The Revs. Legard, Milne, M.F.H., and Morris 29 



of the famous " Whip," so coveted by undergraduates at Cam- 

 bridge who in those days settled their battles between the flags 

 over the Cottenham Course, while Oxford always went to 

 Aylesbury. 



Few are living now of those who took part in the 1865 Steeple- 

 chase. I think Captain Grissell, Lord Minto— at that time Lord 

 Melgund — and Lord Barrymore — formerly Smith-Barry — and 

 the Rev. Cecil Legard are the only ones left. 



It was the association of Captain Machell with Cambridge 

 University and its nearness to Newmarket that induced so many 

 undergraduates to indulge in turf pursuits. A good number of 

 them used to spend their week-ends at the Turf Metropolis. 



Mr. Cecil Legard was among the number who enjoyed those 

 early-day frolics. His cousin, Sir Charles Legard, who was born 

 in 1846 and died in 1901, also raced a good deal and had some 

 good horses. Amongst all these young bloods they seem to 

 have had a real good time. 



Although Mr. Legard was disappointed in his place in the 

 Grand Steeplechase in 1865, later he had better luck, winning 

 twice running the Challenge Whip much desired by all . 



In 1867 Mr. Legard took his degree, and, before leaving 

 Cambridge, added M.A. and LL.B. to his name. He now felt 

 he could not continue to be associated with too much racing, but 

 to this day takes the keenest interest in the sport. Up to the time 

 war was declared I think there were very few race-meetings of 

 any importance that he did not attend, and he seldom missed 

 the Derby. 



He says the best horse he ever owned was "Acrobat," 

 purchased from Captain Machell ; but for the animal's bad 

 temper he might have won many races, but he could never be 

 relied on, as when he felt so inclined, in the middle of a race as 

 likely as not, he would stand perfectly still quite suddenly and 

 refuse to move another step until it suited his convenience, or 

 his temper ; having allowed the rest of the field to pass him a 

 few hundred yards, he then would do a finish all on his own. 

 Not a horse to put money on ! With the exception of his 

 temper, he was good all round, no doubt, as Mr. Legard is an 

 excellent judge — ^few better — and his advice is still eagerly 

 sought after by those bent on purchase, or wishing to know 

 his views as to horses' possible attainments. 



