A CRISIS AT A RACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9157, 25 March 1893, Page 10 (Supplement)

A CRISIS AT A RACE.

Mr. Joseph Matton fells a remarkable story of William Scott, the jockey, and how ho was on one occasion drugged immediately before riding a race. Scott, who was a groat drinker, had been kept sober for nearly a fortnight by dint of constant watching aud companionship before a certain famous race, a steeplechase, I think; day and night someone stayed with him, and he did nob go to bod drunk. The race day was bittorly cold. Scott shivered, and felt very keenly his previous temperance. He was slow to ride on to the course. Far behind the others a stable-help stopped him and said, " Mister Scott, you look verra cauld." "lam," said Scott. "Will you have a drink of red port wine?" "Indeed I will," Scott replied. The man handed him a boatle, which tho other drained. It ought to have killed him, but he was a strong man; it was a mixture of laudanum and port. By the time Scott came to the post lie was drowsy and appeared to bo intoxicated, He roused himself with a tremendous effort) during the race, but ho was not up to his work. Though, as he vowed, and truly, that ho had never sold a race, he tempted his opponent on this occasion. Ho knew he ought to win ; ho felt that it was more his own fault than his horse's that ho was losing. "A hundred pounds if you'll let me win. Job," he said, as he felt his opponent getting to tho front; " two hundred, Job—four hundred, lad." "Nay," said Job, " thou'rt too late ; I'm landed," and Job shot ahead, winning by half a length.