GEORGE STERN'S FINISHES 



grand finish he rode on Cheri in the Grand Prix of 1901, 

 and he showed splendid judgment on the beautiful 

 Semendria in the Grand Prix of 1900. In the saddle 

 he reminded me very much of his illustrious relative, 

 Fred Archer, especially in the power and methods of 

 finishing. I have known nearly all the Pratts : Fred 

 at Wantage, Frank, Ormonde and Arthur. Their 

 father is a good sportsman and a most understandable 

 man : he has, or had, a business at Cheltenham. 



George Stern was making his name while I was on 

 the Herald. There was nothing to stop his career as, 

 fortunately for him, he was exempt from military 

 service although born in France. He was riding 

 winner after winner. Some of his finishes got him 

 on the carpet now and then — in his earlier days. But 

 nothing was wilful. He used to get right down over 

 the horse's neck and ride for dear life. He forgot 

 everything except a straight course, but this led to a 

 tangle now and then. He has the distinction of being 

 the richest jockey alive, his investments having taken 

 a wide range. What a record, too, in the saddle, season 

 after season ! 



155 



