176 CURRENT SUSPICIONS ANECDOTE. 



" I thought you were aware of the set who, for many years, have attended Don- 

 caster : for my part, I have long since declined having a guinea, either upon the 

 St. Leger Stakes, or any other race there." Such a circumstance has now and 

 then occurred, as a favourite breaking down, conveniently as has been averred, 

 within a week of the race. For our own part, we can scarcely find room in our 

 mind for such an idea, as a horse being villainously and purposely lamed ; and vet 

 the certainty that Race Horses have been poisoned, for the same purpose of base and 

 criminal interest, is enough to stagger and unsettle the most liberal faith and opi- 

 nion of human nature. 



The following intelligence, published soon after the late disputed race, is re- 

 markable, but on which it is not within our power to make any comments. That 

 task we commit to those in the secret. " Mr. Lambton, from some cause or other, 

 changed his trainer j and Mr. Watt dismissed his former trainer, Old Sykes, for 

 reasons that were not publicly assigned. Perhaps this circumstance may operate 

 usefully. It had long been suspected, that there were trainers in the habit of 

 speaking very highly of their own horses, and then employing friends or some con- 

 fidential persons to bet against them to a large amount ; thereby ensuring to them- 

 selves a certain gain, while their masters were certain losers." 



We can speak positively to something of this kind, which happened many years 

 ago. One evening, being accidentally left tete a tete with a certain character of 

 great eminence on the Turf, and neither of us having any other engagement, time 

 and wine passed on, hearts expanded, reserve gradually gave way, sporting subjects 

 were discussed, and some curious Anecdotes popped out under the shade of night, 

 which might have shunned the sober light of the morning. Among others, I 

 heard a particular account, and as I had good reason to conclude, from a party 

 principally concerned, of a successful ruse played off the preceding season, which 

 had the additional success to escape all suspicion. A Gentleman of high eminence 

 in other respects, but never for his success in Race Horses, had one from which he 

 expected remuneration for past misfortunes, and with that view, he was disposed 

 to back the horse to a considerable amount. A short time previous to the period 

 fixed for the race, he made a journey to the Stables, in order to ascertain the con- 

 dition of the race, and take the benefit of the training Groom's opinion. Both 

 were favourable; and barring accidents, winning a certainty. No sooner had the 

 Gentleman departed, than a confidential express was dispatched to London, and an 

 engagement formed with certain well-known honourable Sporting Gentlemen 

 there, in consequence of which, bets to a considerable amount were made, the 

 Groom standing as much as suited his convenience. The reader is aware on which 

 side the money was laid, and that the horse lost, which he did very cleverly. 



These things, however, are not put forward on our part, as novelties, or rarities, 

 and that they are not such, perhaps some of our readers can give a feeling assent. 

 According to late current report, many Gentlemen, trainers of Race Horses, have 



