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Lingfield.’
    Lingfield. They were both quiet for a moment. Michael was thinking of the big dark two year old, left flat-footed at the start, then taken to the front by his long stride, collared just inside the distance by his better-knit contemporaries, then coming again to win a fighting finish by a neck. ‘Superb riding by Bacon,’ said Peter.
    â€˜At least we thought it was superb,’ and Michael’s puzzlement was shown as he said, ‘It’s not as if Darkie had been cut to pieces.’
    â€˜You said he hadn’t a mark on him.’
    â€˜Nor he had, but Bacon doesn’t need to do that. Remember that second race at Doncaster?’
    â€˜I was away. Ascot.’
    â€˜You would be.’ Michael did not say it but went on, ‘Darkie put Bacon over his head and bolted for the stables.’
    â€˜Was Streaky hurt?’
    â€˜Not he. Indestructible, but he didn’t like it. Of course, two year olds dump their jockeys on occasions, but this was different, as neat and determined a performance as I have ever seen. Same at Newbury only that time he wouldn’t let Streaky even mount. In fact, I’m beginning to agree with Ted,’ and Ted’s words echoed in Michael’s mind. ‘’Tisn’t the Invader, sir. There’s nothing wrong with the hoss. It’s that Streaky. Streaky as they come,’ but, ‘Ted!’ Peter was contemptuous. ‘That little runt! Still soaking it up?’
    â€˜Actually not,’ said Michael. ‘Ted hasn’t had a breakout since you bought Dark Invader. When Ted has a purpose… ’
    â€˜Some purpose! Mike, you know all Ted’s geese are swans.’
    â€˜Ted knows a swan when he sees it,’ Michael was steady, ‘and I believe he’s right. Streaky can do something to a horse. Darkie wouldn’t eat properly for a week after that first race and you know what a glutton he is.’
    â€˜I think you believe,’ said Peter, ‘that Darkie has it in for Bacon personally. It wasn’t just racecourse nerves?’
    â€˜No doubt about it. It showed again here at home. Streaky came down to try a gallop, and Darkie was all over the place; wouldn’t let him get near and we all had the hell of a time with him, sweated for hours afterwards. Ted nearly dropped walking him up and down.’
    â€˜What did Streaky do?’
    â€˜Just laughed.’
    â€˜He would. He doesn’t have to worry about a recalcitrant youngster. Just has to “say so” and any ride is his.’
    â€˜All the same, he didn’t like it. That laugh wasn’t pleasant,’ said Michael. ‘I have never had any time for the man since, but what it adds up to is that Darkie reckons if he goes to the front he gets some almighty sort of punishment, physical or mental, so he wisely stays behind.’
    â€˜Which is no good to me,’ said Peter. ‘Two thousand is a damned good price for a dog of a horse and that is what I am afraid he is.’
    â€˜We could run him over hurdles,’ Michael suggested. ‘That sometimes does the trick. If he responded he might go back to the flat in handicaps or you could have him cut and send him over fences. He’s big enough.’
    Peter was silent, then, ‘To be frank, Mike, I don’t feel like spending any more on him. I was going to tell you that.’
    Michael did not answer; instead, ‘Look, here they come,’ he said, and he became suddenly silent, his gaze concentrated on his charges. They were coming nearer, all walking well except the fillies Tarantella and Bagatelle, jiggling as usual. Now they were past and there was Dark Invader coming into sight.
    Michael turned to Peter. ‘Here’s our problem child. Frank says he walks so fast on the way home that he sets all the others jogging, so he has taken to sending him home separately. That only goes for the return journey. Going out you can hardly kick him