He missed a possible winning chance in the 1841 Derby when he was knocked off Alarm amongst a scuffle at the starting post. Then, in 1844, he was involved in one of the most controversial races in turf history. In the Derby of that year, he was beaten by Running Rein, on his mount Orlando. Subsequently, Running Rein was found to be a ringer and Orlando was awarded the race by stewards. By the end of the decade, he had also added a second 1,000 Guineas (Clementina in 1847), 2,000 Guineas (Idas in 1845) and a St. Leger (Surplice in 1848).