SURPLICE'S VICTORY. 283 



sacrificed for Surplice. The result was that, when 

 Loadstone declined, Surplice had to take his own 

 part, and Templeman said that it was all over as 

 soon as Surplice took up the running. 



When Loadstone showed a bold front, until the 

 distance -post was almost reached, Mr Villiers, I 

 heard subsequently, was in ecstasies ; but when 

 Surplice took up the running Mr Villiers's face 

 darkened and fell. The pace must have been 

 very moderate for Loadstone to have lasted so 

 long, and if Surplice had not possessed good speed 

 as well as stoutness, the Derby might have been 

 thrown away from want of a strong - run race. 

 Many a good horse, in perfect condition, have I 

 seen beaten under similar circumstances, after the 

 administration of severe punishment during the 

 last half-mile, which he would have altogether 

 escaped .by winning easily had the race been run 

 from end to end. It is a fatal mistake not to 

 win your race as early as you can, if you have 

 got a good horse fit to run. I can remember 

 sixty-five races for the Epsom Derby, and I have 

 seen it lost in some instances, and very nearly so 

 in others, from failing to make use of a good 

 horse. Three superior horses I can mention Sur- 

 plice, The Flying Dutchman, and Cremorne all of 

 whom narrowly escaped defeat for want of a strong- 

 run race. 



One other extract I am tempted to make from 

 'Bell's Life' of Saturday, May 27, 1848. 



