Gentlemen Riders 



absence in England of Mr. Meysey-Thompson for a brief 

 period. Colonist had developed a stubborn temper, refusing 

 to gallop for any of the lads, his particular craze being to stop 

 short suddenly, and then spin round and round like a teetotum, 

 the result usually being that the rider quickly found himself un- 

 horsed. After two or three stubborn fights with Mr. Meysey- 

 Thompson, however, the horse became once more amenable, 

 though in the process of being conquered the leg he had been 

 accustomed to use as a pivot became so greatly inflamed that 

 an anxious consultation was held the evening before the race to 

 debate whether the horse was likely to break down when run- 

 ning, or not. After a careful examination, Mr. Meysey- 

 Thompson was of opinion he would just pull through, and as the 

 horse had been heavily backed by his owner, " Mr. Marland," 

 it was decided to let him start. A rumour had got about 

 that Colonist was not thoroughly wound-up, wherefore Luxford 

 very properly forced the pace to find out the weak spot If 

 possible, while Colonist perforce had to be most carefully 

 nursed. When a slight incline was reached half-way through 

 the race, Colonist had begun to feel the pace, and, changing 

 his legs two or three times, dropped back from his bit, so his 

 jockey allowed him to do as he liked, and sat as still as he 

 possibly could. Molinero gained about three lengths, when 

 Luxford, looking back, with future handicaps in his mind, 

 thought Colonist was beaten, and therefore steadied Molinero 

 also, since there was half a mile still to be covered. In a 

 short time they commenced the descent, when Colonist began 

 to stride out more freely again, and gradually reduced the 

 lead of Molinero before Luxford was aware of the approach 

 of danger. Glancing back then, and finding Colonist close to 

 his quarters, he realised the situation at once, and sent Molinero 

 along at his utmost speed. The race had, however, already 



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