'JOE MILLERS" CONDITION. 165 



were no fewer than forty-three runners, and thirty 

 runners in One Act's year. 



A good deal was said of Joe Miller s condition, or 

 rather of his appearance before this race. Mr. Parker 

 advised his friend Captain Brabazon to back him; and 

 this the latter assuredly would have done, only 

 happening to see the horse just before entering the 

 saddling paddock, looking, as he said, so wretchedly 

 bad, he altered his mind; and instead sought out 

 Parker, and began abusing him for recommending 

 him to back a creature that could scarcely walk round 

 the ring, much less gallop the course. These hasty 

 words would have led to blows, but for the timely 

 interference of friends. After the race, the captain, as 

 meek then as he had been furious before, had the 

 good sense to offer an ample and acceptable apology. 

 The truth is, as 1 afterwards heard others say, when 

 the horse came into the enclosure his coat Avas staring 

 or reversed, which made him look bad to a non- 

 professional eye. Gentlemen can understand a horse 

 setting up his coat ' like quills upon the fretful porcu- 

 pine ' in cold weather ; but they do not know that 

 the hottest sun has often just the same effect on the 

 animal when in the best of health and fit to run. 



The same thing exactly happened to Brigantine at 

 Ascot, when she won the Cup. People said even to 

 myself that ' they did not think she looked very well.' 

 To which I replied : 



' Mine seldom do in other people's eyes.' 



