I08 REMINISCENCES OF SONfiPORE. 



miles for, and the same back, when there was no Railway 

 nearer than Europe, Experte credo." But he spoilt his letter 

 by throwing all the blame on outside owners, whom he im- 

 politely termed " Racing Buffers." This naturally led to re- 

 crimination, and did much to drive away those alluded to. As 

 a matter of fact, it was want of funds which was crippling the 

 management, the balls were beginning to get too expensive, 

 and subscriptions not rising proportionately. Jimmy McLeod 

 had had one of his periodical spills in September, and adver- 

 tised his entire string for sale, but thought better of it, and 

 brought them to Sonepore, and lucky for him he did so, for 

 he virtually cleared the board. But the Meeting was much 

 marred by heavy rain falling so late in October, that the 

 racing had to be postponed, and consequently many horses 

 were scratched, camps were smaller than usual, and the fair 

 was entirely broken up before the racing started. John 

 Wheal had, after the breaking up of Mr. Mullick's string, 

 betaken himself to Jodhpore, where he not only was made 

 Generalissimo of the stable, but a Field Marshall of the 

 army. He brought down Prosperity, Pegasus, Crown Prince, 

 Moss Trooper, Cockahoop, Red Eagle and Shickra ; Finch was 

 still his jockey. Ryder had Anarchy, and a beautiful new 

 colt he had selected for the Baboo in Australia, called New- 

 castle, but which did not run at the meeting. Kelly Maitland 

 had Finette, Crossbee, Petrel and that lovely chestnut pony 

 Fleur-de-lys. Joe Rainford, with Dignum to train and Tingey 

 to steer for him, had Kirby, much improved from last year, and 

 Slipstone. These constituted the only outside stables ; Jimmy 

 had the great Fieldfare, this year in grand fettle, Geraldine the 

 champion countrybred, Raven, Glengarry, Fisherboy, Pandora, 

 Bowrar Bill, Snowdrop, Emma, Scot, Kilmore, Discontent, 

 Red Gauntlet and a pony mare Sultana not all his 

 own, but trained at Lall Serryah. The only other Planters 

 running anything at the meeting, were Mr. Charley Webb, 



