Keeping horses was an expensive business. In 1758, Sir Matthew's accounts revealed that he'd spent over £602 on his equine pursuits, well over £100,000 today.
Keen racers
Sir Matthew raced horses from 1756 until 1763, his most successful being a horse named Henricus who won two races in 1762. His son, Sir Harry, was perhaps more successful with a racing career spanning 1778 to 1795. His horse Flash won nine races, five of which were at Newmarket.
When the Prince of Wales visited Uppark in 1785, Sir Harry threw a three-day party that included horse racing on nearby West Harting Down. In a race of two heats, Sir Harry rode Epaminondas himself, and won. His prize, The Princes Cup, can still be seen in the Servery today.