Then a momentary pause in the din, and again!
'Grey Bird!' 'Grey Bird!' 'Bung Bung has it!' 'Walwa!' 'Walwa!' according to the wishes of the backers of these horses.
Tatters had run himself out, and although Jones managed to hold the lead he knew his mount was beaten.
As Tatters fell back it became necessary for Willie to pull out and pass him, but Jack Ashton did not mean him to do so.
The crack jockey took in the situation at a glance.
Tatters was falling back beaten, and he raced Defiance level with him, completely blocking Grey Bird, unless Willie Dennis risked going round the leaders.
At this critical moment Willie almost slipped out of his saddle, his left stirrup's leather having given way. He swayed to one side, and for a second thought it was all up with him, but by a vigorous effort he righted himself.
They were all in view of the crowd on the stand, and a terrific cheer went up as he made his clever recovery. It was a marvellous bit of work, and lovers of racing are not slow at recognising skill and pluck.
'Wonderful!' said Dr Tom; 'but it will lose him the race.'
'If Grey Bird wins now it will be the most sensational finish I have ever seen,' said Mr Dauntsey.