252

Kendall

1

Rickards

2

T. Smith

3

G. Gates

0

Charlton

0

Roden

0

Osborne

0

lammond

0

INIetcalfe

0

Basham

0

Hiett

0

Mann

0

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Martin's Wilmont. 4 yrs., G st.

Mr. Kemp's f. by Gladiator-Sprite. 4 yrs., 5 st. 10 lb

Mr. R. Martin's Rubina. 4 yrs., 5 st, 10 lb.

Duke of Richmond's Hurry Scurry. 3 jts., 4 st. 9 lb

(car. 5 st.)

Mr. Stebbing's Knook Knoll. 3 yrs., 4 st. 8 lb. (car

4 St. 13 lb.)

Mr. Maugan's Russborough. 4 yrs., 8 st. 6 lb.
Col. Anson's Backbiter. 6 yrs., 7 st. 9 lb. .
Major Pitt's Vampyre. Aged, 7 st. 7 lb.
Lord Waterford's Due au Darras. 6 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb.
Mr. Wilkin's Langton. 5 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb. .
Mr. Meiklam's The Italian. 4 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb.
Mr. Drinkald's Sauter la Coupe. 5 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb.
Lord Eglinton's The Knight of Avenal. 4 yrs., 7 st

31b

Lord Strathmore's Montague. 5 yrs., 7 st. 2 lb
Mr. Treen's Rhesus. 5 yrs., 7 st.
Mr. Harrison's Seaman. 4 yrs., 7 st. .

Won by half a neck ; about the same distance between the second
and third.

Gorst C

Wells 0

T. Harrison 0

Garvey 0'

Sherwood O'

Flatman 0-

Simpson 0

Dockeray 0

H. Robinson

Arnold

Lye

Rodney

J. Sharpe

Crouch

Treen

G. Harrison

Here we have a field of twenty-eight, and seven-
teen of the runners carried under 7 st. The thino-

to'

as I have said, would be impossible at this day.
Why it is not possible is because apprentices are
not brought out as they were.

To show this is no singular instance, take the
case of

THE CHESTER CUP OF 1852.
Mr. Farrance's Joe Miller. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb. . Goater 1

Mr. Meiklam's Stilton. 3 yrs., 5 st. 8 lb. (inc. 10

lb. extra) Aldcroft 2

Lord Clifden's Poodle. 3 yrs., 5 st. 3 lb. (inc. 10

lb. extra) T. Sherrard S-

253

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

ilr. Spencer's Benita. 3 yrs., 4 st. .

Major Pitt's Vampyie. Aged, G st. lU lb. .

Mr. Morris's Hungerford. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.

Mr. H. Hill's Hothorpe. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.

Mr. Langshaw's Gholab Singh. 4 yes., 6 st. 10 lb.

Lord Waterford's Cockcrow. 4 yi-s., 6 st. 8 lb. .

Mr. Martinson's View Halloo. 6 yrs., 6 st. 6 lb.

Mr. Fishers Breba. 4 jts., (3 st. 4 lb.

Mr. Farrance's Cardinal Wiseman. 4 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb.

Mr. Drinkald's Dulcet. Aged, 6 st. .

Mr. Delamere's Harp. 4 yrs., 6 st.

Mr. Diskey's The Indian Warrior. 3 yrs., 5 st. 11 lb

Mr. R. Martin's Wilmont. .5 yrs., 5 st. 10 lb. (car

6 St. 1 lb.)

Mr. Thomas's Sister to Fencer ....
Lord Waterford's Redmond O'Hanlon. 8 yrs., 5 st

8 lb. (inc. 5 extra)

Mr. J. Osborne's Merry Bird. 3 yrs., 5 st. 6 lb.
Mr. Filling's High Sheriff. 3 yrs., 5 st. 6 lb.
Mr. Copeland's The Lady Amyott. 3 yrs., 5 st. .
Mr. Phillip's Kohinoor. 3 yrs., 5 st. (car. 5 st. 3 lb.)
Mr. W. D. Holtby's Uh-ica. 3 yrs., 4 st. 12 lb. .
Mr. Saxon's Richard Primmer. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb.
Mr. Greville's Scarecrow. 3 yrs., 4 st. 7 lb.
Mr. J. Smith's Barley Sugar. 3 yrs., 4 st. 4 lb. (car

4 St. 8 lb.)

Mr. Martinson's Nancy. 4 yrs., 9 st. 1 lb. .
Mr. Maugan's Russborough. 5 yrs., 8 st. 7 lb. .
Mr. Osbaldeston's Mountain Deer. 4 yrs., 8 st. 6 lb.
Mr. Phillips's Truth. 4 >ts., 8 st. '2 lb.
Mr. Moseley's Alonzo. 5 yrs., 8 st.
General Anson's Backbiter. Aged, 7 st. 12 lb. .
Mr. Greville's Ariosto. 4 yrs., 7 st. 10 lb. .
Lord Wilton's Lady Evelyn. 6 yi's., 7 st. 8 lb. .
Lord Eglinton's Hippolytus. 4 yrs., 7 st. 8 lb. .
Mr. Phillips's Le Juif . 4 yrs., 7 st. 6 lb. .
Mr. Palmer's Goldiinder. 4 jts., 7 st. 6 lb. .
Mr. E. R. Clark's Old Tan Tucker. 6 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb.

254

Fordham

4

Glazebrook

0

Basham

0

Arnold

0

Neep

0

. W.Wynne

0

. E. Harrison

0

Hiskman

0

J. Wynne

0

A. Pavis

0

Atherton

0

. T. Smith

0

Chilman

0

J. Doyle, Jn.

0

Garvey

0

Carroll

0

T. Sherwood

0

Kendall

0

Wells

0

Dodd

0

Quinton

0

Steggles

0

. Cliffe, Jn.

0

. F. Marson

0

Keegan

0

Hiett

0

J. Doyle

0

Simpson

0

Charlton

0

Dockeray

0

Flatman

0

J. Sharp

0

Knott

0

. W. Sharpe

0

G. Mann

0

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Saxon's The Black Doctor. 4 yrs., 7 st. f) lb. . J. Osborne 0

Lord Waterford's Due au Darras. Aged, 7 st. . . D. Doyle 0

Sir W. Booth's Retail. 6 yrs., 7 st Kitchener 0

Duke of Bedford's Hesse Homburg. 4 yrs., 7 st. Esling 0
Mr. Nott's Birmingham. 4 yrs., G st. 12 lb. (car. 7 st.

12 lb.) • . . . . Knight 0

Won by a length ; a length and a half between second and third.

Fordham, it will be noted, at this time could ride
4 st. Of the forty-three runners, twenty-six carried
under 7 st., and of the first four two were burdened
with less than 5 st. and two with less than 6 st.
These instances were by no means isolated, as will
be revealed by a glance at

THE CHESTER CUP OF 1853.

Mr. Palmer's Goldfinder. 5 yrs., 7 st. 6 lb. .
Mr. Knowles's Talfourd. 3 yrs., .5 st. G lb. (inc. 10 lb

extra)

Mr. Parr's Trifle. 4 yrs., 5 st. 12 lb.
Captain Scott's Allegro. 4 yrs., 6 st. 12 lb.
Captain Key's Little Jack. 6 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb. .
Mr. Morris's Timid Fawn. 5 yrs., 6 st. 8 lb.
Lord Waterford's Bellewstown. 5 yrs., G st. 8 lb.
Mr. Cooper's lanthe. 5 yrs., 6 st. 6 lb. (car. 6 st. 10 lb.)
Mr. Greville's Scarecrow. 4 yrs., 6 st. 4 lbs.
Mr. E. R. Clarke's Constantine. 4 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb.
Mr. I' Anson's Braxey. 4 yrs., 6 st. (car. 6 st. 2 lb.)
Mr. E. R. Clark's Missive. 4 yrs., 5 st. 8 lb.
Captain Scott's Helena. 3 yrs., 5 st. 7 lb. (car. 5 st

11 lb.)

Mr. Kimberley's Snowdon Dunhill. 3 yrs., 5 st. 6 lb.

Mr. Willans's Peggy. 3 yrs., 5 st. G lb.

Mr. Bm-ke's Hannah. 3 yrs., 5 st.

Mr. J. M. Stanley's Contentment. 3 yrs., 4 st. 12 lb.

Mr. J. Wilkinson's Lord Lieutenant. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb

(car. 5 st.)

255

Aldcroft 1

Ashmall 2

Wells 3

J. Jones 0

Stan way 0

Hiett 0

D. Doyle 0

Crouch 0

Harding 0

Quinton 0

Chilman 0

S. Steggles 0

Carroll 0

Rickards 0

Bates 0

Hughes 0

J. Steggles 0

Olliver 0

%

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Captain Lane's Auchinlech. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb. (car

4 St. 13 lb.)

Mr. Thompson's Guicowar. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb. .

Mr. Balfe's Rosalba. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb.

Mr. T. Powell's Anne Page. 3 yrs., 4 st. 7 lb. .

Mr. Nichol's Newminster. 5 yrs., 8 st. 8 lb.
Baron Rothschild's Leopold. 4 yrs., 8 st. 1 lb. (inc
5 lb. extra) .......

Lord Wilton's Lady Evelyn. Aged, 8 st. .
Mr. Morris's Indian Warrior. 4 yrs., 7 st. 6 lb. .
Sir W. Booth's Retail. Aged, 7 st. 4 lb. .
Mr. Saxon's The Black Doctor. 6 yrs., 7 st. 3 lb.

Perfect 0

J.Gill 0

Fordham 0

C. Prior 0

Templeman 0

Charlton 0

Flatman 0

Basham 0

Kitchener 0

Abrahams 0

Won by half a neck ; half a length between the second and third.

Of the twenty-eight runners in the above race
exactly two thirds were handicapped at under 7 st.
Could we find twenty-one light weights now ?
Their plenitude was continued, as note

THE CHESTER CUP OF 1854.

Captain Lane's Epaminondas. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb.

Mr. Morris's Indian Warrior. 5 yrs., 7 st. 6 lb.

Lord Derby's Acrobat. 3 yrs., 5 st. 10 lb.

Mr. Meiklam's Peggy. 4 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb. (car. 6 st. 6 lb.)

Mr. Howard's Catspaw. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.

Mr. Parker's Aldford. 4 yrs., 6 st. 6 lb. .

Mr. Magenis's Sandhurst. 4 yrs., 6 st. 6 lb.

Mr. E. R. Clark's Dear Me. 6 st. 2 lb. . . F.

Mr. W. H. Scott's Tom. 3 yrs., 5 st. 4 lb. .

Mr. G. Mather's Eva. 3 yrs., 5 st., 3 lb. (car. 5 st. 5 lb.)

Mr. Barber's Domino. 3 yrs., 5 st. 3 lb. .

Mr. G. Mather's St. Clare. 3 yi-s., 5 st. 1 lb. (inc. 5 lb.

extra)

Mr. Thompson's Sir James Graham. 3 yi's., 5 st. (car.

5 St. 1 lb.)

Mr. Howard's Star of Surrey. 3 yrs., 5 st.

256

Fordham

1

Basham

2

Garvey

3

Aldcroft

4

Ashmall

0

J. Goater

0

Olliver

0

Marson,Jn.

0

Bearpark

0

Carroll

0

Forster

0

Creswell

0

J. Gill

0

Porter

0

MR. RICHARD TATTERSALL

See pa^e 257

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. Drinkald's Jack Frost. 3 yrs., 4 st. 12 lb. (car

5 St.)

Mr. Hill's Dr. O'Toole. 3 jts., 4 st. 10 lb.
Mr. F. Knowles's Baalbec. 3 jts., 4 st. 10 lb,
Mr. Bailey's Lurley. 3 yrs., 4 st. 10 lb.
Mr. E. K. Clark's Jujube. 3 yrs., 4 st. 4 lb.
Ml". Night's Jephson. 3 ;yTS., 4 st. 41b.

Bundy

0

Salter

0

Wood

a

Edwards

0

. R. Bullock

0

. • .;? Reyner

0

. Templeman

0

Clements

0

. 2 lb. Charlton

0

ClifE

0

Mr. Nichol's Newminster. 6 yrs., 8 st. 2 lb.
Mr. Barber's Cobnut. 4 yrs., 7 st. 5 lb.
Sir J. Boswell's Annie Sutherland. 4 yrs., 7 st.
Mr. Handley's Lancashire Lass. 4 jts., 7 st.

Won by a length ; the same between the second and third.

Of the runners, amounting to a couple of dozen,
above enumerated, nineteen carried less than 7st.,
and six less than 5 st. There was indeed in those
days no paucity of light-weights. As a final example
of what must be held to be a crushing indictment of
the present system I recite the runners for

THE CHESTER CUP OF 1856.

Mr, Parker's One Act. 3 }ts., 4 st. 13 lb. (inc. 10 lb

extra) car. 5 st. 1 lb

Mr. Howard's Yellow Jack. 3 yrs., 5 st. 8 lb. .
Lord Chesterfield's Typee. 6 yrs., 8 st. .
Mr. J. Osborne's Yorkshire Grey. 4 yrs., 5 st. 10 lb.
Mr. Heywood's Courtenay. 4 yrs., 6 st. 6 lb.
Mr. Jackson's Lady Tatton. 4 yrs., 6 st. 12 lb. .
Lord Clifden's Poodle. Aged, G st. 10 lb. .
Mr. O'Reilly's Vandyke. 4 yrs., 6 st. 10 lb.
Mr. Shepherd's Cardsharper. 5 yrs., 6 st. 8 lb. .
Mr. Greville's Quince. 5 yrs., 6 st. 8 lb. .

Mr. W. Robinson's Siding. 4 yrs., 6 st. 8 lb. (inc. 10 lb
extra)

]Mr. Barber's Goorkah. 6 jts., 6 st. 6 lb. ,
» 259

Hibbert

Fordham

Flatman

Chaloner

Withington

Bates 0

Crouch 0

Ducker 0

Musgrove 0

Plumb 0

G. Quinton 0
Mundy 0

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mr. F. Fisher's New Brighton. 6 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb.
Mr. Rigby's Imogene. 4 yrs., 6 st. 4 lb. .
Mr. Parker's Aldford. 6 yrs., 6 st. (car. G st. 3 lb.) .
Mr. J. M. Stanley's Mishap. 5 yrs., G st. .

Mr. T. Parr's Fatalist. 4 yrs., 6 st

Mr. E. Parr's Stork. 3 yrs., 5 st. G lb.
Mr. Sidebottom's Aleppo. .^ yrs., 5 st. 5 lb.
Mr. Ridley's Hospitality. 3 yrs., 5 st. 3 lb. (inc. 5 lb.
extra) ........ .^

Mr. Morris' Bubble. 3 jts., 4 st. G lb. (car. 4 st. 10 lb.)
Mr. J. Wood's Yine. 3 jts., 4 st. 7 lb. (car. 4 st. 10 lb.)
Sir T. Hawley's Redan. 3 }ts., 4 st. 7 lb. .
Mr. T. W. Redhead's Van Dunck. 3 yrs., 4 st. 6 lb. . J,

Hughes 0

Quinton 0

Alder 0

Creswell 0

Carroll 0

Snowden 0

Taylor 0

Bullock 0

Grimmer 0

Britton 0

Dwyer 0

Snowden 0

Mr. Osbaldeston's Rifleman. 4 yrs., 8 st. 7 lb. . Bartholomew 0

Mr. E. R. Clark's Mr. Sykes. 6 yrs., 8 st. 2 lb. . . F. Marson 0

Mr. Howard's Scythian. 5 yrs., 7 st. 12 lb. . . Wells 0

Bai-on Rothschild's Hungerford. Aged, 7 st. 101b. . Charlton 0

Mr. Copperthwaite's The Early Bii'd. 5 yrs., 7 st. 10 lb. Aldcroft 0

Captain Lane's Epaminondas. 5 yrs., 7 st. 2 lb. . G. Mann 0

Won by a head ; a head between the second and third ; two lengths
between the third and fourth.

Of the thirty runners above enumerated twenty-
three carried less than 7 st.

If these considerations do not cause dissatisfaction
with the present returns then indeed is one as the
voice crying in the wilderness. Of late years the
apparently easiest way — the way of raising the
weights to suit the jockeys, instead of "raising"
the jockeys to suit the weights — has been the
popular ; and we are now realising that the chosen
was the hardest way, as is not of infrequent oc-
currence in politics and letters as well as on the

260

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Turf. For any one to assert that 4 st. 7 lb. boys,
and so on, cannot be expected to ride is to show a
singular ignorance of Turf history, as the preceding
tables demonstrate. They could ride in the Fifties,
and round, too, such a course as Chester, which we
are informed nowadays is so dangerous that many
jockeys prefer not to take a mount ! The halcyon
times for recruits to the Turf were the years from
1850 to 1870, during which period a huge number
of boys could go to scale at from 4 st. to 6 st., with
the worst as good as the best of their size and age
of the present period.

The fault is not the modern boys'. It attaches to
the trainers and, in the first place perhaps, to the
owners. I have often discussed the matter with the
heads of the training profession. " Why don't you
bring out apprentices ? "

" What's the good of taking the trouble ? " is the

general answer. " Owners won't put them up."

" But you could use them for your own horses."

" Oh, it's a deal of trouble, and doesn't pay."

It might not in the beginning, for most on the

Turf are indelibly and in painful degree wedded to

fashion. But in the end, with perseverance, would

come the reward. Thomas Dawson was not a man

who aifected foolishness ; and what boys he turned

out ! It was the same with old John Osborne, and

261

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

in greater degree with J. Godding, from whose
hands came polished jockeys Uke French, David
Plumb, Huxtable, Sayers, Parry, Butler, Wilson,
&c. &c. ; while Matthew Dawson sent out, among
many others, Archer, F. Webb, and Billy Grey.
" Once upon a time " a trainer regarded a good home
boy as necessitous as a good horse or two. My own
plan with my trainers' boys was to put them up on
any available occasion, and, as I have mentioned,
though I was sure Victorious could in the Mile
Nursery at Goodwood in 1864 give the weight to
Victory I none the less ran the latter for the sake
of Morris. " Why do you run Victory ? Has he a
chance ? " asked Admiral Rous. " Not a thousand
to one ? " " Then why run him." " To give Morris
practice." " Oh," he said, " a very good plan." In
thus acting, if I was serving the boys I was also
benefiting myself, as when I wanted them for a
" good thing " they were ready to hand. In this
way I assisted in the polishing of Heartfield, Morris,
Quince, Vidler, Johnson, Gaston, Mitchell, and
others, exceeding a dozen, and all could be trusted
to ride well ; some magnificently. My trainers were
not solitary pursuers of the plan. The custom was
common, and in this way the old was continually
being leavened with the new. We, in those times,
never had to murmur at the absence of capable

262

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

recruits. Every year brought a fresh stream, and in
this connection I take kave to quote from Harry
Custance's charming "Reminiscences." Custance
says :

"Wliilst on this topic [of Fordham's fine horse-
manship] I must relate a Httle anecdote of Fordham's
re-appearance in the saddle after an absence of two
years through illness. Mr. T. Jennings gave him
his first mount in the Bushes Handicap on a horse
called Pardon, belonging to Count Lagrange, at the
Newmarket Craven Meeting of 1878. Fordham
would not mount in the Birdcage, as no one hated
flattery more than he did. We went down the
course together to the Ditch Mile starting-post, and
he got into the saddle half-way down. He seemed
all right at first, but just before we got to the post
his spirits failed him, and he said to me :

" ' Cus, I wish I hadn't got up.'

«' « Why, George ? ' was my answer ; w^iereupon he
resumed :

*' ' Look at those kids ; I don't know one of
them.'

Tliere were several small boys, and only Archer
of the older ones riding.

[The *' small boys," I may add, were Lemaire,
Heather, Hopkins, Gallon, Barker, Greaves, J. Berry,
Kendall, and Morris.]

263

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TUHF

" I said : ' My dear George, don't you trouble
about that. Tlicy will know you soon when you get
up side of them, especially at the finish.' "

Thus we see that in two years, even at so late a
period as 1876-1878, a new school had arisen which
knew not Fordham, and which Fordham did not
know. The circumstance would in vain be looked
for of late days. We have been suffering, to use a
commercial term, from a restriction of output.

And the result ? That until the Americans came
over a certain number of " crack " or " fashionable '*
jockeys (the phrase is not mine, but the accepted of
the hour) practically ruled the Turf, till it became
almost a matter of arrangement which of a certain
set should win, while, granting everything to be fair,
owners were forced to pay princely retainers to be
sure of services on needed occasions. In this latter
particular, I OAvn, the arrival of the Americans has
brought no relief. Yet they have done good by
forcing the pace, and so increasing the accuracy of
the running. Since they flocked over we have not
been pained with the experience of a mile and a half
race being a trot for a mile, and then a burst for
sjieed, with the too common result of the speedy
instead of the staying horses winning. I have said
that the arrival of the Americans has not lessened
the cost of jockeys. Perhaps in their direction the

^64

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

figures unfortunately have been exalted. In truth,
one hears of thousands, and fifteen hundreds, and
two thousands, and more, as though money were
plentiful as dirt in the gutter. These figures ofier a
striking contrast to those that prevailed in the days
of Mr. Greville, who was a deal incensed w^ien
somebody offered his jockey, Flatman, fifty pounda
a year for third claim ! " Fifty pounds a year for
third claim ! " exclaimed the owner of Muscovite
incredulously. " J9o you want to "imin my jockey ?"
Of course, rates of pay all round have risen since
Mr. Greville's days, but they have not risen with
jockey-ratio, else would employers be in sad financial
plight. My boys, and other people's boys, on
occasions got nothing beyond their wages, and they
jumped at the opportunity of practice. I insist on
practice because I am no believer in " infant
phenomena." Naturally, when a boy comes into a
stable he must show some adaptability for the
business of riding. That, I fancy, is an essential in
all departments. Failing adaptability tuition is a
waste of time ; and the indentures can in the cases
of inadaptability usually be amicably cancelled.
The plea of trainers, as I have stated, will be that
the absence of incentive is in the disinclination of
owners. Truly, if in these times you are not a fashion-
able— or an American — you stand in danger of being

265

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

nothing. Take the case of Herbert Jones, who Is
attached to Egerton House. Here is a jockey who
can go to scale at about 7st. 4lb., and despite the
fact that he rode Diamond Jubilee to victory in the
Two Thousand Guineas, the Newmarket Stakes, the
Derby, the Eclipse Stakes, and the St. Leger —
through the confessed inability of either Watts or
M. Cannon to manage Persinmion's brother — he was
allowed to go through what should have been the
season of his life with only thirty-seven mounts, of
which he won on seven ! One would have thought,
and been pardoned for thinking, that with Royal
patronage of the extent indicated by the privileges
enjoyed by Jones more call would have been made on
his services. But the Turf world is full of contra-
dictions which pass the understanding of man.

Recent legislation has held out some inducements
for the putting up of apprentices, but owners, against
their interests, are slow in response. They have
through their suplneness found themselves in the
past hampered by a Jockey Ring of extended
ramifications, and now they are thrown back on
Americans at, so to say, any price, their position
becoming desperate when these are unavailable or
they cannot do the weight. Perhaps, with this and
that jockey crossing the Channel, because things
here are not as they were, and no healthy influx of

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

recruits discernible, they will realise the seriousness
of the situation, and, by being less exigent, tempt
their trainers to return to the old and the same
path. It was indeed pleasant to see W. E. Elsey,
when Weldon left him, turn to his own, in Yarnell
and Foster, both of whom, when afforded the chance,
did well for the shrewd Baumber trainer.

That some of the present surroundings of the Turf
are inimical to the continuance of a young lad in the
prime of condition and in the possession of good
habits must be allowed, whatever sadness there is in
the admission. Many a one of fair promise has gone
to the wall almost ere he has fulfilled his indentures.
To the lack of restraint may be traced the cause ;
and without being an anti-tobaccoist it has grieved
me to see boys, depending for their future on their
nerves, sucking at cigars nearly their own size.
That way inevitably lies ruin. A boy, no matter
what the measure of his horsemanship, is after all no
more in mind than his age indicates. The greater
his success the greater the surrounding dangers from
designing men and, alas ! nowadays women, and
unless he be carefully guarded the things that
should be his making may cause his undoing. One
of the most regrettable features of the time is the
"hero worship" of jockeys. At a period they had
little worship and often little money. E. Hunt —

267

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

now a spectator of the scenes in which once, witli
credit to himself, he was an active participator — has
told me that for riding Shannon to victory in the
Goodwood, the York, and the Doncaster Cups he
received no more than, for the three victories,
twenty-five pounds, that being in 1871. Before and
beyond that date jockeys were frequently hard
pressed for travelling money, and many are the
fivers that Mr. Lambert, Mr. Swindell, Mr. George
Angell, myself, and others lent professionals dis-
appointed of their legal dues. It was at the instance
of Mr. W. G. Craven — then a Steward of the Jockey
Club — that a lule was passed which protected
jockeys from defaulting and dilatory owners, it
being decided at a meeting of the Club on April 18,
1880:

*' That all jockeys' fees shall be paid to the Stake-
holder or the Clerk of the Course at the same time
as the stakes."

I said at the moment that that was the best and
the fairest thing ever done for jockeys, and time has
proved the accuracy of the expression. The desire
now should be not to do something for jockeys in the
way of fees, but to get owners, through trainers, to
do something for themselves by ensuring a constant
supply of fresh young hands. If, however, only tlie
" fashionables " are to be employed — whether English

268

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

or American — then indeed will the future be worse
than the present state of the English Turf — which
indeed, with one thing and another, threatens to
become English in name only.

f69

CHAPTER XX

Another tale of Mr. Swindell — He and Mr. B. Phillips seek a
" settling" in Manchester — The nature of the same — A case
of obstinacy — Captain Hawkesley suffers and sulks — The late
Harry Hall — The New Barns fracas explained — Harry Morgan
— The Stewards in the sixties — The '* Tout " and the late
Lord Russell — Mr. Willes ("Argus" of the M&niing Post)
offends — A Solemn Council — Resolutions and Amendments —
"Argus the Exile" — A new tale about Hermit — William
I'Anson as a starting-price engineer — Lord RusselFs views
on the needed age of whisky — I am taken for Mr. Gladstone
at Waverley Station — The reason for the Vs.

Many tales have I told ere this of Mr. Fred Swindell,
but there is one it would, perhaps, be a pity to leave out.
As most of his acquaintances knew, Swindell had what
is termed a dry sense of humour, and the gift upon one
occasion was certainly not appreciated by one of his
Manchester friends, a Mr. "Billy" Phillips. The pair
were in Cottonopolis, with not a deal to do, and their
thoughts ran upon the extent of the " old."

" While I'm here I ought to get some in," said
Swindell, " and, Bill, I think So-and-so [I purposely,
for reasons, suppress the name] ought to pay up,
especially as I hear he's won a good bit lately. Shall
we call on him ? "

270

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Yes. Certainly. I want some too," returned
Phillips.

"Well, we won't frighten him by going together.
I'll try him first, if you like, and you wait round the
corner."

The shop, I may add, was in Market Street. In
walked Fred into the establishment, and asked "Is
Mr. So-and-so in ? "

" Yes," answered a grim old typical Lancashireman.
" He is. I'm Mr. So-and-so."

" Oh, you're not the man I want. He's much
younger."

" Ah ! my son perhaps."

" Yes, I think so," said Swindell.

" And what's the nature of your business ? "

" Well, he owes me some money. It's been owing
a long time, and I think it ought to be paid."

" Ah, and what might it be owing over ? "

"Oh, it's some bets, and I think it ought to be
settled."

" You do, do you ? Well, I settle those sort of
accounts, and," seizing a long ebony office ruler, he
roared, " I settle them with this ! Now, if you're
not out of this place in a second I'll kick you out."

"What did you do, Fred ? " I asked, for Swindell
told me the tale himself

" La-ad," he solemnly returned, " I went out

271

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

quicker than I went In, and I went out backwards,
for the old man looked like assisting me, and he had
the right sort of feet."

Mr. "Billy" Phillips, when he saw Swindell, was
naturally anxious to hear the result of the visit.

" Did he settle ? " he asked eagerly.

"Yes," said Fred, "he settled with me — well,
partially. I've got a bit," and suiting the action to
the word he slipped his hand into his inside pocket
as though depositing notes.

" I'd better go for mine then," remarked Phillips.

" There's no time like the present," said Swindell,
and off Phillips strutted.

The formalities of inquiry were about the same,
but the old gentleman did not waste much time in
parleying, being in an even more irascible mood.

"Oh," he shouted, "you're another of 'em, are
you ? Settle ! Yes ! Take that ! " And crash came
the ruler on the head of poor Phillips, who in the
twinkling of an eye found himself hatless and bleed-
ing in the roadway, the infuriated parent roaring :
" If there's any more of you, send 'em along ! This
is my settling stick ! " It was a long time before
Phillips forgave Swindell, who did not think the
joke would be carried to the extent it was.

There is a firmness which becomes a man, and

272

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

there is an obstinacy which tells against his fortunes.
One of the most obstinate men of my acquaintance
was Captain Hawkesley, and as illustration of his
temperament I may relate an incident that happened
in the autumn of 18G5. The Shrewsbury Autumn
Meeting that year lasted from Monday to Friday,
and most of the visitors from afar were " in residence "
on the preceding Sunday. On that day I met
Captain Hawkesley (he raced in the name of " Mr.
Pardoe "), when he asked me if I had anything I
would sell him that might win a race.

" Yes," I answered, " there's Valentine, the
Adamas filly that ran second in the Brocklesby when
yours was left at the post."

" The price ? "

" Three hundred, and a hundred on the first time
you back her."

" Can I have a trial ? "

*' Yes. I will send a note to the stables. But,
Captain, make the trial early. There are a lot of
people about, and they might spoil your price."

The Captain, as I have stated, was bad to advise,
and delayed the spin until close on nine o'clock
Monday morning, which was not an especially clever
move. However, Valentine fully satisfied the
Captain, and he determined ere the week ended to
have a plunge. She was in a race on the Monday

273

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

that was at her mercy. But he could not run her
that or the next day, or the ensuing, or the fourth.
I begged of him several times to start her, but he
curtly told me he knew his business best. On the
Friday I had a filly named Vexatious, in the
Nursery Plate at 6 st. 4 lb., and Valentine was
handicapped at 7 st. 1 lb.

" I mean to run mine, Captain," I said. " You've
had every chance ; and as it's the last day I must
have a cut in."

" Do as you like," he returned. " I'm going to
back mine. Do you want your hundred on ? "

" Certainly. That was part of the deal. But I
shall have two hundred on mine, and, Captain,
mark my word, I am sure to beat you."

The answer was a laugh of ridicule. '' I am not
afraid of yours. I shall put you the hundred on."

What with the trial and the waiting policy
everybody was on the look out for Valentine, and,
as Captain Hawkesley put his money down freely,
she soon stood at 5 to 4, while I obtained 600 to 200
about my Vexatious. One of the firmest friends of
the Captain was Mr. Pryor, who, as the present
bearer of the name, raced in the Mexican bluejacket.
He was of a different type to his friend, and on his
asking me what I thought, I related all that had
passed between the Captain and myself.

274.

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" Well," said he, " I've a good stake on Valentine,
but I shall save it on yours."

Vexatious won by a neck from Professor Anderson,
with Valentine a bad third. Mr. Pry or was naturally
a bit obliged to me for saving him his money, and
did not mince words of congratulation.

** H'm," I remarked, " Captain Hawkesley takes a
very diiferent attitude. He passed me a minute ago
as though I had been his greatest enemy on earth."

" He can only blame his own obstinacy," Mr.
Pryor conunented. For three years the Captain
" nursed his wrath to keep it warm," as though I
were the party at fault. Assuredly he had lost a
deal of money, but he risked his stake with his
eyes open. However, the more you try to persuade
some people for their good, the more they are upset
when, things eventuating your way, they are placed
in the wrong. In the end the Captain came round,
shook hands, and confessed he had only himself to
blame.

The late Harry Hall, of Spigot Lodge, was, if at
times a man of sardonic humour, never a lovable
creature, and I have heard him boast that he cared
for nothing on the earth, under the earth, or over
the earth. He and I had a "passage of arms" in
1893, after Golden Drop had won, in startling style,

275 3

SIXTY YEAKS ON THE TURF

at an outside price, tlie Manchester November Han-
dicap. I own I was to blame in letting my temper
get the better of my reason, and if one can it is
always better to take a " set back " with a philoso-
phic calm, either natural or assumed. Still, there
was some excuse for the personal ebullition in the
circumstance that if one man had ever tried to serve
another that man was myself to Hall. Through me
he obtained £500 for the services of his boy, Morgan,
for Sutton in the Cambridgesliire. This was in
1875, and three years later I arranged that Mr.
Gretton should give him the same sum when Morgan
rode Isonomy to victory in the same race, while had
Harbinger annexed theCesarewitch another thousand
would have gone into his pockets. Yet again, I sold
him Pascarel for 500 sovs., to Mr. Fred Gretton ; so
that, in one way and another, I was continually serv-
ing his interests. Consequently, considering our
relations, and taking into account that the benefits
were, so far, all one-sided, I thought he might have
" opened his mouth " about Golden Drop. Moreover,
he had plenty of opportunities. Thus at the Derby
Meeting I said to him :

" Harry, you'll win at Manchester."

" Perhaps I shall, and perhaps I shan't. I haven't
backed him. And if I back him I want some one
to do the business who can hedge the money if I don'fe

276

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

fancy him on the mornmg of the race." That was
his answer.

"^Vhy," I said, ''here's Billy Unwin. He's the
very man. I'll call him over."

" No, no ! not at all ; tell him to write to
me.

Mr. Unwin wrote, and received an answer that
there was no need of hurry, and that he (Hall)
would see him at Manchester. On the Thursday
(the fii'st day of the meeting) he told Unwin he
could say nothing ; he had better wait till the next
day. Came that day, and though he saw Unv/in
and myself he spoke to neither.

On the morning of the handicap I said, " Go to
him, Bill, and ask hun point blank whether he does
or does not want anything done." The answer was
his stereotyped grunt ; and, delivered of that, he
walked away. The result was that neither Unwin
nor myself had a penny piece on. These are the
unvarnished facts of the case, and I think they throw
some mitigating light on a scene that I do not
recall with pleasantness. Of Harry Morgan I should
like to say a good word. In his day he was a capital
jockey, one of the very best ; and even now he can
ride in a trial with most. He never entertained a
harsh thought of anybody, and his one fault has
been his foolishness to himself

277

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

In the Sixties the Stewards and the members of
the Jockey Club were more thin-skinned than their
successors of this day ; and for the most trivial
offence against their laws, or sometimes their
opinions of propriety, a man might find himself
"warned off." My old friend, "Mr. Rodney" of
Newmarket, has received many precious paper
documents of an alarming character for exercising
his vocation of ** horse- watcher," but not one ever
troubled his digestive organs, while when the late
Lord Calthorpe became more attentive than usual
"Mr. Rodney" consulted the late Lord Russell (when
Sir Charles) and discovered, by his acumen and
research, a spot on the Heath that was no more
under the control of the Jockey Club than are the
plains of Timbuctoo. One of the most curious
incidents, as showing the sensitiveness of the
members of the Jockey Club, occurred in 18G2, and
as the majority may find the tale a fresh one I
reproduce the items, taken from a

" Report of the Principal Proceedings of the Jockey
Club during the year [1862], abridged from the Sheet
Calendar.

" Lord Winchilsea having called the attention of
the meeting to a letter in the Morning Post of
October 20, signed ' Argus,' in which the Tarragona
case W£is prejudged in an offensive manner :

278

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" It was moved by Lord Stradbroke and seconded
by Mr. Greville :

" That the meeting was of opinion that it was not
expedient to take notice of anonymous writers ia
public prints. *

" On a division the numbers were :

" For Lord Stradbroke's motion . 10

"Against it 12

" It was then moved by Lord Winch ilsea, and
seconded by Admiral Rous :

" That a letter be written by Mr. Weatherby to
Mr. Willes, a gentleman writing under the signature
of ' Argus * in the Morning Post, requiring him to
make an apology for certain offensive expressions
used by him in the Morning Post of October 20,
affecting the character of the Jockey Club.

" This was carried on a division, the numbers
being :

" For the motion . . . .13
" Against it ..... 7

"The meeting then adjourned till Friday after
the races.

" At the adjourned meeting on Friday :

" Mr. Willes's answer to the letter that was
written to him in pursuance of the resolution passed
at a meeting of the Club on Wednesday having been

read,

279

t
SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" The following resolution was moved by Lord
Winchilsea and seconded by Lord Glasgow :

" That Mr. Willes having been required to make
an apology for certain offensive expressions reflecting
on the character of the Jockey Club, used by him in
a letter signed ' Argus,' published in the Morning
Post of October 20, 1862, and not having done so,
be warned off the Lands and Property of the Jockey
Club at Newmarket.

" To this the following amendment was moved by
General Peel, seconded by Mr. Greville :

" That a Special Meeting of the Club be called for
the purpose of taking Mr. Willes's letter into con-
sideration, and deciding what is the best course to
be adopted.

" The meeting having divided on the amendment,
the numbers were :

" For the amendment ... 6

"Against it . . . . . 11

*' The meeting then divided on the original motion,
-which was carried, the numbers being :

" For Lord Winchilsea's motion . .11
" Against it ..... 6

" Adjourned."

"And so home," as Mr. Pepys would have said.
It all reads rather comical now : and at the time
the humour was not unapparent. Mr. Willes — ivho

280

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Tras a brilliant and forcible writer — was not disturbed
by the solemn conclusion, and only laughed when
next spring I at the Epsom Meeting ran a colt, by
Autocrat from Vera, under the name of " Argus the
Exile." He was a very bad horse, but curiously he
managed a dead heat with one called " The Welcher " !
Tliis only emphasised the humour of the situation.
To the best of my recollection Mr. Willes never
apologised.

Although, as I have said, I rarely won upon a
Derby, I did secure a little on Hermit in 1867.
Had I not been prejudiced against the son of New-
minster and Seclusion, I might have gone for a
splendid stake at a moderate outlay. I knew, as
did the rest of the world, that he had broken a
blood-vessel. But I knew also that of which the
world was ignorant, that to outward seeming he was
thoroughly restored. Still, there is with a horse of
blood-vessel breaking propensities always a danger
of repetition when the steam is turned on ; and, as
I say, I was prejudiced. How I came to know that
Hermit was all I'ight was through Mr. John Reeves,
a very clever trainer at Epsom. He met me on the
Saturday before Derby Day, and said, " Oh, Mr.
Hodgman, I took the liberty of opening yoTU' gate
and letting down your chains this morning."

281

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

" What for ? " I queried.

" Well, Bloss, the trainer of Hermit, wished to
give the horse a good pipe opener, and he asked me
whose place yours was. I told him, and he said,
* What sort of a man is he ? Would he object to
me having a gallop ? It's the very place I want.' I
said I didn't think you would object, and, anyway, I
added that I would chance it."

" Oh, that's all right, Reeves. And how did
Hermit go ? "

" Splendidly ! I led him, or, rather, tried to lead
him, on Molly Carew, but he galloped clean away,
and pulled up thoroughly sound. I was so pleased
I went straight to London, and took 2000 to 30. You
had better do the same. I think he's sure to win."

At first I said I would, but I let the matter drop,
and only won upon him through my book. I am
aware that my friend Custance states in his
" Reminiscences " that Hermit had not had a canter
for nine days till he was sent a mile on the Tuesday
morning — the day before the Derby. But Custance
at the time of the Saturday spin was, on his own
statement, at Chantilly ; hence he could not be
expected to know, and as he was not riding Hermit,
but The Rake, Bloss would hardly tell him.

" We have changed all that since then," said the

282

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

Mock Doctor In the French farce when his patient
suggested, because he was examining the right, that
the heart was on the left side. Such a striking
physical revolution has yet to occur. But in a way
the change that has come over the system of betting
is no less startling than would be counted the trans-
position of the cardiac organ. There is perhaps as
much gambling as of yore in bulk. But it is spread
over a wider surface, and the serious operations in
the majority of cases scarcely commence till the
numbers of the runners for a particular race are
hoisted. Nor by many is the Ring ever affected, for
there has grown up a species of speculation generi-
cally known as the " s.-p. " (starting-price) business,
that extends from, so to say, Land's End to John
o' Groats. And the purpose of the operators is that
not only shall the horse win, but that, by the absence
of money for him at the post, with victory shall be
associated long odds. The practice has certainly not
added to the gaiety of the Turf, and by reason of
the need of secrecy many friendships have been
sundered. That man with a large number is hero
who can " place " a thousand pounds without any
coming back to the Ring, and against such the
travelling layers, who also have, in most cases,
their *'s.-p. joints," fight tooth and nail. In their
day the patrons of Highfield House, Malton, have

285

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

-administered some severe blows to the starting-price
agencies, particular cases of note being the Lewes
Handicap successes of Newcourt and Street Singer,
and the Manchester Cup victory of The Docker.
AYilliam I' Anson, however, was not always an adept
at arranging this kind of coup, and in connection
with the burly Yorkshire trainer and " s.-p." business,
I recall an amusing incident that occurred at Carlisle
in the summer of 1885. I' Anson was running
Prince Rudolph in the Grand Stand Handicap, and
as the horse was entering the course he turned
to his friends w^ith, "There goes the winner.
You can all go and back him. Miners on starting
jyrice ! "

The inevitable result was a flooding of the market
with money for the horse.

" What's winning ? " said I Anson to me.

"Why, you've won, Bill. It's all over now!" I
•cried, for Prince Rudolph was pulling Luke out of
the saddle.

" Capital ! " was his remark. " Yes, he's won.
Oood horse ! " Then, " Hodge, what price was he ? "

" Five to four."

"Five to what? Why, I thought he'd be at
5 to 1. Mine's on starting price. Who's been back-
ing him here ? "

"Well," I remarked, "considering what you

284

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

almost publicly said when the horses went out, I
don't see how you can be surprised." That certainly
was not the accepted way to engineer an "s.-p. "
ooup.

In the lively days of elections, when verbal ex-
pressions of dissent were considered tame, there were,
according to reports, such signs as the following to
be discerned in shops : " New-laid eggs. Fresh eggs.
Eggs, Election eggs." Many as were then the
varieties of the hen's produce, they are exceeded
these times by the different sorts of Scotch whisky
that appeal to the popular palate. There is your
plain Scotch, your special Scotch, your extra
special Scotch, your ten-year-old Vatted, your
fifteen-year old Nectar ; and, I expect, your Am-
brosial Liquid that floated with the Ark what time
it glided over the waters that covered the earth.
That much of the virtues of these separate and
distinct *' Scotches " exists only in the advertisements
is, I hope, not an uncharitable thing to imagine ; and
ss so many are puzzled which sort to purchase, It
may not be out of place to put on record the opinion
on whisky of my dear and lamented friend, the late
Lord Russell of Killowen. Both before and after he
was raised to tlie peerage it was his annual custom
to meet me In the paddock at Ascot, on the Tuesday,

28.5

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

and have a chat over a sandwich and a glass. " Now,
Hodgman," was his general salutation, " come and
have your bitter beer, and I'll have my whisky and a
sandwich." One year (when he was Sir Charles),
just as we separated, three friends from Scotland came
up to me.

" Hodgman," said one, " I've some fifteen-year-old
whisky — the right stuff. Have a drop ? "

" No, thanks. I've just had a bitter with Sir
Charles Ptussell."

"Sir Charles who f* he sarcastically returned.
At that moment Sir Charles passed by, and I said
to him, " Sir Charles, some Scottish friends of mine
say they have some fifteen-year-old whisky. Would
you like to try it ? "

"No thanks," he replied, ^^Five-year-old whisky
satisfies me if it is good stuff when laid doivn."

" By Jove ! " said the owner of the whisky, " it
was Sir Charles, and, after all, there is a deal of
truth in what he said."

Everybody is familiar, in a way, with the Ladas
who won for Lord Rosebery the Derby Stakes of
1894. There may, though, be some — here and
there a stray one — not aware that his lordship
owned a colt of the same name in 1869, a period at
which the " Primrose Lord " had only passed his
majority by the space of a year. He was a brown

286

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

colt by Lambton, from Zenobia, and at a time he, as
the later Ladas, was regarded as likely of Derby
honours. Anyway, his then youthful owner came
to me at the Lewes, on April 21, 18G9, and
asked me what I would take for my horse Target,
an aged son of Artillery, who the previous day
had run second to Citron in a welter, and that
afternoon had an engagement in the Lewes Spring
Handicap.

"Well, my lord," I said, '* I will take 500 sovs.
for him. Mind you, he's not worth that sum, as he
can only, with the best of the weights, scramble
through little races. But I find him useful, as he
is a rare one to lead work."

" That's exactly what I wish him for. I want him
to lead Ladas In his Derby gallop. Will you sell ? "
answered Lord Rosebery.

"Yes, he's yours, my lord, after the handicap,
which he will win, and It's worth betting on."

Target, who only had 7st. to the 8st. 12 lb. of
the four-year-old Ep worth, with Butler up, pulled
through by a neck, the field reaching to eighteen.
I had a very fair race, as Target started at 8's,
though I am not aware whether his lordship betted.
When all was over, I said :

** He's yours, my lord."

** Yes," he answered, laughing ; ** but, Hodgman,

287

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

I really think you ought to have thrown the race-
in to the deal."

Target, I suspect, led Ladas a bit too well in his
gallop, for he was allowed to start at 66 to 1 at
Epsom, and ran without distinction.

My task and my readers' labours are now nearing
a close. For those w^io have followed me, even in
haphazard fashion, I can only extend the thanks of
an old man, well past the allotted three score and
ten, and trust that if not instruction they have
derived some amusement from a perusal of these
pages. One incident and one explanation follow,
and then the pen is put aside. Most followers of the
Turf, and all who are keen on the noble art of boxing,
know my young — young to me in years — friend, Mr.
T. W. Gale, otherwise " Tommy" to all and sundry.
We were together in Edinburgh at the time Mr. W.
E. Gladstone was stumping Scotland. In my later
time I have frequently passed for that Right Hon.
gentleman's " double," though, I suppose, two more
mentally and politically opposite men never were
bom. As my photograph precedes these pages,
readers can judge of any similarity between myself
and the " Grand Old Man." Mr. Gale was always
insisting on the likeness, and one evening at Waverley
Station he and his friends passed the word round

288

SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF

that Mr. Gladstone was travelling incognito. At
first the crowd was incredulous, but soon the people
flocked round my carriage, and misled, perhaps, by
the dim light of the autumn eve, thought I was
Gladstone. The station was quickly in a ferment,
and " Speech! Speech! " startled the porters at their
work. " Speak ! " said Mr. Gale, as the train was on
the move. " Show yourself." So I thrust my head
from the window with, " Thank you, gentlemen ! So-
and-so will win the Cesare witch ! "

"Victor, Victorious, Vestminster, Verdant, Vex,
Vixen, Valentine, Veni, Vidi, Vici, — why so many
' V's,' Hodgman ? Were you a great admirer of
Sam Weller, that you so affected the ' V's ' ? '
asked a friend.

" Sam Weller be bothered ! " I answered. " I
never renamed a horse, but I selected ' V's ' because
I should know where to pick upon my horses in the
Index to the Calendar when I wished to refresh my
memory with their form." That is the simple
explanation of what many may consider an eccen-
tricity.

My tale is spun. Readers, fare ye well !

289

INDEX

Abikodon Mile, 88

Abron, 157, 162

Acrobat, 93, 94

Across the Hat. 89, 90

Adamas, 118, 273

Adventurer,231

iEgean, The, 210

Aintree, 125

Airlie, Lord, 197

Alcoran, 28, 29

Aldersgate Street, 15

Alexandra Plate, 246

Alington, Lord, 48

AUesbury, Lord, 230

Amata, 32

American, 247, 248, 249, 250, 264,

265, 266, 269
Angell, Mr. George, 146, 156, 157,

158, 159, 161, 162, 268
'Appy 'Ampton, 152
Archer, Fred, 169, 225, 231, 262
«'ArgQS," 278, 279, 280
'• Argas the Exile," 281
Ariosto, 25

Aristocratic Handicap, 26
Ark, The, 285
Arthur Wellesley, 93
Artillery, 287
Ascot, 39. 110, 119, 144, 179, 189,

198, 246, 285
Ascot Stakes, 83
Assault, 89
Astarte, 157, 162
Astley, Sir John, 319
Austria, 109
Anstrians, 208
Autocrat, 281
Aventuriere, 230
Ayr, 228

Baily, Mr., 92, 93

*' Baily's Magaiine," 92

Salchin, 27, 148, 184

Balham, 47

Bank of England, 39

Banstead Common, 170

Barbarian, 26

Barber, Mr. Jimmy, 69, 70, 151, 157,

158, 161, 162, 241
Barbillonne, 223
Barker, 263

Barnard, Mr. J., 32, 35, 62
Barnard's Ring, 32
Barr, Joe, 37
Bartholomew, Ben, 68
Bates, Mr. Fred, 64
Baumber, 267
Baumber, 51
Bayliss, Mr., 214
Beacon, The, 139, 140
Beaufort, Duke of, 52
Beckett, Mr. George, 192
Beddington, 106, 107
Beddington House, 101
Beddington Stakes, 32
Bedford, Duke of, 25, 90
Bedford Races, 24
Bee Hunter, 197
Beeton's, 66
Bell. Mr. Richard, 119
BdVi Life, 11, 12, 23, 114
Bend Or, 79

Bennett, Mr. Jack, 31, 38, 52, 82
Berkeley Square (13), 51, 134, 232
Berry, J., 263
Beverley, 285
Bibury Club, 98
Biondella, 109
Birch Broom, 181
Birdcage, 214, 265
Bishopsgate Street, 72
Blackbird, 178
Black Tommy, 95
Blair Athol, 119
Blenkiron, Mr. W., 119
Bletchley, 24

9m

INDEX

Blink Bonny, 95, 96

Bloss, Mr., 282

Blue Gown, 202, 209

Blueskin, 121.

Boiard, 246

Boiardo, 92, 93, 95

Bon Mot, 23, 24

Borough, The, 41, 147

Bottom, Billy, 140

Boyce, Billy, 196

Boyce, Charlie, 127, 128, 129

Brabazon, Major, 63, 64, 69

Brampton, Lord, 105

Biayley, Mr. "Teddy," 197, 198,

199, 200
Brewer, The, 124
Brighton, 38, 42, 142, 149, 180, 204,

207, 216, 219
Brighton Stakes, 216
Bringhurst, Major, 61
Bristol, 164
Bristol Hotel, 216
Brocket, 118

Brocklesby Stakes, 178, 273
Broome, Harry, 94
Broome, Johnny, 94
" Brown Bear," 15
Brown, Mr., 147, 148, 149
Bryan, Mr. George, 157, 158
Buccaneer, 201
Bucks, 78
Bury Hill, 149
Bush, Mr. Charlie, 232, 233
Bushes Handicap, 263
Butler, 210, 211, 216, 220, 262,

287

"Calendar," 81, 85, 100, 162, 233,

278, 289
Calthorpe, Lord, 278
Cambridgeshire, 17, 24, 32, 66, 99,

100, 140, 146, 147, 190, 198, 210,

211, 217, 232, 234, 276
Cannon, M., 266
Cannon, Tom, 142, 199, 200, 242,

243
Canterbury, 19
Caracara, 89, 90
Carew, Mr., 49, 96, 101, 102, 106, 107,

116, 117
Carew, Mrs. 101
Carlisle, 284

Carshalton, 166, 169, 173, 186
Catherine Hayes, 39
Caurouch, 15, 24
Cerdagne, 150
Cesarewitch, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 38,

41, 46, i7, 57, 58, 59, 63, 70, 97,
99, 101, 121, 122, 123, 139, 140,
142, 143, 209, 211, 217, 218, 219,
221, 225, 226, 228, 229, 232, 233,
244, 245, 246, 248, 276, 289

Chaloner, Tom, 167, 168

Channel (English), 266

Chantilly, 282

Charing Cross, 24

Cheapside, 66

Cherie, 221

Chester, 59, 60

Chester Cup, 82, 83, 185, 199, 202,
210

Chester Cup— Runners and Jockeys
for, 1851, '52, '53, '54, '56, 252-
261

Chesterfield Handicap, 204, 241

Chetwynd, Sir George, 224

Chillington Stakes, 184

Chivalry, 191, 192, 193

Christie, Capt., 184

Citron, 287

City and Suburban, 51, 82, 84, 132,
133, 153

Claimant, The, 112, 113

Clapham, 218

Claremont, 143

Claret, 145

Clark, Mr. E. R., 51-62

Clark, Mr. " D'Orsay," 57

Clerkenwell, 37

Clifden, Lord, 17, 89

Clincher, 197

Cobham Company, 119

Cobham Stud, 119

Cockburn, Attorney-General, 77,
155

Cockburn, Lord Chief Justice,
111

Codford, 127

Confederate, 181

Contract, 241

Cook, Mr., 75, 77, 78

Cornhill, 92

Cottonopolis, 270

Couleur de Rose, 193

Covey, 121

Cowper, 248

Cranberry, 181

Craven, Mr. W. G., 268

Crinon, 119

Criterion Course, 192

Croydon, 152, 218

Cubitt, Messrs., 37

Curate, The, 234, 235, 236

Cur, The, 16, 17

291

INDEX

Custance, 121, 123, 166, 167, 168,

173, 222, 223, 246, 263, 282
Cutt, Mr. George, 216

Dacia, 17

Dalby, 210, 211

Dancing Saloon (Jessop's), 148

Daniel O'Rourke, 26, 28, 30, 31, 47

Danebury, 80, 242

Davies (" The Leviathian "), 21, 24,

26, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 35, 36-42,

46, 92, 93, 127, 153, 154
Dawson, Matthew, 153, 225, 230,

262
Dawson, Tom, 261
Day, John, 80, 83, 86
Day, William, 80, 81, 83, 100, 101,

142, 174, 183
" Debrett," 26
De Ginkell's dam, 177
Denby, Mr., 166
Derby, Lord, 93
Derby Day, 168, 281
Derby, The, 19, 21, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38,

71, 72 95, 96, 97, 106, 169, 198,

202, 266, 281, 286, 287
Derby Meeting, 276
Derby Track, 49, 50
Diamond Jubilee, 266
Disney, Mr., 15, 24
Ditch Mile, 87, 142, 263
Dixon, Mr., 161, 162
Docker, The, 284
Doeskin, 120
Doncaster, 119, 175, 176, 185, 228,

229
Doncaster Cup, 87, 268
Doncaster Stakes, 94
Don Juan, 221
Don, The, 49, 100
Dorling, Mr., 48, 49, 50
Double Thong, 89
Doubt, 75, 76, 77
Dowson, Mr. Harry, 129, 132
Drewitt, Mr., 145
Drinkald, Mr., 91, 93, 95, 130, 133
Drummer Boy, The, 189
Duke of Beaufort, 198, 199
Dulcibella, 70, 100, 101
Dunbar, 119

Dunne, Mr. 157, 161, 162
Dupe, The, 193
Duplicity, The, 193, 194

Eadk, Mr. George, 156, 161
Earl Spencer's Plate, 108
Eclipse Stakes, 266

Ecossais, 119

Edinburgh, 288

Edwards, Mr., 161, 162

Egerton House, 266

Eggs, Election, 285

Egham, 60, 63, 94, 162, 163, 178,

179, 242
Eglinton, Lord, 244
Eglinton Stakes, 185
El Hakim, 97, 98, 248
Elsey, W. E., 267
Emigrant, 107, 125, 126, 127, 128,

129, 130
"Emma," 30

England, 54, 65, 168, 180, 248
England, Lord Chief Justice of, 77
English, 248, 249, 260, 268, 269
Englishmen, 249
Epsom, 32, 49, 83, 84, 98, 106, 107,

109, 110, 127, 189, 194, 261
Epsom Downs, 166, 168
Epworth, 287
Ernestine, 90
Eurydice, 140

Exeter, Lord, 12, 25, 39, 40, 89
Exotic Filly, 46

Faieplay's Dam, 175

Falstaff, 102

Faugh-a-Ballagh, 89

Faux Pas, 25

Fazzoleto, 238

Fenny Stratford, 78

Feramorz, 89

Fern Hill Stakes, 179

Filbert, 39, 40

Filius, 28

Findon, 83, 139

Fisher, Mr. Ishmael, 77

Fisher's " Brown Bear," 15

Fitzronald, 174

Fitzwilliam Stakes, 185

Flatman, 90, 265

Flying Duchess, 203

Flying Dutchman's Handicap, 85

Flying Dutchman, The, 21, 23, 108

Ford, Mr., 237

Ford, Mr. W. T.,52, 237

Fordham, 47, 61, 97, 98, 99, 121,
124, 143, 145, 158, 159, 160, 161,
162, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 173,
174, 180, 182, 183, 184, 194, 196,
199, 207, 208, 210, 213, 214, 219,
220, 242, 255, 263, 264

Forester, Col., 123

Formosa, 207, 208

Foster, 267

292

INDEX

Fourth Triennial Stakes, 39

Foy, Mr. John, 150, 202

Frail. Mr. Charles, 157

Frail, Mr. " Jack," 157

Frail, Mr. John, 154, 155, 156, 157,

158
France, 150
Fravola, 110, 194
French, 262, 283

Gafpeb Green, 17

Gain, Mr, Jonathan, 101

Gale, Mr. T. W., 288,289

Gallon, 263

Galopin, 203, 243

Gaston, 262

Gatwick, 152

Gem of Gems, 51

"George Hotel," 125. 158

Gideon, Mr. John, 149, 150

Gilbert, Mr., 16

Gilbertian, 251

Gimcrack Stakes, 74

Gladstone, Right Hon. W, E. , 288

Glasgow, 228

Glasgow, Lord, 85, 90, 280

Glauca, 41

Glover, 230

Goater, Bill, 139

Goater, Jim, 121

Godding, Mr., 220, 262

Godwin, Mr., 21

Gold Cup (Ascot), 185

Golden Drop, 275, 276

Golden Dust, 144

Goodwood, 180, 201, 203, 221, 223

Goodwood Cup, 84, 85, 268

Goodwood Nursery. 181, 182, 184,

201, 262
Goodwood Stakes, 12, 26, 31, 241
"Gordon, Mr.," 196, 197
Gracechurch Street, 25, 131
Gradwell, 151
Graham, Mr., 208, 209
Grand National, 125. 127, 128
Grant, 108

Granville, Lord, 53, 55, 182, 183
Grappler, The, 184
Grassendale, 51
Gratwicke, Mr., 39
Gray, Mr., 115, 116
Great Ebor, 22, 142, 245
Great Metropolitan, 82, 84, 98
Great Northern Handicap, 85
Great Yorkshire Handicap, 211
Greaves, 263
Grecian, 118

Greek, The, 98, 99

Green, Mr. Edward, 121, 123, 124,

126, 126, 127, 128, 242
Green, Mr. Tom, 235, 236
Gretton, Mr. Fred, 46,' 276
Greville, Mr., 30, 31, 53, 64, 65, 66,

133, 265, 280
Grey, Billy, 262
"Greyhound, The," 166, 168
Gridiron, 47, 48
Grimshaw, Jimmy, 120
Grosvenor Bridge, 210
Gunboat, 69

Hall, Mr. Harry, 275-277

Hall, Mr., 110, 194

Halnaker Gallop, 180

Hamilton, Duke of, 204, 212-215,

221-224
Hampton, 179, 180
Hancock, Messrs., 54
Happy Land, 174
Harbinger, 276
Hargreaves, Mr., 22, 62, 63
Harpenden, 170
Harry Bluff, 123
Haughton, Mr. George, 192
Haughton, Mr. Samuel, 192
Hawkesley, Capt., 202, 273-275
Hawkins, Sir Henry, 105-8, 111,

112
Hawkshaw, 141, 142
Hawkstone Welter, 213
Hawley, Sir Joseph, 135, 136, 139,

140, 141
Heathcote, Squire, 32
Heartfield, Tom, 141, 142, 143, 262
Heather, 263
Heavens, Mr., 229
Heiress, 98-101, 238
Hereford, 185

Her Majesty's Plate, 19, 210
Hermit, 281, 282
Herring, Mr. George, 77, 99, 149,

189, 190
Hesper, 153
Hesperus, 90

Hetman Platolf, 64, 69, 86
Hibbert, Mr. Chas., 224
Highfield House, 96, 283
Higgins, Col., 63, 69, 70
Hill, Mr. Harry, 22, 73, 95, 117, 129,

132, 133, 139
Hobbie Noble, 32

Hodgson, Mr., 129, 130, 131, 132, 134
Homebrewed, 28, 29
Hopkins, 263

293

INDEX

Hotspur, 21

Houghton Meeting 88, 120, 123

Hughes, David, 124, 179

Hughes, Mr. Tom, 179, 189, 190, 218,

223
Hungerford, 73
Hunt, E., 267
Hurst Park, 152
Huxtable, 262
Hyde Park, 112
Hydrangea, 12, 13, 14

I'Anson, Mr., 96

I' Anson, Mr. William, 284

Ilex, 89

Imperieuse, 96

India, 129

Ireland, 190

Irish Birdcatcher, 89

Isonomy, 46, 276

Italians, 140

Ivan, 93, 94

Jackson, Mr. John, 22, 62, 96, 97,
182, 185. 186. 187, 209, 214

Jacobs, Mr., 186

Jamaica, 215

Jennings, Mr. Tom, 119, 120, 180,
263

Jermyn Street, 233

Jockey Club, 81, 174, 268, 278, 279,
280

Jockey Ring, 266

John Davis, 215-221

John O'Groats, 283

Johnson, "Judue," 46

Johnson, Mr., 177

Johnson, 262

Jones, Herbert, 266

Justice, Mr., 157

Kelly, Mr. Tim, 12, 15

Kendall, 263

" King's Head," Newgate Street, 16

King Lud, 243, 246

King of Greece, 124

Kingsland, 202

Kingston, 83

Kingstown, 73

King Tom, 162, 243

Knavesmire, 143

Knight of St. George, 93

Knight of St. Patrick, 193

Knight of the Garter, 89, 210

Knight of the Shire, 32

Labbadok, Coast of, 54

" Lad, The," 123
Ladas, 286, 287, 288
Lagrange, Count, 180, 263
Lambert, Mr. George, 84, 112, 113,

121, 122, 123, 124, 136, 169, 221,

223, 227, 268
Lambton, 287
La Mechante, 178
Land, Ben, 108, 125, 126, 130
Land's End, 283
Langley, Mr., 214
Law Courts, 108
Lawley, Hon. F., 63
Lawley, Mr. Tom, 143, 244
L.B. & S.C.Railway, 181
Leamington, 124, 226
Le Bernais, 180
Lee, Mr. Robert, 246
Lefevre, Mr., 163
Lemaire, 223, 263
Leonie, 204
Lewes, 47, 180, 287
Lewes Handicap, 284, 287
Lewes Racecourse, 121
Libellous, 189, 190
Lifeboat, 69
Lincoln, 187, 189, 235
Lincolnshire Handicap, 51, 52, 187,

234, 235, 236, 237
List Houses, 37
Little Harry, 83, 84
Little, Capt., 98, 99, 156, 159, 161
Little Gerard. 100
Little John Plate, 178
Liverpool, 127, 128, 129, 132
Liverpool Summer Cup, 23
Lola Montez, 17
Lolly pop, 221, 222, 223
London, 11, 14, 15, 24, 28, 37, 3»

59, 65, 76, 173, 228, 235
Long Acre, 37
Lonsdale Cup, 153
Lonsdale, Lord, 242, 246
Lord Clifden, 168, 170
Lorna Doone. 186
Lowe, Joe, 193
Lowlander, 119
Lucas' Repository, 129
Luke, 284
Lye, Tommy, 90

Macaroni, 168
Machell, Capt., 245, 246
MaesUwch, 204
Maiden Plate, 144
Malacca, 123
Malton, 95, 283

294

INDEX

Manchester, 65, 155, 270, '276, 277
Manchester Cup, 46, 190, 284
Manchester November Handicap,

276
Manifold, 24, 25
Manning, Mr., 72, 136
Mannington, Mr., 169, 170, 17C, 177,

201, 234
Margery Daw, 118, 120
Mariner, 199. 200
Market Street, 271
Marlow, Charlie, 74
Marshall. Mr. W., 129
Marshall, Mr. William, 129, 133
Marsyas, 142
Martin, Baron, 133
Megson, Mr., 33
MeUish, Mr., 115
Mercury, 208
Merry, Mr., 32
Merry, Mr. Sam, 35, 153, 154
Miami, 19

Middle Park Stud, 119
Midlothian, 219, 222, 223
Milk Street, 66
Miss Gratwicke, 210
Missive, 58
Miss Sarah Filly, 90
Mitchell, 262
Mock Doctor, 283
Moleskin, 121
Molly Carew, 282
Monge's Dam, 46, 47
Monk, Sir Charles, 18S
Monk, The, 196
Montagu, 76
Monti, 54

" Mordan, Mittith Thammy," 220
Mordan, Sam, 220, 221
Morgan, 276, 277
Morning Post, 214, 278, 279, 280
Morris, 141, 142, 180, 181, 183, 190,

262, 263
Morris ("Tubby"), Mr., 22, 49, 52,

53, 63, 64, 93, 97, 123, 125, 150,

182, 198, 208. 209, 216, 217
Mr. Sykes, 57, 64
Mrs. Taft, 25

Mundy, Mr., 25, 26, 217, 236
Musgrove, Mr., 228
Muscovite, 64, 65, 66, 69, 70, 265
Musician, 76
Mysotis, 204

Nabob, 26
Nassau Stakes, 85
Naylor, Mr., 168

Nelson's Yard (York), 177

New Bond Street, 54

Newcourt, 284

Newmarket, 25, 27, 46, 58, 81, 85,
86, 109, 113, 115, 139. 140, 147
180, 186, 191, 19,5, 196. 203, 'zl4,
218, 219, 229, 263

Newmarket Heath, 278

Newmarket Stakes, 266

Newminster, 120, 150, 175, 281

Nettle, 74

Newcastle, Duke of, 203

New Stakes, 119

Nichol, Mr. "Billy," 216, 217, 237

Nicholson, Mr., 208

Nicholson, Mr. Edgar, 78

Nicholson's London Gin, 208

Nightingale Lane, 218

Noisette, 193

Norman, 30

Northampton, 27, 72, 127

Northamptonshire Stakes, 50, 215

Nottingham, 178, 180, 241

Nutbourne, 232

Nutgirl, 193, 194

Nutpecker, 39

Oaks, The, 19, 39, 74, 96, 97

Odiham, 125, 126

Oldaker, Mr., 170, 173

Old Burlington Street, 162, 164

Old Robert, 107

" Old Ship," Brighton. 48

"Old Waterworks," 120

One Thousand Guineas, 46

Orlando, 17

Ormonde, 79, 175

Osborne, John, 23, 24, 208, 261

Otho. 194, 195

Oxford, 100

Oxford Mixture, 236

Padwick, Mr., 82, 83, 84, 124

Palmer (Poisoner), 73-78

Palmer, 161, 162

"Pardee, Mr.," 273

Parr, Mr. Tom, 25, 26, 27, 63

Parry, 145. 146, 194, 262

Pascarel. 274

Pastrycook, 76

Paul's Cray, 92

Paul Jones, 178, 191, 192, 199-211

Payne, Mr. George, 41, 159, 160,

185, 231
Payne, Mr. Justice, 111
"Pavo," 214, 215
Pedley, Mr., 118

295

INDEX

Peel, Col., 17, 18
Peel, General, 280
Peel, Sir Robert, 42
Pepys, Mr., 280
Percival, Mr. John, 224
Perkins, Mr. John, 65. 66
Perry, 161, 162, 178, 180, 194, 195,
196

Perry, Mr., 39

Phenix, 94

Phillips, Mr, " Billy," 270-272

Pigott, Lady, 139

Pilleygreen Lodge, 223

Plunkett, 86

Poppin's Court, 21

Porter, John, 135, 136, 130, 141

Powell, Mr,, 41

Pyrrhus the First, 19, 80

Plumb, David, 262

Practitioner, 141, 142

"PrGGCG 61

Priestley, Mr., 157, 158, 161, 162
Prince Rudolph, 284
Principal, The, 196
Prioress, 97, 123, 124, 248
Professor Anderson, 275
Provider, 219, 221
Protection, 118
Pryor, Mr,, 274, 275

QUEEN Bess, 97, 98, 249

Queen of Cyprus, 51

Queen's Plate, 140

Queenstown, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125

Quince, Sam, 28, 59

Quince, 202, 262

RAKE, The, 282

Ramsgate, 11

Rawcliffe Paddocks, 175

Ray, Mr., 218

Reece, Mr. Bob, 232, 233

Reeves, Jack, 108, 109

Reeves, Mr. John, 281, 282

•' Regent Hotel," 124, 226

Regent Street, 139

Reiff, Johnny, 251

Reiver, The; 39, 40

"Reminiscences" (Custance), 166,

263, 282
" Reminiscences " (W. Day's), 80
Reynolds, Mr. George, 52, 113
Ribblesdale, Lord, 174
Richmond, Duke of, 180, 197
Rickaby, 75
Ridd, John, 186
Riddlesworth Stakes, 25

Robgill, 63, 64

Rochester and Chatham Meeting,

41
Rocket, 121, 122, 123, 125
"Rodney, Mr.," 278
Rogers, Sam, 196
" Rollicking Bob," 108
Kosebery, Lord, 286, 287
Round Course, 140
Rous, Admiral, 25, 27, 43-56, 61, 85,

100, 109, 133, 134, 150, 181, 183,

184, 193, 194, 220, 226-228, 230-

233, 245, 262, 279
Rous, Mrs., 50
Rous Stakes, 203
Rowley Mile, 194, 195
Royal Hunt Cup, 189
Rugby, 221
Rugeley, 73, 74
Running Rein, 17

Russell, Lord, of Killowen, 278, 285
Russell, Sir Charles, 278, 286

Sackbut, 89
Salt, Alfred, 170

St. Leger, The, 30, 31, 57, 92, 94, 95,
96, 151, 204, 207, 208, 209, 210, 266
Salisbury Arms, 24, 29, 30
Savile, Mr. H., 120, 219
" Saracen's Head," 187
Saxon, Mr., 97, 177
Sayers, 262
Scamp, 50, 51
Scarbrough, Lord, 48
Scotland, 286, 288
Scotch Whisky, 285

Scott, Bill, 225

Scott, John, 30, 92

Scott, Lord John, 39, 94

Scurry Handicap, 24

Sealskin, 121

Seclusion, 281

See Saw, 119, 210

Senorita, 86, 89

Shannon, 268

Sharpe, W., 76

Sheerness, 157

Shelley, Mr. John, 69, 82

Sherwood, Bob, 73

Shillelagh, 108-10, 194

Shoreham, 216

Shorthouse, Dr., l66, 167, 168, 186

Shorts Handicap, 141

Shrewsbury, 80, 81, 125, 126, 139,

154, 155, 156,213,214,273
" Simpson," 166, 168
Simpson, Mr., 203

296

INDEX

Sirikol, 32

"Sir Roger," 113

Sir Tatton Sykes, 57

Sittingbourne, 39, 40

Sister to Caracara, 90

Sister to Gobbo, 57

Skirmisher, 121

Sloan, 248

Slough, 242

Smith, Mr. "Billy," 118

Smith, Mr. Edward, 114, 115, 116,

117, 118
Smith, "Ned," 114, 121, 122, 123
Smith, Capt., 97
Smith, Mr. James, 233, 234
Smith, Mr. Justice, 111
Smith, Mr. " Rosebery," 201
Songstress, 31
Soothsayer, 27
South- Western Stakes, 173
Souvenir, 221

"Spectacle Perry," 110, 194
Speculum, 203, 204
Spigot Lodge, 275
Stamford, 152
Stamford, Lord, 238
Stampedo, 47
Steel, Mr. Harry, 129, 207, 221, 231,

234, 236, 237
Stephenson, Mr., 214
Stewards' Cup, 203, 221
Stockbridge, 242
Stock Exchange, 194
Stockwell, 28, 29, 30, 31
Stockwell (Stud Farm), 118
Stonehewer, Mr. W. S., 216, 217
Stradbroke, Lord, 279
Strathmore, Lord, 108
Street Singer, 284
Sturt, Mr., 48, 50
Subscription Rooms (Newmarket),

17, 37, 63, 230
Subscription Rooms (Doncaster), 92,

209
Suburban, 173
Surplice, 17

Surrey and Middlesex Stakes, 61
Sutler, 223, 224
Sutton, 276
" Swan Hotel," 75, 77
Sweetmeat Filly, 74
Sweet William, 121, 122
Swindell, Mr. Fred, 74-77, 96, 100,

101, 225-232, 234, 236, 244, 245,

270-272

TADMOK, 21

Taffrail, 17

Tame Deer, 121, 122

Tankerley. 97, 248

Taraban, 220

Target, 287, 288

Tarragona, 278

Tattersall's, 190, 195, 216

Tattersall, Mr. Richard, 195, 216

Tattersall's Yard, 15, 117

Teddington, 39

Telscombe, 147, 199, 217, 218, 234

Templeman, 94

Ten Broeck, Mr., 97, 98, 160, 249

Thanet, Isle of, 10

Thornhill, Mr., 25, 26, 31, 122, 132, 134

Thunder, 153

Thunderer, 153

Thunderbolt, 153

Tichborne, 112

Tllney Street (5), 106

Timbuctoo, 278

Tobolski, 32, 35

Tomahawk, 234, 236

Tom Sayers, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161,

162
Tophara, Mr., 8

Townley, Capt., 156, 158, 160, 161
Trappist, 119
Truth, 25

Truth Gelding, 225-232
Tubal Cain, 195, 196
Tubbs, Mr., 243
" Two Brewers," 233
Two Middle Miles, 89
"Two Thousand," 26, 174, 266
Tyler, "Boss," 164

United States, 248, 249
Unwin, Mr. "Billy," 277

Valentine, 273, 274, 275, 289

Valiant, 213, 215-
--Valour, 190 ' _

Van Amburgh, 146, 149

Vedette, 203

Veni, 238, 242, 289

Vera, 281

Verdant, 142, 143, 289

Vestminster, 144. 145, 146 149, 150
151, 198, 218, 236
J^ex, 203, 289

Vexatious, 274

Vici, 238, 241, 242, 243

Victor, 187, 189, 289

Victor Wild, 39

Victoria Club, 77, 232

Victoria Station, 235

297

INDEX

Victorious, ITf), 185, 262, 289

Victory, 183, 262

Vidi, 238, 289

Vidler, 262

Vindex, 186

Virago, 79, 85

Virginia, 80

Vision, 177, 178, 179, 187

Vixen, 179, 199, 200, 289

Voltigeur, 38, 79, 215

Volturno, 51

Vyner, Mr., 175

Vyner, Mr. Clare, 153

Wamba, 225

Waring, Mr., 24

Warner, Mr., 113

Warren, The, 125, 167, 179, 189

Warrington, Mr. John, 65

Warrington, "Teddy," 65

Warwick, 141, 178, 179, 207, 226

" Warwick Arms," 226, 227

Warwick Cup, 85

Water Baby, 178

Watt, Mr., 204

Watts, John, 266

Waverley Station, 288

Weatherbit, 26

Weatherbound, 101

Weatherby, Mr., 279

Weatherby, Mr. James, 162, 163,

164, 165
Weatherby, Messrs., 50
Weatherby 's, 18
Weathergage, 25, 26, 27, 31
Webb, Fred, 262
Weigall, Mr. Henry, 54
Welch, Jemmy, 147
Weldon, 267
Weller, Sam, 289
'Wellington Hotel," 186
Wells, 35, 174

"Welsh Harp," Hendon, 113
Welter Handicap (Shrewsbury),

157, 162

West Australian, 39, 79
Westbourne, 46
Westminster, Duke of, 79, 175
Westmorland, Lord, 50, 136, 141,

144, 145, 146, 147, 192, 203, 204
Whiteface, 232
" White Hart," Salisbury, 52
White Rose, 120
Whittaker, Mr. 120
Whittaker, Mr. John, 65, 66
Wilberforce, 28, 29
Wild Agnes, 185, 186
Wild Bird, 49, 100
Wild Dayrell, 71, 73, 218
Wildflower, 218, 219
Wilkinson, Mr. T., 74
Wiiles, Mr., 279, 280, 281
Willis, "Big," 16
Willis's Rooms, 54
"Wilson," 166, 168
Wilson, 210, 262
Wiltshire, 127
Winchester, 189, 243
Winchilsea, Lord, 278, 279, 280
Windhound, 177
Windsor, 119, 155
Wingfield, 61
Winter, 58

Wolverhampton, 75, 76, 77
Wolverhampton Handicap, 75
Womersley, 95
Woodlands, 232, 233, 234
Worcester, 108, 110, 130

Yankees, 248
Yarnell, 267
York, 47, 84, 175, 245
York Cup, 268
Yorkshire Oaks, 85, 204

Zenobia, 287
Zetland, Lord, 244
Zingari, 100

Printed by Ballantvne, Hanson &r> Co.
London b' Edinburgh

%

Webster Famiiy Library of Veterinary Median^

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, at

Tufis University

200 VVestbcro Road

North Grafton, MA 01536