The other three horses followed abreast for a moment or so, and cleared the first hurdle and then the second very well.

Each of the three riders played a different game.

The Duke di Beffi tried to keep with the group, so that Satirist might be induced to follow the example of the other horses at the obstacles; Caligaro moderated Carbonilla's pace in order to save up her strength for the last five hundred yards.

Sperelli increased his speed gradually with the intention of catching up with his adversary in the neighbourhood of the most difficult obstacle.

In effect, Mallecho soon distanced his two companions and began to press Brummel very closely.
Rutolo heard the rapidly approaching hoof-thuds behind him and was seized with such nervousness that his sight seemed to fail him.
Everything swam before his eyes as if he were on the point of swooning.
He made a frightful effort to keep his spurs at his horse's sides, overcome by terror at the thought that his senses might leave him.