SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



esteeming, however, more highly the prospects of 

 Claremont, whom Fordham rode, while Heartfield 

 was on mine. I met the two jockeys together in 

 the paddock, and said, "Fordham, I have 1500 to 

 500 about yours, and, Heartfield, I've 800 to 100 

 about yours. He's short of a few gallops, and will 

 run well. Don't knock him about, though win if 

 you can." About a mile from home the pair came 

 away from the others, and there ensued as magni- 

 ficent a struggle for supremacy as ever was witnessed 

 on the Knavesmire. Endeavour, though, as Ford- 

 ham might, he could not shake off Heartfield. 



" You're winning," said Mr. Tom Lawley to me. 

 " No. It will be a desperate finish." 



And it was, Heartfield beating Fordham a head. 

 As soon as Fordham dismounted, I said, "I wish 

 you had won, George." 



" So do I. But that's the best boy I've seen for 

 years. I did everything to beat him, but it was no 

 good." Nor was Verdant, as he never ran again, 

 while the same year Claremont died. Undoubtedly 

 the severity of the struggle left its mark on the 

 pail', and unquestionably also had Verdant escaped 

 more lightly he would have taken, on the handi- 

 capping that must have prevailed, Cesarewitch 

 honours. 



It soon became an understood matter between 



143 



