SIXTY YEARS ON THE TURF 



there is an obstinacy which tells against his fortunes. 

 One of the most obstinate men of my acquaintance 

 was Captain Hawkesley, and as illustration of his 

 temperament I may relate an incident that happened 

 in the autumn of 18G5. The Shrewsbury Autumn 

 Meeting that year lasted from Monday to Friday, 

 and most of the visitors from afar were " in residence " 

 on the preceding Sunday. On that day I met 

 Captain Hawkesley (he raced in the name of " Mr. 

 Pardoe "), when he asked me if I had anything I 

 would sell him that might win a race. 



" Yes," I answered, " there's Valentine, the 

 Adamas filly that ran second in the Brocklesby when 

 yours was left at the post." 



" The price ? " 



" Three hundred, and a hundred on the first time 

 you back her." 



" Can I have a trial ? " 



*' Yes. I will send a note to the stables. But, 

 Captain, make the trial early. There are a lot of 

 people about, and they might spoil your price." 



The Captain, as I have stated, was bad to advise, 

 and delayed the spin until close on nine o'clock 

 Monday morning, which was not an especially clever 

 move. However, Valentine fully satisfied the 

 Captain, and he determined ere the week ended to 

 have a plunge. She was in a race on the Monday 



273 



