In the
very pink of condition, fresh and strong, the Duke had to congratulate
himself on securing his bargain, for he was sent from the course to the
stud, with the result that the magnificent total of 246,000l. was won
by his progeny in stakes alone.
At length, in 1888, the Duke reached the goal of his ambition in his
career on the turf, for he was the winner of the Derby with Ayrshire,
which also won the Two Thousand Guineas. Then he followed up his success
next year by winning the Derby again with Donovan, a horse that also won
the St. Leger.
The names of the mares finding their habitation at Woodhouse Hall,
about a mile and a quarter from Welbeck Abbey, are identified with some
of the most remarkable successes of the turf. Here is a string of
animals through the veins of which ran purest blood. Amoena, Atalanta,
Battlewings, Danceaway, Golden Eye, Lady Mar, Larissa, Marquesa,
Mowerina, Modwena, Miss Middlewick, Shaker, Semolina, Staffa, Wheel of
Fortune, Tact, Ulster Queen, and many besides. The Goddess of Fortune
beamed on his Grace's colours whenever they appeared in the great races.
Pages:
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107