A GREAT YEAR 



season. Queen's Birthday went on to win the Nor- 

 thumberland Plate, carrying 9 St., as also the Doncaster 

 Cup. 



It is assumed that Prince Batthyany had no idea of 

 the treasure he possessed in St. Simon. He must 

 have thought highly of the colt, however, for though 

 not many two-year-old engagements were made for 

 him he was entered in the New Stakes and the Middle 

 Park Plate. His owner died suddenly at Newmarket 

 in the course of a meeting, the consequence being that 

 the colt was put up for sale. There is a story of a 

 dressing being applied to one of his legs just before he 

 was brought into the ring in order to convey 

 the impression that there was something wrong ; 

 but how true this may be I am not aware. If 

 memory serves the Duke of Portland secured him 

 for 1500 guineas, and it was to the end of John 

 Dawson's life a source of vexatious regret that he had 

 not made an effort to obtain possession. The colt's 

 engagements being voided, new occupation had to be 

 found for him, and the Halnaker Stakes at Goodwood 

 provided an opportunity. Starting at even money with 

 Archer in the saddle he won by half a dozen lengths, 

 and next afternoon beat a solitary opponent for a 

 Maiden Stakes. His lack of engagements led to his 

 appearance in Nurseries. With 8 st. 12 lb., ridden 

 by Archer — a colt of that name belonging to Robert 

 Peck was favourite at 7 to 4, St. Simon at 1 1 to 4 — he 



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