"I'm going to see you win to-day, Murty--I feel it in my bones," said
Tommy promptly. "I've always loved Shannon, ever since I saw you jump
those big fences with him when we put up the hare out mustering."
"Yerra, that one'd make a steeplechaser if he got the trainin',"
declared Murty, all his troubles forgotten. "Come a little higher up,
won't ye, Miss Norah; we can see every jump from the top of the rise,
barrin' the wan that's in the timber."
They followed him up the little hill until he declared himself satisfied
with his position; and he spent the time until the flag fell in pointing
out to Tommy the exact places where the hurdles were erected--pausing
only for a proud look when Shannon thundered past below them in his
preliminary canter, the green jacket bright in the sun, and every muscle
in the horse's gleaming body rippling as he moved. He was reefing and
plunging in his gallop, trying to get his head; but Billy soon steadied
him, and presently brought him up the straight again at a quiet trot.
The other horses went out, one by one, until at length a field of eight
faced the starter; and presently they were off, and over the first jump
in a body. They came down the straight on the first time round, packed
closely, a glittering mass of shining horses and bright colours. One
dropped at the jump near the judge's box, and as the other horses raced
away round the turn the riderless horse followed, while his jockey lay
still for a moment, a little scarlet blur upon the turf.
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