Part 27 (2/2)

He wisely pulled Neptune back and kept him away from the others.

The start was from the winning-post and every movement was plainly seen by the crowd. Some people, more excitable than others, were shouting at the jockeys, tendering them well-meant, though ill-advised, instructions as to what they ought to do.

Willie took no notice of repeated cries such as,--

'Get Neptune on the rails.' 'You'll be left at the post, little fellow.'

'Give us a chance for our money, Dennis,' and so on.

The lad smiled, and sat the restless Neptune comfortably.

Adye Dauntsey watched him and thought,--

'That lad will make a smart rider when he has had more experience. He keeps his head like an old hand.'

CHAPTER XVIII

HIS FIRST RACE

Eventually, after much patience, the doctor lowered the flag to a capital start, and amidst a volley of cheers the horses started on their journey.

Neptune got well away, although, being on the outside, he did not get such a lead as The Captain, Jackson having pushed his mount through just as the flag was lowered, a clever piece of horsemans.h.i.+p, but risky and dangerous.

Although Neptune was on the outside, it gave him the advantage of a clear run. Rodney Shaw's second string made the pace a cracker and sailed round the first bend with a long lead. At this point Neptune ran wide and lost a good deal of ground, but Willie soon steadied him, and determined to be more careful in future. It was a sharp circle round the side, and Jackson hugged the rails with The Captain; Ben Madsley, being alongside him on the favourite, who also was going remarkably well.

In a cl.u.s.ter behind this pair came Wamba, Wattle Tree, Dingo and another, and Neptune was close after them.

Round the far side of the course Seaweed still held a good lead, but as they neared the turn into the straight run home it soon became apparent he would not retain it long, as his jockey was even then at work on him.

There was not much in it as they neared the judge's box; in fact, at the end of the first mile it seemed a very open race.

Past the long line of vehicles and the crowds of people they galloped, all well together, and the thud of their hoofs echoed amongst the throng.

How the people shouted, first the name of this horse, then that, as they caught sight of the colours.

Jim Dennis, who was standing near the judge's box with Adye Dauntsey, saw how splendidly his horse was going, and that Willie had him well in hand, and said to the magistrate,--

'If Neptune is as full of running next time he pa.s.ses here we shall win, I think.'

'By Jove! how well your lad rides! He is a plucky little fellow,' said Adye.

'Yes, there's not much fear in him, and he is a rare judge of pace; I have proved that when we have ridden together on the station; he has often come with a sudden rush and beaten me,' said Jim.

Round the turn they swept again, and this time Willie held his horse well in hand and secured a good position.

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