THE HOUSE. 
13 
THE RACE-HORSE. 
Of the jockeys who have been in practice, some have been so distinguished that they are regarded as masters of their art, 
Francis Buckle first appeared as a rider in 1783, when his weight, including the saddle, was a pound short of 4 st. He soon 
became the most successful rider on the turf. He rode the winners of five Derby, seven Oaks, and two St Leger stakes. In 
1802, he took long odds that he would win both the Derby and Oaks, on horses not considered likely to win. His horse at the 
Derby was the Duke of Grafton’s Tyrant, with 7 to 1 against him. Young Eclipse, considered to be the best horse of the 
year, made the play, and was opposed by Sir Charles Bunbury’s Orlando, who contested every inch for the first mile. Buckle, 
from his observation of the pace, and his fine judgment, was satisfied that both horses would flag, so following and observing them, 
he came up with Tyrant, and won; Tyrant, being considered the worst horse that till then had won the Derby. Buckle had 
thus secured one of the two ends proposed. The other was effected under circumstances not less remarkable. The horse he rode, 
Scotia, was beaten three times between the Tattenliam Corner and home, a distance of 4 furlongs; but, by dint of superb riding, 
Buckle got her again forward, and won the race by a head. Other instances might be given of his power to overcome difficul¬ 
ties by his judgment and fine horsemanship. He was once beaten by a lady, Mrs Colonel Thornton, scarce, perhaps, inferior 
as a rider to himself. This was in a match between Colonel Thornton’s Louisa and Mr Bromford’s Allegro. Mrs Thorn¬ 
ton, caparisoned in purple cap and waistcoat, with nankin skirts, not so long as to conceal her embroidered stockings and purple 
shoes, took the lead at starting, and kept it till approaching the distance. Here Buckle, putting forth all his jockeyship, suc¬ 
ceeded in gaining the lead; but the lady, with no less address and skill, whipped her horse, pushed onward, and won the race by 
half a neck. This was the second race to her on the same day. In a match for four hogsheads of Cote Roti, 2000 guineas, and 
600 guineas more betted on her account, she cantered over the course, Mr Bromforp, against whom she was to ride, paying 
forfeit. The same bold lady had once before appeared in a match on the race-course at Knavesmire. A hundred thousand persons 
had assembled to witness the spectacle, and more than L.200,000 Sterling depended upon the result. The lady, after displaying 
unwonted jockeyship, spirit, and good humour, lost the day, to the regret of the assembled multitude. Honest Buckle could 
scarce feel mortification at being overcome by such a rival. He continued to ride with undiminished reputation till past his 
sixty-fifth year, and died lately in a state of honourable competence, leaving behind him the character of a perfectly honest, kind- 
hearted man. 
Samuel Chifney preceded Buckle in time, but was cotemporary with him for a part of his career. Chifney stood 
in the first rank of riders of a former age. He was principal jockey of the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Bedford, the Earl 
of Grosvenor, and other sportsmen of the time. He wrote the work called “ Genius Genuine,” which, notwithstanding its 
absurd title, and barbarous style, is worthy of attention. It shows the distinction between the riding of the turf and that of the 
manege. Chifney likewise illustrated the difference in practice, being as timid and awkward in the hunting-field as he was 
bold and skilful on the course. Chifney bequeathed his mantle to his son, now one of the most eminent jockeys of his day. 
Samuel Chifney the younger is distinguished by his boldness, his originality, his tact, his elegance of seat, and his judg¬ 
ment of what is termed pace. His maxim is to wait until the time of decisive action arrives, which he calculates with remarkable 
precision; then stealing quietly but rapidly up to his opponents, he makes the terrific rush, which decides the race. He is 
averse to “ making running,” as it is called, almost to a fault. Be the number of horses what it may, Chifney is generally 
amongst the last, calmly observing the movements of his rivals, and waiting his time. In a famous race, in which his opponent, 
James Robinson, was a rider not less distinguished in his style than Chifney in that in which he claims pre-eminence, the peculiar 
character of Chifney’s riding was finely shown. Robinson, on Lucetta, led; Chifney, on Priam, followed close in his wake. 
If Robinson attempted to look over his left shoulder to see how his opponent was running, Chifney was bent to the opposite 
side, so as to be out of sight. In this manner the race was run almost from end to end, nor could Robinson once get sight of 
his wily adversary until the latter passed him to gain the race. This Fabian horseman now seldom rides. When he does, 
the betting on his horse never fails to rise. 
Another rider, of a different school, but perfect in his own, is James Robinson, just mentioned, educated in the stables of 
one of the chief trainers of Newmarket. The distinguishing characters of this jockey are coolness, gentleness, and thorough 
tact. Robinson, though the most elegant rider on the turf, makes his superiority be felt rather than seen. The greatest re¬ 
liance is placed by every one on his steady judgment; and so great is his success, that a popular saying is, that Robinson 
is worth half a stone to the horse he rides. All his fellows, Chifney excepted, yield the palm to this accomplished rider, and 
fear to encounter his unfailing skill. He has won more races than any man on the turf. In 1827 he rode the winner of the 
Derby and St Leger, and, it is reported, received a present of L.1000 for the latter race from a gentleman whom he had never 
before seen. It is said that in 1824 he declared to his friends that he would win the Derby on Cedric, the Oaks on Cobweb, and 
be married within the week; all of which undertakings he accomplished. Further accounts might be given, of the Goodisons 
