63 THE BLUE RIBBON OF THE TURF. 



ton as a jockey, he having for several years before 

 leaving been in possession of the greater part of the 

 ridins: which was needed in the county. 



In the year 17-51 Singleton removed to the Marqnis 

 of Rockinsfham's stables at Newmarket, where in course 

 of time he was entrusted with the entire charge of his 

 lordship's stud. Singleton continued at Newmarket 

 till 1774<, at which date he resigned his 'livery' in 

 favour of Christopher Seaife, who had become the 

 husband of one of his nieces. 



DurinQf his residence at Newmarket Sinc^leton was 

 well employed, riding many other horses than those of 

 his master, and hayiug a few of his own in company 

 with a colleague named Ottley. He became wealthy, 

 and provided for many of his poor relations. The 

 Marquis of Rockingham appreciated his services very 

 highly — indeed, he appears to have treated him more 

 as a friend than a servant. ' After the great race 

 between Bay Malton, Herod, Turf, and Askham, over 

 the Beacon Course at Newmarket First Spring Meet- 

 ing, 1767, for 500 guineas each, the Marquis ordered a 

 gold cup to be made on which the figures of Bay 

 Malton and his rider are richly chased, with the 

 pedigree and performances of that celebrated horse 

 engraven thereon, also a statement that it was oftered, 

 and not accepted, to run anj' horse, giving him 7 lb., 

 over the flat for speed, or over the six-mile course for 

 stoutness, and that he presented this cup to John 

 Singleton, the rider of Bay Malton. Singleton also 

 received, at the same time, a silver salver, on which 

 was engraved all the above horses and their riders 

 contending in the race, from an eminent silversmith. 



