92 "RODDY OWEN" 



seldom refusing or bucking over. His get-up 

 was irreproachable. In splendid condition, he 

 did not appear exhausted on returning to scale, 

 and it took something very much out of the 

 common to upset his sangfroid ; he did not stimu- 

 late his nerve by the free use of alcohol. 



Major Owen was almost perfectly built for 

 jump-riding ; he was agile and capitally drilled, 

 which gave him the appearance of being almost 

 taller than his actual height, which was above the 

 average. With so much depth of chest and so 

 powerful a build, it was wonderful how he con- 

 trived to fine down to lo st. 5 lbs. at a push. He 

 had so much unsuspected ballast in his composi- 

 tion that it helped to counteract the more reckless 

 side of his character. A fine seat, a contempt 

 for danger, and a magnificent nerve, all marked 

 him out as the best amateur jockey of his day. 



The professionals, naturally, could not be ex- 

 pected to approve of such a formidable rival, for 

 he was as good as any of them, always excepting 

 Arthur Nightingall, who was more finished and 

 quicker over hurdles. 



"Gentlemen-riders" admired, but, as a whole, 

 were jealous of " Roddy Owen," for he outshone 

 them. The privates in his regiment worshipped 

 him and would have followed him anywhere, 

 because he was an officer after their own heart. 

 He was affectionate, more especially towards his 

 mother, whom he strikingly resembled. But 

 " Roddy " did not make confidants of his brother- 

 officers in any matters connected with racing, and 

 was serenely indifferent to those who were either 



