CHAPTER VI 



Wild Dayrell's Derby-His "nobbling" arranged-How pre- 

 vented-A costly "getting out "-Palmer the Poisoner— 

 Marlow's opinion— Mr. Fred Swindell " readied "—Saved by 

 the success of Doubt— Cockburn's grim assurance-Who set 

 the law in motion. 



The present generation can have only a historical 

 interest in the Derby victory of Wild Dayrell in 

 1855. But some who were at that period in the 

 active pursuit of racing may— if they backed the 

 horse— not even now be aware how near they came 

 to losing their money; in truth, of not "having a 

 run " for the same. I am in a position to relate the 

 circumstances, as I played a principal's part in the 

 spoiling of the intended roguery. A brief period 

 before the Derby— for which Wild Dayrell had been 

 heavily backed alike by the stable and the public— 

 I received a letter from a man I never cared for— 

 indeed, always suspected— he was what was then 

 known as a " dangerous party "—making an appoint- 

 ment, which, unaware of the business on hand, I 

 kept. He was not long in unfolding his purpose, 

 which was the fearless laying of Wild Dayrell. 



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