Colonel R. F. Meysey-Thompson 



through the now tiring field, until, when they reached the 

 run-in, only one horse was left in front. What had made the 

 task more hazardous was that the dust rose so thickly nothing 

 could be seen below the hocks of the horses, and in threading 

 a way through the competitors there was imminent danger of 

 striking into the heels of one or another and getting a fall. 

 Gradually creeping up to the leader, Plenipo was level with it 

 about a hundred yards from home, when he was steadied for 

 a few strides, and then a supreme effort landed him the winner 

 of a fine race. Wildly excited, Garcia rushed up to Mr. 

 Meysey-Thompson as he was returning to weigh in, and, 

 seizing the bridle, shook the rider's hand, as he exclaimed, 

 " Well done, sir ! well done, sir ! I should not have won that 

 race myself." 



An hour afterwards the same pair turned out for the Premie 

 de las Sefioras against a field of fresh horses, and, curiously, 

 the race was a replica of the first one. Again Plenipo was 

 tailed off in the early part of the race. Again he worked his 

 way through the others, and had only the leader before him 

 when the straight was reached. Again the two horses were 

 level in sufficient time for Mr. Meysey-Thompson to drop his 

 hands and steady Plenipo for a few strides. And again he won 

 on the very post. After weighing in, Mr. Meysey-Thompson 

 threw his coat over his shoulders, fastening the sleeves round 

 his neck, and retired under an archway of the Grand Stand to 

 obtain a little shade from the heat of a June sun. In a few 

 minutes a number of Spanish Dons, attired in frock-coats and 

 tall hats, began to leave the stand of the Jockey Club and 

 advance in the direction of the heated jockey ; so he, not 

 wishing to be seen in his melting condition, fell back to a small 

 yard where the stabling was situated. He was followed there 

 by the others, and on reaching him the foremost took off his 



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