FAMOUS HORSES 53 



guineas for him. Frank Butler's inarticulate admira- 

 tion when first he saw West Australian, and the 

 circumstance that he found the colt did more than 

 justify his appearance, tend to gain for this notable 

 son of Melbourne a place in the very front rank. 

 The question was not whether he was sure of the St. 

 Leger, but by how much it would be desirable to win, 

 Butler declaring that if he won by the length of his 

 arm it would do, whilst Isaac Walker, who managed 

 the colt, protested against heads and half-necks, and 

 running things close generally. Blink Bonny (a 

 daughter of Melbourne) was doubtless one of the best 

 mares of modern times, and therefore in all probability 

 in the history of the Turf; and Stockwell's name is 

 almost unsurpassed in racing annals. It is usually 

 discreet to avoid superlatives, but if it should not be 

 said that no horse ever did such o-ood service to the 



o 



race of the English thoroughbred, it is safe to assert 

 that none has ever done better. His sire. The Baron, 

 won the Leger of 1845, ^^^ from him we have a 

 direct line to some of the greatest horses of the present 

 day. Here is a list of his contributions to the roll of 

 classic winners. 



Two Thousand Guineas. 

 1852. Lord Exeter's ch. c. Stockwell, by The Baron. 



1862. Mr. S. Hawke's b. c. The Marquis, by Stockwell. 

 1866. Mr. Sutton's b. c. Lord Lyon ,, ,, 

 1871. Mr. J. Johnstone's br. c. Bothwell ,, ,, 

 1873. Mr. W. S. Crawfurd's ch. c. Gang 



Forward „ ,, 



