SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



memorable by the success of Thunder in the 

 Lonsdale Cup. That son of Thunderbolt, then a 

 three-year-old, won by half a length from Thunderer 

 (of the same age), who was in receipt of 2 st. 3 lb., 

 though, of course. Thunder stands immortalised in 

 Turf story by his City and Suburban victory in 

 1876, when with 9 st. 4 lb. in the saddle he played 

 with over a score of opponents, among them being 

 Hesper (6 st. 6 lb.). I may mention that previously 

 I had tried to purchase Thunder for 4000 sovs., 

 from Matthew Dawson. But when I went to him 

 the old man shook his head. " Too late, Hodgman. 

 Tve sold him to Mr. Clare Vyner." 



Stamford's extinction was in large measure 

 brought about by laxity of management, the cause 

 of so many collapses. Mr. Sam Merry, the Clerk 

 of the Course, was an amusing, rather than a 

 dignified ofiicial, and, into the bargain, gambled 

 heavily. His consequent temporary financial em- 

 barrassments caused him much thought in the way 

 of search for devices to circumvent " the enemy," 

 but I think his masterpiece was effected when 

 he outwitted Bill Da vies many, many years ago. 

 He was very much in Daviess debt, and, try as he 

 might, no settlement could be had. 



" All right, Mr. Merry," said Bill one day. " Wait 

 till I come to Stamford. I'll settle you there." 



153 



