SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



Duke of Beaufort stood at 50's, doing rather better 

 than many thought would be the case ))y running 

 sixth. 



But perhaps the most striking instance of 

 ^Ir. Brayley's infatuation with his judgment was 

 revealed in the spring of 1868, when I tried Paul 

 Jones with his Mariner for the Chester Cup. The 

 spin took place at Telscombe over a very severe two- 

 mile track, on about as bad a mornino; as the 

 elements could have conspired to devise. A bitter 

 wind swept across the downs, and with tlie wind 

 was a blinding rain. It was not at all a day 

 on which to idle about, and I pushed on with 

 matters. 



" Here, Fordham," I said, " look sharp. Let's 

 get this over. You weigh out at 9 st., and you 

 Cannon at 8 st. 7 lb." (I should explain Fordham 

 was to ride Paul Jones and Tom Cannon Mariner, 

 the other in the trial being Vixen, with a little boy 

 up, to make running). 



"What's that?" shrieked Mr. Brayley. Your 

 Paul Jones give my Mariner 7 lb. ! Hidiculous ! " 



" Not at all," I said. " You'd have no chance 

 with Mariner at Chester with my horse's weight. 

 And, Brayley, I shan't back mine unless he beats 

 yours easily." 



" Perfect nonsense ! Your horse can't, and isn't 



199 



