Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less

“He looks relaxed enough to me,” replied James. “Let’s make ourselves scarce. We can only get under his feet.”

They headed into the champagne bar, which was filled with red-faced men who looked as if they spent more time drinking than they did watching the racing.

“Isn’t she beautiful, Professor? Almost as beautiful as my daughter. If she doesn’t win today I don’t think I’m ever going to make it.”

Harvey left his little clique to have a word with the jockey, Pat Eddery, to wish him luck. Peter Walwyn, the trainer, was giving final instructions before the jockey mounted and left the Enclosure. The ten horses were then paraded in front of the stand before the race, a custom only carried out at Ascot for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The gold, purple and scarlet colors of Her Majesty The Queen’s horse Highclere led the procession, followed by Crown Princess, who was giving Lester Piggott a little trouble. Directly behind her came Rosalie, looking very relaxed, fresh and ready to go. Buoy and Dankaro trotted behind Rosalie, with the outsiders Mesopotamia, Ropey and Minnow bringing up the rear. The crowd rose to cheer the horses and Harvey beamed with pride, as if he owned every horse in the race.

“…and I have with me today the distinguished American owner, Harvey Metcalfe,” said Julian Wilson into the BBC TV outside-broadcast camera. “I’m going to ask him if he’d be kind enough to give me his views on the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, for which he has the joint favorite, Rosalie. Welcome to England, Mr. Metcalfe. How do you feel about the big race?”

“It’s a thrill to be here, just to participate in the race once again. Rosalie’s got a great chance. Still, it’s not winning that matters. It’s taking part.”

Stephen flinched. Baron de Coubertin, who had first made that remark when opening the 1896 Olympics, must have turned in his grave.

“The latest betting shows Rosalie to be the joint favorite with Her Majesty The Queen’s Horse, Highclere. How do you feel about that?”

“I’m just as worried about the Duke of Devonshire’s Crown Princess. Lester Piggott is always hard to beat on a great occasion. He won the first two races and he’ll be all set for this one—Crown Princess is a fine little filly.”

“Is a mile and a half a good distance for Rosalie?”

“Results this season show it’s definitely her best distance.”

“What will you do with the £81,240 prize money?”

“The money is not important, it hasn’t even entered my mind.”

It had certainly entered Stephen’s mind.

“Thank you, Mr. Metcalfe, and the best of luck. And now over for the latest news of the betting.”

Harvey moved back to his group of admirers and suggested that they return to watch the race from the balcony just outside his box.

Stephen was fascinated to observe Harvey at such close quarters. He had become nervous and even more mendacious than usual under pressure—not at all the icy, cool operator they had all feared him to be. This man was human, susceptible and could be beaten.

They all leaned over the rails watching the horses being put into the stalls. Crown Princess was still giving a little trouble while all the others waited. The tension was becoming unbearable.

“They’re off,” boomed the loudspeaker.

As twenty-five thousand people raised glasses to their eyes, Harvey said, “She’s got a good start—she’s well placed,” continuing to give everybody a running commentary until the last mile, when he became silent. The others also waited in silence, intent on the loudspeaker.

“They’re into the straight mile—Minnow leads the field around the bend—with Buoy and Dankaro, looking relaxed, just tucked in behind him—followed by Crown Princess, Rosalie and Highclere…

“As they approach the six-furlong marker—Rosalie and Crown Princess come up on the stand side with Highclere making a bid…

“Five furlongs to go—Minnow still sets the pace, but is beginning to tire as Crown Princess and Buoy make up ground…

“Half a mile to go—Minnow still just ahead of Buoy, who has moved up into second place, perhaps making her move too early…

“Three furlongs from home—they’re quickening up just a little—Minnow sets the pace on the rails—Buoy and Dankaro are now about a length behind—followed by Rosalie, Lester Piggott on Crown Princess and the Queen’s filly Highclere all making ground…

“Inside the two-furlong marker—Highclere and Rosalie move up to challenge Buoy—Crown Princess is right out of it now…

“A furlong to go…”

The commentator’s voice rose in pitch and volume.

“It’s

Joe Mercer riding Highclere who hits the front, just ahead of Pat Eddery on Rosalie—two hundred yards to go—they’re neck and neck—one hundred yards to go—it’s anybody’s race and on the line it’s a photo finish between the gold, purple and scarlet colors of Her Majesty the Queen and the black-and-green check colors of the American owner, Harvey Metcalfe—M. Moussac’s Dankaro was third.”