Some Racing Experiences 233 



some twenty yards behind ; the other jockeys, seeing " Bel- 

 mont" was by himself, kept about the same distance 

 behind him, so as to give him a chance of bolting if 

 possible. 



In this order they came past the stand, when just as 

 " Belmont " was opposite the paddock he made a bolt for 

 it, went over the ropes, and in amongst the carriages. 

 The other jockeys, seeing what had happened, immediately 

 put on their best pace, so that " Belmont " should not 

 have a chance of getting up again. 



In order to be prepared for eventualities, I was stand- 

 ing on the bottom step of the stand, and when I saw what 

 had happened I rushed to the paddock gate to get on to 

 the course. Like an Irishman, the gatekeeper would not 

 let me out, and I had to climb over the railings and drop 

 down. Someone had cut the ropes, and with my umbrella 

 I beat " Belmont " back into the course, and then won- 

 dered what Murland would do. 



All this had taken some time. There is a gap left 

 in the hedge next to the stand, and the first leap is there- 

 fore two fields' distance away. As " Belmont " got fairly 

 into the course, he caught sight of the last horse, who was 

 just jumping this fence, while the others were well strung 

 out in front. The moment " Belmont " saw that horse he 

 laid himself out to catch him, and very speedily he did so. 

 The word was soon passed up that " ' Belmont ' was 

 coming," and the . jockeys in front urged their horses to 

 their best speed for fear he should catch them. It was 

 one of the most exciting races I every saw in my life. 

 At the " double " there were only three horses left in front 

 of " Belmont " ; at the wall there were only two left ; when 

 the leader turned into the straight " Belmont " had passed 



