Anything more dreary than racing during this week's weather at
Newmarket can scarcely be imagined! I have often heard Lord ARTHUR
declare he was "as dry as a limekiln," and always thought it an absurd
expression; and now I _know_ it is!--for anything more _wet_ than
the Limekilns at Newmarket this week I never saw!--it's a mystery to
me how the poor horses and men avoid catching cold, cantering about
there without galoshes--though, by the way, Mr. HAMMOND had _one_
"_Galoche_" which, of course, was not much use!
Owing to the smallness (that's a good word) of the attendance, we were
"pinched" a little in the prices, and of course the pinch came where
one least expected it, which was somewhat disconcerting--but as most
of the "good things" came off all right--(especially those we took
with us from BENOIST and FORTNUM's)--it did not matter so much. Ladies
of course were chiefly conspicuous by their absence, but my sweet
friend Lady NEWMAN GATESHEAD was quite the _Belle_ of the gathering,
and attracted nearly as much attention as the _Queen of Navarre_, who
naturally won her race in royal style!
My selection for the Chesterfield Stakes, _Meddler_, was successful
after a short struggle with the Duke of PORTLAND's _Kilmarnock_ to
whom he had to give five pounds (I hope this does not mean that the
noble owner is in want of money!); but I am told the latter was not
"fit" and "will do better with time!" though I don't quite see how
that can be, as surely "time" travels faster than _Meddler_, so that,
unless they take time with him, the handicap will be difficult to
frame! By the way, when the handicaps _are_ framed, where do they hang
them up? and is it one of the "perks" of the Handicapper to supply the
frames?
Those who waited in the rain for the last race on Wednesday were
rewarded with a splendid exhibition of horsemanship, given by WEBB on
_St. Angelo_; who appears to be somewhat of a "handful" (_St. Angelo_
I mean, not WEBB, who is very slight), and evinces a strong desire
to run in any direction but the one desired of him! I think Mr.
MILNER should have him trained on a zigzag method, when his natural
wilfulness would cause him to run straight when racing! This is an
excellent idea, and I have others equally good (applicable to all
styles of horses), which I intend to suggest to different trainers on
my next visit to Newmarket!
We were all relieved when the "curtain rang down" on Thursday--(this
is not, at first sight, a racing expression, but is largely used by
sporting writers, as demonstrating the diversified nature of their
knowledge!), in time for us to catch the early special for Liverpool
Street; which, special, might really, from the major portion of its
patrons, have been thought to be starting for Jerusalem!
Friday was a glorious day for the Eclipse, which was only visible from
the Observatory at Esher--the best account appears to have been given
by Professor _Orme_, who recovered from his recent severe illness just
in time to be present.
Just a word in conclusion on the big race of next week--a paradox--be
"wide awake" and go "nap" on my tip, from information privately given
to
Yours devotedly, LADY GAY.