THE CAREER OF ORMONDE 251 



old to put in a trial. When the gallop took 

 place Ormonde was still nothing like fit, and by 

 finishing so close to Kendal, and beating Whipper- 

 in a length at a difference of 12 lb., he showed me 

 what he was likely to do when I had him ready 

 for racing. 



By this time Ormonde measured 16 hands. 

 He had developed splendidly, and was a grand- 

 looking horse. His quarters were exceptionally 

 powerful, and, though rather short, his neck was 

 the most muscular I ever saw a thoroughbred 

 possess. He had good bone, beautifully-laid 

 shoulders, a very strong back, and rather straight 

 hocks. Although in his slow paces he had not 

 a very taking action, he was a free mover. There 

 was immense propelling power behind the saddle. 

 His ears were inclined to lop. The width of his 

 head behind the ears was remarkable; I never 

 came across another horse that showed this 

 characteristic to such an extent. Ormonde had 

 a most amicable disposition and a wonderful 

 constitution. He was a great " doer," and never 

 gave us any trouble. He would eat anything 

 the man (Marlow) who " did ** him offered. 

 Cakes, apples — everything seemed to be accept- 

 able. When galloping he carried his head rather 

 low and covered an amazing lot of ground at 

 each stride when extended. 



After Ormonde had shown himself to be a 

 wonderful horse, the Duke of Westminster, when 



