196 The Course, the Camp, the Chase 



When we started for the King's Prize the next day, the 

 pace was made so hot at first, that we dropped back last, 

 being unable to keep up with the others, but knowing that 

 the horse had the reputation of being able to stay, and that 

 there was an incline on the far side, I was not discouraged, 

 and when half the race had been run, I began to urge 

 " Plenipo " to his utmost speed. We were then just 

 beginning the ascent, and the others came back very 

 quickly, so that when we turned into the straight, there 

 was only one left in front, and we were at his quarters. 

 As soon as we were level I was able to ease the horse for 

 a few strides, and then, coming again, got his head in front 

 and won. Garcia rushed up, beaming with delight, and 

 had the courtesy to say, " Well done, sir, I am glad you 

 were up. I should not have won that race myself." 

 About an hour afterwards the Ladies' Plate was run for, 

 and was almost an exact repetition of the King's Prize. 

 Again " Plenipo " was beaten off, again he reached them 

 on the hill, again we collared the leader in the straight, 

 and won by half-a-length. It was a very hot day, and 

 as soon as I had weighed in, I threw my coat over my 

 shoulders, tying it by the sleeves round my neck, without 

 putting it on, and retired under an archway of the grand 

 stand, that led to the stabling in the rear, in order to get 

 cool in the shade afforded by it. My attention was drawn 

 to a number of smart Spanish gentlemen, in tall hats and 

 frock coats, descending the steps of the Jockey Club stand, 

 who afterwards came in my direction. Not wishing to be 

 seen in the melting state I was in, I walked on to the 

 stables, only to be still followed by the others. I could 

 get no further, so turned round, when the first Spaniard 

 came up to me, and taking o£f his hat, with a polite bow, 



