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LORD PORTSMOUTH AND HIS JOCKEY. i . The late James Goater used to tell a most amusing ln-iilont that occured to him on the first occasion of his wearing Lord Portsmouths colors. Verv many years ago, at Oxford races. Lord Portsmouths trainer went to Goater and asked him if he was engaged for the next race, ns if not he would like him to ride one of his lordships. Jem, who hail not a mount, gladly accepted the ofTer, weighed out. and ultimately won, after a grand display of joeko.vf.hIp on his part. Some little time afterwards whilst Goater was talking to a friend. Lord Portsmouth came up to him and said: "Goater, tou rode an excellent race, and I am much pleased." Jem, who did not know his lordship by sight considering it a great impertinence for a most shabbily dressed man it was one of Lord P s peculiarities to wear old and worn-out clothes to interrupt him, curtly replied, "Oh, yes, glad vou think so, and resumed his conversation, to the great horror of his friend, who. knowing Lord lortsmouth, was simply dumbfounded, and frantically endeavored by facial signs to make Goater attend to him, which Jem did not understand. Continuing. Lord Portsmouth said, "I must make you a present, Goater. for winning." Jem, scarcely turning towards him, answered. "Never mind, old chap, glad you won a bit on it." His lordship, who by then had quite grasped the situation, walked away exploding with laughter, wneroirfJon-Goa tors- friend immediately exclaimed lou fool, thats Lord Portsmouth himself." Goater. when telling this, always wound up by mfseat then." 1 Wa,,t a T,,rkiS" Uath to ak How Goater rode for Lord Portsmouth ns long as he owned race horses, and what an attachment Misted between master and servant henceforth until of history1 claimed them both is a matter Apropos of Goater and Lord Portsmouth, it was on the occasion of riding that noblemans grand horse Buccaneer, for the Royal Hunt Cup in 1S01 that the Admiral made his maiden bow with the starter s flag, and a nice mess he made of it. There had been a lot of complaints just before this time as to the way the starting had been conducted and Admiral Rous in his characteristic manner, said: I II start em myself, and make those jockey boys mind their ps and qs." It was scarcely-wise under any circumstances to commence on a field of thirty-three runners the number in Buccaneer s year, but. boiling over with wrath and indignation, down strode the gallant old salt to the starting post, flag in hand, thinking that his appearance alone in the position of starter would strike terror and dismay into the hearts of the hitherto unruly Jockeys. 80 far from this being the case, however, he absolutely had not the slightest control over them and such a scene as that a Inch ensued was probably never before witnessed at a starting post. Goater was determined not to get left, and in answer to the Admirals gruff remark .of: "You at least know better," Goater, said: "Beg pardon. Admiral, but I am afraid of getting too near those boys for fear of getting my horse kicked." This, of course, was Jems "kid." At last, after an hours delay, and when, if possible, the animals were in Worse positions to be started than thev had been at any time previously. Admiral Rous, livid with rage, threw down the flag, shouting at the same time at the top of his naturally strong and rough voice: "Go, and be damned to you." Goater got a flying start, and being on a very speedy horse and a quick beginner, rapidly added to it, and was practically never headed, winning 111 a canter with the big weight of 119 pounds. This was Adinirall Rous first and last attempt at starting. Thormanby in Loudon Sportsman.
