88 THE OLD BERKS HUNT 



the hunting field as "no hounds could be 

 expected to run with such a beastly smell." 



In 1838 a writer in the Sporting Magazine 

 wrote of him : — 



" On Tuesday, January 30th, this sturdy veteran 

 threw his hounds into Sowley Wood, a covert of 

 600 acres, and at the end of three hours and five 

 minutes, in spite of the frost, they killed their fox 

 in the cleverest style imaginable, 



Mr. Combe bred at Cobham some well- 

 known race-horses, "Cobham," The "Nob," 

 " Harmony," The " Drummer," " Rosalind," 

 &c. Of these " Cobham " was a favourite for 

 the Derby in 1838, but was not placed, being 

 tailed off at a quarter of a mile from the start- 

 ing post. A dispute then arose between Mr. 

 Combe and his trainer, John Scott, which 

 caused a good deal of excitement at the time 

 in racing circles, and the correspondence which 

 ensued was published in the sporting papers. 

 The following extracts will show the drift and 

 the result of the discussion : — 



To Mr. John Scott, 



Sir, — I have reason to believe that my horse Cob- 

 ham was unfairly treated previously to his race for 

 the Derby, at Epsom on Wednesday last. This you 

 acknowledged to me, adding that you could not 

 account for it. I have therefore taken possession of 

 the horse, and I shall keep him in my own stable till 

 I can see or hear from you. 



