Sterling Crawford of Langton Hall was one of Ferneley's most important patrons, and there are several references to his commissions in the artist's account books, including a large 'Scurry' with portraits of three of the other most well-known Meltonians, Sir Harry Goodrick, Squire Osbaldeston and Sir Francis Holyoake; in all he painted eighteen pictures of horses for Crawford, incorporating twenty- six portraits of his hunters and racehorses, including 'The Cur', 1849 winner of the Cambridgeshire, and portraits of his friends. Among the other patrons was the Duchess of Montrose, presumably the wife of James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose; the Duke died in 1836 and the Duchess later married Mr. Sterling Crawford.

According to the account books, a sum of 15gns. was charged for this painting.