he had a great interest in horse racing... father studied the race horse in its trotting and pace, noting the great burst of power over the last 120 yards (100 m) or so. that is how i heard father rode his races, like a racehorse never swaying or losing rhythm and balance, with a strong final surge. the french horse has always been noted for its speed, english horses for stamina. that is why english horses seldom win on the shorter french courses. it is so with the cyclists also, isn't it?