STORY OF THE WEEK.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 17756, 17 September 1927, Page 9

STORY OF THE WEEK.

THE DERRY AYIXNER

The Spartan life .jockeys must lead does not rondure 1o much outward display of geniality, judging by the following story about Watts, tlie .jockey wlio won the Derby on King liddard’s horse Persimmon (told by Richard Marsh, racehorse trainer to King Edward and King George in his admirable book “A Trainer to Two Kings.”) During the unforgettable scene on Epsom Downs, the author was trying to push liis way to the horse and jockey. “No Rugby forward pushed harder than T did during the next minute or two to get to Persimmon. Upon my word Watts was looking so glum that for a moment T thought he must have been benton by half a length. N’othing seemed to excite him. “It is probably the reason above all others why lie rode such a beautiful race, probably the race of his life. You simply could not fluster him. “ ‘Well done, Jack!’ I exclaimed, as I came up to him. “Still he didn’t even smile, and I slapped him on the thigh and almost roared at him: ‘Do you know' you’ve just won the Derby for the Prince of Wales?’ “Then at last a faint smile broke over his face, though I am sure that inwardly he was just as pleased as I was.” <* *> *>. *> ❖ ❖ ♦> ❖ *> •> ❖ * ❖ •> * ❖ ❖ *> ❖ ❖ ♦> »>