74 



the Molla Hat Road over two flights of hurdles, and the 

 run in must have been close on a quarter of a mile. 



The Squire and Mr. Blackmore jumped the course on 

 Splasher and Nellie, and the field were not kept long in sus- 

 pense before Ballygunge jim gave them the office, and those 

 who went down to the first fence all so gallant and gay 

 were the followino- : — 



C5 



Melton jumped the first fence in front of everything,, 

 the only time by the way he was in front, behind him coming 

 Queen, Blink Bonny and Asthore, next Queen, Ellerslie, 

 Damages, The Cat, Storm, Flatcatcher, and a bunch of 

 them all close up. At the big wall Blink Bonny took a 

 clod off for anyone behind, but it was no time for picking 

 and choosing as the straightest way was undoubtedly the 

 shortest, with such a field of thrusters out. 



They soon got to the road when Jim Turner by a judi- 

 cious cut got in front of Miss Theo into the lane, but was 

 passed by her as they debouched into the open once more. 

 This was the onl)^ dusty bit of the whole ride, and anyone 

 lying close up to the leading division could not see his 

 hand in front of his face, but I know that Miss Theo, 

 Ellerslie, The Cat and Damages were all doing their little 

 bit in front, and led in turns, the pace being almost too 

 good to enquire for any one else. 1 saw Capt. Fuller 

 going in a style that did one's heart good, and Mr. Toynbee 

 was riding^ as if fourteen^ — or is it fifteen Mr. T. ? — stone 

 was a " feather ! " As we shaped back to the bunds. Miss 

 Theo got in front, with Ellerslie and The Cat lying 



