Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1922 edition. Excerpt: ... chapter xvii before finishing with horses which I have owned and ridden, I must say a few more words about Dornroschen, as she was undoubtedly the best class animal that ever passed through my hands or took me on as an outside passenger. When she passed into the ownership of the elder Sir John Thursby she was the victim of one of the most untoward accidents that could possibly befall. For the second year in succession, she was entered for the Hurst Park Cup, and the weight allotted was such that, if anything like in her best form, she was "the catch of the season." And so thought George of the House of Thursby. Twelve months previously, in the corresponding event, she had presented the allconquering Victor Wild with a lump of weight and had run him to a head. The handicapper had now reversed the position, and Dornroschen was set to receive a similar poundage. What could be nicer, seeing that the twain were of the same age? The public view coincided, so that 4-1 was the best price obtainable. The filly was as fit as the proverbial fiddle, and everything pointed to a happy issue for all concerned. Of course I was in the swim, for George and his excellent father were ever ready to "slip me over the goods!" But an evil "hoodoo" was lurking round the corner. Literally so, for on the field emerging from the paddock, which is situated at the back of the stands, and therefore out of view of the crowd, a mad brute called Galloping Dick, belonging to Douglas Baird, and ridden by Freddie Pratt, suddenly bolted and barged into Dornroschen, catching her fairly on the flank, and sending her and her jockey--Allsopp--to the ground, where they lay with all the wind knocked out of them. It was quite three minutes before the filly was on her feet again and...
