TRAINERS AND JOCKEYS 59 



thinking that his appearance alone in the position of starter 

 would strike terror and dismay into the hearts of the 

 hitherto unruly jockeys. So far from this being the case, 

 however, he absolutely had not the slightest control over 

 them, and such a scene as that which ensued was probably 

 never before witnessed at a starting-post. Goater was 

 determined not to get left, and in answer to the Admiral's 

 gruff remark of, " You at least know better, Goater," said, 

 " Beg pardon. Admiral, but I am afraid of getting too near 

 those boys for fear of getting my horse kicked." This, 

 of course, was Jem's " kid." At last, after an hour's delay, 

 and when, if possible, the competitors were in worse 

 position to be started than they had been at any time 

 previously. Admiral Rous, livid with rage, threw down the 

 flag, shouting at the same time at the top of his naturally 

 strong and rough voice, " Go, and be damned to you ! " 

 Goater got a flying start, and being on a very speedy horse 

 and quick beginner, was never headed, winning in a canter 

 with the big weight of 8 st. 7 lbs. This was Admiral 

 Rous's first and last attempt at starting. 



