2 22 The Course, the Camp, the Chase 



Marchesa," and also carried off a two-mile race on 

 " Elmina " on the same afternoon at the Curragh, thereby 

 conveying a useful lesson on the folly of underrating the 

 tactics of a rival. What is more, by way of swagger, I 

 rode both the horses at a short field day the previous 

 day, riding " Elmina " in the march past, which further 

 encouraged the prejudice against them. 



It is often remarked that " weight can be given away 

 in a race, but not distance," and, in a general way, this is 

 no doubt a true saying. Circumstances alter cases, how- 

 ever, and " Elmina's " race was one in point. Though I 

 jumped off with an excellent lead, and was leading round 

 the first turn, the others passed me at such a pace that I 

 said to myself, " Well, you may go on like that if you like, 

 I can't do so; so I'll toddle behind, and see what happens." 

 The pace was made so strong that I was soon several 

 lengths behind everything ; and, when half the race had 

 been run, the leaders did in truth seem so far ahead that 

 it appeared almost hopeless to continue. Still, the little 

 mare was galloping strong, and, feeling sure that the pace 

 must soon have an effect upon the leaders, I held on at 

 the same even rate. The track winds round a hillock, and 

 just before we disappeared behind it I put the question in 

 my own mind, " Is it time to try to reach them now ? " but 

 I glanced at the stand in the far distance, and as it still 

 seemed a very long way off, I resolved to wait a bit longer. I 

 remembered, too, that there was a steep hill to ascend very 

 shortly, and wished to see what effect this would have upon 

 the others. Presently I caught up the horse next to me, 

 who was already labouring in his gallop, and as I passed 

 him his jockey made the remark, " I think you and I had 

 better pull up " ; but, just glancing at him, I replied, " I 



