Ashton was in a furious passion. Being the crack jockey, and on the favourite, he thought he ought to do as he pleased.
Target was next to Grey Bird, and Hurley, his jockey, said to Willie,—
'I'm glad you held your own with him. He's a bully. It doesn't matter much to you, because you don't often ride against him, but with us chaps it's different. He's a dangerous beggar. You steer clear of him in the race or he'll like as not drive you over the rails.'
'Thanks,' said Willie. 'It is very good of you to tell me. I'll keep a sharp lookout.'
In another minute the flag was lowered and the lot went off to a very fair start.
CHAPTER XXIX
A GLORIOUS VICTORY
Grey Bird being a thorough stayer, Willie determined to make the most of his light weight, but the horse was not a quick beginner, and when fairly in his stride half the field was ahead of him.
Tatters, a six-stone chance with a smart light-weight named Jones in the saddle, made the running at a great pace, and so had a lead of many lengths. In a cluster came half-a-dozen more, then Defiance and Target, with Grey Bird on the rails behind them.
At the end of the first mile Tatters still held the lead, and was going so well that some people thought he might retain it to the end.