CHASING AND RACING 37 



Phyllis was as handy as you make 'em ; but lo 

 and behold, when negotiating the final round, and 

 whilst I was complacently regarding my boots, out 

 she went at the very spot where Rosalie had " done a 

 guy,^^ Harry, meanwhile, was walking his recalci- 

 trant little jade back to that which was by courtesy 

 called a paddock ; but seeing what had befallen me, 

 came back at a hand gallop, and slipped round the 

 course to complete the mile. I soon had Phyllis 

 back and in pursuit, but never could get within 

 striking distance of my opponent. Nobody said 

 anything, but they looked unutterable things. Well 

 they " had reason " as our French friends say ; for 

 the show was one which asked for criticism of a not 

 too kindly nature. Anyway I lost my " pony " 

 (not Phyllis, bad 'cess to her), and was lucky not to 

 lose my reputation as a dead straight rider for good 

 and all. 



On one occasion I was riding a three-year- 

 old pony of my own breeding which had not been 

 tried, and whose back I had never previously be- 

 stridden. As I was going to the post, a bunch of the 

 " Boys," stood in my way and I had to pull up. I 

 was thus addressed by their spokesman : 



" Look 'ere. Mister blinkin' 'Ardin' Cox, the Boys 

 'ave all backed yer, and if yer gets up ter any of yer 

 pullin' gimes, inter 'ver 'orse pond yer goes, and don't 

 yer fergit it ! " 



Here was a nice look out, seeing that I had not 



