214 CHASING AND RACING 



if not actually winked at by the authorities, was certainly 

 more honoured in the breach than in the observance 

 by contemporary jockeys. The good thing came un- 

 stuck by a narrow margin. Tod not only " dropped a 

 packet," as the saying goes, but was discreetly advised 

 not to apply for a renewal of his riding license. So that 

 he cannot be said to have been " warned off.'* A 

 distinction with a subtle difference ! 



When he returned to his native ** States '' he was 

 on the down grade. I heard of him in " 'Frisco " as 

 running a billiard saloon, and using the hard and 

 verdant board as his nightly couch. He married an 

 exceedingly bright and attractive little compatriot, 

 to wit, the popular musical comedy actress, Julia 

 Sanderson ; but, alas, I fear that he did not ride 

 strictly to orders, for in this case he really was " warned 

 off" in the Divorce Court ; or perhaps the boot was 

 on the other leg. I forget ! 



On one occasion Tod was cantering to the post at 

 Kempton on a mare called Esmeralda II., when that 

 sportive beast suddenly stuck her toes in, in front of 

 the Grand Stand; whereupon the great little jockey cut 

 the most elegant A.O.T. (Artistic Over Turn) as ever 

 was, and passionately embraced Mother Earth, much 

 to the amusement of the crowd. 



I have often had occasion to allude to Captain 

 " Roddy " Owen. Many a good story is told of this 

 accomplished soldier and horseman, who was the best 

 of good fellows. 



