THE TURF. 
however, has had the distinction of being second for the 
St. Leger twice ; namely, with Canteen when Jerry 
won it, and with Bran in Touchstone's year. Neither 
can much be said of the prowess of the most noble 
Marquises of Tavistock and Worcester (now Duke of 
Beaufort), who, though good and honourable men, will 
never increase their patrimony by racing. In short, 
since the Duke of Cleveland has quitted their ranks, our 
sporting marquises, with the exception of Lord Exeter, 
do not shine on the race-course. 
But we cannot say this of the noble earls, amongst 
whom are some of the best judges of racing of past 
or present days. We will begin with the Earl of Egre- 
mont ; and not only by the rule of seniores priores, but 
looking upon him as one of the main contributors to the 
legitimate end of racing the improvement of the breed of 
horses his lordship having always paid regard to what 
is termed stout, or honest, blood. Lord Egremont 
bred Gohanna, by Mercury, by Eclipse, and purchased 
Whalebone from the Duke of Grafton (the old Prunella 
sort), whose stock have been invaluable to the turf, and 
will continue to be so for many years to come, although 
objections are made to their size made amends for, 
in great measure, by their symmetry. His lordship 
has likewise turned the amusement and such has been 
his main object in the pursuit of it to an excellent 
account, in the liberal act of affording to his tenantry 
and neighbours the free benefit of several of his stud- 
horses. Among these have been two very fine animals, 
197 
