THE REVERSE AT LONGCHAMP 17 



It is probable that no better jockey could have been 

 substituted for Lane under the circumstances, and, in 

 the light of certain conjectures subsequently made in 

 connection with the race, it is well to remember that he 

 had the mount on Pretty Polly in the Free Handicap 

 a fortnight later, and in the Champion Stakes in 1905. 



Zinfandel, who may be remembered as unfortunately 

 debarred from attempting classic honours owing to the 

 death of his nominator, was also entered in the Prix du 

 Conseil Municipal, and it may, I think, be stated with 

 considerable confidence that England was represented 

 by the best mare and the best horse in training, and 

 that never before or since have such a pair crossed the 

 Channel to do battle under the banner of St. George. 



Zinfandel crossed early in the week preceding the 

 race, but Pretty Polly was delayed at Folkestone by 

 bad weather, and eventually reached Paris, after a 

 rather choppy voyage, two days before the race. 



On the Saturday evening the rain poured down 

 literally in torrents, and the course was thereby con- 

 verted into exceedingly heavy going. 



Next morning the sun shone brightly on a perfect 

 autumn day, with just a tinge of frost in the clear air. 



The crowd on the course was quite a record one, 

 and the stands were filled with people, many English 

 being present to witness the international race of the 

 afternoon. 



