“In this my last year I was indeed pleased to be connected with the severe tussle for the Viceroy’s Cup, inasmuch as Tostig, who made such a good fight for it, was imported by me, and was till quite recently my property--(cheers)--and as His Highness the Maharajah of Patiala was not fortunate enough to win on this occasion, he and I--believe me I am quoting his feelings as well as my own--were compensated to a great extent by the fact that the much-coveted prize was won by one of my greatest supporters of the Indian turf--(loud and continued cheers)--who struggled for many years with crushing bad luck, but stayed the course, and eventually has been rewarded for his pluck by having won the Viceroy’s Cups two years in succession, and all the other big races this season--(continued cheers). I may add that I hope he may live for many years and carry off in the future several more prizes of the Indian turf, and though His Highness the Maharajah of Patiala has not yet won this most coveted prize, which, by the way, is no fault of his own, he has spared no expense in trying to get together the best horses money can buy--(hear, hear)--and has done all that a sportsman could do to become a recipient of the Viceroy’s Cup, but though Dame Fortune seems up to the present to frown upon his endeavours in this particular direction, I prophesy that his time will come when his wishes will be gratified, and nobody wishes him this success more than myself--(cheers). He, at any rate, can congratulate himself at this moment on possessing the best horse in India, of which there can be no doubt, as our best authority out here has declared officially that Sprig o’ Myrtle is at weight for age and class, 8 lbs. in front of the invincible Highborn at a mile and three quarters, and I only hope that authority is correct in his estimation of this son of Trenton--(much laughter and cheers). “I am sorry to say I have been obliged to give up the game of polo, but I still have a sneaking regard for the pursuit of paper--(cheers)--and I hope, with the kind assistance of our Honorary Secretary, we shall have some very pleasant paper-chases this my last cold weather among you--(hear, hear). “Now, Gentlemen, I have come to the last phase or section referred to, namely, that of social companion, and on this head I can say nothing. It is needless for me to do so as your presence here to-night fully justifies the many nice things the Chairman has said about me. He is, as you doubtless know, one of my oldest friends; he has known me longer almost than anybody present, and has always, whether in weal or woe, extended the hand of true friendship and hospitality to me ever since I first came to Calcutta in 1875--(loud cheers).