CHAPTER IV 



Admiral Rous — Handicappers of to-day — Their disabilities — 

 My first bet with the Admiral — "Young Impudence" — 

 Putting weight on Gridiron — Handicapping at dinner — The 

 Derby course — Mr. Dorling's economy prevented — Mrs. Rous's 

 opinion of myself — " He's sure to do you ! " — A bet in the 

 dark — The Admiral's testimonial — How conceived — A 

 notable menu. 



Poets, it is said, are born not made ; and, in a sense, 

 the remark holds true of handicappers. Of course, 

 as practice improves the poet so does the continuous 

 exercise of the art of handicapping improve the 

 handicapper. But no man, be his assiduity what it 

 may, can aspire to high honours in handicapping 

 unless he has a natural bent for the business. The 

 entire absence of rules demands an incessant drain 

 upon the judgment, and the plan that would lit one 

 situation would be woefully unsuited to the next. 

 That we have good and conscientious handicappers 

 now I freely allow ; and I am pleased to be able to 

 state that most are my friends. But not one of 

 them would I care to place on a level with the late 

 Admiral Rous, who, in truth, occupies a pedestal by 



