CHAPTERS FROM TURF HISTORY 



seems to have delighted in outraging the decencies 

 and conventions of society. He used to appear at 

 the Opera, at Ascot and at Newmarket with a 

 notorious Phryne/ who, according to Walpole, 

 had lost not only her character but also the charms 

 of youth. 



Although Grafton thus walked according to the 

 flesh, he enjoyed a considerable popularity in the 

 world of sport, for he was generous and profuse 

 in his expenditure, both on the race-course and in 

 the hunting-field. He usually rode a fiery thorough- 

 bred horse, which he sat with ease and dignity, 

 and on the race-course he is described as an elderly 

 gentleman of spare form, middle stature, straight 

 silver hair and a countenance of much severity. 

 In a picture he appears dressed in a light, tight- 

 fitting coat, long black boots and a small three- 

 cornered hat. To most people " Junius Duke of 

 Grafton " ^ was a formidable personage. He was a 

 good judge of breeding and training ; his horses 

 were v/ell and honestly ridden ; and the Turf owes 

 much to the blood which he took great pains to 

 improve. He was an enthusiastic sportsman. 

 Indeed, it was said of him when Prime Minister 

 that, like an apprentice, he thought the world 

 should be postponed to a horse-race, which was 

 true — at least, so far as an epigram need be true. 

 If he squandered his reputation, at all events 



' This person was the well-known Nancy Parsons, who assumed 

 the name of Mrs. Horton. Her hand was sought by many suitors 

 of distinction, and she ultimately married Lord Maynard. After 

 his death she established herself at the Court of Naples. See 

 Walpole 's Letters, vol. iv. p. 70 ; vol. vii. p. 184 ; Grenville Papers, 

 vol. iv. p. 275. 



» On the Turf he was spoken of as the " old Duke of Grafton." 



22 



