52 JOHN PORTER OF KINGSCLERE 



Professional jockeys were barred, and the youth 

 who rode Levity won a heat on her by boring 

 his opponent into the sea! Before the final heat 

 was run the question was raised whether Levity 

 was the right height. The measurement standard 

 was accordingly produced, and the " test " took 

 place on the sands. With the assistance of 

 sundry taps of Fordham*s whip on her shoulder, 

 the mare was finally passed. Then, however, 

 one of the stewards, inspired by a flash of common 

 sense, suddenly realised that to take the measure- 

 ment on the sands was farcical. It was thereupon 

 agreed that Levity should be measured again 

 standing on the flagstones in front of the steward*s 

 house. The whole party proceeded thither, and) 

 probably invited to have drinks, went indoors- 

 Impelled by his love of a joke, Fordham gravely 

 followed the others into the house, still leading 

 his pony. He was just about to take her into 

 the dining-room when he was discovered. When 

 in one of his funny moods he was irrepressible. 

 Levity in due course ran in the final heat, and 

 was beaten by an animal ridden by a butcher boy. 

 A local tout called Lowry, with a view to showing 

 his friendliness towards Fordham, waited until 

 the critical moment, and then tipped over the 

 sentry-box which accommodated the judge! We 

 had a great day. I may say that when serious 

 business was toward Fordham 's conduct was 

 always exemplary. He had beautiful hands, and 



