At 5 foot 31/2 inches.

Shute missed his first jump, greatly to the dismay of his adherents, who saw Catherall clear it with complete ease.

If he were to miss the second time, he would be out of it, and that would be a positive tragedy.

So we all watched his next jump with breathless anxiety.

He stood looking at the bar for a second or two, as if doubting his own chance.