'^ Plenipo^' " Colonist',' and '' Kmg George'' 205 



current that Her Majesty had addressed a somewhat 

 similar remark to a matador, when he urged the impos- 

 sibility of playing the same trick twice on a bull in the 

 bull ring. " Now, look here, old chap," I answered, " if 

 these hurdles are not altered, I'll neither run another 

 horse, nor ride another horse at this meeting." 



Nearly half the horses running at the meeting were 

 under my control in one way or another, and if I had used 

 my influence to send them away, the meeting would have 

 been spoiled. I was, too, the second highest jockey in 

 winning mounts, only Everett, the professional, being ahead 

 of me, and as there was a large faction of the State 

 against Queen Isabella, I was sure of a very considerable 

 following. All the other professionals were backing me up 

 too, for they knew the danger, though they would have 

 had to act as their masters ordered them. However, my 

 point was gained, and the hurdles were altered. As we 

 came on to the slippery ground, after jumping the hurdle, 

 the horses as nearly as possible fell, " Plenipo " slipping for 

 several feet, and having the greatest difficulty in keeping 

 his legs. 



We won the race, and then came another little episode. 

 The cups and great prizes used to be put on a raised dais 

 on the lawn, and guarded by sentries. On the conclusion 

 of a race, after the jockey was weighed in, the saddle was 

 put again on the horse, the jockey remounted, and rode 

 round to the front of the stand. The lady of the highest 

 rank present then came forward, attended by a large suite, 

 and presenting the prize to the jockey, as he sat on his 

 horse, made him a little suitable speech. The jockey then 

 had to reply, and afterwards rode away with the prize in 

 his hand amongst the " vivas " of the crowd. Well, when I 



