VIII 



THE PRINCE OF THE T.Y.C. 



It is easy to recall the names of numerous race- 

 horses who, in spite of a series of the most brilliant 

 performances, never took any hold on the affec- 

 tions of the public. Others, on the contrary, at 

 once became popular idols, the most noteworthy 

 instances of late years being supplied by Bendigo 

 and Victor Wild. Perhaps the latter was an even 

 greater favourite than was the gallant winner of 

 the first " ten thousand pounder " ever run in this 

 country, and few who were present will forget 

 his cantering down to the post at Kempton Park 

 for his last " Jubilee," evidently perfectly conscious 

 of the rounds of applause which greeted him all 

 the way down the course, and bowing his head 

 at each stride, apparently in graceful acknowledg- 

 ment of the reception accorded to him. I will not 

 say that "Bonnie Prince Charlie" was a greater 

 favourite than either Bendigo or Victor Wild, 

 for in his day the '* drawing-room meetings " were 

 not in existence to make racing as popular with 

 all classes as it has since become, but I think he 

 fairly rivalled either of them in the affectionate 

 regard of the followers of the sport, and the 

 scene at Newmarket, after he had won his last 

 race — to which I shall presently revert — was a very 



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