io6 THE BLUE RIBBON OF THE TURF. 



'Wizard of the North's' introduction to the great 

 business of hfe took place when he was thirteen years 

 old. Three years before that time he had, however, 

 been found useful in the stables, and was allowed to 

 ride at exercise. But, it has been said, his ' beginning ' 

 was bt'ing sent off to ride a race at a place called 

 Blandford: the horse which he had to ride was named 

 Tenbones, and his instructions were to ride the horse 

 in the race for which it Avas entered, and then sell 

 the mare to any person who would have her for 

 £30. John was able to better his instructions, as 

 he not only won the race, but obtained £50 for 

 the horse, and came home triumphant by the coach 

 — a very proud boy indeed. From that date fortune 

 rained her best favours on John Scott, and in due 

 time he blossomed into the great man he became, 

 when he was known as England's foremost trainer. 

 In 1825 he bought the house and stables at White- 

 wall, and began a business there which speedily 

 eclipsed all others of the kind. The hospitality of 

 the distinguished trainer was inexhaustible. He kept 

 open-house for his patrons and their friends. His 

 stables and their surroundinoj's were a siqdit. Some 

 of the finest horses in the country were trnined for 

 their engagements by his instructions, and for a time 

 he was almost invincible. He was much honoured by 

 his dependents and friends, and was pointed out to 

 strangers as a great man. Undoubtedly he was 

 master of his business in all its branches. 



An interesting chapter in any history of the turf 

 would be that devoted to the Days, one of the great 

 trainincf and riding families of England. There have 



