During the week, the two men met and lunched together several times, and in the course of conversation Mr Thornton talked enthusiastically about his horses. Joe was very impressed; so much so, that Mr Thornton talked him into buying 'The Magpie'. You should do well with it Joe, it's a real little "goer", and think of the money you could make with it. You could race it, and apart from what it makes, think of the publicity!"

As a showman, Joe could at once see the possibilities and agreed to buy the pony. The price paid for the animal was not known, but Mr Thornton insisted that he would like to retain 'an interest', to which Joe readily agreed. At the end of his week's run, however, Joe got the biggest surprise of his life, for late on the Saturday night after packing all his props and baggage, he said cheerio all round and finally tipped the stage door keeper. As he passed through the door leading to the street, he almost fell over a small pony tethered there. 'What the 'ell's this?' he called back to the stage door keeper. 'Oh that - it's yours. Mr Thornton said you'd be wanting to take it with you'. 'What the bloody 'ell am I going to do with it between here and London? Joe said. 'You could try riding it', came the reply. Joe's answer was unprintable! A shaggy looking head was lifted and a large pair of soulful brown eyes looked at him appealingly. The Magpie had met its new owner.