The Life of Fred Archer 261 
Ormonde was nothing like fit, and giving a pound to 
Kendal he was beaten a length. But Kendal had good form 
at the back of him, and behind the pair of them were Whipper- 
in, a six-year-old giving 10 lb., and another two-year-old in 
Whitefriar. 
John Porter knew from this trial that when he had got 
Ormonde fit he possessed something out of the ordinary. Lord 
Arthur Grosvenor says that Ormonde never won a trial the 
whole time he was in training. Porter goes on to say : 
" By this time Ormonde measured sixteen 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 character- 
istic to such an extent. Ormonde had a most amicable dis- 
position 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 acceptable. 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 at Kingsclere one day, 
rode him a couple of canters. After he had pulled up I asked 
His Grace what he thought of his mount. He replied : ' I felt 
every moment that I was going to be shot over his head, his 
propelling power is so terrific.' Another day I myself got on 
Ormonde's back just to be able to say I had been there, but 
I never rode him on the Downs." 
