In 1762 it was decided by the then nineteen members of the Newmarket Jockey club that "for the greater Conveniency of distinguishing the Horses in Running, as also for the Prevention of Disputes arising from not knowing the Colours worn by each rider" members should register specific colours for racing. The nineteen members numbered amongst them some 'seven Dukes, one Marquis, four Earls, one Viscount, three Commoners, one Lord and two Baronets'. William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire (1720-1764), chose 'straw' for his colour - a colour still registered with the family today and the oldest continuously used colour in racing. The Duke of Northumberland registered gold. The present jockey may be sporting either Northumberland or Devonshire's colours.