THE DUKE OF PORTLAND 



St. Simon for a single stride. In writing this I 

 have no intention of underrating St. Gatien, who 

 was a very great horse later in that season, but the 

 fact of his only making a dead-heat with Harvester 

 proves that he could not have been within 14 lb. 

 of his real form on the Derby day, whilst Scot 

 Free was only moderate, and the luck of The 

 Lambkin in figuring as a St. Leger winner is 

 pretty well shown by the result of a rough gallop 

 between him and St Simon, which took place 

 shortly before that race. Archer rode the latter, 

 who carried 9 st. 10 lb., and "Ben" Loates was on 

 The Lambkin, who had 8 st. 4 lb. in the saddle. 

 Even this very liberal concession of 20 lb. did riot 

 save the future St. Leger winner from being beaten 

 many lengths, and when, just at the finish of the 

 gallop. Archer touched St. Simon with the spurs, 

 he promptly bolted, and went quite half a mile 

 farther before he could be pulled up. 



During the time that he was in training St. 

 Simon was always looked after by C. Fordham, 

 at present a well-known " man of observation " at 

 Newmarket, and I am much indebted to him for 

 many interesting little particulars of a horse who 

 has always possessed a singular fascination for 

 many of us. When not in active training he was 

 a remarkably quiet horse in the stable so long as he 

 was not interfered with. He had one or two little 

 fancies, however, and it was always advisable to let 

 him have his own way with regard to them. For 

 instance, he entirely declined to be tied up to be 

 dressed over ; if this was attempted he would at 

 once begin to weave, and break his head collar and 

 anything else that restrained him. Accordingly it 

 was always necessary to have a rein on his head 

 collar and a man to hold him, whilst Fordham did 

 him over. When in strong work he became ex- 



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