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 ;^ioo 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 ! " 



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