CHASING AND RACING 161 



Perhaps they were right. No doubt my successes in 

 the saddle were entirely due to the merits of horses, not 

 one of which had cost me more than 200, and most 

 of which were acquired for about half that sum ! But 

 I should like to remark though without any wish to 

 indulge in self-glorification or conceit that never once 

 was I beaten in a close finish ; * though on one 

 occasion when steering that most impossible and hope- 

 less, but handsome and powerful brute, Roscidus 

 (after being two lengths behind at the distance in a five 

 furlong race), I just failed, by a short head, to get up 

 and pip the favourite (ridden by Tommy Lushington) 

 on the post. I hope I may be excused for setting forth 

 this fact in self-vindication, but there it is. If any one 

 wishes to contravene it, let him speak now or for ever 

 hold his peace. 



A propos Tommy Lushington, who afterwards 

 became the trainer of King Edward's " leppers," I 

 venture to think that he was one of the ablest and 

 strongest amateur riders I ever struck. He was always 

 a stumbling block to me, for I do not remember a 

 single occasion when I had the best of him, though I 

 had few opportunities, for he always commanded the 

 pick of the mounts ; whereas I, for the most part, had 

 to be content with my own humble " skins." Another 

 of my time who invariably put " paid " to my account 

 was Mr. W. H. (" Bill ") Moore. He was good all 

 round, and the strongest finisher I ever remember to 



* Under Jockey Club or National Hunt Rules. 



M 



