AND TIMES OF JOHN OSBORNE 243 



THE RACE. 



Not a few pretended to detect signs of lameness in the Ashgill mare. Glenalmond 

 was evidently the rogue of the lot, as he figured in a very close hood and blinkers, 

 besides having had a bottle of genuine old Irish whisky administered to him 

 prior to leaving the paddock with a view of imbuing him witli a little Dutch 

 courage. Volturno ran with his legs swathed in bandages, as did also Apology, 

 on whom it was noticed Osborne was riding without spurs. The thirteen runners 

 quickly proceeded to the St. Leger starting post. Scarcely had they been 

 •assembled a few moments when a cry was raised that a start had taken place ; 

 but such was not the case, for what would have been undoubtedly a brilliant 

 break away was marred by the refusal of Boulet to go away with his horses, and 

 many of the jockej-s felt so confident that a genuine start had been effected that 

 fully a quarter of a mile was covered by some of the competitors before they 

 could be pulled up, Blantyre being amongst the most obstinate of the lot to 

 return to the starting post ; and when he was at length brought back his 

 impatience to get away for another minute or two prevented ISIr. M 'George 

 lowering his flag, which, however, he eventually did to a capital start just 

 thirteen minutes behind the appointed time, and amid a loud roar from the 

 assembled thousands, which might be heard extending and dying away in the 

 distance, the race for the St. Leger of 1874 had been begun. For a stride or two 

 Blantyre was quickest on his legs, but he was instantly passed by Boulet, whose 

 mission was to cut out the work at his best pace and as far as he could with a 

 view of serving his stable companion Feu d' Amour. Almost level with the 

 Frenchmen raced the Goodwood Stakes winner Scamp, and at the girths of the 

 last named again came Blantyre, this quartette having had the inside position 

 next the rails when the flag was lowered. Then came a cluster of horses, com- 

 prising Atlantic, Leolinus, and Trent, Lady Patricia coming on a couple of 

 lengths further off a like distance in front of Apology, whilst Volturno, who was 

 flanking the line on the right at the start, was left to bring up the rear. Crossing 

 the road, scarcely three furlongs from the start, and by which time the thirteen 

 had begun to settle down into their places, it was observed that Scamp had given 

 way in favour of Mr. Merry's pair, who were now going on at the heels of Boulet, 

 whilst Atlantic and Leolinus had drawn from the ruck and taken fourth and fifth 

 places respectively, closely attended by Trent, Scamp, Rostrevor, Sweet Violet, 

 and Lady Patricia, the last named having quitted the company of the favourite 

 and Volturno, who came along together a couple of lengths last. Sweeping up 

 Primrose Hill, which was very densely packed with spectators, the "baker's 

 dozen " presented a very pretty sight as they lay in a perfect cluster, except that 

 Boulet, who was still showing the way at a cracking pace, had got clear of the 

 ruck, which for a tail had Apology and Volturno side by side about as far in the 

 rear as the Frenchman was ahead — something like a good length. This pretty 

 sight, however, was lost to view the next moment behind the furzes, but when 

 they reappeared about fifty yards or so beyond the mile starting post it was 

 seen that though Boulet had increased his lead to fully a couple of lengths, 

 and two yellow jackets had given way in favour of Leolinus and Trent, 

 the pair going on second and third, followed by a group composed of Atlantic, 

 Scamp, Blantyre, Glenalmond, Sweet Violet, and Volturno, Lord Falmouth's 

 colt just showing his head clear of them, whilst Feu d' Amour and Apology 



