MK. TREGO\\\'E/.I. fKAMI'WX AND HIS HORSES. 



'35 



;i private trial, at the weights and distance stated in the match ; for by ascertaining 

 which could win, they would have an opportunity of enriching themselves and their 

 particular friends. Hesletine refused, but in a manner which gave the other hopes 

 he might yet be induced to accede to the proposal. Hesletine immediately commu- 

 nicated the affair to Sir William Strickland, in Yorkshire, who was principally 

 interested in Merlins match. Sir William returned for answer that he might agree 

 to the proposal ; and directed him to carry 7 Ibs. more than the weight specified in 

 the match, but unknown to Frampton's jockey. Soon after the receipt of this letter 

 Frampton's jockey met Hesletine and renewed the subject, using the most per- 

 suasive arguments to gain Hesletine over to his purpose. Hesletine in the end 

 consented, but with 

 assuming reluctance. 

 Now Frampton had 

 given similar orders to 

 his groom to carry 7 Ibs. 

 extra weight. The two 

 horses were prepared, 

 and privately ran the 

 distance agreed upon in 

 the match, each carry- 

 ing 7 Ibs. more than the 

 weight specified ; in 

 which particular the 

 jockeys believed they 

 had completely deceived 

 each other. The race was sharply contested and won by Merlin by something 

 more than a length. The grooms respectively communicated the result of this trial 

 to their employers, who were equally confident of winning ; and in consequence 

 of proposals made to each other, they agreed to run the match for a much greater 

 sum than was originally intended. 



" Merlins friends (who were in the secret) arguing, that as he beat his antagonist 

 with 7 Ibs. extra, he must win easily at equal weights. On the other side Frampton 

 says, as my horse ran Merlin so near with 7 Ibs. extra, I have no doubt he will brat 

 him at equal weights. The sportsmen of the North backed Merlin to an incredible 

 amount ; and it was generally believed that more money was depending upon this 



'Hie I) like of Rutland' s " l-'ox " 

 By pti ntitiiun of H.R.H. Prince Chtiilian. 



