Gentlemen Riders 



objections, with a free fight as the natural result. No attempt 

 was ever made to keep the course, the jumps (always banks) 

 being used by the onlookers as a sort of grand stand ; and 

 it was only when the horses were within a few strides of the 

 obstacle that a small opening was made in their ranks, when 

 the partisans of each horse generally gave it or the rider a 

 word of encouragement in the shape of a whack with a 

 shillalagh as the fence was negotiated. The starters and clerk 

 of the course generally joined in the sport, and accompanied 

 the competitors. The straight run in was, however, the most 

 dangerous part of the course, as here the mob was thickest, 

 and it can only be compared to racing through a crowd like 

 Epsom that one is accustomed to, previous to the course 

 being cleared for the Derby. People went down like nine- 

 pins, and it was a matter of congratulation if no one was killed. 

 " A surging mob used to accompany a competitor to the 

 starting-post, howling dire threats of vengeance should he 

 prove unsuccessful ; whilst the wearing of a green jacket was 

 even a matter of danger. Indeed, after one or two experiences 

 I always declined to ride in the national colour. One incident 

 to show how things were conducted I remember well. It 

 was when quartered at Cork that I entered some horses at 

 a steeplechase meeting advertised to be run in the neighbour- 

 hood. Soldiers were not loved in those days in the south of 

 Ireland, and we thought it well to go down in a strong con- 

 tingent. The committee of management, no doubt having 

 arranged the races to suit themselves and thus secure the 

 meeting from any financial payment, were seemingly not 

 overpleased to see us. There were five races, and after the 

 usual disputes and objections, I had managed to clear the 

 board, that is to say, had won every race. The ominous 

 silence that accompanied our departure from the course, 



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