94 "RODDY OWEN" 



reckless dash, and " curs " became reassured by 

 his unfaltering nerve. 



No doubt timid horsemen were glad to keep 

 out of his way, but it is only fair to state that 

 Major Owen rode with just the same cheerful 

 confidence when he found himself pitted against 

 spirits as oblivious of peril as himself. His 

 animation and the evident enjoyment he took 

 in race-riding found him a number of supporters, 

 who backed him persistently, no matter what 

 mount he rode. And this notoriety which he had 

 gained indirectly gave rise to little outbursts of 

 dissatisfaction. Backers, who betted on his 

 mounts without previously ascertaining whether 

 they were good, bad, or indifferent, grumbled 

 when they lost their money. In a few cases 

 they aired their real or imaginary grievances 

 offensively freely. As a disagreeable instance 

 of this, may be mentioned a scene at Sandown, 

 in which Tenby, ridden by Major Owen, started 

 first favourite, but did not fulfil expectations. 

 Directly after clearing the fence, close to the 

 railway, Tenby pecked badly just as he landed 

 and Major Owen came off. Prince Edward, a 

 smart chaser, who had 1 1 lbs. the best of the 

 weight, finished alone. The supporters of Tenby 

 became exceedingly angry with the crack gentle- 

 man-jockey. But even under such trying circum- 

 stances Major Owen's presence of mind did not 

 desert him. Remounting and scornfully raising his 

 whip, he threatened to thrash any of the crowd 

 who offered to molest him. A little later " Roddy" 

 rode Tenby in a trial for the National, and the 



