238 MEN OF MY TIME. 



any way. I was lucky enough to win the Chester- 

 field Cup at Goodwood with her, after which she soon 

 changed hands, which was even more fortunate, as it 

 was, I believe, her sole victory. 



Lord Howth was not one of those who want to 

 see their horses run every day ; nor did he wish to 

 see their names amongst the list of winners unless he 

 had backed them. He would abide his opportunities, 

 even if he had to wait years for them ; and when 

 they did come, he seldom made a mistake. In short, 

 he was a model of sagacity in turf matters. He 

 usually stood in ' a pony ' with me on anything I 

 backed of my own for a handicap ; but as a rule he 

 preferred it should be on one of the long races at 

 Newmarket or Goodwood. 



His son-in-law, Sir Charles Dormville, lived at 

 Boveridge House, near Cranbourne, Dorset, which he 

 rented, with the shooting, of Mr. Brounker. Sir 

 Charles was fond of hawking, and often would make 

 use of my downs at Woody ates for the enjoyment of 

 the sport. It is a sport that always, at least, looked 

 dangerous work, because to follow it you have to ride 

 fast whilst intensely watching the hawk and his 

 quarry in the air. Yet I never heard of any serious 

 accident from it. On one occasion Lord Howth came 

 to Woodyates on his way to visit Sir Charles and 

 Lady Dormville, his daughter. After looking at the 

 horses, and having a long chat, he invited me to shoot 

 with him next day, which I did. I must confess that 



