A GREAT YEAR 



was for a period one of the most interesting two-year- 

 old events of the season. Famous horses in Turf 

 history have run for it. The winners include amongst 

 others Friar's Balsam, whose performances are recorded 

 on a former page, Donovan and Riviera ; the last 

 named a filly who distinguished herself in a year when 

 several of her age and sex were of exceptional merit. 

 Her career was cut short. While cantering one day on 

 the Limekilns she faltered and fell for no discoverable 

 reason. The going was perfect, and nothing was 

 near her, so that she could not have been struck into. 

 On examination it was ascertained that she had broken 

 her back. A somewhat similar accident happened at 

 Stockbridge in the race for the Cup. A filly called 

 Counterpane belonging to the Prince of Wales after 

 leading past the post fell dead, though I believe in her 

 case heart disease was the cause. I rather think that 

 Lord Suffolk post-dates the death of John Day, that 

 it was prior to 1883 when Tom Cannon took possession 

 of Danebury, where during his reign I was a frequent 

 visitor. 



Tom Cannon was the most hospitable of men and 

 the most interesting of hosts to an enthusiast like 

 myself, keen to learn what he could about the horse 

 and how to train him. In the days of which I am 

 writing there were several different gallops on the spaci- 

 ous Downs. The racecourse was little used except for 

 trials. Tom Cannon realised that horses sent to exercise 



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