430 HISTORY OF THE 



best three years old of his year. His per- 

 formances as a two years old had, even after 

 Epsom races, placed him next to Ion in the betting 

 for the Doncaster St. Leger, and previous to the 

 race he became first favourite, and nobly did he 

 prove himself worthy of the confidence of his 

 backers. The field for this year's St. Leger con- 

 sisted of but seven horses, the smallest that for 

 upwards of twenty years had started for this great 

 stake. Nothing could exceed the ease with which 

 this splendid colt won the St. Leger, cantering in 

 before the field six or seven lengths in advance, 

 which distance he could evidently have increased 

 to almost any extent. 



Lord Chesterfield's success in winning both the 

 Oaks and St. Leger was hailed by the public with 

 general satisfaction, from the deserved popularity 

 of that nobleman as a sincere and generous patron 

 of British field-sports. 



Don John's next race was for the Doncaster 

 Gold cup, and here he again showed his superiority, 

 by beating, with 31b. extra, as winner of the St. 

 Leger, Bee's-wing, the best mare on the northern 

 turf. Don John won this match cleverly by two 

 lengths. 



Don John, a bay horse, fifteen hands three 

 inches high, was bred by Mr. Garforth in 1835, 

 and sold when a foal to Mr. Ridsdale, at the sale 

 of whose stud he was purchased by Lord Chester- 

 field for 140 gs. He was got by Tramp or Wa- 



