The Gentleman from Epsom (Le Gentleman d'Epsom)

THE GENTLEMAN FROM EPSOM

Where's Paupiette?

She's on the outside, doing well.

Turcos is leading. That's normal, he's from their stables.

- Uranium... Uranium wins! - Come on, Paupiette!

What's he doing?

What the hell's he doing? Sleeping?

The idiot! Everyone saw that.

Well done, Poincelet! Did you see that finish?

I saw a case of fraud.

The crook! He should go to jail!

- You bet on Paupiette? - Yes. This is scandalous!

There's no denying that, sir!

Results of the 5th race: First, No 6, Uranium.

Second, No 1, Paupiette.

Hello, Major!

So it seems we're beaten.

You call that "beaten"?

Philibert's riding was useless. I'll get him suspended.

I've lost 200,000 in 2 weeks. I remember your sure bets.

- Sorry? - Major!

I was looking for you. The head groom told me:

Paupiette had a digestive problem.

Her pulse was too fast. So Philibert held her back.

Sensible, but they could have told me.

Poor Mr Rothschild

looked for you everywhere.

Edmond's a good guy, but tell him I'm annoyed with him.

No. I'll tell him tonight.

Baron Edmond's your relative?

Yes. He's like a brother to me, and you're a fool!

What did I promise when you came begging for advice?

- Begging... - Yes. Begging.

What did I teach you about odds?

No horse at less than 10 to 1.

That's my rule. If you prefer useless odds,

evens or 2 to 1, then go to the conmen!

- Want a tip for the 6th? - Yes!

Pèlerins, a good bet for the 6th.

Sorry, but I thought I had the right...

You have no right.

We didn't study horses in the same schools.

I was learning dressage when you were riding a donkey.

So let's end it here. Keep to our own domains.

Don't speak to me any more. Even from a distance.

Major!

Excuse me for just now, Major, but...

I brought Rothschild in because you seemed to be in trouble.

I'm never in trouble.

Even if I was, I think I could handle it.

That said, you went beyond your duty as a tout.

Sorry. My intentions were good.

OK. I forgive you.

- Major... - Yes?

Do you have 1,000F?

If I had 1,000F, I'd make 16,000 in a few minutes.

I'd bet on Cumulus in the next race.

At 16 to 1... it's a gift.

Hurry up, it's going to rain.

OK. Seems like we'll be walking home.

Yes. Through the woods.

Besides, in spring it's a pleasant walk.

The young Duke de Morny often did it. Followed by his carriage.

Come under my brolly, but take your hands out of your pockets!

It's not the right moment,

but I know an exceptional client. Filthy rich. Owns a restaurant.

Oh...

I know. But he's rolling in it.

He dreams of horses all night. Wakes with a whinny.

He'll gamble the lot!

One of a vanishing race.

What are you waiting for, then?

Sounds silly, but I'm scared of messing up.

Of not taking the lot off him.

What's needed here is a classy gentleman.

You'd have made a killing with a case like that.

You wouldn't like to work with me?

I don't like partnerships.

But you know me well.

Yes... precisely.

- Who's that? - No idea, but what style!

Who's that?

A duchess.

You know her?

I know them all!

Tell me. How far do you think this madness would go?

- Whose madness? - This chef of yours.

Judging from the price of his dishes, there's no limit.

Oh... The guy's out of this world.

What do you think?

Let's try the pot-au-feu Dodin-Bouffant

when we can afford it.

- Some fruit? - No, thanks.

Would you prefer stewed pears?

- Thanks, but I must go. - Well, I won't insist.

Here. I bought some cigars specially for you.

You can smoke them in your club.

And try not to bet too much.

Aunt, the club's not like people think.

More an excuse to read The Times alongside kindred souls.

25 Louis on the star.

No more bets.

All bets are off. Starting now, Banker.

Star, 24-1. 50F.

We won't see that happen again for 100 years.

Unless it repeats now.

You know Robowsky's law of cyclical repetition?

No.

I do. 50 Louis on the star.

You're a brave man. Or else too naive!

200 on the star.

No more bets, gentlemen. The bank is closing.

All noted, gentlemen. Starting now, banker.

Star, 24-1. 500F.

Ace, 250F.

Talk about luck!

It's Robowsky's law!

- For the staff. - Thank you.

Thank you!

Ever seen that before?

Never. He must be in cahoots with the firm.

So, Major, let's talk about Papillon V.

I heard he was overtaken. What happened?

Victor rode badly.

Like Watkins on Holocauste in the Lupin!

He went too wide.

Then he tried to get back into the centre.

- Watkins on Holocauste. - Watkins on Holocauste?

Longchamp, 1899.

Have you got a tip for tomorrow?

Possibly.

- Your money, Major. - Thank you.

Tomorrow at 7am I must be at Les Aigles, Chantilly.

Mme de Carbouffe wants me to judge a filly.

A last trial run between friends.

Is the horse a good bet?

20 to 1.

Pass the gravy. It's Savonarole all over again!

18 to 1 in the Prix du Cadran!

It's true, I gave you the tip.

If all goes well tomorrow, it'll pay more.

You'll call me?

I'll call you if it's definite.

Otherwise, remember my motto: "Take no chances."

Have some champagne!

It's not enough to be on the course at dawn.

You also have to be bright-eyed and clear-headed.

Early to bed.

Yes! And up with the horses.

Two things I hold dear: My reputation and your money.

- Goodnight. - I won't see you out.

Guesthouse Comfortable accommodation

It's 10 o'clock, Major.

Thank you.

Anything good today?

Oh... Both good and bad.

The problem is telling the difference.

I'm asking because I got my child benefit...

I'd like to make a profit, with a safe bet.

If you want a safe bet, invest in Pinay at 3.5%. Guaranteed.

Get me Wagram on 17-48, please.

Hello, Major? Here is Wagram.

Hello. Arthur?

Good. Very good, even.

Just back from Chantilly. I wish you'd been there.

She's really magic. So I gave my approval.

We're in for a treat.

Mme de Carbouffe has bet 300,000 on her.

The bet was placed in London, so as not to affect the odds.

Well done! What's her name?

The filly? Her name's Ridoxine.

Ridoxine... That's a nice name.

Wait till you see her!

Neck like a swan's, front legs straight as a die.

Like a cannon, if you get the idea.

Nervous to start with, but finishes like a bullet!

I'll bet then. 20,000F, to win!

Go ahead.

Er, by the way... Of course I had some expenses.

You know that...

Oh no! Not between friends, no.

No. Put 100 Louis on her for me, that'll do.

Goodbye.

Get me Trudaine, 78-23.

This is Friedman.

I thought you might forget me. Anything interesting?

At 7am I was on the race track

and at 7:10 I saw the horse of the year!

Front legs straight as a die.

A bit like a cannon, if you get the idea.

Nervous to start with, but finishes like a bullet!

What's his name?

Fantômas, by Funambule out of Mélisande.

It's the best bet of the day. Maybe of the season!

I don't know how to thank you.

The usual way. 100 Louis, to win, for me.

No joking, the race is already won.

Goodbye.

Commandante! Amico, come va? Any news?

I have a real mover for today. A rocket!