Midnight
Hearing about the funeral , he was determined that the race should come off that very Sunday , and in the presence of the mourners and their friends at that . He accordingly hid behind Break-Neck Point , and with delight watched the parson drive up the river , and at the right moment he started forth for the fray . As Fraser swung into line and was about to pass , Midnight gave a great bound forward , and it was all that Parson John could do to hold her in check , for she danced and strained at the reins as her rival sped on ahead . At length Fraser slowed down , dropped behind , and , just when Midnight had steadied down , up he clattered again . This he did three times in quick succession , causing Midnight to quiver with excitement , and madly to champ the bit . At length the climax was reached , for the noble beast , hearing again the thud of her opponent 's hoofs , became completely unmanageable . With a snort of excitement she laid low her head , took the bit firmly between her teeth , and started up the river like a whirlwind .