The Race
The 2nd Novice Handicap would in ordinary circumstances have been a forgettable event if not for the substitution. The horses entered were up and coming horses or older horses of limited ability such as Fine Cotton. The syndicate then waited for the race.
The ring-in began slowly, but was quick to pick up pace. Philpot was surprised at how easily the horse worked its way into the race. By the time they reached the corner, the event was a race in two. The early favourite Harbour Gold, who had drifted from fractional odds to 5-1, clung to the rail, and Bold Personality, racing as Fine Cotton and ridden by apprentice Gus Philpot, claimed him on the outside.
From this point on, they were involved in a titanic struggle. First one then the other hit the front until right on the line, where the ring-in stuck his head out and won by only a short half head (known as a "nose", the shortest possible margin of victory in horse racing) from Harbour Gold.
Even if he had lost, the suspicions raised would have uncovered the scam. As it was, inquiries were already undertaken as the place getters returned to scale.
Read more about this topic: Fine Cotton
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—M. E. W. Sherwood (1826–1903)
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—Virginia Hamilton (b. 1936)