CHASING AND RACING 151 



Even a ** Grand National " might eventually have 

 crowned his career had it not been prematurely cut 

 short as chronicled. 



And now to return to my ** sportive double.'* I 

 must tell you that, after closing with SavilFs offer, I 

 took a more advantageous wager from a personal 

 friend, viz. ;^5oo to £20, So now I was on velvet ; 

 for no matter what the entries for WeaseFs hunter's 

 flat race might be, that amiable and reliable bit of stuff 

 was sure to start at a short price, whereby good hedging 

 would be as easy as falling off" a log. 



As it happened, the race was very poorly supported 

 and only three numbers were hoisted on the board; but 

 they were a notable trio ; Weasel, on account of his 

 long series of wins in similar events ; Excavator, 

 because he was the mount of the redoubtable " Mr. 

 Abingdon " ; and Percival, because no less accom- 

 plished an amateur than Arthur Coventry was in the 

 saddle. The betting was very close. I am not 

 certain of the exact figures, but there were only a few 

 points difference between the three. The result 

 proved the accuracy of ** the talent's " calculations — 

 as presently you shall see. 



Going to the post, George Baird (Abingdon) cast 

 admiring and perhaps envious eyes on old Weasel, who 

 was loping along like a park hack. 



" What a dear old horse that is, Cockie," he 

 exclaimed. ** Why, I believe that if you fell off he 

 would stop and pick you up." 



