SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



trainer. At the time Mr. Manning (uncle of the 

 present Mr. Manning, Clerk of the Scales at New- 

 market) had control — in the way of preparation — 

 of the Baronet's team. Unfortunately, Mr. Manning 

 was in poor health — indeed, was entering on the 

 last mournful stage of life. 



*' Poor Manning is settled," said Sir Joseph. " I 

 must look round for a new trainer. Can you re- 

 commend any one, Hodgman ? " 



"Well, Sir Joseph," I answered, "to be frank 

 with you, you're such a funny man to please." 



" I don't know that I am," he returned. " I know 

 what I want, and, as far as I am able, what I want 

 I mean to have. I desire a trainer — a man who can 

 and will get my horses fit. But over them I hold 

 complete control. The man I wish mustn't advise 

 or suggest, or do anything but train. I decide 

 placing, accepting, running, or scratching." 



" In that case," I said, " I know the very man to 

 suit you. Perhaps Lord Westmorland may stand 

 in your way. He might not like to part with him, 

 as he thinks a deal of him. His name is John 

 Porter. Where he is Mr. George Lambert and 

 myself have horses. But that makes no difference. 

 I cannot, however, answer for his lordship." 



" Oh, bother Westmorland," Sir Joseph exclaimed. 

 " I'll see that he is agreeable. For that matter, he 



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