This was a long speech for Jim, but it was good advice he gave, and he was anxious his son should win.
Willie listened attentively, and promised to follow his father's instructions.
Dr Tom was very busy, being here, there and everywhere, but he had a cheerful word for all his friends, and seemed to have time to spare a few minutes with each one.
He gave Willie some parting words of encouragement, and said with a laugh,—
'I hope I shall not have to fine you for disobedience at the post. I know you will be anxious to get off, and I'll not leave you if you are smart.'
The bustle and excitement increased as the horses were mounted and filed out on to the course.
Only one side of the track was fenced off, and the carriages and carts made a boundary line on the other side near the judge's box.
Distant Shore went past with a great dash, Ben Madsley sitting him well, and horse and rider were heartily cheered. Rodney Shaw's horse was a firm favourite, and he felt confident of winning. His second string, Seaweed, also went well, and as he was very fast for a mile the pace was likely to be good for the first half of the journey. The Captain also looked well, but there was very little applause as Jackson rode Dalton's horse down the course. Wamba, Scamp and Dingo went together, and then came Neptune, with his small jockey perched on his back and riding like an old and experienced hand. There was a rare burst of cheering as he went past the crowd, and Willie felt a thrill of excitement as he heard it.
This was the first time he had ridden in a race, and he experienced the pleasurable thrill which applause from a big crowd gives.
Neptune moved like a piece of machinery, his lovely, sweeping stride getting him over the ground at a great pace, and Willie thought to himself, 'This is glorious. He can go and no mistake. If he gallops like this in the race there will be nothing to touch him.'