FAMOUS HORSES 55 



the old riv^alry which used to exist between northern 

 and southern stables, notably between Yorkshire and 

 Newmarket, has practically disappeared. John Scott 

 of Whitehall, the " Wizard of the North," as he was 

 called, was a power in the racing- world of his day ; 

 and his brother William, if not too scrupulous or too 

 sober, was doubtless a highly effective horseman. 

 The Dawsons, too, came from the north — from farther 

 north than Whitehall, indeed — and the great reputa- 

 tion of John Scott and one or two more northern 

 trainers tended directly or indirectly to the establish- 

 ment of other north country stables, as head lads and 

 capable men who had learnt their business under 

 masterly tuition found patrons to fill stables for them. 

 Newmarket is said to have been little esteemed as a 

 training centre some fifty years ago, odd as that may 

 seem at present. The Dawsons came south, however ;. 

 other establishments followed, and nowadays, though 

 the name of I' Anson, associated with Blink Bonny, 

 Blair Athol, and other famous animals, survives and 

 is prominent on occasions, the northern stables are 

 regarded by the southerners — whatever opinions may 

 survive in Yorkshire — as generally inferior. Blair 

 Athol was the culmination of northern glory, and that 

 the chestnut made something of a sensation when he 

 cantered to the post for the Derby on his first 

 appearance on any racecourse there can be no doubt. 

 The Duke of Beaufort recounts — though the story 

 has never been published — how greatly he was struck 



