THE TURF 91 



from one to the other of twenty-four expert 

 cricketers, was delivered safe within the 

 time. The duke's stud was not so numerous 

 as some of those of his contemporaries on 

 the turf, but he prided himself on the 

 excellence of it. His principal rider was 

 the famous Dick Goodison, father of the 

 present jockey, in whose judgment he had 

 much reliance. But, in the language of the 

 turf, his grace was 'wide awake,' and at 

 times would rely on no one. Having, on 

 one occasion, reason to know the jockey, 

 indeed, had honestly informed him of it 

 that a large sum of money was offered his 

 man if he would lose * Take it,' said the 

 duke; 'I will bear you harmless.' When 

 the horse came to the post, his grace coolly 

 observed, 'This is a nice horse to ride; I 

 think I '11 ride him myself ; when, throwing 

 open his greatcoat, he was found to be in 

 racing attire, and, mounting, won without 

 a struggle. 



The name of Wilson commands great 

 respect on the turf, there being no less 

 than three equally conspicuous and equally 

 honourable sportsmen thus yclept. Mr, 

 Christopher Wilson, now the father of the 



