CHASING AND RACING 25 



handle a rampaging little " blood *un," called by 

 courtesy a " pony " under all sorts of trying con- 

 ditions. 



Another miscalculation of chances from a financial 

 point of view befell me when I took Catona to compete 

 for a special 100 cup at Aylesbury. 



I knew that it would be almost impossible to back 

 her ; so bethought me of another scheme by which 

 I could inflate my banking account. 



Among the most enthusiastic followers of my 

 hounds (the O.B.H.) was George Gurney, a well- 

 known, and greatly respected operator in the Silver 

 Ring. A true sportsman and one of Nature's 

 Gentlemen. 



I knew that he intended business at the meeting 

 in question ; so after kennelling my hounds one after- 

 noon I called upon him at his home on Croxley 

 Green. He opened fire with : " Well, Squire, I 

 suppose you will win that Aylesbury affair on your 

 little mare won't you ? " 



" Probably bar accidents." 



" Are you going to back her ? " 



" No chance, George, unless the opposition is 

 much stronger than it appears. Look here, what if 

 I stand in with you and Catona runs for the book ? 

 I should imagine that some of the other owners and 

 the public will support the field." 



" Right you are, Guv'nor ; but I have my doubts. 

 They will all want to have a bit for askin* on yours ! " 



