From all accounts it will
be a punishing Race, with plenty of rough going,--
plough, fallow, hedge and ditch, walls, stake-fences and
water. The walls and water-jump are, I hear, the worst.
Now, although I shall be riding against some of the
best horsemen in England, still I venture to think I
can win, and this for three reasons. First, because I intend
to try to the uttermost--with hand and heel and head.
Secondly, because I have bought a horse--such a horse
as I have only dreamed of ever possessing,--all fire and
courage, with a long powerful action--Oh, Natty Bell,
if you could but see him! Rising six, he is, with tushes
well through,--even your keen eye could find no flaw in
him, though he is, perhaps, a shade long in the cannon.
And, thirdly, I am hopeful to win because I was taught
horse-craft by that best, wisest of riders, Natty Bell.
Very often, I remember, you have told me, Natty Bell,
that races are won more by judgment of the rider than by
the speed of the horse, nor shall I forget this. Thus
then, sure of my horse, sure of myself, and that kind
Destiny which has brought me successfully thus far, I
shall ride light-hearted and confident.
Pages:
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474