In terms of talent, he reportedly outshone all his peers, but "he owned a self-destruct button and had a fatal tendency to press it".

[1] This failing meant "his talent was not converted into the kind of concrete achievement that stands the test of time".

From the age of 6, he was out on Newmarket gallops twice a day, riding the Prince of Wales' Kit Karr under the tuition of his father.

On board Pavilion for Lord Darlington, he beat the previous year's Derby, Oaks and St. Leger winners partnered by Bill Arnull, Bill Clift and Frank Buckle He was five times winner of the Oaks, on Briseis in 1807, on Sorcery in 1811, on Landscape in 1816, on Shoveller in 1819, and on Wings in 1823.

He had training stables of his own at Newmarket, where with his brother William he had the care of Mr. Thornhill's and Lord Darlington's horses.