THE TURF. 
decidedly the best mare of her year, either in the north 
or in the south, and her symmetry not to be excelled. 
The two last were purchased at very high prices, and 
now form part of the royal stud, as also does Maria. 
The history of this mare is worth notice. When, from 
prudential motives, the royal stud at Hampton Court 
was broken up, Waterloo and Belvoirina, still in the 
stud, were the only two kept, and their produce was the 
said Maria. Miss Wasp, the dam of Vespa, a winner of 
the Oaks, was likewise bred by George IV. 
In his majesty's long career on the turf, he of course 
had several trainers and as many jockeys. Among the 
latter were the late celebrated Samuel Chifney, and 
South, who rode his horses at Newmarket, and, after- 
wards, Richard Goodison and Robinson. Latterly, 
however, he imported one from the north, the well- 
known George Nelson, who gave him unbounded satis- 
faction. His trainers were Neale and Casborne, in 
former days ; but latterly, William Edwards, of New- 
market, who enjoys a pension for life, and the use of the 
royal stables. The last time George IV. was at Ascot 
was in 1829, but he lived to hear of the next year's 
meeting. He was on the bed of death ; and so strong 
was the "ruling passion" in this awful hour and his 
majesty was well aware his hour was come that an 
express was sent to him after every race. 
The late Duke of York was equally devoted to the 
turf: and, in 1816, we find his royal highness a winner 
of the Derby, with Prince Leopold, and, in 1822, with 
isy 
