28 RACING. 



Another story is told of this remarkable character, from 

 which we may perceive that blacklegs may justly lay claim 

 to be considered part of the family of the Father of the 

 Turf. 



Merlin l was matched for a considerable sum of money to 

 run against a favourite horse of Mr. Frampton's at Newmarket. 

 Immediately on its being closed there was great betting be- 

 tween the north and south county gentlemen. After Merlin 

 had been some little time at Newmarket under the care of one 

 Heseltine, Mr. Frampton's groom endeavoured to bring him 

 over to run the two horses at a private trial, at the weights and 

 distance agreed upon in the match observing that by that 

 means they might both make their fortunes. 



Heseltine refused, but in such a manner as to give the other 

 hopes of bringing him over. In the meantime Heseltine took 

 the opportunity of communicating by letter the proposed offer 

 to Sir William Strickland, in Yorkshire, who was principally 

 concerned in making the match. Sir William returned for 

 answer that he might accept of it, and instructed Heseltine to 

 be sure to deceive his competitor by letting Merlin carry 7 Ibs. 

 more weight than that agreed upon, and at the same time 

 laying a particular injunction on secrecy. 



Soon after Heseltine had received this hint he consented 

 to the proposal ; but previously thereto Mr. Frampton had given 

 his groom similar instructions. The two horses were prepared, 

 started, and run over the course agreed to in the articles of the 

 match, when Merlin beat his antagonist something more than 

 a length of excellent running. This being communicated to 

 each party by their secret and faithful grooms, who both rode 

 the trial, flattered each with certain success. Merlin's friends 

 observed that as he had beat the other with some pounds more 

 weight, he would win his race easy. On the other hand, says 

 Mr. Frampton, as my horse ran Merlin so near with seven 

 pounds extra weight, he will win to a certainty. 



1 Merlin, by Bustler (son of the Helmsley Turk). 



