CHAPTER XXIV 



merman's gold cup 



Merman's Gold Cup — Engaged for Roughside — " The whole Truth " 



After the season of 1899 I went over to America, 

 riding in California and returning as in the previous 

 year in time for Lincoln. It was not apparent at first 

 but as the season progressed there were black clouds 

 appearing ; some of them were very small certainly, 

 but they were indications of a coming storm. The 

 Americans were secretly and openly discussed, and it 

 was well known that certain inquiries were pending, 

 chiefly on the charge of dope. Successes were almost 

 entirely attributed to the use of drugs, and of course 

 while this was rumoured against trainers all those con- 

 nected with American stables were dragged into the 

 talk ; in fact there was an uncomfortable atmosphere 

 about everything. 



Lester and Johnny Reiff were doing very well, 

 although Morny had started off by winning the 

 Lincoln, Great Metropolitan, and City and Suburban. 

 I scored in the Chester Cup on Roughside, finished 

 third in the Derby on Disguise II. and was third in 

 the Oaks on Lady Schomberg and second in the 

 Manchester Cup on Joe Chamberlain. Then Johnny 

 Reiff won the Hunt Cup and Stewards' Cup on Royal 

 Flush. 



Merman carried me home a 100 to 7 winner in the 

 Ascot Gold Cup ; Skeets Martin won the Northumber- 

 land Plate on Joe Chamberlain, and Johnny Reiff the 



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