44 RECORDS OF OLD TIMES 



'They're off!' I pushed my head between some 

 of the crowd, and distinctly saw the horses coming 

 round Tattenham Corner, and, amidst the shouts of 

 the mass of spectators, found that ' Amato ' had 

 won. I then discovered that I was in a most dis- 

 reputable state, being smothered with a coating of 

 dust, my coat was white, my face steaming with 

 perspiration, grimed with road dust. I was too glad 

 to steal away and get back to London as soon as 

 possible, but I had gained my end, / had seen the 

 Derby, and determined, if I lived another year, I 

 would leave nothing to chance, and would ride my 

 own horse to the race. 



The next year's Derby was memorable as being 

 won by a rank outsider, yet I enjoyed my visit im- 

 mensely. I rode my nag from home the day before, 

 to Gerrard's Cross, sleeping at the house of an old 

 friend, a thorough sportsman and successful steeple- 

 chase rider. After an early breakfast we rode to 

 Kingston to luncheon, and from thence steadily on 

 to the course. At this time the horses started at 

 ' The Warren,' which is some distance from the 

 present place, where the field paraded and cantered 

 before the ' start.' We were much pleased with all 

 the runners, especially with the favourite, Launcelot, 

 ridden by Bill Scott. My friend, who was an 

 excellent judge of a horse, whilst commenting on 

 the starters, pointed out a little compact, bright bay 

 horse, asking me ' what I thought of him ? ' I said, 

 ' He's only a pony, and will never get up the hill.' 

 He replied : ' That horse will win to-day. I never 



