Rides in the " National " 



fray. Where can we find an equally glorious 

 sporting spectacle ? 



I have been exceptionally fortunate, perhaps, 

 at Aintree ; hence my uncurbed enthusiasm. I 

 have had good horses to ride, generous employers, 

 and only two falls. I do not think that my all- 

 round record in regard to the " National " is 

 equalled by that of any living jockey ; and, 

 whilst nothing is farther from my thoughts than 

 to boast of my achievements, I look back on 

 that record with a certain amount of satisfaction. 

 If I live to be a hundred — and considering my 

 age now and the knocking about I have had, that 

 is improbable — I shall not be able to run up a 

 better score. I love to hear the word " Aintree " 

 pronounced, even in a hushed whisper, for it 

 gives me a few joyous thrills. 



213 



