"You have not forgotten how to work, Bricky, and I daresay you have not
forgotten how to ride. I know when I was a youngster you were considered
the equal of any of our jockeys. You've had bad luck, old fellow; this
may bring about a change if the horse turns out a good one. Where does
he come from, and who owns him?"
It was evident Joel Kenley was not communicative, or there would have
been no occasion to put these questions. As it was Fred Manns who asked
them, Bricky was quite willing to supply the information, which he did.
"Comes from Western Australia!" said Fred in surprise. "That's a deuce
of a way to bring a horse. I should have thought it would have paid
better to race him there, much easier to win than it will be here."
"I do not think it is a matter of money with either Barry Tuxford or Mr.
Redland. They brought the horse over because they are true sportsmen and
want to see what he can do against some of our lot. I hope they will be
rewarded for their pluck with a good win."
"So do I," replied Fred. "They are the sort of men we want about us;
there's too much of the money-making about most of them, and when they
get a haul it's precious little of it comes our way."
"Then you find your jobs not all pleasure and profit?" said Bricky
smiling.
"It's anything but that. The boss is all right, a real good sort, but
some of the owners are desperate skinflints."
"You'll find a difference with the owner of Lucky Boy if he wins a
race," said Bricky. "I'm open to bet he gives tips all round if he has a
win, and liberal ones too."
"Do you know him?"
"Yes, I rode a race or two for him years ago, but I have not seen him
since he went away. Mr. Redland I only met quite accidentally as he was
coming to see the boss, but I am sure he is a genuine good fellow. It
was he gave me the chance to look after Lucky Boy."
The new arrival at Kenley's stables went out with the team to exercise
at Randwick next morning, and Jack Redland and Barry Tuxford were on the
course. After mutual greetings, the trainer suggested Jack should mount
Lucky Boy and give him a canter, and then a fast mile spin with a couple
of others.
Nothing loath, Jack was soon ready, and Joel Kenley's practised eyes
quickly saw he had a good seat. The appearance of a strange rider, more
especially an amateur, caused some comment amongst the lookers on, and
there were many inquiries to learn who he was.
Lucky Boy moved somewhat stiffly, as this was his first exercise canter
after the voyage, but it quickly wore off, and by the time the trainer
gave instructions for the gallop the horse was eager to be off. The
going was good, and Jack admired all the surroundings--the hills, the
houses at Randwick, and the distant view of famous Botany Bay.
The horses sent out to accompany Lucky Boy were not of a very high
class, but both had won handicaps at Moorefield, Canterbury, and
elsewhere. Jack soon found he would not have much difficulty in beating
them, and this he did comfortably and with judgment.