CHAPTER II 



Death of Manning — Porter's introduction to Sir Joseph Hawley by 

 the Earl of Westmorland — ' Why, you are only a boy ! ' — The 

 'boy's' journey with the Baronet to Cannon Heath — Joint inspec- 

 tion of the stables, and engagement of Porter as trainer — Remarks 

 on the lucky Baronet's previous Turf career — His extremely limited 

 stud — St. Alexis : a case of restoration — Bedminster — A rosy trial 

 — Another not quite so rosy — ' Well, Annesley, what do you think 

 of the scenery now?' — Serious illness of Porter at Doncaster — The 

 Baronet's characteristic kindness — Letters — The strange story of 

 Satyr — ' You are a nice horse to put I on ! '—No hedging possible, 

 but the cripple won. 



In the year 1863 George Manning, Sir Joseph 

 Hawley' s trainer, who had been in failing health for 

 some time, died. It was, no doubt, the assurance, 

 founded on medical opinion, that Manning was 

 hopelessly past recovery which Lord Westmorland 

 had in his mind when he advised John Porter to 

 take no steps with regard to the vacancy which 

 Mr. Savile was reported desirous of filling. Porter 

 was preparing to start to Liverpool with some of 

 Lord Westmorland's horses when his Lordship said, 

 1 You had better call and see Sir Joseph Hawley in 

 London on your way.' Accordingly, he repaired to 

 34 Eaton Place, sent in his name, and was presently 

 ushered into the library. On perusing the letter of 

 introduction which Lord Westmorland had duly 

 provided, Sir Joseph deliberately looked the bearer 



