Memoirs of a Foxhunting Man · Chapter
VI: The Colonel's Cup explained
George Sherston continues his hunting career, averaging five days a fortnight with the hounds.
What happens
George Sherston continues his hunting career, averaging five days a fortnight with the hounds. He enters Cockbird for the Ringwell Heavyweight Race, with Dixon's help. He also begins hunting with the Coshford Vale Stag Hunt, using Harkaway for early morning runs. The chapter culminates in the point-to-point race where Sherston wins the Colonel's Cup. After the race, he meets Denis Milden, the new Master of the hunt, and reflects on his success and the changes ahead.
Themes in this chapter
Sport as a Way of Life
The chapter centers on Sherston's dedication to hunting and point-to-point racing, culminating in his victory and the deep personal significance of the Colonel's Cup.
Coming of Age and Identity
Sherston's reflection on his achievement and his recognition of Denis Milden mark a moment of self-awareness and transition in his young life.
Nostalgia and the Loss of a World
The peaceful evening after the race, with the cup gleaming in candlelight and the distant train, evokes a sense of fleeting time and the impending changes of the modern world.
Characters to notice
- George Sherston
The protagonist and narrator, who wins the Colonel's Cup and reflects on his achievement.
- Tom Dixon
Sherston's groom, who helps prepare Cockbird for the race and celebrates the victory.
- Cockbird
Sherston's horse, entered in the Ringwell Heavyweight Race and safely returned after the win.
- Denis Milden
The new Master of the hunt, recognized by Sherston from childhood, now an amateur huntsman.
- Stephen Colwood
Sherston's friend, present at the race and involved in qualifying Cockbird for hunting.
- Arthur Brandwick
A good-natured acquaintance who offers Sherston a lift and identifies Denis Milden.
Key passages
“Even in those days I had an instinct for getting the full flavour of an experience. Perhaps I was fortunate in not yet having become aware that the winner of the last race is forgotten as soon as the next one starts.”
Sherston reflects on his youthful ability to savor moments fully, unaware of how quickly victories fade from memory.
This passage highlights Sherston's introspective nature and the fleeting nature of success.
“Aquamarine and celestial were the shoals of sunset as I hacked pensively home from Dumbridge. The Colonel’s Cup clinked and joggled against my saddle. Time was irrelevant.”
Riding home at sunset, Sherston feels detached from time, the cup clinking against his saddle as he contemplates his win.
The poetic description emphasizes the serene, almost dreamlike quality of Sherston's return.
“I had brought something home with me as well as the Cup. There was this new idea of Denis Milden as Master.”
Beyond the trophy, Sherston carries the significant news that Denis Milden has become the new Master of the hunt.
This marks a turning point, linking Sherston's past with his present and future in the hunting world.