SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



the strangles so bad that he could not be taken out 

 of his stall. I do not think I have ever seen a 

 horse in a worse state, or one that looked so un- 

 sightly. His head was so disfigured that no fair 

 view could be gained of his limbs and body ; so I 

 said to the groom : 



" Cover his head up with a sack, and then per- 

 haps I can see what he is like." 



The more I examined him the better I liked 

 him, and I made up my mind to run the risk of 

 evil results from his affliction, and purchased him 

 then and there for 125 sovs. The stud-groom, a 

 real good fellow, who had done me several turns, 

 said : 



" You had better pay me now, sir, and settle the 

 matter. There's about a score owing for him at 

 present." 



I instructed him to call at Doncaster the next day, 

 when I paid him the hundred and twenty-five. 

 When I told my friend Mr. Mannington of my 

 purchase, he expressed a wish to see the colt. 



"Well, seeing him won't do much good now. 

 He's mine, and he's paid for. Still, John, I should 

 like you to examine him, and give an opinion as to 

 whether you think his illness will affect his wind. 

 But whether he turns a roarer or remains sound, I 

 am sure he is worth the money I have paid." 



176 



