THE DUCHESS OF MONTROSE AND HER JOCKEY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1055, 16 January 1883, Page 3

THE DUCHESS OF MONTROSE AND HER JOCKEY.

Sucli a scene as that which happened in the ' Birdcage,' at Newmarket previous to the commencement of racing recently, says Truth, was never before witnessed on a racecourse. Martini and Narcissa were telegraphed as starters for the Subscription Stakes, and Wood, the jockey, was in his scarlet jacket and cap, ready for orders. But he came in for a ' wigging' instead from the Dowager Duchess of Montrose, who followed him across the enclosure, ejaculating in a loud voice, ' How dare you weigh contrary to my orders ? You knew that we. had decided not to run any horses to-day ! We will not endure such abuse as we have been subjected to in the papers !' Turning upon Sherrard, her trainer, who came up at the moment, the Duchess ' read the Riot Act' to him in similar terms, and, bursting into a paroxysm of tears, fairly broke down. Leaning forward on the rail which provides a passage for the jockeys and trainers to the weighing room, her Grace cried pitoously ; whereupon Sir George. Chetwynd came to the rescue, and conducted the duchess into one of the open saddling-stalls, away from the public gaze. On iccovering composure, the lady insisted upon Martini's number being taken clown ; but on beiug informed by one of the steward's that such a step would necessitate their fining Mr Crawfurd £SO, the horse was allowed to start, His success added fuel to the flame, as did the subsequent defeat of other Bedford j Lodge favorites that day, When the

next day il (heath was bowled over by Adriana, the contrast in Mr Crawford's and Mr Hohhiorth's popularity was shown by such a hurricane of cheering as might have beeii hoard at Sefton Loiige, on the other side of Newmarket, where the Duchess of Montrose passed that day in retirement instead of visiting the Heath.