The Amateur Gentleman

Yes, sir, devilish swell affair, with gentlemen to ride, and Royalty to look on–a race of races! London’s agog with it, all the clubs discuss it, coffee houses ring with it, inns and taverns clamor with it–soul and honor, betting–everywhere. The odds slightly favor Sir Mortimer Carnaby’s ‘Clasher’; but Viscount Devenham’s ‘Moonraker’ is well up. Then there’s Captain Slingsby’s ‘Rascal,’ Mr. Tressider’s ‘Pilot,’ Lord Jerningham’s ‘Clinker,’ and five or six others. But, as I tell you, ‘Clasher’ and ‘Moonraker’ carry the money, though many knowing ones are sweet on the ‘Rascal.’ But, surely, you must have heard of the great steeplechase? Devilish ugly course, they tell me.