OWNERS AND OWNING 67 



A friend, C. H., who was a really fine judge and 

 managed one of the chief stables of the period, 

 came with me to see the gallop, and, though not 

 as a rule by any means enthusiastic, declared that 

 he felt sure I had got a good horse. We were 

 soon to know ! 



How well I recollect that morning ! I sat on 

 my pony trembling so much with excitement that 

 I could not hold my glasses steady — my Treasure 

 might win the Derby next year — it would be luck 

 indeed to do so at a first attempt, but still, why 

 not ? 



The head lad had gone down to start them with 

 his handkerchief. 



" They are well away together ! " my friend 

 observed ; I really could not see whether they 

 were or were not. In a few moments I did focus 

 them, however, and was delighted with what I 

 made out. My plater was always a rather 

 scratchy mover, though he got over the ground 

 with his short strides, but by his side the Treasure 

 swept along, his head in his chest, the two neck 

 and neck. At their quarters was another chestnut, 

 a filly, and well up with her a bay colt. Rather 

 more than a furlong from the winning-post the 

 two latter changed places ; but the leaders sped on 

 together. I thought I knew what was about to 



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