SALE OF ARD PATRICK 123 



I went at once to Sam Darling and said : " It's all 

 right. I represent Count Lehndorff." I then gave a 

 paragraph to the Press twenty minutes before the race 

 to say Count Lehndorff had bought the horse, cabled 

 to him that I had advised the Press of the purchase, 

 and then awaited the result of the race. 



It was an experience which my worst enemy if I 

 have one might have gloated over, for on the one 

 hand there was Sceptre, three parts sister to my own 

 horse Collar, and on the other hand this astounding 

 risk over the sale of Ard Patrick. I was glad on the 

 whole to see Ard Patrick win, and to cable the news 

 to Count Lehndorff. Then at last came an answer 

 next day : 



" Perfectly satisfied with all your arrangements. Very 

 cleverly managed. LEHNDORFF." 



Later on came a document of thanks from the 

 German Agricultural Minister, which was well enough 

 in its way, but let me say here that while I was not 

 unnaturally nervous over the situation at Sandown 

 Park, I never really doubted Count Lehndorff, or I 

 should not have nerved myself to act as I did. 



I told him afterwards that no one else in England 

 would have bought him the horse in such circumstances, 

 and I believe that to be a bed-rock truth. 



He explained that he had been travelling about 

 among the Government studs and my letters and wires 

 had not reached him. 



I said my hair would turn white if I was ever sub- 

 jected to such another trial. 



Sam Darling stayed with me at Cobham the night 



