CHAPTERS FROM TURF HISTORY 



and in 1897 with Chelandry ; in 1915 with 

 Vaucluse, he won the One Thousand. 



It is, indeed, a fine racing record, but at times 

 the fortunate owner had to bear resounding buffets 

 from some of his poHtical adherents. He was, 

 however, equal to the occasion. When they com- 

 plained of his Epsom victory, he reminded them 

 that Cromwell kept race-horses : ^ and when the 

 Nonconformist conscience was agitated, he replied 

 that so long as he was unsuccessful that interesting 

 and sensitive organ was silent, but when he won, 

 he became at once the torture of pious souls. 



Lord Rosebery's horses are still seen on the race- 

 course, but of late their owner has not witnessed 

 their achievements. At the recent Carnival of 

 Epsom there were many who thought of him, 

 resting at his favourite Tusculum, almost within 

 earshot of those crowds on the Downs who had 

 thrice acclaimed him winner of the paramount 

 prize. It is hardly in human nature to be so 

 circumstanced without a secret pang. Relief from 

 public cares may be desirable, and yet even the 

 greatest man, 



Though his best part long since was done, 

 Still on the stage desires to tarry. 



Lord Rosebery has known high fortune in the 

 State and on the Turf. The measure of his natural 



I "While there is no proof that Cromwell ever attended a race- 

 meeting or ran any of his horses, there is ample evidence of his 

 having owned and bred race-horses. He loved " to look upon 

 his Barbary steeds." He obtained some of the best animals at 

 the Royal Stud in 1650, and at the Restoration his horses, " said 

 to be the best in England," reverted to the Royal paddocks {Par- 

 liamentary Intelligencer, May 21, 1660). 



42 



