SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



There were long-priced winners in those days as in 

 these; and the odds were certainly more easily 

 obtainable. This was the first winner of importance 

 that John Osborne rode, and the second time the 

 colours he carried (Bon Mot was the property of 

 Mr. Disney, owner of Caurouch) had proved fortu- 

 nate for me. 



In the autumn of 1851 I was at Bedford 

 Races, and saw Mr. Waring's Manifold win the 

 Scurry Handicap, when not at all expected by his 

 party. The performance struck me as good^ and I 

 desired to get back that night to London in order 

 to back him for the Cambridgeshire. The train 

 service was of indifferent character in those far-off 

 days, and to effect my purpose I needed to reach 

 Bletchley. There was, however, no conveyance 

 procurable, but rather than be foiled I ran the 

 dozen miles, thinking then little of such an exertion. 

 From the station I took a cab to the " Salisbury 

 Arms," a public-house near Charing Cross, where 

 Davies " the Leviathan " kept a list. On looking 

 at his Cambridgeshire prices I found he had Manifold 

 at 100 to 1. 



" Davies," I said, " I think this horse will win 

 the Cambridgeshire. What will you lay me at 

 that rate ? " 



" Ten thousand to one hundred lad." I accepted 



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