is
training-stable to a race-course.

A specially-constructed vehicle was made and caused consternation among
old trainers when they found out the secret of the horse's mode of
travelling. Elis was fresh for the race, his advent had been kept a
secret, and Lord George won a large sum, one bet being L12,000 to
L1,000.

The sensational duel between Lord George and Squire Osbaldeston has
passed into the history of racing.

It was 1836, but had its origin in events occurring in 1835. Heaton Park
races, near Manchester, attracted a large number of aristocratic
jockeys, and Squire Osbaldeston got it into his head that the handicaps
were so adjusted as to give the immediate friends of Lord Wilton an
advantage.

So the Squire laid himself out to be even with the Wilton party, and
when at Doncaster, for the St. Leger, discovered a horse called Rush
with powers of running unknown to the sporting clique he desired to
circumvent.

The Squire mounted Rush himself and rode him over the St. Leger course,
having a mare belonging to Marson the trainer to make the running.
Finding that the colt could easily beat, Squire Osbaldeston held him in
so that the mare finished the trial a considerable distance in advance.

Rush was consequently given the benefit of the handicapping at Heaton
Park and was backed heavily for the cup by the Squire, whose
commissioner was ready to meet the Lord Wilton party in any bets they
thought well to lay against the colt.

"Two hundred to one against Rush" shouted Lord George Bentinck as
Squire Osbaldeston was riding Rush at walking pace past the stand to the
starting-post just before the race.

"Done," replied the Squire.

The loud tones of the two men were such as to attract particular notice
and the sequel was an exciting one.

The race was brought off and the Squire on Rush won with ease. Then
followed a storm of argument as to how and why and wherefore had Rush's
powers, so greatly deprecated beforehand, developed to such an extent as
to leave all competitors behind.

Another victory was achieved by Rush next day and Squire Osbaldeston
having defeated the Wilton clique on the race-course betook himself
hunting.

Some months elapsed before the next scene was enacted. Lord George had
not settled the bet, and whether he intended to do so or not is an open
question. Probably the Squire had not asked him for settlement till the
Spring of 1836, when they were brought into contact with each othe