LORD GEORGE BENTINCK. 



' Nor in the critic let the man be lost. 

 Good nature and good sense must ever join ; 

 To err is human, to forgive divine.' 



My first recollection of racing and racing men dates 

 back from 1836, when Bay Middleton won the Derby, 

 and was soon afterwards transferred from Newmarket 

 to Danebury, Lord Jersey having sold him, after his 

 racing career, to Lord George Bentinck for £4,000, 

 then considered an enormous sum for a stallion. This 

 event will serve as a fit introduction of the latter's 

 connection with the Danebury stable. On the horse's 

 arrival he was found to be lame, but as nothing could 

 be seen to account for it, the lameness was attributed 

 to rheumatism. He was consequently once more put 

 to work, which soon betrayed the seat of the injury. 

 Bay Middleton had very high action when galloping 

 slow, and it was discovered that he continually struck 

 the inside of his off-knee with his near fore- foot. It 

 may be remembered that Lecturer did much the same 

 in later years, and had to be run in tips, or half-shoes, 

 which prevented or minimized the self-inflicted injury. 

 The discovery was made by my brother John, who 

 effected a cure by letting the horse wear a peculiarly 

 constructed boot. On hearing of this, Lord George, 

 in writing to my father, said : ' For his skill in de- 

 tecting the injury lie [John] ought to have a crown of 

 erold as a fittino; tribute for such eminent services.' 

 But how did he show his gratitude ? By, within a 

 very short space of time, persecuting him with the 



