XTattenbam Corner 171 



near enough, and looks like jumping off, and the 

 accident really happens when the flag has fallen. 

 Nothing would induce me if I officiated to put my 

 flag up again, if three or four were to whip round. 

 Naturally, it is very annoying to trainer, owner, and 

 jockey ; but such things must happen sometimes. 

 The best way to try and avoid them is to get your 

 horses as much used to the colours as possible 

 before brinCTino- them on to a racecourse. 



o o 



My Derby career has been a very curious one. I 

 saw four Derbys run in the years 1856-59, and I 

 won the first I rode in, on Thormanby, in i860. 

 After this I was in the saddle in nineteen consecu- 

 tive races for the big race on the Surrey hills, 

 winning three, second twice, and third once. Only 

 once have I seen the Derby since I left off riding in 

 1879, and that was when I started them in Melton's 

 year, in 1885. Having ridden at Epsom many 

 times besides, I think I oua-ht to know the course 

 pretty well. It is very bad, as well as dangerous. 

 What is known as Tattenham Corner is one of 

 the worst bends I ever rode round or saw. It is not 

 only down a very steep incline, but on a side hill, as 

 well as a very sharp turn ; and it is wonderful to me 

 it is not productive of more accidents. 



Nowadays it is often remarked : "Why did you 



