“own,” and that fact gave me a tremendous psychological advantage at the start of the race.
Before we had covered fifty yards, however, I knew the race was being ridden strictly “according to Hoyle,” meaning that each man in the race was riding his own race with but one thought in mind—to win, or every man for himself, and the devil grab the hind-most across the tape. My mind was at ease as I realized that for once in my life I would not have to contend with pockets or combinations against me. With that fact in mind I felt I had a big advantage over my opponents especially in view of my fine physical condition. I actually smiled as I realized that this race was to be won by the best man, on merit alone, with nothing to count but speed and good judgment. It was a “fair field and no favor.” Incidentally this was the first and only smile of the kind I ever enjoyed of all my many successes.
So confident of victory was I that I actually allowed my opponents to lead me right into the home stretch at top speed before making my jump, when I came from third position and won out by about three lengths. Had I failed to win this race under such unusually favorable conditions I should have felt that the end of my racing days were in sight.
Incidentally this race was the first one I had ever contested in which I was not hampered by pockets or other foul tactics. In a word it was the first race I had ever ridden that was settled on merit, speed and good judgment.
