The Earl was a bay colt foaled in 1865 by Young Melbourne out of Bay Celia. He was owned by the Marquess of Hastings and played an important part in the fortunes and misfortunes of his owner. Originally bought for 450 guineas, he was one of the best horses in the stable. As a two-year-old his first win was the Nursery Handicap at Stamford in July. He also won the Gimcrack Stakes at York, the Castle Park Stakes at Warwick and the Rutland Stakes at Newmarket. In the Bedford Stakes he ran a dead-heat with Count Lagrange's Ouragan but lost the decider. In 1868 the Marquess was in financial difficulties, and turned to the money lender Henry Padwick. The Earl formed part of the security against a substantial loan and for a short time it was agreed he should run in Mr. Padwick's name and colours. This he did in the Biennial Stakes at Newmarket in April, which he won from Sir Joseph Hawley's Blue Gown. The Marquess died in November that year, aged 26, and left his remaining horses to his wife. She sold The Earl privately soon afterwards.