THE EIGHTH DUKE 



the 2,000 guineas. Vauban was third in Hermit's 

 Derby. This defeat brought about the sale of the 

 Duke's horses, save that flying filly Scottish Queen. 

 She was unluckily a roarer, but carried off the 1,000 

 guineas nevertheless. 



For ten years and more after this victory, the 

 Badminton colours were seldom or never seen 

 on a racecourse. In 1870 the Duke once more 

 took up racing, and began well by winning the 

 2,000 guineas with Petronel, a very handsome horse 

 which afterwards for many years stood at Badmin- 

 ton. The Cob, Button Park, and Ragimunde were 

 all useful, the last winningf the Csesarewitch. But 

 Reve D'Or, winner of the 1,000 guineas and Oaks, 

 was one of the best racehorses the Duke ever owned. 



Though latterly the Duke entirely gave up racing, 

 he continued to take the greatest interest in horse 

 breeding. As to the turf he always took an 

 active part in its government, and assisted in the 

 deliberations of the Jockey Club. He was also one 

 of those who took part in the foundation of the N.H. 

 Committee. This is a body that has been much 

 abused. Yet without it, we may well believe the 

 condition of steeplechasing would be even worse 

 than it is at present. 



Yet varied as were the Duke's interests, his 

 happiest days were spent at Badminton. In his own 

 house and among his own people he represented a 

 type of manly, courteous, kindly English gentleman. 

 The hunt was one of his greatest pleasures and was 



217 N 



