122 JOHN PORTER OF KINGSCLERE 



There were eighteen runners. Lady Eliza- 

 beth, who had been saddled at The Warren — 

 the Royal Hunting Box in the days of Charles II. 

 — was fractious at the starting-post, and lost a 

 few lengths when the flag fell. Entering the 

 straight, half a mile from home. Blue Gown was 

 lying second to Baron Rothschild's King Alfred, 

 who was one of the ** outsiders." Immediately 

 behind were Speculum, St. Ronan, and Rosi- 

 crucian. While traversing the last two furlongs. 

 King Alfred and Blue Gown had the issue between 

 them, and until close home the former looked 

 a certain winner ; but Wells, riding with grim 

 determination, drove Blue Gown along to draw 

 level with King Alfred six strides from the goal, 

 and then, with a final effort, landed him first past 

 the post, the winner of an exciting contest by half 

 a length. Speculum finished third, St. Ronan 

 fourth, and Rosicrucian fifth. Lady Elizabeth 

 was at the tail-end of the field, outpaced all the 

 way. Two days later she was backed to win the 

 Oaks, but again cut an ignominious figure, the 

 prize going to Formosa. Apropos of our " de- 

 claration," it happened, curiously enough, that 

 Baron Rothschild, starting Sufl?'olk as wel las 

 King Alfred, declared to win with the former, 

 who was fourth favourite at lo to i, whereas odds 

 of 50 to I were laid against King Alfred. 



Though Sir Joseph Hawley had lost his bets, 

 he was very delighted over the victory of Blue 



