HIS PURCHASE OF BAY MIDDLETON 63 



of one of the most conspicuous characters that ever 

 graced the turf. It is far from my intention to attempt 

 to disprove anything that has been written concerning 

 himself, his actions, his honour, or his honesty. I may 

 find it needful to correct some errors of fact, such as that 

 into which Admiral Eous fell concerning the weight 

 carried by Tripoli for the Feather Plate at Newmarket. 

 But I may be allowed to say that not a little has 

 appeared on the subject of the doings of this nobleman, 

 which, far from being literally true, would bear a different 

 significance if the circumstances connected with them 

 were thoroughly understood. 



My first recollection of racing and racing men dates 

 back from 1836, when Bay Middleton won the Derby, 

 and was soon afterwards transferred from Newmarket to 

 Danebury, Lord Jersey having sold him, after his racing 

 career, to Lord George Bentinck for 4,000, then con- 

 sidered an enormous sum for a stallion. This event will 

 serve as a fit introduction of the latter's connection with 

 the Danebury stable. On the horse's arrival he was 

 found to be lame, but as nothing could be seen to account 

 for it, the lameness was attributed to rheumatism. He 

 was consequently once more put to work, which soon be- 

 trayed the cause of the injury. Bay Middleton had very 

 high action when galloping slow, and it was discovered 

 that he continually struck the inside of his off-knee with 

 his near fore-foot. It may be remembered that Lecturer 

 did much the same in later years, and had to be run in 

 tips, or half -shoes, which prevented or minimized the 

 self-inflicted injury. The discovery was made by my 

 brother John, who effected a cure by letting the horse 

 wear a peculiarly constructed boot. On hearing of this, 

 Lord George, in writing to my father, said : ' For his 

 skill in detecting the injury he [John] ought to have a 



