Dick Turpin and who was freed, died at Hackney in January 1738. The reason for his death is not recorded, but is assumed to be natural causes. With the Essex gang now smashed by the authorities, Turpin turned instead to the crime he became most noted for — highway robbery. Although he may have been involved in earlier highway robberies on 10 and 12 April, he was first identified as a suspect in one event on 10 July, as "Turpin the butcher", along with Thomas Rowden, "the pewterer". Several days later the two struck at Epping Forest, depriving a man from Southwark
Dick Turpin (horse) a bit behind as this was just a stepping stone really" before pointing out the scheduling problems of handling both Dick Turpin and Canford Cliffs saying "I'm lucky to have two of the best milers around and I'd love to keep them separate". Despite Hannon's hopes Dick Turpin was matched against Canford Cliffs in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury on 11 May and came home fourth behind his stablemate after being hampered approaching the final furlong. Eleven days later he ran poorly in the Prix d'Ispahan and finished last of the nine runners behind Goldikova. Dick Turpin was dropped back