1 6 JOHN PORTER OF KINGSCLERE 



There may, of course, have been two trials. In 

 any case, it is certainly difficult to believe that 

 William Day could ride the trial horse in a test 

 to which so much importance attached and be 

 betrayed by his memory into stating that " Virago 

 won easily " if in fact she was beaten a neck by 

 Little Harry. If his recollection was not at 

 fault, the trial proved the filly to be at least as good 

 as Little Harry ; according to Lambert's story 

 she was 12 lb. better than the horse. Anyhow, 

 John Day and Mr. Padwick were satisfied they 

 could back Virago at Epsom with every confi- 

 dence, and that was really all they wanted to 

 know. 



Starting favourite at 7 to 4 in a field of twenty- 

 three runners. Virago won the City and Suburban 

 in a canter by three lengths from Marc Antony, 

 another three-year-old, to whom she was con- 

 ceding 17 lb. Marc Antony was trained by 

 John Day junior at Danebury, and was regarded 

 a certain winner until " Old John " told his son 

 that in Virago he had a better mare than Crucifix, 

 whom both had trained for Lord George Bentinck. 



Virago's performance in the City and Sub- 

 urban was undoubtedly a very fine one, and 

 resulted in her becoming a pronounced favourite 

 for the Great Metropolitan, notwithstanding 

 the 5 lb. penalty incurred. That penalty raised 

 her weight to 6 st. Wells was, therefore, again 

 available, and I was asked to " stand down." 



