^^\^ JOHNA.SEAVERNS Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings "School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University 200 Wesibofo Road North Grafton. MA 01536 THE TURF THE TURF ALFRED E. T. WATSON ILLUSTRATED London : LAWRENCE AND BULLEN, Ltd. t6, HENRIETTA STREET, COVENT GARDEN MDCCCXCVIII b6 H Richard Clay and Sons, Limited, london and bungay. PREFACE About racing, as about a variety of other things, opinions differ, and I should be more fortunate than can be hoped or expected if my readers were to agree with all the views expressed in this book. I can only say that when I have advanced an argument I have always endeavoured to furnish reasons for my beliefs. The reasons may be bad ones : that is for the reader to judge. Alfred E. T. Watson. Palace Gate House, Kensington, J line ^ 1898. CONTENTS TAGE. INTRODUCTION ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT X CHAPTER I BREEDING^TRAINERS — JOCKEYS — YEARLING SALES 7 CHAPTER II TWO-YEAR-OLD RACES — WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 34 CHAPTER III FAMOUS HORSES 50 CHAPTER IV HANDICAPS 94 CHAPTER V SELLING RACES 121 CHAPTER VI THE JOCKEY CLUB— RACING OFFICIALS I28 CHAPTER VII WEIGHT — TIME -SPEED AND STAYING — COST OF RACING— RACE COURSES 142 CONTENTS vii PAGE CHAPTER VII I STEEPLECHASING AND HURDLE RACING 164 CHAPTER IX STEEPLECHASE AND HURDLE RACE HORSES 1 72 CHAPTER X FAMOUS 'chasers — RIDERS — QUALIFICATIONS — STEEPLECHASE COURSES 181 CHAPTER XI BETTING AND "THE RING" 305 CHAPTER XII RACING IN FRANCE 219 RULES OF RACING 231 NATIONAL HUNT RULES • . 257 Index • • • 265 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIOiNS To face Getting Off Frontispiece A Stud Paddock i8 A Gallop on the Tan 36 Watching the Trial 46 Famous Horses— Ormonde, St. Simon, and Cloister . . 62 Yearling Sales 80 Yearlings at Exercise 96 After the Race no Driving a Youngster 124 Going to the Post 136 In the "Birdcage," Newmarket 148 The "Ditch Stables," Newmarket. 160 Leaving the Paddock 180 Returning to the Paddock 194 The Favourite out of it 208 Selling Hurdle Race 224 A THE TURF INTRODUCTION ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT A DULLER task could scarcely be undertaken than that of endeavouring to trace the history of horse- racing from material furnished by the vague and contradictory accounts of the earliest writers on the subject. It may safely be assumed that racing dates from the period when two energetic men found themselves side by side on high-couraged horses. Whether the steeds or their riders were first fired by the spirit of emulation no one can say ; but surely such a prehistoric spin was the nucleus of the Derby. This is not a theme that could profitably be enlarged upon by a writer whose object is to be practical. Antiquity will be entirely disregarded ; and, skipping over centuries, no effort will be made to summarise the history of Newmarket, or relate what potentates and princes have shaped and sustained the sport upon the historic Heath. There is so much to be said about B THE TURF racing in its modern developments, that no space could well be devoted to archaic matter even if it seemed desirable ; and one of many reasons why it does not so seem is that, in all essentials, the sport, as it is conducted at the end of the nineteenth century, differs completely in its character and surroundings from what it was before the Turf became so widely popular. When race meetings were first organised they were held annually near many cities and towns, the runners being provided by the local magnates and gentry. The horses, usually hunters, were ridden at catch weights by their owners or their grooms, and, to spin out the programme, in contests other than matches the races were run in heats. By degrees it became apparent that horses trained systematically and kept exclusively for racing had enormous advantages over others ; and it appeared furthermore that men who were accustomed to riding races turned their experience to highly profitable account. By degrees the vast importance of weight began to be recognised, and some rough rules were formulated. Racing, indeed, showed some signs of growing into shape as it is now carried on. Owners of proved good horses ceased to be content with local successes. Prize winners were sent into neighbouring counties, ridden and led by their jockeys with racing saddles strapped on their backs ; and it was probably imagined that finality in the way of con- venience had been reached when Lord George Bentinck hit on the brilliant notion of sending one of ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT 3 his horses, EHs, to Doncaster in a van. How animals are now despatched from one end of the country to another, often by special train on the morning of a race, so that those who dislike strange quarters should be away from their stables for as short a time as possible, need not be described ; nor is it necessary to dwell on the immeasurable impetus which has been given to the sport by the introduction of railways, telegraphs, and the modern increase of newspapers. A few words may be interpolated as to the serviceability of racing as a means to an end. The English thoroughbred horse is the most valuable animal in the world. Five thousand five hundred guineas was paid for La Fleche as a yearling, and as a brood mare she fetched 12,600 guineas; 30,000 guineas was refused for Ormonde ; that sum would not have bought Isinglass, and it is credibly reported that signed cheques with blanks left for figures have been proffered to the lucky possessors of other famous animals. The only method by which the excellence of a horse can be demonstrated is by racing him. Opponents of the sport, who do not fail to recognise the value of the blood, have expressed the belief that the exhibition of racehorses at agricultural shows and similar functions would meet every requirement ; but this is not the case, for the reason that the creature's worth depends upon the possession of other than external qualities. One does not want a horse merely to look at. Make and shape are not to be B 2 4 THE TURF despised, but the great point is whether the horse has speed, stamina, constitution, soundness, and other attributes calculated to render its offspring worthy upholders of the family ; and this can only be ascer- tained by submitting the animals to the ordeal of preparation and testing them on the course. An infusion of thoroughbred blood confers special and peculiar benefits on those so endowed, whether chargers, hunters, hacks, or carriage horses. The fact has been constantly made obvious when horses of what may be described as the royal strain have drifted out of their own class and been put to try conclusions with their coarser bred cousins. The "blood" horse — thoroughbred or even half-bred — that comes to carry a soldier or a sportsman in the hunting-field may not have the size and scope of some of his companions, and may not look so well able to bear weight ; but as a very general rule his action and courage will unmistakably prove what his breeding signifies. As is generally known, the racehorses of to-day are almost exclusively descended from three sires — the " Godolphin Arabian," the " Darley Arabian," and the " Byerly Turk." The history of the importation of these three animals has been told so often that it would be superfluous to repeat it here. Previously to this, horses were introduced into England from all quarters of Europe ; and it seems nowadays rather curious to find that many came from Italy, the horsemanship of which country was at one time so highly esteemed ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT 5 that a number of Italian terms and phrases were current in this country in relation to horses ; as will be found on reference to the book of Thomas Blunder- ville, Master of the Horse to Lord Leicester in the reign of Elizabeth, and one of the first writers of authority who published works on the subject. Eclipse was the grandson of the Darley Arabian ; he became the sire of three of the first five winners of the Derby, and thus is gained something like a direct con- nection between the earliest days of recognised racing and the present time. It is said of Eclipse that he galloped at the rate of a mile a minute ; and the state- ment is valuable as showing how utterly untrustworthy and ridiculous the records of sport in the last century must be. No horse has ever galloped a mile in that time with half as much again added to it. There is a doubt as to whether a mile in i minute 35! seconds has ever been done (though it is claimed for an American colt named Salvator) ; and this would lead, if one were tempted into it, to a discussion as to the relative speed and stamina of the thoroughbred horse now and a century ago — a profitless theme, as there can be no better basis of argument than general belief. That belief is that the horse of to-day is speedier than his predecessor was, but less gifted with staying power; though as to the latter article of faith opinions again differ. The crop of thoroughbred horses is now annually so enormous that there must inevitably be a large proportion of weeds ; the more so as, for many 6 THE TURF years past, at any rate, speed rather than stamina has been the object aimed at by breeders ; but there is no sound reason to doubt that the best horses of to-day would gallop the four miles and a quarter (less 43 yards, if strict accuracy be demanded) of the Beacon Course at Newmarket at least as speedily as did the horses of any former period. It is not a little strange that, whereas the infusion of Arab blood from the three sires named has made the English racehorse of to-day what he is, the Arab of to-day should be in all respects such a vastly inferior animal. The fact is unquestionable. No weight — and what weight means will be presently considered — will "bring together" the best Arab and the poorest of English horses. This was demonstrated some years ago at Newmarket in a race between Asil and Iambic, between the best Arab of his day and the worst thoroughbred ; for, with a huge advantage in weight for Asil and over a course which was supposed to suit him and to be four times more than Iambic could compass, the latter won in a trot. The value of the Eng^lish thoroughbred is indeed universally recognised, and the whole world supplies itself from England, Europe, America (North and South), India, the Colonies, have each derived their racing stock from this country, and they can only sus- tain it by continuing to draw from the same supply. CHAPTER 1 BREEDING — TRAINERS — JOCKEYS YEARLING SALES BREEDING That there is no royal road to the production of good horses is shown by the fact that many owners to whom money has been of no importance, who have added long experience and keen observation to practi- cally unlimited expenditure, have vainly tried all their lives to breed the object of every racing man's ambition — a Derby winner. Much is written about scientific breeding, but the most that can be really maintained in regard to it is that by the judicious union of certain strains of blood a fair proportion of valuable horses is likely to be secured. When a horse wins a number of the principal stakes, strong evidence seems to be furnished that he is bred on highly judicious principles; but all the own brothers and sisters of such a horse — not only one or two, but all of them — not seldom prove absolutely worthless for racing purposes, and this is an argument against scientific breeding which takes a vast deal of explaining away. The different sup- porters of the theory of scientific breeding have 8 THE TURF different ideas on the subject ; there are no set rules. The majority of them, however, would doubtless have agreed cordially as to the absolutely and unimpeachably scientific breeding of several horses who finished far behind St. Gatien in the Derby and behind Robert the Devil in the St. Leger ; and it is certain that neither of these two animals would ever have been picked out as an example of the science. One naturally chooses a sire of approved merit, and looks for size and quality in the mare ; but if she is good- looking and comes of a distinguished family, it is not essential that she should have won races. A great many of the mares that have been most successful when in training have failed to produce winners. Possibly in some cases their vital energy has been more or less exhausted during their career on the Turf. The fact remains, whatever the cause may be ; and, on the other hand, many mares that ran moder- ately, or even badly, have become the dams of famous horses. There are what may be called " chance " sires also. An example is Wisdom, a wretchedly bad horse when in training, who greatly distinguished himself at the stud, one of his sons having won the Derby, another the Ascot Cup, and a daughter the Oaks. Reference has already been made to St. Gatien and to Robert the Devil, whose sires were of no reputa- tion ; though it must be remembered that unless a horse has shown capacity to win races he rarely has a good mare sent to him. BREEDING 9 Advocates of scientific breeding are specially con- temptuous about what they describe as " rule-of- thumb," that is to say, disregard of intricate and exhaustive calculations of strains of blood, in favour of the simple attempt to supply from the dam deficiencies in the sire, to obtain from the sire correction of weak points in the dam, and so forth. It is far from certain, however, that, if this is carefully done, a great advance has not been made towards the secret of breeding, so far as any exists ; though there is no doubt that certain strains of blood often " nick " with excellent results. The suggestion will no doubt provoke the contempt of the theorists, but it is an idea firmly held by many men who have considered the subject and dealt with it practically all their lives — and have very likely in their time been themselves ardent supporters of theories, before the futility of their most ingenious calculations had been repeatedly exposed. Certain questions as to make and shape being borne in mind, if a man sends a dam of winners to an approved good sire, the result is very likely to be a good animal. Of late years the majority of breeders have paid attention to a point which was formerly much neglected — the necessity of keeping the stallions in good health by giving them sufficient exercise. Opinions differ as to whether it is advisable to ride the horse or to lead or lunge him, and the truth is that this depends in a great measure upon the disposition of the individual animal. But robust exercise is essential, particularly lo THE TURF in the autumn, that he may be hard and in good health when he begins his stud duties. It can scarcely be necessary to remark that the age of thoroughbreds dates from January ist. Foals have occasionally appeared during the last days of December, and the unfortunate owners find themselves possessed of " year- lings " that are actually only a few hours old, the little creatures therefore rating as two-year-olds when their age is really twelve months //^^i- the hours by which they anticipated the beginning of the year ; and it is obvious that they are at a hopeless disadvantage with their quasi contemporaries who have months of additional growth ; for a few weeks make a great difference to a foal when he once begins to grow the right way and to "do well." Some breeders like their foals to be born in January, so that they may have the more time to get forward ; others think that the young creatures thrive better if they do not come into the world till the spring grasses have begun to grow, till there is more sun and the winter winds are gone. Seeing that days in March are not seldom as bleak and cold as any in the year, attempts to avoid winter winds are likely to have doubtful results. Here, as elsewhere, hard-and-fast rules are in truth impossible. Much depends upon the mildness or inclemency of the season ; much more on the treatment to which the foals are subjected, the shelter afforded them, and so forth ; very much again on the young animals' con- stitutions. Roughly speaking, it would seem that a TRAINERS II colt born in February would have great advantages over one born three months later, when as two-year-olds they run against each other ; but some of the most suc- cessful horses known have been May foals. The Bard, Saraband, and Best Man, may be cited as examples. TRAINERS As a rule the trainer has worked his way to the position he occupies after apprenticeship as a jockey. In very many cases, having become too heavy to ride on the flat, he has afterwards taken to riding over a country ; for under the National Hunt Rules, which govern steeplechasing and hurdleracing, the minimum was an irreducible lo stone until within the last two years, when, though only for handicap steeplechases of three miles and a half or upwards, a minimum of 9 St. 7 lb. was introduced. Of the principal trainers now in active pursuit of their calling, those who acquired a knowledge of the business in the manner indicated include Charles Archer, Joseph Cannon, Tom Cannon (who, however, only rode as a jockey on the flat), Richard Chaloner, George Chaloner (a flat race jockey only), E. Craddock, S. Darling, H. Escott, Fallon, Holt, W. A. Jarvis, T. Jennings, jun., James Jewitt, the Hon. George Lambton (exclusively an amateur rider under National Hunt Rules, or on the flat for the clubs to which he belonged), F. Lynham, R. Marsh, W. Mumford, A. and W. Nightingall, John Osborne (on the flat 12 THE TURF only), John Porter (on the flat), J. Prince, W. F. Robinson (on the flat), and F. Webb, the last-named having ridden in the Grand National, though only on one occasion. There could not be so good a way of obtaining practical experience of every detail of the sport ; for no one can tell the condition of a horse better than the jockey who rides day after day and year after year ; and to get a horse into perfect con- dition is the aim and end of the trainer's art. At the same time, that this apprenticeship is not essential is proved by the successes, for example, of the famous Dawson family. The four brothers, of whom Matthew and John are happily still busily engaged in their profession, and the two sons of the latter, John and George, have for a long time past most successfully superintended large stables of horses, George in parti- cular having been associated with many notable triumphs, for he was fortunate in finding animals of especial excellence — Ayrshire, Donovan, Semolina, Memoir, Mrs. Butterwick, and Amiable, all classic winners — under his control. The modern trainer is a far more prosperous person than the old training groom ; but if his rewards are higher he has more work to do in the majority of cases, for racing has enormously increased during the last half century ; usually trainers have a larger number of horses to look after, and it is a common thing for owners to rely much — in some instances exclusively — on their trainer's advice as to when horses TRAINERS 13 shall be engaged and which of the engagements they shall fulfil. Making entries, striking horses out of stakes for which they are not to run, sending them about the country in all directions, finding jockeys to ride, are all duties which require anxious care ; and then there are the yearling sales at Ascot, Newmarket, Doncaster, and elsewhere. Some owners recruit their stables entirely from sales, nearly all buy occasionally ; and it is part of a trainer's business very critically to look over what is to be sold, estimate the value of the animals, and advise as to what may judiciously be bought. The opinions of experts, it may be remarked, differ very widely on the subject of yearlings. Some trainers — good judges and in all honesty — will strongly recommend their employers to buy horses which other trainers — equally capable men and actuated by the best motives — regard as worthless, and beg" their masters not to bid for. This may be partially due, no doubt, to prejudice against sires or dams or strains of blood ; there may be a suspicion, more or less well founded, that the stock of a certain horse exhibit a tendency to " make a noise," that the progeny of a certain mare are "soft," that hereditary bad temper will break out, or that some defect is likely to show itself; but, apart from this, in examining the animal one trainer will see some fault — coarse hocks that threaten to be curby, badly shaped feet, a jowl which suggests roaring, light- ness of bone, uprightness, hocks too far back, want of length, or one of a score of weaknesses which will 14 THE TURF escape other eyes or will be set down as unimportant. "A nice compact horse," one man will say. "Too set and furnished ; no room for improvement," will be the verdict of another. " Too small ; nothing of him," A. will decide, turning from some youngster that is being led round. "Very well shaped colt; good bone; I like him ; he ought to grow into a very useful sort of horse," B, will observe. It will be found that there are two ways of regarding almost everything that is inspected. When owners have many horses, a very large sum can be annually saved by keeping a careful eye on the Calendar^ and paying minor forfeits for animals which it is certain will not be sent for races in which they are engaged. By inattention to this matter a well-known trainer who died not long since annually cost his employers many hundreds of pounds. Of course this was the fault of the owners for not looking into the matter themselves ; but, as so many gentlemen do, they left the matter in the trainer's hands and continually found when too late that they had to pay for his carelessness. If the owner breeds for racing, again, it frequently happens that the trainer is called in to superintend that department, also to advise as to mating the mares, to see that they have all possible attention at critical times, and to keep an eye on the foals when they are born. Many persons imagine that the trainer's duties con- sist in riding out on a well-broken hack, to look after his string at exercise in the morning, and say which TRAINERS 15 are to canter and which to gallop ; in going round the stable once a day, accompanied by the head lad, who will be ready to answer all questions ; and attending race meetings where he may look on at, or occasionally assist in, saddling his horses when they are about to run. He is supposed by the outside world to have an almost positive knowledge of what is going to win ; so that he can bet as much as he pleases, with a comfort- able conviction that he will make a great deal of money, and can experience no possible disappointment or vexation in this matter, except, indeed, habitual displeasure at the shortness of the price which the ring will lay against his "certainties." It seems such easy work to canter over the heath or the downs, to inhale the fresh morning breeze, to watch, chatting to a friend, while the string come past, beckoning with his whip for some to go a litde faster, or raising his hand to check the pace of others. Then there is the pleasurable excitement of the trial, in which, of course, the right horse always wins with 10 lb. more on his back than the touts can possibly imagine he carries ; and so back to a luxurious breakfast — after wiring off in cipher to make arrangements for winning a fortune on the good thing just brought to light— a meal made more enjoyable by perusal of sporting journals, full of compliments on his skill, astuteness, and the perfect manner in which yesterday's winners from his stable were turned out. That is the conventional view, and it is not entirely i6 THE TURF accurate. The trainer may not improbably have been kept awake half the night wondering whether he dare "go on" with the Derby colt, or the favourite for some big race on which he has invested money he cannot afford to lose. The animal's shortened stride in his gallop yesterday was not to be mistaken, and certainly there was something suspicious about the manner in which he walked away afterwards. Shall he stop him, or chance it ? This worry is increased by perplexity as to whether his most promising two-year- old — so charmingly shaped, with such perfect action — did or did not whistle — or worse — as she passed him. Was it the beginning of a "noise"? The boy "did not hear anything," but he is stupid ; a jockey shall be put up when they next go out, she shall be sent a good gallop, and he will find out the worst. The morning, when it dawns, is dull and dispiriting ; he rides out in the drizzle, gallops the two-year-old, and discovers — a fact too surely confirmed by the jockey — that she does make a noise ; the Derby colt, there can be no further doubt about it, is lame ; and a horse which is well in in a little handicap next week, with nothing to beat, in fact, coughs badly several times. Breakfast is not made more agreeable by the Calendar, which shows that two horses which have been entered in forthcoming handicaps can have no possible chance, two or three belonging to other stables being "thrown in," and by some irritating remarks in the newspaper to the effect that a horse which he ran yesterday, TRAINERS 17 knowing it to be in perfect condition and believing that it could not lose, had, in the opinion of the critic, evidently been galloped to death, could obviously from its appearance have had no chance, had doubtless left the race on its training ground; "but if trainers will try their horses every other day, they must expect," &c., &c., with a hint to conclude with — not impossibly the critic had lost money on the horse — that it may not have been the animal's "day out," it may do better later on ; a suggestion, in fact, that it was not trying. A grumbling letter from his em- ployer, an intimation that the only light-weight jockey who could "get out" a troublesome horse, a lad he supposed he had definitely engaged, will not be able to ride ; and the bad news that his best foal had been kicked and had her leg broken — a filly that would have been worth a handsome price for the paddocks if she never won a race — make up a companion picture which is very often the truer one of the two. Much more of the trainer's business is done in the stable than the outsider would suppose. He must, if he does his work thoroughly, study and get to understand the peculiarities of every horse under his charge. So many feeds a day, consisting of so much hay and oats, will not satisfy requirements ; in certain cases food must be varied if the best results are to be obtained, and there are many examples of horses that have not done well on ordinary diet thriving on very c i8 THE TURF unusual varieties of food. His knowledge of the structure, anatomy and constitution of the horse must be practically complete, and more than this, of the varying constitutions of different horses ; he must be, in fact, a thorough " stableman," which is another way of saying a veterinary surgeon. The professional M.R.C.V.S. is called in at intervals; but unless operations of some sort have become necessary, the chances are that the trainer knows quite as well as the ^' vet." what is wrong, and how the ailment had best be treated ; if the two differ it is far from certain that the man with letters after his name is correct ; but he is consulted mainly for the satisfaction of the owner, who may complain, if anything goes wrong, that the " best advice " was not obtained. The trainer's first essential is to be a judge of condition. Some horses do well on little work, run better when rather " above themselves in condition " ; others, gross horses, require a great deal more exercise to make them really fit ; and the position is complicated by the fact that some animals look perfectly trained, or even "light," when they are not really "wound up," and, as the expressive phrase goes, "clean inside." It is necessary, therefore, to find out exactly what work is required by each horse. There are some points upon which the most knowledgeable and experienced owners are almost bound to seek their trainer's advice ; for the man who has charge of the horses naturally sees much more of them than the man to whom they belong. The trainer, for example, TRAINERS 19 is best able to judge over what distance of ground a horse is Hkely to be seen to the greatest advantage, that is to say whether or not he stays. This he judges from the way in which the animal does his work. This is a more difficult process than the inexperienced might imagine. "If you want to find out whether a horse can get a mile and a half, gallop him the course and see," would be the simple philosophy of the unpractical ; but he may get a mile and a half when he has done work over something like the distance, and the question is whether it is worth while to train him and try him for such a course with the not improbable effect of impairing his speed if he is in truth not even a miler ? The owner, if he has any familiarity with the sport, will see whether his horse appears to finish his races strongly, to be " running on " at the end, and will draw his own deductions ; but on the all important question of an animal's best distance, the trainer will almost certainly be the safer guide. He must also necessarily be a sound judge of pace and of riding, or else his trials are likely to be very wrong and his reading of public running likewise much at fault. He must be sure whether a trial is run at a good pace, and whether the boys have been able to " get out " their horses — whether, in fact, it has been the equivalent of a true-run race. To him generally falls the important duty of giving the jockey orders how to ride — after or without consultation with the owner according to circumstances. If the trainer has not a c 2 20 THE TURF keen appreciation of horsemanship, subsequent confusion is Hkely to arise, as he will not know what his horse had in hand if he wins, or what happened in the course of the race — whether any legitimate excuse can be found for defeat — if he was beaten ; and it is very desirable that the trainer should form his own opinion instead of depending upon the explanation of the average jockey, who, for instance, if he did not get well away when the flag fell, will be found not inapt to declare that he was first off Some jockeys can and will give a trustworthy account of what has happened in a race, but these are a very small minority, for by no means all of them possess sufficient keenness of observation to take in what other animals are really doing, and if they themselves have done anything clumsy or stupid in the race they will not improbably find an excuse in some misleading explanation. The trainer's work is unending, and it is rather the custom to ignore his labours and to underrate his share of success when it is achieved. The jockey who has narrowly and luckily escaped defeat by a head when he would have won comfortably by a couple of lengths if he had done justice to the horse and obeyed orders, is eulogised for having ridden a brilliant race ; while the labour of the trainer, who has overcome many difficulties in bringing the animal to the post fit and well, is too often lightly esteemed, or accepted as a matter of course. Appreciation of a handicap is another requisite, that the trainer may perceive what JOCKEYS 21 chance his horse has, and if it is desirable to accept. Few professions are, indeed, more arduous, anxious, and responsible. JOCKEYS Considerably over 3,000 horses run every year in England. The number in 1897 was 3,506, and almost all these horses have their own boys, who ride at exercise, and, as the phrase goes, "do" them, that is to say, groom and attend to them in their stables. Nearly all these boys are at any rate able to perform the elementary duty of sitting tight on a thoroughbred horse — a wiry, eel-like animal, given to antics which would be very liable frequently to displace an inex- perienced rider. They constantly have opportunities of learning much about pace, and keen-eyed trainers are always on the alert to discover boys who show any real skill in horsemanship. When suggestions of ability are perceived, the boy is put up to ride trials, races on the home training ground, from which, in the ordinary course of events, he should learn much ; if he displays any promise, and his weight is suitable, he is tolerably sure to be given a mount in public. Out of all this multitude of boys, however, an ex- tremely small percentage ever blossom into jockeys, and there are usually a scant half-a-dozen of these so far ahead of their compeers that they practically command what terms they like. As much as ^5,000 a year has been given for the first call on a leading 22 THE TURF jockey ; for every race this jockey rode he would be paid in the ordinary course of events, in addition to his retaining fee, three guineas for a losing mount, and five guineas for a win. The owner who had the first call on him would of course only utilise his services on occasions ; at many meetings he would have no horses running, and that would leave the jockey free to accept other mounts. As a matter of fact, large sums are paid for second and third claims on a successful jockey. One of the leading horsemen now riding not long since refused ^1,500 a year for a second claim. It will be seen what handsome rewards await success in this profession, and it may also be judged how rare is the combination of qualities which ensure it. A jockey must have in the first place a very accurate knowledge of pace ; he must know how fast his horse is going, so that, though at times in front, he may still be " waiting " ; he must also be able to sum up at a glance what the other horses in a race are doing, what, in fact, they have left in them for the finish. He must have patience, and at the same time must ride with resolution, noting the psycho- logical moment when his effort has to be made. If he waits too long he will be beaten, and if he comes too soon he may exhaust his horse just before the post is reached. When it is considered what success in a great race means, the mere difference of the few inches, by which the horse just wins or just loses, will be appreciated ; races on the flat may be worth any sum JOCKEYS 23 from /^loo, the smallest amount permitted by the Rules of Racing, up to over ^10,000. In many cases owners have bets which amount to thousands more, and in addition to these there is the enormously increased value of the horse which has the reputation of having won a great race. A few names stand out among recent or con- temporary riders whose styles were in many cases widely different but who attained the same admirable results. It may be noted that the most successful jockeys for many years past have, as a rule, averaged about one win in four mounts. In some cases this has been exceeded, as it was notably by the late Fred Archer ; but at the same time it must be remem- bered that he had a great advantage, inasmuch as owners were always eager to secure his services. If they thought their horses had a good chance of winning they were always anxious to engage Archer, unless, of course, they had at command the services of one of his few capable rivals. During one year, when Archer rode an enormous number of races, from 600 to 700, his successes averaged two in five. He possessed one of the chief secrets of his profession, the ability to understand the peculiarities of the various horses he rode. His principal fault was extreme severity ; what might happen to a horse afterwards appeared to be no concern of his ; his mind was set on winning the race he was at the moment contesting, and not a few two-year-olds on whom he had won were good for 24 THE TURF very little afterwards, his whip and spur having taken all the heart out of them. At the same time, if he could persuade a horse instead of coercing him, he would do so. On one occasion at Sandown, in a five furlong race, before the distance had been half covered he leant forward and patted the neck of his horse ; his quick eye had already assured him, even at that early point of the struggle, that he had nothing to fear from any of his opponents. His method of sitting back, and as it were driving his horse before him, was in striking contrast to that of his great rival, George Fordham, who had anything but a graceful seat upon a horse and was a man of little education and general knowledge, but whose appreciation of the delicacies of his profession was simply phenomenal. It may be doubted whether any one who ever lived understood horses and the art of race riding more thoroughly. (The value of a jockey's services, it may be incidentally remarked, has vastly increased of late years. It is not long since for the first call on his services Fordham received ^loo a year.) In contrast again to Fordham was his friend, Tom Cannon, who to the other requisites of perfect jockeyship added extraordinary grace. For George Fordham, Cannon had the warmest admiration, declaring that all he knew he learnt from his colleague — an expression, however, which may be taken as not a little exaggerated, for he continually profited by his own experiences and singularly astute observation. JOCKEYS 25 Tom Cannon's hands on a two-year-old will long be famous in the history of horsemanship. He was usually the personification of gentleness on a horse, and declared that he would as soon hit a child as an anxious young two-year-old that was doing its best ; and in this respect, it may be remarked, George Fordham entirely agreed with him. There can be no doubt that Tom Cannon often got more out of a horse by his persuasive methods than any other jockey could have done by the administration of punishment. At the same time, if he had to use his whip he could do so most effectually ; but as a general rule one or two cuts in the last three or four strides was the most he did towards what is called "a punishing finish," and when he did hit a horse, moreover, he always hit him at the right moment, not in the middle of his stride, when the stroke would make him " curl up " and shorten, but as he was about to make it ; for such niinuticE, which scarcely any one notices, are part of the perfect horseman's equipment. Cannon, so admirable a rider himself, has been also the cause of good riding in others. His pupils include his son Morn- ington and John Watts, who have no superiors in the saddle at the time of writing. S. Loates and Kempton Cannon were also his apprentices and do the fullest justice to their master. Mr. Arthur Coventry, the present starter, in t-his time unrivalled as a gentleman rider, was another pupil of the famous jockey. Watts' style is closely modelled on that of his 26 THE TURF teacher, as indeed is that of Mornington Cannon, who, however, perhaps finishes with more vigour and determination than his father was accustomed to exhibit. Tom Cannon was and his son is much eiven to "waiting," a practice which some critics consider that Mornington carries to excess. Both riders, how- ever when they have just lost races have sometimes expressed the conviction that if they had only dared to wait for two or three strides longer, they would just have won ; and it is by no means certain in this matter that lookers on see most of the game, or are best able to estimate the situation. It is quite certain that the most usual fault in young riders is the reverse of this, a disposition to begin to finish too soon ; they are in too great a hurry to get home, and there can be no doubt that many races have been won by these waiting tactics. It is absolutely cer- tain that Enthusiast ought not to have beaten Dono- van in the Two Thousand Guineas of 1889, but Donovan, and Pioneer who was esteemed his most dangerous rival, spun themselves out before the post was reached. As Tom Cannon said, in accounting for his most unexpected victory, " they had two or three little races to themselves a long way from the judge's box, and when we got near it I thought I would join in." Few persons who saw the race for the Leger of 1894 will doubt that Mornington Cannon only won on Throstle because he waited well behind. JOCKEYS 27 In the season of 1897, an American jockey named Tod Sloan came to England and won a good propor- tion of races by tactics of a diametrically opposite sort. His method was to jump off and "come through," as the phrase runs. He was a sound judge of pace, and so avoided the common fault when races are thus ridden, of keeping nothing in hand for the final struggle. The fact is that both plans are good on occasions, but the circumstances of nearly every race differ according to the pace, the distance, and the capacity and disposition of various horses. A few lines must be added about amateurs. At rare times an enthusiast obtains leave from the Stewards of the Jockey Club to ride on equal terms with professional jockeys, but the number of these gentlemen is necessarily limited, because the man who seeks the permission must be what he represents himself to be, and not a jockey in disguise ; there are few orentlemen whose weigfht enables them to ride on the flat ; and unless the amateur has shown that he is really an expert the Stewards would refuse his request, for the reason that he would be likely to hamper and interfere in a dangerous way with the other riders. The late Mr. George Baird, who ran horses in the name of "Abingdon " and won the Derby and Oaks with Merry Hampton and Busybody, was one of the few amateurs who have ridden much of late years ; and in spite of wasting and severe privation he could only take part in welter races. By constant practice he 28 THE TURF acquired considerable skill, and at the last held his own with fair success against professional opponents of the second class. YEARLING SALES A PARTICULARLY interesting feature of the season to genuine lovers of the thoroughbred horse is the sales of yearlings which take place periodically. On the mornings and evenings of the days on which the Newmarket July Meetings are held Messrs. Tattersall are busy. The mornings of the Doncaster week are devoted to the same occupation, but at this time of year, approaching mid-September, the days are beginning to "draw in," and after racing the sales are not carried on, intending purchasers, or the curious who would like to purchase if they could, devoting themselves to an inspection of the lots that are still to be put up. Little groups of owners, trainers, their friends and acquaintances, go from box to box, reading the statement of pedigree that is fastened to the door — unless, indeed, they have read it before and have it in their minds — and critically examining the youngsters, who are not seldom upset by their strange quarters and unaccustomed relays of visitors, though some of them stand it calmly enough. Now is the time when one may hear much shrewd and instructive comment, together with a vast deal of nonsense and affected knowledge. How greatly the opinions of experts differ is dwelt on elsewhere, in the pages devoted to YEARLING SALES 29 " Trainers." By reason of an evil practice much followed by breeders for sale, the yearlings are frequently so overloaded with fat that it requires a particularly experienced eye to detect their real make and shape, and only the expert can tell whether they are likely to grow out of suggested defects, and progress in the right way. A few leading points, however, will be evident. One looks to see that their feet are well shaped and that they stand truly, not turning their toes in or out, nor showing other mal- formation. Evidence of good bone is sought, and the slope of the shoulders is specially noted. It is a great source of probable trouble if a horse is too upright in front. Many good judges are particularly careful to examine the eye, which is believed to indicate much, though others scornfully observe that " horses do not gallop with their heads," and disregard this. The way in which the head is put on, and certain formations of throat and jowl are very generally supposed to indicate danger of " roaring," however, and animals so made are to be carefully avoided ; though their breeders, who are usually at hand in person, or are else well represented, are slow to admit the evidence of such failings, and probably ready to name and describe other animals of precisely similar structure, and very likely nearly related to these young ones, who are said emphatically to have upset all such theories and done great things when in training. One is careful to note whether the yearling is well ribbed 30 THE TURF up, and, if he be not, to refrain from paying too much heed to the theory that slackness here may very probably be a sign of speed — many breeders have a pretty invention. Good second thighs may be trace- able even at this early age, undeveloped as they necessarily are ; and particular attention must be paid to the hocks, to see that they are not coarse or curby, that there is good length from hip to hock, and that the hocks are not sickle or cow-shaped for one thing, and are well under the horse — not too far away from him — for another. A powerful broad back is also desirable. If the breeder notes his prospective customer standing by the yearling's shoulder and looking at his back, he will perhaps tell him that he " might play billiards on it." He will scarcely want to do so, but he will desire to be assured that there is strength. Size is a further requisite, and in this respect an animal may be too big or too small. A little horse is apt to be deficient in length of stride, though here action comes in ; and those who saw the Derby of 1886 will not easily forget how the little Bard for a few exciting moments fairly held his own with his in all ways greater rival, the far striding Ormonde. On the other hand, it requires specially strong legs and sound joints to carry an exceptionally large frame. Many yearlings, however, come triumph- antly out of the ordeal of examination, have fascinating pedigrees to support their title to consideration, claim close relationship — are often own brothers and sisters YEARLING SALES 31 — to animals that have done great things ; and are nevertheless presently found to be worthless for racing purposes. Those who give three or four thousand guineas for such an animal are usually rather slow to understand, or at any rate to approve, the appositeness of the adjective in that common phrase, "the glorious uncertainty of the Turf." The so-called " Figure System," which is supposed to show how Derby winners are to be bred by mathematics, is in my opinion utterly futile. The Queen's yearlings, which used to be sold at Bushey Park, appear no more, the Royal stud having been abolished ; but at the Ascot Meeting a number of lots come up, and at various other times and places yearlings are offered ; though at the Newmarket December sales, which have of late years grown to considerable importance, few yearlings are to be found, the catalogues being chiefly made up of horses in training, mares and foals. In the sales of blood stock from December 1896 to October 1897, tabulated in Ruff's Guide to the Turf, no fewer than 1 10 animals sold for ten guineas or less ; some only fetched three or four, and if the figures had been extended to include a minimum of eleven guineas, the number ^would have been considerably increased. Some of these may or may not be cheap ; for if a seller may be well out of a worthless animal at five guineas, a buyer may make an excellent bargain when he gives eleven hundred times as much. This, 5,500 guineas precisely, was, as 32 THE TURF already mentioned, the sum paid by the late Baron Hirsch for La Fleche (St. Simon — Quiver), who won ^34,585, in stakes, and was then sold for 1 2,600 guineas. La Fleche was obviously a very cheap animal indeed ; and it may be added that her total of winnings as just quoted was substantially increased by the amounts she gained by running second for the Derby, &c. (Why her name is always spelt with a circumflex accent is not obvious, but the usual spelling is here adopted.) It is a set phrase with a certain school of critics that " no yearling is worth more than a thousand " ; but that always remains an open question. That large sums are often paid for worthless animals, and that at the best there must always be a grave risk about the transaction, are other matters. Perhaps, on the whole, purchasers of high-priced yearlings have had an exceptional amount of bad fortune ; not a few horses of whom high hopes were formed on apparently sound premises have never been seen in public again after leaving the sale ring. But buyers must take their chance ; and, indeed, year after year many are found quite ready to do so. No one can guess what a yearling will fetch, because no one knows what reasons a certain person or persons may have for desiring to possess it ; and there are not a few rich men who, if they take a fancy to a thing, are not deterred by monetary considerations from obtaining it ; but at the same time, it is strange to note how often the expert foretells approximately the prices for which lots will be knocked YEARLING SALES 35 down, except, indeed, when something very specially tempting is brought into the ring ; and then, if 2,000 guineas are once bid, it is often very possible that twice that amount will have to be given to obtain the apparent treasure. The largest sum ever paid for a yearling was the 6,000 guineas given for Childwick (St. Simon — Plaisanterie) In 1891. He was not a failure, for he won three races, amounting in value to rather over a third of his cost price. Whether he proves valuable at the stud still remains to be seen. D CHAPTER II TWO-YEAR- OLD RACES WEIGH T-FOR- AGE RACES TWO-YEAR-OLD RACES It must be assumed that by a happy combination of gentleness and firmness, by good hands, a strong seat in the saddle, and a temper most under control when most severely tried, the yearling has been backed, after the preliminary processes of bitting, saddling and lunging ; that he has been accustomed to daily exercise with his companions, led by a placid old horse ; and that, after being "jumped off," he has shown the possession of such speed as suggests that he is worth training. The ist of January comes, and he is a two- year-old, with a prospect of running possibly in as short a time as three months. In some instances two- year-olds are entered for races before they are born, as for example in the Buckenham Stakes at the New- market First October Meeting, for which subscribers name three mares and send the produce of one to the post. In various other races the animals are entered as foals, and in others again at different periods of their yearling existence. It will readily be TWO-YEAR-OI.D RACES 35 understood why entries close so long before the time set for the race. If owners could wait till their young horses gave some actual proof of capacity, the number of subscribers to many stakes would be small. A foal or a yearling, well bred, good looking, and with no apparent defects, may, however, turn out well, and so the owner nominates his colt or filly and takes his chance, the conditions of races very often enabling him to strike it out on payment of a minor forfeit should it entirely disappoint expectations or in any way suggest inability to gallop. Much misapplied criticism is directed by ill-informed persons to what they regard as the forcing^ of the immature animal. The truth is that there are some two-year-olds, usually small and well developed, who if they did not win races early in the season would never win at all. Owners and trainers take stock of their youngsters and enter them ac- cordingly. Examination of the volumes of Races to Come will show that some horses are entered for stakes run early in the season, their names being rarely or never found in races that take place later in the year ; for other animals no eno^aorements are made till the summer and they are nominated frequently for events in the autumn. It will be understood why this is so — owners and trainers judge when their representa- tives are likely to " come to hand." There are those again that give promise of early maturity and have something about them which forbids their owners to D 2 26 THE TURF despair of subsequent development. 1 1 is an extremely rare thing to find a horse entered for, say, the Brocklesby Stakes, run towards the end of March, and the Middle Park Plate, run in the middle of October, though at the same time, Donovan, in 1888, actually won both. As a general rule, however, when October comes the winner of the Brocklesby is very lightly esteemed and the chances are that before June the winner of the Middle Park has not been seen on a racecourse. The winner of the Brocklesby "may be anything," as the phrase goes. The Bard won in 1885 and held his own next year, running a good second to Ormonde for the Derby ; in four years out of six The Bard would doubtless easily have won the great race. In 1886 April Fool won and soon sank to "plating." In 1887 Volcano won, and not long afterwards was being badly beaten in selling handicap hurdle races, the lowest form of contest the Turf knows. In 1888 Donovan won and subsequently proved himself one of the most successful horses ever known on the Turf. But The Bard and Donovan were notable exceptions to the average run of Brocklesby winners. It is seldom that two-year-olds destined to attain to the front rank are out before, at any rate, the Wood- cote Stakes at Epsom. The Woodcote was originated in 1807, and with the exception of the July Stakes at Newmarket, first run in 1786, is about the oldest two- year-old contest now surviving. Derby winners have won the Woodcote- Cremorne (1871) and Ladas TWO-YEAR-OLD RACES 37 (1893) ; but in the ordinary course of events it is not till Ascot, a fortnight after the Derby, that one sees the two-year-olds on which the fame of the English racehorse is to depend. The New Stakes at Ascot dates from 1843 ; the list of winners is a brilliant one, and now come names that are to be met with again in the Middle Park Plate, the most important stake for horses in their first season. Of late (since 1890) the Coventry Stakes has been added to the Ascot pro- gramme, and this is of equal interest with the older race ; indeed, it is in one respect superior, for in the Coventry all competitors meet at even weights (except as regards the usual 3 lbs. allowance for fillies) and in the New Stakes there are penalties and allowances. Kermesse, Melton, Friar's Balsam, Donovan, Isin- glass won both New Stakes and Middle Park Plate, and Ladas won the latter after carrying off the Coventry. At Ascot one begins (often, however, arriving at most incorrect conclusions) to speculate o upon how the two-year-olds of the season should be rated, and it is probable that further light will be thrown upon the question by the July Stakes at the Newmarket First July Meeting and the Chesterfield (1834) at the Second July. Here, too. Middle Park winners and Dewhurst winners (the Dewhurst ranking only second to the Middle Park) are found, as they are in the Richmond and Prince of Wales's Stakes at Goodwood. It was at Goodwood that St. Simon ran for the first time, though in a minor event called the 38 THE TURF Halnaker. There are rich stakes at Sandown, Kemp- ton and elsewhere which attract excellent fields, but the programmes here are somewhat mutable, and these races have not yet existed long enough to gain prestige by their association with many famous names. The most valuable two-year-old race now is the National Breeders' Produce Stakes, run at Sandown the day after the Eclipse, and worth well over ^4,000 ; but the Portland Plate at Leicester, won by Donovan in 1888, amounted to ^6,000. As to the importance of the Champagne Stakes (1823) at Doncaster there can be no question. Occasionally it falls to a moderate horse — Ayah, Solaro and Grandison are poor examples of Champagne winners — but of late years one finds the names of Velasquez, Ladas, La Fleche, Riviera, Chittabob (one of three horses that — with an advan- tage of 13 lbs. in weights — beat Donovan), Ayrshire, Minting ; and further back many others of note. There had for a long time been urgent necessity for a good two-year-old race late in the year, a contest that would attract the best horses and really show the capacity of the principal two-year-olds, and such a prize was founded at the suggestion of Mr. Blenkiron in 1870. This gentleman was a breeder of thorough- bred stock at the Middle Park Stud, and the race was named accordingly, he having subscribed ^^500 towards the stake. At once it became established as the chief two-year-old event of the season. An average of exactly fourteen starters has gone to the post, and the TWO-YEAR-OLD RACES 39 winners have nearly always been animals of the very highest class since Albert Victor's name was inscribed at the head of the list. A liberal share of the misfortunes that horseflesh is heir to has befallen winners, it is true. A horse entered here would almost invariably be nominated for the Derby and the St. Leger, so that if all went well with the winner his chance at Epsom should have been specially good ; but for a lonof time an unfortunate fate seemed to overshadow Middle Park winners in their advance to Derby honours. Something untoward happened year after year. St. Louis and Macheath failed to stand training, and it was not till 1885 that Melton broke the spell, and won the Derby after winning the Middle Park — though Busybody after taking the latter in 1883 had won the Oaks next year. Since then the result of the Middle Park has pointed strongly to the result of the Derby. Six horses have run in both, four of them have won both — Donovan (1888), Isinglass (1892), Ladas (1893), Galtee More (1896). Gouverneur won the Middle Park in 1890 and ran second, the colt that beat him, Common, not having run in the Newmarket race. St. Frusquin, who won the two-year-old race in 1895, was just beaten at Epsom. The Middle Park Plate takes place over the Bretby Stakes Course, six furlongs, and soon after its inaugu- ration it was felt desirable to have another and a still severer test of merit in the shape of a seven-furlong race. The Dewhurst Plate was therefore started at 40 THE TURF the Houghton Meeting in 1875, and speedily shared the success of the race which makes so interesting a feature in the Second October. The Middle Park Plate is worth between ^2,000 and ^3,000, the Dewhurst about ^1,000 less, but the lists of winners are of nearly equal merit, and on several occasions both races have been won by the same horse — Chamant (1876), Friar's Balsam (1887), Donovan (1888), Orme (1891), and St. Frusquin (1895). Another noteworthy race at the Houghton Meeting is the Criterion Stakes, first run for in 1829. This is a good test of staying ability, for it finishes up the Cri- terion Hill at "the top of the town," a severe six furlongs. It has fallen to horses of very various capacity, to very bad ones, such as Oakdene, Aureus and Cayenne, and to Jannette, winner of the St. Leger ; Thebais, winner of the Oaks ; Bruce, who would have won the Derby had he been properly ridden, and who did win the Grand Prix ; to Melton, Ormonde and others of high standing. Two-year-olds are not permitted by the rules of racing to run a longer distance than six furlongs before the ist of July ; and until the ist of September they always run at weight for age, with or without penalties or allowances, according to the nature of the race ' but on the ist of September " Nurseries," or two-year- old handicaps, are allowed, and restrictions as to distance are removed ; indeed, in the Houghton Meet- ing there is a Feather Plate over the trying Cesare- WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 41 witch course, two miles two furlongs, in which the young horses meet their elders, and the race is nearly always won by a two-year-old — who is as a rule worthless afterwards. Another race at the Houghton Meeting, which always promises well and nearly always disappoints expectation, is the Free Handicap for Two-year-olds. Horses are not entered by their owners for this stake. The handicapper takes the best known two-year-olds and weights them according to his estimate of their capacity, thus enabling one to learn how they stand in the eyes of an impartial authority. The field, however, very seldom includes those that the lover of the Turf would chiefly desire to see in antao-onism, WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES It has been seen that practically everything depends upon the weight a horse carries. There is an old saying that weight will bring together a donkey and a Derby winner, and the extravagant assertion may be accepted as tending to show how vast a difference a horse's burden is recoo"nised as makino-. Weig"ht-for- age races are of three varieties. In the first place there is what may be called weight-for-age proper, in which animals of the same age carry the same weight, as in the Coventry Stakes at Ascot and the Cham- pagne at Doncaster, for two-year-olds ; the five " classic " races for three-year-olds, and a very few stakes which linger for older horses. Here the only 42 THE TURF variation from even weights is that mares and oeldinofs are allowed 3 lbs. In the second place, there are races, like the New Stakes at Ascot and the Middle Park Plate at Newmarket, for two-year-olds ; the Prince of Wales's Plate at Ascot, for three-year-olds, &c., where horses of the same age carry the same weight, with, however, penalties for previous successes, and, in the case of the Ascot race, maiden allowances. In the third place, there are weight-for-age races in which horses of different ao-es meet and are weio^hted according to the table given in Chapter VII. Of weight-for-age races, the five "classic" events are supposed to come first, and the Derby first of these. Since this point of view was adopted, a number of valuable and important stakes have been introduced, wherein Derby winners may and do meet each other ; and a special prestige has always attached to the Ascot Cup, in which there are none of the penalties and allowances that "bring horses together," and where also Derby winners and others of the highest class may be found in opposition. The five three-year-old classic races are, however, the Two Thousand Guineas, for colts and fillies, dating from 1809, and the One Thousand, for fillies only {1814), run at the Newmarket First Spring Meeting ; the Derby, for colts and fillies (1780), and the Oaks (1779), for fillies only, run at the Epsom Summer Meeting ; and the St. Leger, for colts and fillies (1776), run at Doncaster. It is difficult to understand why the Derby WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 43 should be so generally, if not universally, regarded as the chief of these. The mile and a half Epsom course is far from one of the fairest, as a horse that has the misfortune to be badly placed when Tattenham Corner is rounded is at a great disadvantage ; whereas the Doncaster course (i mile, 6 furlongs, 132 yards) is one on which there is much less chance of jostling and accidental interference ; it is longer, and so affords a better test of merit — except that in the period of from three to four months that elapse between this and the Derby the young horses have " come on " and acquired stamina ; and, besides these things, the Derby winner usually runs, to prove or disprove the correctness of the Epsom race, and not seldom he meets the Oaks winner, so that an interesting point as to the relative capacity of the colts and fillies of the season comes up for decision. Horses are entered for the Derby in the middle of their yearling season — thus the entries for the Derby of 1898 closed on July 21st, 1896. The reason for these early entries has already been given : if owners were allowed to wait until they had ascertained something of the real ability of their animals, many fewer subscriptions would be taken ; as it is, the chances are that the most promising colts and a smaller proportion of the most promising fillies are given an opportunity of obtaining what is supposed to be the highest honour the Turf affords. A few years since there was no " minor forfeit " for the Derby, that 44 THE TURF is to say, a man entered his horse, paid ^50 if he ran it, and £2^ — half forfeit— if he did not. Now, however, if his representative turns out disappointingly, and seems to have no chance, further liability can be escaped by payment of ^5 at a date in the January after entry. The subscriptions seldom fall far short of 300, and have exceeded that total — there were 301 for the Derby of 1897. The stakes have been well over ^7,000, but they have also sunk to under ^5,000, and now the value is fixed at ^6,000, of which the second horse receives ^300, and the third ^200 ; so that the winner saves his ^50 stake and secures the balance, ^5,450. Derby time is never very good, because of the nature of the course. The average for a consider- able number of years past has been a rate of i minute 48 seconds a mile, and in a well-run race a mile ought not to take much more than i minute 40 seconds ; but, as is elsewhere explained, nothing is more foolish and absurd than paying attention to the times races occupy. The subject of Derby winners is treated later on in the book, in the chapter on " Famous Horses." Entries for the St. Leger are made as nearly as possible two years before the event, in the September of the animal's yearling existence. Subscribers pay ^25 whether they run or not, and the value of the stake therefore depends entirely upon the number of subscriptions. These are usually some sixty or seventy fewer than for the Derby, but there is no minor WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 45 forfeit, and the two races are as a rule worth not very far from the same amount. For the Two Thousand and One Thousand Guineas, ^loo each, half forfeit, is the condition. Entries for these close about six weeks after the St. Leger, and in number they usually fall short of a hundred. The stakes vary in total between ^4,000 and ^5,000. The conditions for the Oaks are the same as for the Derby, except that in the fillies' race the nominator of the winner receives ;/^400, the owners of second and third £200 and ^100. Another important three-year-old race is the Newmarket Stakes of at least ^3,500, by subscription of £30 each. This is run at the Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, and the tendency of it is not wholly for good, as it affords a temptation to owners to run horses which have probably taken part in the Two Thousand a fortnight previously, are to go for the Derby, a fortnight later, and are thus overtaxed. For several years there was a three-year-old race at Epsom called the Grand Prize, set for the day after the Derby ; but this failed from obvious causes, and has been discontinued. Horses that had run the day before were likely to be feeling the effects of their exertions, if, indeed, their owners sent them to the post ; animals that seemed to have any chance for the Derby were almost certain to have been run in it ; if any were specially kept for the Grand Prize it was because of their obvious inferiority, and the contest was felt to be unsatisfactory. One thing to be specially desired 46 THE TURF every year is a good field for the Ascot Cup, but the average of runners is only from three to four, and it is perhaps not unnatural that this should be so. Two or three horses nearly always stand out by themselves, if, indeed, one animal does not appear to do so, and as there are here no penalties or allowances (beyond the inevitable 3 lbs. for mares and geldings), few owners care to submit their horses to the ordeal of a prepara- tion for a struggle over two miles and a half, with a very faint prospect of victory. Three-year-olds carry 7 St. 7 lbs., four-year-olds 9 St., five, six, and aged 9 st. 4 lbs. But when worthy opponents are in opposition it is truly a great race. The Goodwood Cup is weight-for-age with a difference. One horse may be penalised 21 lbs., another may be allowed 14 lbs., if a maiden four-year-old, 8 lbs. in addition if bred in British colonies or dependencies, making 22 lbs. in all, so that one four-year-old might have to give another no less a weight than 3 st. i lb. About the year 1884 it occurred to the managers of Sandown Park to inaugurate a race that should be the richest in England, and ingeniously to do so in a way that would not be likely to cost them anything ; for these gate-money meetings are commercial speculations, whatever they may do for the sport. A round sum of ^10,000 was to be the prize, and owners were to subscribe it out of their own pockets, though if a sufficient number of entries were not obtained there might be an amount for the Club to make up. The I*-* ^1 % WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 47 idea will be understood by a study of the conditions, which were as follows for the first Eclipse, run in I The ECLIPSE STAKES of 10,000 sovs. nett,with 500 sovs. for the second, the third to save his stake of no sovs. ; three-year-olds, 8 St. ; four, 8 st. 12 lbs. ; five and upwards, 9 st. ; mares and geldings allowed 3 lbs. ; winners of a stake value 500 sovs. to carry 4 lbs., of 1,000 sovs., 7 lbs. extra (handicaps not included) ; winners of the Derby, Oaks, St. Leger, or Grand Prix de Paris to carry 10 lbs. extra ; about one mile and a quarter. — 265 subs., 103 of whom pay 10 sovs. each, and 66 of whom pay 30 sovs. each. By subscription of 10 sovs. each, the only forfeit if declared by the first Tuesday in October, 1884; if left in after the first Tuesday in October, 1884, a further subscription of 20 sovs. ; if left in after the first Tuesday in January, 1885, a further subscription of 30 sovs ; if left in after the first Tuesday in January, 1886, a further subscription of 50 sovs. In the event of the forfeits exceeding the expenses of the stake, the surplus will be devoted either to a Consolation Stakes for the unplaced starters, or will be divided between the second and third horses, at the discretion of the Executive. It thus cost ^i 10 to run, that is to say, owners were taking the liberal odds of 10,000 to iio about their horses, with the chance of certain other recompenses or compensations. The scheme was successful, though in 1887 and 1890 there was no race. In amount, the total of the stakes has varied, dependent as it is on the number of entries. Ayrshire's Eclipse was worth ^11,160, St. Frusquin's ^9,310. These Ten Thousand Pounders, as they are called, were tempting races for conductors of meetings, and other places followed the lead of Sandown. The Lancashire 48 THE TURF Plate was started (1888) at Manchester, and Sea- breeze, who had beaten Ayrshire in the St. Leger a fortnight previously, beat him again, and credited her owner with the curious sum of ^10,222 105. lod. Le Sancy, at the time of writing the best sire in France, was third. A race called the Royal Stakes was run at Kempton, and added ^9,500 to Ayrshire's large winnings on the year. There he had the best of Seabreeze, who was second. The Prince of Wales's Stakes, for three-year-olds, was also devised at Leicester, and Donovan in 1889 earned ^11,000 by his victory ; but the race was a mistake, as it was fixed for April, and it was felt to be doubtful policy for owners who wanted to run their horses in the classic races to have them ready so soon. Colts and fillies could not well be trained for this event and be at their best a few weeks later in the Two Thousand, a month afterwards in the Derby, and between three or four months later still, in the St. Leger. The Leicester race was for a time transferred to the Summer Meeting and reduced in value ; but this, together with the Royal Stakes and the Lancashire Plate, has now been abandoned, though, on the other hand, the Stewards of the Jockey Club have introduced two £10,000 races at Newmarket, the Princess of Wales's Stakes, run at the First July Meeting, and the Jockey Club Stakes at the First October. The conditions of these are on the lines of the Eclipse, and these three are now the only stakes of this value. Comments on WEIGHT-FOR-AGE RACES 49 them are made in the chapter headed " Famous Horses." The two Newmarket Ten Thousand Pounders date from 1894. Other more or less notable weight-for-age races are the Alexandra Plate at Ascot, the only three mile contest run regularly. It is always fixed for the last day, and, as the Cup has been run for on the previous afternoon, and stayers are so few, the field is invariably very small, owners of Cup horses seldom being willing to subject their animals to the ordeal of two such races, especially on the well-nigh inevitably hard ground. The Doncaster Cup (1801) must also be mentioned, and the Jockey Club Cup, over the Cesarewitch course, at the Houghton Meeting ; but for the last twenty years there have never been more than half a dozen starters for the latter ; four times it has resulted in a walk over, and on seven occasions been reduced to a match. ;The Champion Stakes, also at the Houghton, must not be omitted, by reason of the good horses that have won it — Jannette, Rayon d'Or, Robert the Devil, Bend Or, Tristan (twice, besides a dead heat on a third occasion), Paradox, Ormonde, Bendigo, Friar's Balsam, Amphion, Orme and La Fleche. The conditions of the Challenge Cup and Whip will be found set forth in the " Rules of Racing," and need not be repeated. The Whip is a trophy con- taining hairs from the tail of Eclipse. CHAPTER III FAMOUS HORSES Some few years since, a journal devoted to racing sought the ideas of a number of authorities as to the names of the best ten horses of the century. Great difference of opinion prevailed, there being general agreement about only a few animals. Ormonde and St. Simon were in all the lists, and they could not well have been omitted, seeing that neither had ever been beaten ; and, indeed, except when Ormonde, after he had become a roarer, was pressed by Minting in the Hardwicke Stakes of 1887, all their races had been won with ease, though, if I remember correctly, T. Cannon, the jockey who rode Ormonde in his last race, told me that he touched the horse with his spurs. This, however, was a six furlong scurry. The Flying Dutchman, Voltigeur, and West Australian were usually included. Blair Athol had supporters, not- withstanding that doubts were expressed as to whether he was really a stayer ; and Gladiateur was not for- gotten. Galopin was almost the first choice with a band of enthusiasts who chanced to know how greatly FAMOUS HORSES 51 superior he was to some amongst his contemporaries that were almost universally accepted as really good horses. Isonomy, in spite of the fact that his chief performances were in handicaps, was rated as one of the ten by numerous votes ; and in fact these nine received most suffrage. Donovan and Isinglass had not made their names at the time when this difficult question was being discussed, or no doubt both would have had pronounced admirers. It is absolutely impossible to form any trustworthy estimate of the relative capacity of horses of the present day and their remote predecessors. The late Sir Francis Doyle and some other lovers of the Turf, who wrote plausibly and well, have endeavoured to prove that the modern thoroughbred has deteriorated in stamina if not in speed, and that over the Beacon Course the horses of the '8o's and '90's would have had no chance against the stalwart racers of the first half of the century ; but there is no real basis of justification for this argument. Horses were formerly trained to gallop the Beacon Course ; they are not so trained now ; and as to the pace at which they went, we have no knowledge. In all probability they took a long while about it, but records as to time are, we may be sure, altogether untrustworthy, considering for how many years the preposterous fiction of a mile a minute received credence. It is a perplexing business to endeavour to sift out the truth about the capacity of horses. Some writers are given to eulogising bygone •days. The horses of their youth appear to them far E 2 52 THE TURF better than any they have seen since ; others, again, are constantly making fresh idols, and discover the "horse of the century " every other year. Prejudice, too, is a mighty factor in most comparisons. Men are interested in horses and magnify their achievements ; possibly they base their calculations on some trial which was never authenticated by public running, and they implicitly believe that it was quite right when it may, in fact, have been quite wrong. More probably still, they are prejudiced against a horse, disgusted, it may be, by the panegyrics expressed in wild and whirling words by fatuous enthusiasts, and so try to pick holes by way of proving that these enthusiasts were writing nonsense. Unbiased and dispassionate judgment is rare, and when it is found, it may be based on inaccurate or insufficient grounds. In this work I have sedulously avoided quota- tions, of which so many books on racing are so largely made up, but it is obvious that no new ideas can now be promulgated about the famous horses of long ago ; and it may be very briefly stated that Marlow's observation when he first rode the Flying Dutchman (on whom he won the Derby of 1849) must surely be accepted as going far to stamp that colt a great one. " I was never on such a one as this before !" was the remark of that experienced jockey. Voltigeur is naturally coupled with his immediate predecessor in the list of Derby winners, and it is curious to recall the fact that when this notable animal was offered for sale at auction as a yearling no one would bid 100 FAMOUS HORSES 53 guineas for him. Frank Butler's inarticulate admira- tion when first he saw West Australian, and the circumstance that he found the colt did more than justify his appearance, tend to gain for this notable son of Melbourne a place in the very front rank. The question was not whether he was sure of the St. Leger, but by how much it would be desirable to win, Butler declaring that if he won by the length of his arm it would do, whilst Isaac Walker, who managed the colt, protested against heads and half-necks, and running things close generally. Blink Bonny (a daughter of Melbourne) was doubtless one of the best mares of modern times, and therefore in all probability in the history of the Turf; and Stockwell's name is almost unsurpassed in racing annals. It is usually discreet to avoid superlatives, but if it should not be said that no horse ever did such o-ood service to the o race of the English thoroughbred, it is safe to assert that none has ever done better. His sire. The Baron, won the Leger of 1845, ^^^ from him we have a direct line to some of the greatest horses of the present day. Here is a list of his contributions to the roll of classic winners. Two Thousand Guineas. 1852. Lord Exeter's ch. c. Stockwell, by The Baron. 1862. Mr. S. Hawke's b. c. The Marquis, by Stockwell. 1866. Mr. Sutton's b. c. Lord Lyon ,, ,, 1871. Mr. J. Johnstone's br. c. Bothwell ,, ,, 1873. Mr. W. S. Crawfurd's ch. c. Gang Forward „ ,, 54 THE TURF One Thousand Guineas. 1863, Lord Stamford's ch. f. Lady Augusta, by Stockwell. 1866. Marquis of Hastings' b. f. Repulse „ ,, 1867. Col. Pearson's br. f. Achievement ,, ,, The Derp.y. 1864. Mr. W. I'Anson's ch. c. Blair Athol „ „ 1866. Mr. Sutton's b. c. Lord Lyon „ ,, 1873. Mr. Merry's ch. c. Doncaster ,, ,, The Oaks. 1865. Mr. W. Graham's Regalia The St. Leger. ') M i860. Lord Ailesbury's St. Albans I86I. Mr. W. I'Anson's Caller Ou 1862. Mr. S. Hawke's The Marquis 1864. Mr. W. I'Anson's Blair Athol 1866. Mr. Sutton's Lord Lyon 1867. Col. Pearson's Achievement Six times in eight years, it will be seen, Stockwell's sons and daughters carried off the St. Leeer, whilst Doncaster's son, Bend Or, won the Derby of 1880, and became the sire of Ormonde, who won the Two Thousand, Derby, and St. Leger six years later. If this division of my work deals chiefly with comparatively recent times, it is because we have more trustworthy data to go on, and in consequence of a belief that readers will be more interested in animals whom they have seen, or the exploits of whose progeny they have witnessed. The success of Blink Bonny in the Derby of 1857 — the second of the three fillies that have won it in 118 years — reminds one that FAMOUS HORSES 55 the old riv^alry which used to exist between northern and southern stables, notably between Yorkshire and Newmarket, has practically disappeared. John Scott of Whitehall, the " Wizard of the North," as he was called, was a power in the racing- world of his day ; and his brother William, if not too scrupulous or too sober, was doubtless a highly effective horseman. The Dawsons, too, came from the north — from farther north than Whitehall, indeed — and the great reputa- tion of John Scott and one or two more northern trainers tended directly or indirectly to the establish- ment of other north country stables, as head lads and capable men who had learnt their business under masterly tuition found patrons to fill stables for them. Newmarket is said to have been little esteemed as a training centre some fifty years ago, odd as that may seem at present. The Dawsons came south, however ;. other establishments followed, and nowadays, though the name of I' Anson, associated with Blink Bonny, Blair Athol, and other famous animals, survives and is prominent on occasions, the northern stables are regarded by the southerners — whatever opinions may survive in Yorkshire — as generally inferior. Blair Athol was the culmination of northern glory, and that the chestnut made something of a sensation when he cantered to the post for the Derby on his first appearance on any racecourse there can be no doubt. The Duke of Beaufort recounts — though the story has never been published — how greatly he was struck 56 THE TURF by the looks and action of the son of Stockwell ; so much so, indeed, that, having had a great fancy for, and having backed, another horse in the race, he straightway went to the ring, and took care that Blair Athol's victory should not be unprofitable to him. The colt had great speed and a certain amount of stamina, but, as already remarked, he was not universally accepted as a stayer. When a handicap horse called The Miner beat him at York, excuses were made, as they always are in such cases, for his defeat ; but John Osborne, who rode The Miner, states that he was not at all surprised at his success, and, indeed, expected to win. Two of Blair Athol's sons won the St. Leger, but neither Craigmillar nor Silvio (who also won the Derby) was a good horse ; indeed, it is demonstrable that Craigmillar was vastly inferior to Galopin. This is somewhat overshooting the mark, however, for Blair Athol's year was 1864, and there was a three-year-old in 1863 who had and has staunch admirers. He did not win the Derby either, having been just beaten in that race ; for reference is made to Lord Clifden, who — possibly by ill luck, but the point does not now need argument — succumbed at Epsom to Macaroni. There are some animals that, for reasons not very easy to trace, firmly win a place in the affections of lovers of the horse, and Lord Clifden was one of these, possibly because this idea of his bad luck in the Derby so strongly prevailed. He FAMOUS HORSES 57 carried off the St. Leger, after having been left at the post, so that he had an apparently impossible distance to make up, and it was a triumph of patience and judgment on the part of his jockey, John Osborne, that he beat his eighteen opponents. Whatever may have been the relative merits of Macaroni and Lord Clifden when in training, the chestnut son of New- minster has done far better service at the stud. Macaroni is chiefly remembered by his two daughters, Spinaway and Camelia (who won the One Thousand and ran a dead heat for the Oaks with Euguerrande), although the former, it is true, was the mother of a memorable family ; but no fewer than four Leger winners were sired by Lord Clifden — Hawthornden (1870), Wenlock (1872), Petrarch (1876). and Jannette (1878). The blue blood of Wenlock is still in evidence, with promise of much to come, moreover. His daughter. Wedlock, dam of Best Man, was sold at auction when twelve years old for 4,600 guineas ; and Petrarch was sire of The Bard, who has done excellent things at the stud in France ; for thouo-h critics com- plain that his stock are light of bone and are prone to bad hocks, they keep on winning. Another Petrarch, Throstle, won the Leger of 1894, so that Lord Clifden must assuredly be included among famous horses. The idea that a French bred horse could win the Derby had been deemed impossible prior to 1865. Gladiateur had beaten a big field of twenty-nine starters in the Two Thousand, and not a little fluttered 58 THE TURF the holders of pronounced opinions on the subject of the invincibiHty of the EngHsh horse ; but the Two Thousand was not the Derby, and a strong conviction was felt that something" or other would come to the rescue of the British reputation at Epsom. But no- thing did. The son of Monarque followed in the foot- steps of West Australian, who won all three " classic" races in 1853, and there was nothing to be said beyond the expression of an unworthy doubt, started by bad losers who could not take defeat gracefully, as to whether he was really a three-year-old. The feat was to be repeated next year by Lord Lyon, and both were horses of the very first rank. Lord Lyon's early trials were exceptionally good, indeed, his first gallop was wonderful, for on September loth, 1864, the Saturday before Doncaster, when he was a yearling — an age at which very few horses are ever asked to gallop, and if they are at all it is usually three months later — he was only beaten a head over a severe three furlongs by a really smart two-year-old named Jezebel, who was giving him no more than 7 lbs, the weight being — Jezebel, 2 years, 8 st. 10 lbs., and Lyon, i year, 8 st. 3 lbs. " A tremendous per- formance for a yearling," was Lord Suffolk's commen- tary in his admirable book on Racing. Afterwards he did great things in private and in public ; but the "glorious uncertainty of the Turf" was exhibited in those days at the stud. Gladiateur never got a good horse, though his name is found in the pedigrees of FAMOUS HORSES 59 French winners, and Lord Lyon — unless the useful mare, Placida, be counted — is memorable only as the sire of Minting, one of those horses who would have made a mighty name for himself but for the fact of his always having to beat, or to try to beat if he was asked to attempt it, one unquestionably superior animal — Ormonde. Hermit was certainly a famous horse, though by no means of the first rank. The story of his sensational Derby victory in a snowstorm after he had broken a blood-vessel and been stopped in his work is too familiar to bear repetition. The rivalry between the Marquis of Hastings and Mr, Chaplin (now and for long past a sedate politician) was about this time keen in the extreme, but a little romance which has gained currency as to private feeling lending point to the antagonism of Hermit and Lady Elizabeth is altogether wide of the mark, as in 1867, when Hermit won the Derby, Lady Elizabeth was a two-year-old. Marksman was a colt of whom the q-reatest thinors were expected in Hermit's year, and until the Duke of Beaufort went to Danebury and found that John Day had sorely overdone the Two Thousand Guineas winner, Vauban, the prospects of the Badminton light blue and white hoops had looked rosy. That Lady Elizabeth, who started favourite at 7 to 4 in Blue Gown's Derby {1868), had been run to pieces as a two-year-old, there can be no doubt ; and though, as a rule, what is past soon becomes archaic and uninter- 6o THE TURF esting in this rapid age, the true story of Lord Hastings' racing career would always be absorbing. It has, indeed, occupied many pens, but it is all too evident that the writers have usually drawn upon their imaginations for their facts, and they differ ludicrously about their fiction. In some years the fillies are greatly superior to the colts, and 1867 furnishes a case in point. Achieve- ment, the daughter of Stockwell and own sister to Lord Lyon, the hero of the previous season, was doubtless unapproachable, and a wonderful animal to boot, for though she never ran as a four-year-old, and in her clay the rich stakes of ^10,000 (and upwards, for they have sometimes exceeded the nominal amount), which afterwards came into vogue, were not inaugurated, she is among the select little company of horses that have won over ^20,000, a list of which will presently be given ; and she was followed by another filly of almost equal fame, who also comes into the narrow list of "over ^20,000," and whose reputation is yet scarcely all that it should be for a very simple reason. Formosa, a daughter of Buccaneer, carried off the One Thousand, the Oaks, and St. Leger ; and she was not beaten for the Two Thousand. In that race she ran a dead heat with a horse of Mr. W. S. Crawfurd's, named Moslem. The colt subsequently walked over, and she is consequently not enrolled as a winner of the first classic race of 1868; but that he was inferior to Formosa few ever doubted, and he FAMOUS HORSES 6i consequently enjoys credit which he does not really deserve as the victor in this event. He was a sadly bad-tempered horse, and sank to the lowest depths. "He won the Derby" is the best recommendation a horse can have whilst he lives, the most effective and suggestive epitaph he can earn. The world in general accepts this as fame, in spite of all that is urged about the probably higher value of the St. Leger as a real test of merit, disregarding the circum- stances, so obvious to experts, that between Derby winners there is a vast amount of difference. Ormonde won the Derby ; so did Sir Visto ; and as Derby winners the outsider would very likely place them much on the same mark ; but though it is quite impossible accurately to gauge the respective capacity of the fields of 1886 and 1895, if experts do not agree that Ormonde was a 2 st. better horse, it is only because many good judges will continue to doubt whether that difference of weight would have broueht the two together had they been contemporaries. Accepting that view, and having regard to the need of brevity in this article, it is not every Derby or Leger winner whose performances can be discussed at length or even liberally summarised. Avoiding not thrice, but thirty-times-told tales, litde need be said about the Derby of 1868, which Sir Joseph Hawley won with Blue Gown. To win the Derby at all is so great an object of every owner's ambition, or of every owner with very few exceptions, that one 62 THE TURF might have supposed Sir Joseph Hawley would have been content, the more so as his success was achieved for the fourth time ; but he was anxious to win with Rosicrucian, always maintaining that this was the best of his three starters, for Green Sleeves also ran. The details of this story are given at full length in John Porter's book, Kingsclere, and in numerous other publications, so that it need not be dwelt on here, the more so as Blue Gown's name has now dropped out of Turf history, the horse having died while crossing the Atlantic to stand in America. For the next few years the Derby and St. Leger winners were chiefly famous because they won the Derby or the St. Leger. Pretender's success in 1869 was one of the races about which the crowd differed from the judge ; there was an idea that Pero Gomez had just got up, but the judge doubdess knew best, and Pero Gomez had his revenge at Doncaster, Lord Falmouth certainly managed his racing affairs with o-reat discretion ; but that luck which has been spoken of as a prevailing element certainly aided him in his two Derbys ; for Kingcraft in 1870 and Silvio in 1877 were both a good deal below the average of Derby winners. It has already been remarked that Galopin (1875) has admirers who believe him to be as good as any horse that ever ran. A son of Vedette, he could not have been more English, but his owner, Prince Batthyany, was one of many distinguished foreigners who have found an irresistible attraction in i^^Bfeii-i riFm I iJiX»' St. Simon. FAMOUS HORSES. I 'fi> face p. 62 FAMOUS HORSES 63 the English Turf; and in the next year also the Derby went abroad, Mr. A. Baltazzi having been the owner of Kisber, a son of Buccaneer, and so a close relation of Formosa. What is the worst horse that ever won the Derby is a point upon which agreement could hardly be reached. Sefton, Sir Bevys, Merry Hampton, Sain- foin, and Sir Visto would probably all be named if the question were put to the vote, and so little need be said about them under the present heading. Probably Sir Bevys owed his victory in a great measure to the fact of Fordham havingf ridden him with peculiar discretion. The weather is generally fine during the Epsom Summer Meeting, but that year the course was a quagmire on the lower side, and Fordham came wide on the right, thus running a little farther, but securing firm ground to gallop over. He was a great believer in the difference made by good going, thinking the smallest advantage well worth gain- ing, and there was a track at Newmarket along which he always took his horse under certain conditions of going. The Derby of 1880 is memorable for the desperately close struggle between Bend Or and Robert the Devil, and hard as I am trying to avoid the repetition of facts which will probably be known to most of my readers, it must be remarked that Robert the Devil ought certainly to have won, but that his jockey looked round and was apparently paralysed by Archer's desperate rush with the Duke of West- 64 THE TURF minster's colt, notwithstanding that the famous jockey was ridinof with one arm at the time, not havino" recovered from the injuries inflicted when he was savaged by Muley Edris. When there are two notable horses of the same age it not seldom happens that some unfortunate chance keeps them apart, as, for instance, was the case in 1884, when lovers of the Turf were exceedingly anxious to see what would happen if St. Simon and St. Gatien could meet over two miles. Bend Or and Robert the Devil, however, had several tussles, and each scored in turn, though in the St. Leger Robert the Devil had it all his own way, Bend Or being nowhere in the race ; and when they repeated their struggle over the Epsom course for the Cup, Robert the Devil turned the tables on the Derby victor, though as a matter of fact the neck by which he won did not mean very much, as neither horse was really himself at the time. The fact of the matter doubtless is that Bend Or had the better speed and that Robert the Devil was the better stayer. At a distance of a mile and a quarter it is probable that the chestnut would have won, but over the Cesarewitch course the general opinion would have leant strongly and unanimously to his rival. The French and the Hungarians had, it will be seen, carried off the Derby, and in 1881 it was to go to America by the aid of Iroquois, a son of Leamington. Iroquois was probably not a good horse, though he won the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Ascot FAMOUS HORSES 65 with the full penalty, an achievement which always counts in reckoning up a horse's capacity, and he did all that was asked of him in the St. Leger without difficulty. About this time the fillies were doing well. Going back a little way, it is obvious that Marie Stuart (in 1873), who won the Oaks, was better than her stable-companion, Doncaster, who won the Derby, because the two fought it out in the St. Leger, one of the most exciting contests ever seen on the Town Moor, and the filly beat the colt by a short head. Next season, too. Apology was surely the best of her year ; and Turf historians are fond of relating how there was a doubt about her being able to run at Doncaster, as she had shown signs of lameness, and how her owner — who was a clergyman — insisted upon her fulfilling her engagement, which she won gallantly in the hands of John Osborne. In 1883 there was what is called a sensational Derby, Galliard, Highland Chief, and St. Blaise, all three having staunch supporters, running a close finish, and only the judge could say for certain which had won. There were ugly rumours about the race into which it is not necessary to go at present. Charles Wood on St. Blaise shot round Tattenham Corner in a fashion of which Archer was very fond when he got the chance ; thus St. Blaise gained some two lengths, and his resolute jockey never lost his advantage. St. Blaise, it may be added, went to America, where he has done excellent service at the stud. In 1884 it is V 66 THE TURF tolerably certain that Busybody must have won the Derby had she run, as there is no doubt of her superiority to Harvester, who ran a dead heat with St. Gatien. Busybody was, indeed, a very good mare^ but she showed signs of lameness after her Oaks victory, and, though sent to Ascot, was never able to run there or subsequently ; she finally broke down a fortnight before the St. Leger, but has distinguished herself as the dam of Meddler, whose loss to this country is to be regretted. There can be no doubt he was a good horse, who would in all probability have earned a place in this chapter had he remained in Enofland. He won the Dewhurst Plate. o St. Simon, a contemporary of St. Gatien and Busy- body, was not entered for the Derby. Before the death of Prince Batthyany it had been rumoured that he owned a remarkably promising colt in a son of his Derby winner Galopin and of a mare called St. Angela. More than one man, however, who had reason to believe in the colt's capacity, timidly let him slip when he was for sale after his owner's terribly sudden death at Newmarket, and the lucky Duke of Portland bought him for i,6oo guineas, his dam being sold the same afternoon for 320 guineas. Four weeks after- wards to the day St. Simon made his first appearance on a racecourse in the Halnaker Stakes at Goodwood, ridden by Archer, and won in a canter by half-a-dozen lengths. Next afternoon he came out again for a Maiden Plate against a solitary opponent, of whom he FAMOUS HORSES 67 disposed without an effort. The few engagements which had been made for him were of course rendered void by the death of his first owner, and his next race was in the Devonshire Nursery at Derby. He had now earned 8 st. 12 lbs., and played with his opponents. In the Prince of Wales' Nursery at Don- caster he was top weight, 9 St., in a field of twenty-one, and "won by eight lengths" was the verdict — the judge was not called upon to say that the eight lengths might have been eighteen if Archer had wished it. As it happened, this was a year when the fillies seemed to have things very much their own way. Wild Thyme, a daughter of Lowlander and Fragrance, won the Woodcote, the New Stakes at Ascot, the Exeter Stakes at the Newmarket July, and the Lavant Stakes at Goodwood ; the Hermit — Adelaide filly, known afterwards as Solitaire and then called Queen Adelaide, won the July ; Superba carried off the Astley Stakes at Lewes and the Champagne at Doncaster ; Busy- body won the Rous Memorial at Newmarket and the Middle Park Plate ; but there was a colt, who strangely enough had run for the first time in public within an hour of St. Simon's ddbut, and was believed by his friends to be quite as good as, if not better than, the son of Galopin. This was the Duke of Westminster's Bushey, as he had been originally named, by Hamp- ton — Preference, who had gone to Goodwood with a great reputation, and, having won the Richmond Stakes, was re-named Duke of Richmond. A match Y 2 68 THE TURF was consequently made between the two, and came off immediately before the Dewhurst Plate (in which Queen Adelaide, 8 st. 13 lbs., beat Busybody, 9 st. 2 lbs., a neck, thus showing themselves practically the same animal). They ran at even weights, and St. Simon won — easily, Archer, who rode him, declared ; with scarcely 7 lbs. in hand was the estimate of Tom Cannon, the jockey of the defeated colt. Duke of Richmond may be here dismissed with the remark that hard struggles in the Hunt Cup and Stewards' Cup next year, for both of which he was just beaten, apparently broke his heart, or at least disgusted him with racing, and he sank to hurdle jumping. St. Simon began as a three-year-old in the same way in which he had ended as a two-year-old — with a match. It had been questioned whether he could stay, and M. Lefevre, the owner of Tristan, one of the few sons of Hermit who had exhibited capacity to win over a distance of ground, challenged St. Simon to run a mile and a half, each having a pacemaker to bring him along. That was if they could, for the pace-makers were reduced to helplessness very soon after the start ; then St. Simon left Tristan and won at his ease by half a dozen lengths. There was nothing that dared to oppose St. Simon for the Epsom Gold Cup (an extinct race). Tristan came out again to run against St. Simon for the Ascot Cup, to see if the additional mile of that race would make a difference, but "won by twenty lengths, a bad third" — Faugh-a-Ballagh occupied the FAMOUS HORSES 69 place — was this time the result ; at Newcastle, with odds of 100 to 9 on him, St. Simon very easily dis- posed of a solitary opponent, Chislehurst ; and with odds of 100 to 7 on him in the Goodwood Cup he cantered away from Ossian, who had won the Leger of the year before but had become unsound in his wind. That was St. Simon's last appearance on a racecourse ; he retired to the stud, where his success has been very great, his fillies having been considered specially good, until his sons, St. Frusquin and Persimmon, not to mention St. Serf, showed that he could produce horses as well as mares. As for the latter, in five consecutive years his daughters won the Oaks four times. That " handsome is as handsome does " is a proverb not to be disputed, but certainly St. Simon was as different as he well could be from the "long, low, level" horse, whose make and shape has been so often eulogised. He was unusually short and had slight looking hind quarters. Melton's beautiful action gave him distinction, but he misses a place quite in the first rank, as other animals were too close to him, for he only beat Paradox a head in the Derby, and Paradox only beat Crafton a head in the Two Thousand Guineas. More- over, it is very probable that Paradox won only because Archer husded Crafton out of it, and that if the owner of the latter had objected he would have got the race. During this year (1885) a rumour, which was not infrequent at the time, and has often been repeated since, became current, to the effect that 70 THE TURF there was something out of the common at Kingsclere ; and the rumour subsequently proved to be true. The animal in question was a bay son of Bend Or and Lily Agnes ; but it was not until late in the year, at Newmarket in October, that he appeared to run in a Post Sweepstakes, and his excellence was not so generally recognised as to prevent backers from laying a slight shade of odds, 6 to 5, on Modwena, a little filly belonging to the Duke of Pordand. Ormonde, however, had warm supporters at 5 to 4, and he won with the utmost ease ; it was then perceived that the stories which had been told about him were true, and he was a very strong favourite for the Criterion, which he won, having some speedy animals behind him, notably Oberon and Mephisto. Oberon, it may be interpolated, was the son of Galopin and Wheel of Fortune, and his dam must certainly hold a prominent place in the list of famous horses ; for when asked by the present writer which was the best animal he had ever ridden, Fred Archer replied that he could not decide between St. Simon and this mare ; though it must be added that this was before the appearance of Ormonde. Ormonde came out for a third time in the Dewhurst Plate, and with long odds on him again gave proof of his capacity, not, however, having much behind him, his best opponent being Miss Jummy, only a moderate animal though she won the Oaks. 1886 was a great year, for there were several three- year-olds of altogether exceptional excellence. A FAMOUS HORSES 71 handsome little horse, called The Bard, had won the Brocklesby Stakes at Lincoln, and ran sixteen times during the season without ever having been beaten. A colt named Saraband had come out at Kempton and won his race so easily that there seemed to be no saying how good he was ; and Matthew Dawson was training a son of Lord Lyon, named Minting, whom he declared to be one of the very best animals he had ever known. Here, it will be seen, was material for most exciting contests ; and, indeed, a race has rarely been more absorbing than the Two Thousand Guineas of 1886. Matthew Dawson's opinion of Minting led to his starting favourite at even money ; in many cases odds were laid on him, though the Racing Calendar returns his price at 11 to 10 against. Saraband was second favourite at 3 to i, and Ormonde came next at 7 to 2 ; 33 to I bar three being the price of those next in demand, if it can be said that there was any sort of demand for them. Mephisto and St. Mirin figured at these odds. Watts rode Minting, Archer was on Saraband, George Barrett on Ormonde, and the race was never in doubt. At the distance Minting- was rolling about hopelessly beaten, and Ormonde won in a canter. So unmistakable was the result that Mr. Vyner, the owner of Minting, perceived he could have no chance for the Derby, and with great discretion determined to reserve his horse for the Grand Prix. Of course Ormonde was a very strong favourite for the Derby, nothing else being supposed to have 72 THE TURF the least chance with him except The Bard. The betting is returned at 85 to 40 on Ormonde, 7 to 2 The Bard, 25 to i bar one, a horse of Lord Zetland's called Grey Friars being the nominal third favourite. The betting, it may be added, extended to " 1000 to 5 Ariel and Coracle coupled," probably the longest odds ever offered, but a great deal too short to indicate their chances. The little Bard ran a gallant race, though his jockey, who had been told to keep him well in front, as it was thought he might stay better than his great rival, did not obey instructions — or possibly could not do as he was told. Down the hill, however. The Bard for a moment got on terms, and just for half a moment flattered the hopes of his friends ; but Ormonde's stride told, and Archer, who rode him, won quite comfortably by a length and a half. Ormonde went to Ascot and played with two indifferent opponents in the St. James's Palace Stakes. In the Hardwicke next day he had a Derby winner against him. Melton, but the result was never in doubt. Going on to Doncaster he ran for the St. Leger, and with odds of 7 to I on him won in a common canter by four lengths. 25 to i was laid on him the next time he appeared, for the Great Foal Stakes at the Newmarket First October, where he cantered away from Mephisto ; and for the Newmarket St. Leger nothing ventured to oppose him — a wise discretion. He came out next for the Champion Stakes, " 100 to I on " being his price, and again for the Free FAMOUS HORSES 73 Handicap, where he gave two stone to Mephisto and won In a canter by eight lengths, ending his year's labours — thouoh in fact there had been no labour about his performances, except possibly for a few strides in the Derby — by walking over for a Private Sweepstakes on the last day of the Houghton meeting. During the winter an ugly rumour became current that Ormonde had begun to " make a noise," and the story was in fact too true. Notwithstanding, backers were content to lay 4 to i on him for the Rous Memorial at Ascot, when he beat Kilwarlin by six lengths ; the race, however, leaving no sort of doubt as to the noise. In the Hardwicke Stakes, therefore, it was supposed that his old rival Minting would have a great chance against him ; and for the first time for more than a year Ormonde started at reasonable odds, 5 to 4 on, 7 to 4 being taken about Minting. They carried even weights, 9 st. 10 lbs. each ; but, hampered as he was by his infirmity, Ormonde held his own, only winning by a neck, it is true ; but Tom Cannon, who rode him, let it be understood that he could have somewhat increased the distance had it been desirable, the race not having been quite so close a thing as it appeared to spectators. His final appearance was made at the Newmarket July Meeting, over the last six furlongs of the Bunbury mile, for the Imperial Gold Cup ; and this time, though the verdict was in his favour, he had to be driven in order to shake off 74 . THE TURF Whitefriar, who was in receipt of only 4 lbs. So ended the turf career of what is regarded by many as the best horse that ever ran, though of course there is no possibility of getting a line between him and St. Simon. The Duke of Westminster sold him for 17,000 guineas, and he stayed for some time in South America ; subsequently he was brought back to England, and again sold to an American, at whose establishment in California he is at present. His recent stock are described as most promising. His sons Orme and Goldfinch are standing in Endand. up to the time of writing the children of Orme have not greatly distinguished themselves. Only one of them has carried off a race, but Goldfinch has Chelandry and Monterey to his credit. It was a sad drop from 1886 to 1887, from Ormonde to Merry Hampton, the latter colt winning the Derby on his first appearance on any racecourse, and beating The Baron, a very bad animal, on whom odds were laid ; but happily the two-year-olds of this season were more promising, one in particular seeming likely to rival the deeds of Ormonde himself. This was Friar's Balsam. The colt made his first appear- ance at Ascot in the New Stakes, for which a horse of the Duke of Portland's called Ayrshire, and a mare of the late Lord Calthorpe's called Seabreeze, both of whom were highly esteemed, went to the post ; but Friar's Balsam won with the most consummate ease, following up his success by a career of six uninter- FAMOUS HORSES 75 rupted victories, in the Hurstbourne Stakes at Stock- bridge, the July Stakes at Newmarket, the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood, the Molecombe Stakes at the same meeting, the Middle Park and Dewhurst Plates ; all, it will be seen, except perhaps the Molecombe, races of the highest class, the seven wins crediting his owner. Sir Frederick Johnstone, with a total of ^8,666. It was supposed that he could not be beaten for the Two Thousand Guineas next year, and he started a very hot favourite ; but on the way to the post Tom Cannon, who rode him, discovered that something was wrong ; in fact, a large abscess had formed in the colt's mouth and broke under the pressure of the bit. It was supposed that his boy, while dressing him some time before, had irritably jerked his mouth ; but however it arose this misfortune had befallen him, and Friar's Balsam was for the time at any rate practically ruined. This cleared the way for Ayrshire, a son of the once little esteemed Hampton, who was thus enabled to make a great name for himself. He won the Two Thousand Guineas, the Derby, and started first favourite for the St. Leger, which led to the contest which is always desired in the great Doncaster race, a fight between the winners of the Derby and the Oaks ; and here the filly had the best of it. Both of these, it will be seen, figure in the list given elsewhere of horses that have won over ^^20,000 in stakes. Luck of course greatly aided Ayrshire in achieving this result. His weak 76 THE TURF point, doubtless, was that he was not a genuine stayer, but at a mile or a little more he was a really good horse, and it happened, fortunately for his owner, that this was a time when great stakes were to be won. After the age of three years no horse had ever won as much money as was won by Ayrshire, for at this time there was a ^10,000 race at Kempton Park called the Royal Stakes, as well as the Eclipse at Sandown ; and this latter, though nominally worth that sum, in reality credited the Duke of Portland with ^11,160. Friar's Balsam, now a four-year-old, was supposed to have recovered his form sufficiently to give him a very good chance for the Kempton Park Royal Stakes (for he had beaten Minting in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket the previous autumn). In the race, however, he did badly, finishing last of the seven competitors with the exception of the Baron. The Duke of Portland had another horse in this race besides Ayrshire, a colt called Melanion, who was believed to be better than his stable-companion. One friend of the Duke had rather a disagreeable experience on this occasion, which is perhaps worth recording. He had invested ^1,000 on Ayrshire at odds of 6 to I ; but hearing that Melanion was superior to the four-year-old, he gave the bookmaker with whom he had made the bet ^100 to let him transfer it to Melanion ; so that he lost ^1,100 instead of winning ^7,000. Ayrshire won by a length from his old opponent Seabreeze, thus reversing their FAMOUS HORSES 77 performance in the valuable Lancashire Plate, another ^10,000 race, which has since been dropped ; for in that the filly beat the colt by three-quarters of a length. The Duke of Portland was in the heyday of his wonderful success, for whilst Ayrshire was doing great things, his colt Donovan, a son of Galopin, was carrying well-nigh all before him as a two-year-old. Donovan came out in the Brocklesby Stakes, and, as already remarked, was one of the few good animals that have won that race. Going on to Leicester he very appropriately secured the Portland Stakes, then worth ^6,000 ; but on his third appearance he met with one of the three defeats which marked his career. Chittabob, a son of Robert the Devil and the Oaks winner Jenny Howlet, who had 13 lbs. the best of the weights, won by four lengths ; and there can be little doubt that Chittabob was a really good animal, though he suffered durino" his career from constant lameness in the shoulder, and so was very rarely in a position to do himself anything like justice. Donovan resumed his victorious career in the New Stakes at Ascot, following it up by taking the Homebred Foal Stakes at the Bibury Club meeting, and the next day won the Hurstbourne, thus carrying on the traditions of good two-year-old racing at Stockbridge. He only found one opponent. Prince Soltykoff's Gold, in the July Stakes at Newmarket, and beat him. Going on to Goodwood he won the Ham Stakes, and for the Prince 78 THE TURF of Wales' Stakes on the Thursday started favourite at 2 to I on. The going at Goodwood is generally- excellent, but this year there had been torrents of rain, and the course was almost a morass, with a great pool of water standing at the end of the lawn ; such a state of things had not been experienced within living memory, and it may be that Donovan fell a victim to the consequences of the weather, for here he met with his second defeat, El Dorado winning by six leno-ths from Gold, with Donovan another six lengths behind. That the horse had not deteriorated in any way was made plain enough subsequently. He cantered away with the Buckenham, having there nothing to beat, however, and a similarly easy task was before him in the Hopeful Stakes ; but the Middle Park Plate was of course a different matter. Here he met thirteen opponents, including Gold, and Donovan won comfortably. Gold not being in the first six ; he ended the labours of the season by taking the Dew- hurst Plate, having secured in all eleven races, worth ^16,487, the largest sum ever won by a two-year-old. Donovan wintered well and started next season brilliantly by winning the Prince of Wales' Stakes at the Leicester Spring Meeting, then worth ^11,000. Nothinof had ever seemed much more certain than that he would win the Two Thousand Guineas ; but how Enthusiast beat him, or rather how Tom Cannon beat F. Barrett, has been described in the previous chapter on " Jockeys," Of course it was an accident, FAMOUS HORSES 79 and Donovan never again knew defeat. In the Newmarket Stakes he beat Enthusiast and fifteen other horses without the least difficulty, Enthusiast, indeed, not being in the first four ; and he continued his victorious career by winning the Derby from Miguel, with El Dorado a bad third and Enthusiast eighth ; the Princess of Wales' Stakes at Ascot with the full penalty — and with odds of 9 to 2 on him ; the St. Leger with Miguel again second, and El Dorado fourth ; the Lancashire Plate with Chittabob second, beaten two lengths, and the French mare Alicante, a two-year-old, third ; Seabreeze, a winner the year before, as just mentioned, unplaced. The Royal Stakes at the Newmarket Second October Meeting- was Donovan's last appearance carrying a silk jacket, but in his two seasons he had won for his owner the sum of ^54,935, not counting what he secured by runnino- second on the occasion of two of his three defeats. Until Isinglass topped this record, Dono- van's winnings had been nearly ^20,000 more than had ever been won by any other horse, Ayrshire coming third on the list with under ^36,000, as will be seen by reference to the table. He was of course a very good horse indeed, though the disposition is not to rank him with Ormonde and St. Simon, and whether he or Isinglass was the better is a subject on which opinions are and always must be divided. At the stud he has not so far proved notably successful, Velasquez having been by far his best son. 8o THE TURF A two-year-old who it was fondly hoped by his friends would rival Donovan's achievements was running when the Duke of Portland's colt was a three- year old. This was Surefoot, a son of Wisdom and of an unnamed daughter of Galopin and Miss Foot, the property of Mr. A. W. Merry, a son of the owner of Doncaster, Thormanby, MacGregor, Marie Stuart, and other famous animals. Surefoot came out in the Woodcote Stakes at Epsom, and won from a very speedy mare called Heresy in a style which evoked general admiration, but at Ascot he just failed by a head to beat one of the Duke of Portland's St. Simon fillies named Semolina, though in the New Stakes he had things all his own way, and won the only other race for which he ran, the Findon Stakes at Good- wood, with odds of lOO to 6 on him. St. Simon fillies have of late years gained a great name for themselves, and, as regards speed, there are many impartial judges who believe that no horse ever went faster than Sig- norina, who was at that time a two-year-old. She was the property of an Italian gentleman, Signor Ginistrelli, who had raced in England for a number of years with a persistence which was very little rewarded. His colours have been registered for something like a quarter of a century, but the Turf world in general knew very litde of them until he had sent his mare Star of Portici to St. Simon, and Signorina was the result. The owner gave her an excellent chance by -entering her liberally, and she abundandy repaid him. FAMOUS HORSES 8i As a two-year-old she ran eight times and won eight races, beating, moreover— and a test of high success is not how much or how often an animal wins, but what horses of reputation he defeats— notable op- ponents. Martagon, who has since won fame as the sire of Champ de Mars and Cap Martin, had been tried a good horse before the Whitsuntide Plate at Manchester, and with 6 lbs. the best of the weights, carefully handled, moreover, by Tom Cannon, he ran Signorina to a head; but that was the only time she really came near to defeat. One has to beware of the critics, and it might, for instance, be pointed out that Signorina only beat Orwell a head at Sandown, to which, however, it may be remarked that she was giving Orwell 15 lbs., includ- ing sex allowance, and that the head might have been extended. The stable over which Ryan presided hoped to wipe out the defeat of Martagon by the victory of Alloway at Kempton, but Signorina gave him 7 lbs. and no chance ; and later on she did something much more noteworthy. Her relative, the Duke of Portland's Memoir (St. Simon-Ouiver), subsequent winner of Oaks and St. Leger aTnongst other races, had been tried a really good filly, and'^at Derby Signorina was set to give her no less than 16 lbs. ; but the result was never in doubt, and the seal was set on her fame in the Middle Park Plate. There she met Le Nord, a horse of brilliant speed. Semolina (better than Memoir as a two-year-old) was G 82 THE TURF in the field, as were her old opponents Martagon and Alloway, both in receipt of 7 lbs., and she ran right away from the lot of them. The race was won in the first three hundred yards ; she " squandered her field "^ as the phrase goes, and came in at her ease. What she did for Signor Ginistrelli is best shown by his position in the list of winning owners. 1886. 1887. 1888. 1889. ^ iij yti stj 251I 11,8671 Of this last Signorina won all but ^162. It is the custom of writers on turf affairs to waste much time and ink during the winter and spring in weighing up the two-year-old form of fillies (as well as of colts), and in endeavouring to deduce from it the pro- bable winner of the Oaks. As a matter of fact, two- year-old fillies lose their form as often as they retain it ; and after her extraordinary succession of victories in her first season, Signorina, as a three-year-old, ran five times and won only a single race worth ^200, her one victory having been in a match with a filly (Susiana) who displayed an amazing aptitude for running second, as in the nine races she ran that year she was second on eisht occasions ! How Memoir must have come on to beat Signorina in the Oaks, or how Signorina must have gone off to be beaten, is obvious. Next year in four attempts she again won a single race ; but it was a valuable one, the Lancashire Plate of ;^8,97i, which raised her total to the sum that gives her admission to FAMOUS HORSES 83 the select list of winners of over ^20,000 ; but it was generally agreed that she owed her success here to the unsatisfactory performance of G. Barrett, who rode Orme. Like so many other horses that did great things on the turf, she has been a failure in the paddocks. Another of the Duke of Portland's St. Simon fillies, Memoir, did not very greatly distinguish herself this year, though she won three of the six races in which she took part ; events of no great importance, however, three of them being worth only just over ^1,300 ; but she was a filly who made great improvement with time. There was another very good two-year-old also this year, belonging to the Duchess of Montrose, who raced under the name of " Mr. Manton," in Riviera, a daughter of St. Simon and Marguerite, who won ten races in thirteen attempts, worth altogether ^12,237, and that she would have made a great name for herself is probable, in spite of the fact of her having failed in the Oaks, but she had the misfortune to break her back while at exercise on Newmarket Heath. She had met Signorina at Manchester and ran unplaced to the flying filly. Surefoot, to return to him after the digression necessitated by the mention of Signorina, came out and won the Two Thousand in brilliant fashion. He started the hottest favourite for the Derby that had ever been known up to that date, odds of 95 to 40^ being laid on him ; but he could not stay for one thing, and he was an extremely bad-tempered horse for G 2 84 THE TURF another. Comine round Tattenham corner he devoted himself to savaging his opponents, and only got fourth to Sainfoin, who has been already described as one of the worst Derby winners on record. Surefoot's penalty and the distance stopped him in the Prince of Wales' Stakes, and that beautiful horse Amphion easily beat him in the Hardwicke Stakes, where also Sainfoin had four lengths the best of him. Surefoot had by this time lost much of his character, but over a mile he had extraordinary speed, and carried off the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Leicester, a race worth ^7,750, beating Memoir by two lengths. He was also to have one other success of a very surprising character during his career, in the Eclipse Stakes. Common, a horse that was probably a good deal overrated in his day, was supposed to be a " certainty " for the Eclipse ; odds were laid on him, and Surefoot was going so badly as they turned into the straight that 20 to i was offered against him by the ring. The mile and a quarter round the turns was, however, just within his compass, and coming up the hill with an amazing flash of speed — speed being doubtless what Common lacked — he secured this valuable prize. Though it will be seen that he wins a place in the list of over ^20,000, he has done very moderately at the stud. Had the Leicester race been over a mile and a half instead of a mile, Surefoot's chance of beating Memoir would have been remote. She did not win the One Thousand Guineas for the reason that the Duke of FAMOUS HORSES 85 Portland had declared to win with her stable companion Semolina, having a natural preference for an animal he had bred over one he had bought ; for Memoir was purchased by auction at a Royal stud at Bushey Park for 1,500 guineas, little more than a quarter of the sum which was paid two years after for her sister La Fleche. In the Oaks, however, no declaration was made, it being obvious that Memoir was the better of the pair, and she won this race, following it up with the St. Leger, a success which may or may not have been affected by a scrimmage which took place at the bend — a rare event in the great race at Doncaster. She was a good mare ; but if she is so rated Amphion must be accepted as a very good horse, in spite of the fact that he never took part in any of the classic races, for which his owner, General Byrne, had not entered him. Amphion was trained for his first races at Stockbridge on ground leased from Tom Cannon, and a more charming horse has rarely been seen. It was not often that such animals as he ran at the Croydon meetings, where "class" was seldom well represented, and it is a somewhat curious fact that he and L'Abbesse de Jouarre, who won the Oaks, should have made their first appearance there in the same race. Amphion's total of winnings gives him a place in the list, but he cannot be rated as a stayer in view of the ease with which Sheen beat him over the last two miles of the Cesarewitch course, giving him a couple of pounds, moreover, when there is no doubt 86 THE TURF Amphion was very well and greatly fancied by his friends. Common, who never ran as a two-year-old, carried off the three classic races next season, but failed as just described in the Eclipse Stakes. Whilst he was runnino- another horse from Kingfs- clere, and a filly from the same stable, were dis- tinguishing themselves. These were Orme and La Fleche. Probably Orme was somewhat overrated, there being a natural tendency to make much of a son of Ormonde, but he was a very good colt, as his two- year-old success sufficiently proved. That he would win the Derby was generally assumed, if without much warrant, for there can be no doubt that he was not a stayer. In the spring of 1892, however, a sensation was created by the report that Orme had been poisoned. Possibly this may have been so, for John Porter, who must know more about it than any one else, maintains the fact in his " Kingsclere " ; but it is a strange circumstance that Orme's symptoms, which led to the supposition of poisoning, were that season found in several other stables where horses were attacked with a similar complaint, though no suspicion of a malicious origin ever gained the slightest ground. Orme, how- ever, could not run for the Two Thousand Guineas or for the Derby, for which race it seemed that a fourth filly was to be added to the list of winners, in La Fleche. Fillies are, however, notoriously uncertain in the summer, and she was beaten by Sir Hugo, a most unexpected result, for that she was a vast deal FAMOUS HORSES 87 the better of the two subsequent running, both in the St, Leger and in the Lancashire Plate, most unmistak- ably demonstrated. Orme was sufficiently recovered by July to take part in the Eclipse Stakes, which he won, his victory producing a great burst of enthusiasm ; but in the St. Lesfer, La Fleche, who had meantime narrowly escaped defeat in the Oaks from a moderate mare called The Smew, thus strengthening the supposition that she was not herself at Epsom, won with considerable ease, Orme never looking in the least dangrerous from start to finish. There was an Orme party and a La Fleche party, between whom feeling ran very high, each eulogising the animal of its choice and endeavouring to depreciate the perform- ances of the other. The truth appears to be that over a mile the colt would have beaten the filly ; but Orme assuredly did not stay, and in contests of a longer distance the filly would have had no difficulty in •defeating- the colt. She ran in all sorts of races, some of which are mentioned in the chapter on " Handicaps." Whether she will prove worth the money (12,600 guineas) paid for her at the sale of her late owner's horses is, of course, a question for the future. Her daughter, La Veine, though a mere pony, won a race in the autumn of 1897. Whilst La Fleche and Orme were running their three-year-old races, a two-year-old named Isinglass was gradually making a reputation which was some- what grudgingly accorded him. Racegoers were 88 THE TURP curiously slow to recognise the merit of Isinglass, who, however, did everything that was asked of him as a two-year-old. He was one of those horses of whom it is said that they would " make a race with a donkey ; " he accomplished what was necessary, but wasted no exertion. That index of public opinion, the ring, con- tinually showed that Isinglass was not properly appre- ciated ; however, he won the New Stakes at Ascot, the Middle Park Plate, and went into winter quarters with an unbeaten certificate. Next year he came out for the Two Thousand Guineas, which he won easily enough ; he won the Derby, the St. Leger, and again throughout the season did everything that he was asked to do. That he could beat Ladas in the Prince of Wales' Stakes at the Newmarket July Meeting was, next year, deemed incredible by the supporters of Lord Rosebery's colt, but there was no sort of doubt about the result when it came to racing, and, in fact. Isinglass only once met with defeat — in the Lancashire Plate, when he failed to give the weight to Raeburn ; this, however, doubtless being because he was a horse who hated to make his own running, and his little jockey, T. Loates, could not persuade him to go on in front. It is no disparagement of Loates, in the face of the colt's succession of victories in which that jockey always rode him, to say that a longer-legged horse- man would have shown Isinglass off to much better advantage than he was able to do. The result of his career, which ended with a victory in the Ascot Cup, FAMOUS HORSES 89 was that Isinglass won in stakes the largest sum ever gained by a single horse, ^57,185, the produce of eleven victories in the twelve races in which he took part. Details are here tabulated : £ 1892. Two- Year-Old Plate 196 New Stakes, Ascot 2,006 Middle Park Plate 2,375 1893. Two Thousand Guineas 4,250 Newmarket Stakes 3,795 The Derby 5,525 The St. Leger 5)3°° 1894. Princess of Wales' Stakes 10,911 Eclipse Stakes 9,285 Jockey Club Stakes 11,302 1895. Gold Cup, Ascot 2,250 ^57,185 It was very bad luck for Mr. C. D. Rose, the owner of Ravensbury, that his colt should have been born in the same year as Mr. M'Calmont's well-nigh invincible animal, as Ravensbury was constantly meeting him, and invariably running second or third. Supposing that Isinglass had been out of the way, that his dam had not been bought for the nineteen sovereigns that were given for her, and that Isinglass had never been born, Ravensbury would have made a great name for himself. Isinglass had fine speed and was also a genuine stayer. Not a few critics place him only, if at all, behind Ormonde and St. Simon in the list of famous horses. Whilst, as just noted the tendency always was to underrate Isinglass, there was a disposition to magnify the merits 90 THE TURF of Ladas, who barely misses a place in the list of winners of ^20,000. He was a very good horse, no doubt, and the scene of enthusiasm which broke out at Epsom when he won the Derby, Lord Rose- bery, his owner, being Prime Minister at the time, will not soon be forgotten. There is no reason to assume that Lord Rosebery ever rated him as really in the very first class, for it is known that during the two-year-old career of Velasquez his owner considered that the son of Donovan and Vista was the best animal he had ever owned. Ladas failed in the St. Leger, which was most unexpectedly won by Throstle, who was considered by her stable to be at least 21 lbs. inferior to Match Box, whom she beat on the Doncaster Town Moor. Throstle was an exceedingly wayward animal. Her friends had hopes that she would beat Isinglass in the Jockey Club Stakes after her St. Leger victory, but their hopes would probably have been vain, even had she not bolted, as she did, in the course of the race. She gave her running truly enough at Sandown shortly afterwards in the Select Stakes, but never had the remotest chance with Best Man. Her owner, it is true, did not read the race in this way, and when the horses returned to the paddock "remarked to Webb, who had ridden Best Man, " Three hundred yards further and we should have beaten you ! " " Not if we had gone round the course three times more. Sir Frederick," was Webb's reply. Next year Lord Rosebery won the Derby and FAMOUS HORSES 91 St. Leeer aeain with Sir Visto, about whom there is no more to be said than that his owner was mar- vellously lucky. The two-year-olds of 1895, however, were a very different class from the three-year-olds, Mr. Leopold de Rothschild's St. Frusquin and the Prince of Wales' Persimmon being far in advance of all the rest. Which was the better of the two will always remain a disputed point, for when St. Frusquin beat Persimmon in the Middle Park Plate, the Prince of Wales' colt was said to be not at his best — a statement, however, which seemed to be negatived by the betting, for Persimmon was a very hot favourite. In the Derby next year, on the other hand, St. Frusquin was believed to be not quite himself, and Persimmon here beat him by a neck. The two met shortly afterwards in the Princess of Wales' Stakes at Newmarket, when St. Frusquin had considerably the best of it, though it is true that he carried 3 lbs. less than his rival. The general impression of the Turf world as to the relative merits of the pair was, however, unmistakably shown by the St. Leger betting. St. Frusquin was here greatly preferred to the other ; but unfortunately Mr. Leopold de Rothschild's colt gave way and was never able to run again after his success in the Eclipse, a piece of extraordinary good luck for the Prince of Wales, who thus found a most dangerous opponent removed from his path. Many excellent judges are firmly convinced that had St. Frusquin remained 92 THE TURF sound and kept his form, Persimmon would have had a very remote chance of approaching inclusion in the list of winners of over ^20,000. Whilst these things were happening, Velasquez, carrying, it will be gathered from what has been said, the extreme confidence of his owner — one of the shrewdest and soundest judges known on the turf for a very great many years past — had cantered home for the New Stakes at Ascot, where he had only to beat Monterey, a son of Goldfinch and so a grandson of Ormonde. He sustained his reputation in the Prince of Wales' Stakes at Goodwood, and with odds of 100 to 9 on him beat a solitary opponent for the Champion Stakes at Doncaster. It was natural, there- fore, that he should have started a very strong favourite for the Middle Park Plate, where odds of 5 to i were freely laid on him ; but here he met with his first defeat, from Galtee More (Kendal — Morganette), a colt that had won three races out of four previously to this, without, however, making any great impression. Mornington Cannon, who rode Galtee More, said after the Middle Park, that when the two met again Galtee More would always beat the other. Excuses were made for Velasquez on the ground that he could not act in the very heavy going at Newmarket that autumn ; but the jockey was right, and Galtee More, as history records, beat Velasquez in the Two Thousand and Derby, winning also the St. Leger, but not in at all brilliant fashion, and quite failing to FAMOUS HORSES 93 justify the confidence of his friends in the Cambridge- shire. In spite of his heavy weight he was supposed by too ardent enthusiasts to be invincible, but he could only finish tenth. Horses winning over ;^20,ooo in Stakes. Name of Owner. Name of Horse. Amount s won. At four .'^t two At there years years. years. and upwards. iotal. Mr. M'Calmont . . . f Isinglass I (1892-95) J 4,577 18,690 34,018 57,185 Duke of Portland . . . / Donovan \ (1888-89) / 16,487 38,448 — 54,935 Duke of Portland . . . / Ayrshire 1 \ (1887-89) ; 6,765 8,575 20,560 35,900 Prince of Wales . . . / Persimmon \ (1895-97) ; 2,551 19,510 12,665 34,726 Baron Hirsch .... f La Fleche \ (1891-94) ; 3,415 25,535 5,635 34,585 Duke of Westminster . f Orme \ (1891-93) ; 3,574 13,023 11,329 32,926 Mr. Leopold Rothschild /St. Frusquin \ I (1895-96) J 9,537 23,043 — 32,880 Mr. A. W. Merry , . / Surefoot "I ( (1889-91) / 2,411 14,322 15,545 32,278 Count de Lagrange . . f Gladiateur 1 \ (1864-66) / 960 25,318 4,807 31,105 Duke of Westminster . f Ormonde 1 \ (1885-87) ] 3,008 21,552 3,905 28,465 Mr. J. Gubbins .... /GalteeMore l \ (1896-97) / 4,382 22,637 — 27,019 Sir Richard Sutton . . / Lord Lyon V (1865-67) / 3,625 20,350 1,590 25,465 Lord Calthorpe , . . / Seabreeze ^ V (1887-89) / 4,122 20,144 — 24,266 General Pearson . . . f AchievementN \ (1866-68) 1 10,390 12,073 — 22,463 Duke of Portland . . . / Memoir \ t (1889-91) / 5,308 15,702 290 21,520 Chevalier Ginistrelli . . / Signorina ) \. (1889-91) / 14,905 200 8,976 21,181 General Byrne .... / Amphion \ \ (1888-91) / 1,070 4,730 15,068 21,588 Mr. Vyner / Minting '^ \ (18S5-88) / 7,596 5,504 6,518 20,378 CHAPTER IV HANDICAPS From one point of view the handicap is an alto- gether absurd institution ; for the result is simply and solely to show how far wrong the handicapper is in his estimate of the ability of the horses he weights. The winner comes in two lengths ahead of his field, and thereby demonstrates, either that the adjuster of the weights regarded him as a 7 lbs. or 10 lbs. worse animal than he is, or else that he accepted the second as a 7 lbs. or 10 lbs. better. A horse wins by a neck. The handicapper is shown to be only a couple of pounds or so wrong ; but that is all the race has proved. Handicaps, however, are practically indispen- sable, for the reason that it takes more than the general scale of penalties and allowances to give the moderate animal a chance, and if racing were confined to the comparatively few good horses, the sport would be enormously circumscribed. Selling handicaps — dealt with in a later division of this article, under the head of "Selling Races" — are of course infinitely more preposterous, for here a horse carrying 9 st. may HANDICAPS 95 give a 3 st. beating to a horse carrying 6 St., yet both are entered to be sold for the same price and supposed to be worth the same amount. Such races merely serve the purpose of filling cards and pro- viding opportunity for betting ; they assuredly tend little to accomplish the professed object of the Turf — the improvement of the thoroughbred. The principal handicaps, nevertheless, have frequently an interest of their own — on certain occasions, when really good horses are called upon to perform very difficult tasks, and succeed in accomplishing them in handsome fashion, a very great and special interest. The handi- cap, indeed, is of value as serving to show what good horses can do ; for those that have most to carry are often called upon to give more weight away to moderate, useful, or even to horses of no small proved capacity, than would be the case in any other variety of contest. Horses may thus make reputations in handicaps, and of late years the old distinction between the weight-for-age and the handicap horse has been well- nicrh obliterated ; one reason for this doubtless beingf that handicaps are often worth so much that there are very few owners who do not enter the best animals they possess. Ormonde, St. Simon, Donovan, Isin- glass, are among the rare exceptions. The Duke of Westminster is a typical owner who races habitually for the most distinguished prizes the turf offers ; but he did not hesitate to enter his Derby winner Bend 96 THE TURF Or in handicaps, the sire of Ormonde having won the City and Suburban the spring after his Epsom triumph, and having failed the same autumn in the Cambridge- shire. Here Bend Or, 4 years old, carrying 9 st. 8 lbs,, ran unplaced to Foxhall, 3 years old, 9 st. The two thus met at weight-for-age, and the younger colt, who had never taken part in a "classic" race, very easily beat the classic winner. To Lucy Glitters, who was second to Thebais for the Oaks and a good third to Iroquois for the St. Leger — beaten less than two lengths — Foxhall gave no less than 3 st. 7 lbs. In the face of this what ground can there be for disparag- ing Foxhall as a "handicap horse".'* St. Gatien, a Derby winner, or dead-heater, which is much the same thing, gained lustre by his success in the Cesare- witch as a three-year-old with 8 st. 10 lbs. Melton failed in the Cambridgeshire, but carried 9 st. 3 lbs. home, as a four-year-old, in the Liverpool Autumn Cup. La Fleche, beaten for the Derby by a horse subsequently proved to be much her inferior, but winner of the One Thousand, Oaks, and St. Leger, ran in handicaps, won the Cambridgeshire as a three- year-old with 8 St. 10 lbs., and the Liverpool Autumn Cup next year with 9 st. 6 lbs. Memoir, an Oaks and Leger winner, ran in handicaps. Throstle won the St. Leger, beating Ladas and Matchbox, for which latter the Austrian Government paid 18,000 guineas. Soon afterwards Throstle met Best Man, a " handicap horse," and he beat her easily. Isonomy was a \il ■<■> HANDICAPS 97 *' handicap horse," but it would be difficult to say how much superior he was to the Derby winner of that year, Sefton. The Lincolnshire handicap is always the first of the season, and is invariably run during the week which includes the 25th of March, unless that week is the week next before Easter Sunday. A few three-year- olds occasionally take part in it— Clarence won in 1892 and Wolfs Crag in 1893— but are rarely successful, even in these days of early maturity. The class of competitors is generally rather moderate or useful than very good, yet Bendigo (1885, 5 years old, 8 st. 5 lbs.) was a horse of class, and the reputations of Clorane (1896, 5 years, 9 st. 4 lbs.), and Winkfield's Pride (1897, 4 years, 8'st. 9 lbs.), were gready enhanced by their victories. The next really important handicap is the City and Suburban at the Epsom Spring Meeting, and here class is often well represented. Sefton, who ^/^ win the Derby— modest specimen as he was of the horses that have earned that fame- carried off the City and Suburban as a three-year-old in 1878 with 5 St. 8 lbs. : it was not till afterwards that the minimum weight in handicaps was raised to 6 St. Master Kildare (5 years, 9 st. 2 lbs.) won in 1880, and in course of time became notable as the sire of Melton ; Bend Or, as already remarked, won with 9 St. in 1 88 1. Bird of Freedom, who (albeit in a bad year) won the Ascot Cup, preceded that event by securing the City and Suburban in 1885 (3 years, H 98 THE TURF 6 St. 9 lbs.) ; and Buccaneer comes into the same category, except that he won at Epsom as a four-year- old, carrying 7 st. 10 lbs. The previous season the race had fallen to an Oaks winner, Reve d'Or (6 years, 7 St. 13 lbs.). The Great Metropolitan is the com- panion race at the Epsom Spring, but, as is usually the case in long distance handicaps except the Cesare- witch, good horses are the exception in Metropolitan fields. They have, moreover, much deteriorated during the last few years ; indeed, a few extremely bad animals have won the Metropolitan. Previously some good, sound, honest stayers had been successful in this race. Dutch Skater, who did credit to himself at the stud as the sire of the St. Leger winner Dutch Oven, won in 1872. There is an incident of some interest about the Metropolitan of the following year. Tom Cannon won on Mornington ; his second son was born on the same day, and named after the horse in celebration of the victory. That Mornington Cannon's name is now written large in Turf history need scarcely be stated, for he has headed the annual list of winning jockeys on six occasions. Hampton, a horse who grew from little things to great, won in 1875, as a three-year-old, carrying 6 st. 3 lbs., a creditable per- formance with the low minimum which then ruled New Holland, a slow, muddling horse belonging to Prince Soltykoff, managed to get home in 1876, and 1879 was memorable for the victory of a good, honest animal in the American Parole. Chippendale, who HANDICAPS 99 afterwards won the Cesarewitch, and on two other occasions came very near to victory, was successful in 1880, and the Duke of Hamilton carried off the prize in 1882 with Fiddler, a horse who afterwards gained a reputation by beating Foxhall for the Alexandra Plate at Ascot. But this was one of those instances in which horses win fame which they scarcely deserve, for after his severe exertions on the previous day in the Ascot Cup, Foxhall was too stiff and sore to do himself justice. In 1883 Lord Rosebery won with Vista, who subsequently distinguished herself by be- coming the dam of a Derby winner, albeit an extremely bad one, in Sir Visto. Althorp, too, won the Ascot Cup the year after taking the Metropolitan, but he was probably the worst horse that ever carried off that trophy, and had the luck to meet two extremely poor opponents. The Chester Cup, first run in 1824, was for many years one of the most important handicaps of the year. Entries were made many months before the race, and betting on it was heavy and continuous throughout the winter. Alice Hawthorn, Leamington (twice), St. Albans, Tim Whiffler, Beeswing, Paul Jones — who seems to have been admiringly called " The Steam Engine " by his friends — Knight of the Garter, and other good horses have won the Chester Cup. The day on which it was run used to be a holiday all round the district and along the borders of North Wales ; but for some reason or other the H 2 loo THE TURF race diminished in interest, and the number of starters fell off. When Joe Miller won in 1852 no fewer than forty-three animals went to the post, and it is said that they had to be started in two rows ; of late years, however, the fields have not seldom failed to reach double figures ; Prudhomme in 1882 and Merry Prince in 1885 met only six opponents, and Biserta in 1883 had only five. Eastern Emperor, who carried the Duke of Beaufort's colours, the disappearance of which has been so sincerely regretted by lovers of the Turf of all classes, must be reckoned as a good horse, for previous to winning the Chester Cup in 1886 he had carried off the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot, thus showing himself to be possessed of both speed and stamina. Next year Carlton, who ran in the colours of the Duke of Beaufort's son, the late Lord Edward Somerset, won the race before making a great name for himself by his success in the Manchester November Handicap, carrying the heavy weight of 9 St. 12 lbs. Tyrant, who won in 1890, was also a o-ood horse, the Chester Cup being one of a skilfully planned succession of victories. The Duke of West- minster has always taken a strong interest in the meeting, which is held in the neighbourhood of Eaton Hall, and Mr. R. K. Mainwaring, the handi- capper, has sedulously devoted himself, with satis- factory results, to the revival of Chester. It is never, perhaps, likely to be all it once was, for the reason that there are so many rival meetings of importance, and HANDICAPS loi unfortunately for Chester, one of these takes place during the same week. This is at Kempton Park, where the feature is the Jubilee Handicap. As the name implies, this was started in 1887, and few races in the Calendar have ever so speedily made their way to popularity. Good fields invariably go to the post, and some notable horses have carried heavy weights to victory. In the first year of the race it was won by Bendigo with 9 st. 7 lbs, on his back, and the fame of this achievement was surpassed next season, when Minting won in a field of nineteen with 10 St. Amphion, one of the handsomest horses the contemporary Turf has seen, sustained the character of the Jubilee in 1889 by his victory wth 7 st. i lb. in the saddle, a heavy weight in view of the fact that he was only a three-year-old, and the race was run at the beginning of May. Next year, however. The Imp, a moderate animal who afterwards belonged to the Prince of Wales, lowered the class of the list of winners ; but it was sustained again by Euclid (3 years, 7 st. 4 lbs.), Orvieto (5 years, 9 st. 5 lbs.), Avington (4 years, 8 St. I lb.) ; and Victor Wild, an extremely good horse over this course, who won in 1895 ^^ a five-year-old with 8 St. 4 lbs., repeated his victory in the ensuing season with 9 st. 7 lb., and was only beaten a length in 1897 with 9 St. 9 lb. The Manchester Cup is noteworthy for the fact that Isonomy in 1880 made a great stir in the Turf world by his success in a field of twenty-one, carrying 102 THE TURF the huge weight of 9 st. 12 lbs. The performance had been deemed well-nigh impossible until it was accomplished by that good horse. To go into the history of this race, however, it may be said that Isonomy was very lucky to win ; a colt called The Abbot, who was only just beaten, could not have lost but that his jockey rode with a most total dis- regard of the orders that had been given him ; never- theless the latter was in receipt of a great amount of weight from Isonomy, whose performance would still have been memorable even had he just been beaten. But there is naturally a glamour about success. Be- tween defeat and victory there is only, in many cases, a difference really of a very few inches — a pound or two, if it be calculated in weight. A little luck in the course of the race would have turned the scale ; but the horse that is just beaten is apt to seem a very inferior animal to the horse that just wins. It was supposed that the gallant little Bard would have taken this Cup in 1886, but the lightly-weighted Riversdale, with 6 St. I lb. to carry, just had the best of him, though this defeat scarcely diminished the prestige of The Bard, who carried 8 st. 4 lbs. over this mile and three quarters. Carlton, a good sound stayer, as he showed in the Chester Cup and the Manchester November Handicap, won here in 1887 with the respectable burden of 8 st. 9 lbs., and L'Abbesse de Jouarre, the year after her Oaks victory, was successful with 8 st. 6 lbs. HANDICAPS I03 Like so many other long distance races, the Ascot Stakes has fallen off of late years. The stake was originated in 1839 and won by a three-year-old mare called Marchioness, who carried the indefinite liofht weight described as a " feather." There was at this time no minimum, and indeed in the following year the Stakes was won by Darkness, with only 5 st. 4 lbs. on her back. That good stayer. Musket, who has done such admirable service at the stud in Australia, won in 1870 with 8 st. 12 lbs., a very heavy burden for a three-year-old, though for some reason or other the field consisted of only four runners. There have indeed seldom been many starters for this race ; twenty-three ran in 1848, when Vampyre won the first time (he was successful again the following year), but on no other occasion have the runners exceeded ■eighteen. The late Sir Joseph Hawley in 1870 won with Rosicrucian, who three years previously had been regarded as good enough to win the Derby, in which he was beaten by his stable companion, Blue Gown. The remark, "horses for courses," has already been noted, and it is remarkable how often there seems justification for it. Thus Pageant won the Chester Cup twice, as did Dalby and Dare Devil. Ivanhoff was twice successful in the Manchester Cup, Shan- crotha won in 1893, ^^^ was not beaten — he ran a dead-heat — in 1894. Vampyre, as just remarked, twice carried off the Ascot Stakes ; Teviotdale did so in 1880 and 1881, and Lord Lome in 1889 and I04 THE TURF 1890. Previously to the success of Dan Dancer in 1888, he had been jumping hurdles, as had Billow before she won in 1892, and, it may be added, Prud- homme and Up Guards before they won the Chester Cup. There is generally supposed to be some derogation in character when a horse runs over hurdles, though to this rule, if it be one, there are some notable exceptions, Hampton having been a hurdle jumper before he gained fame for himself and fortune for his owner. Class was found again in the Ascot Stakes in 1895, when Ravensbury carried off the Cup with 9 st. 9 lbs. It went to France by the aid of Arlequin in 1896, and of Masque in 1897. Of all handicaps throughout the year, perhaps the Cambridgeshire is universally regarded as the most important ; but the Royal Hunt Cup at Ascot runs it close. This race was originated in 1843, has nearly always attracted large fields and usually brought out horses of good class. Of late years, indeed, it has rather increased than diminished in interest. See Saw, who won in 1869, was in all respects a creditable example of the English thoroughbred, though the same cannot be said for Judge, successful in the following year. Judge had been bought for a very few sovereigns, but his light weight enabled him to get home before animals of better class. That extra- ordinarily speedy horse Lowlander, by the way, was also a hurdle-racer, and won the Hunt Cup in 1874. There was a sensational race in 1881, when the five- HANDICAPS 105 year-old Peter, with 9 st. 3 lbs. on his back, stopped to kick and was left far behind after the field had gone some way. That Archer should have persuaded him to gallop, and that he should subsequently have won with his heavy weight, assuredly stamps him as a remarkable animal. Such an event is unprecedented under the circumstances. The distance is only a mile ; to be accurate, it is short of that measurement by 74 yards ; considering the speed at which horses gallop, and that the pace is always good in this race, it will be readily understood how very little time there is to lose on the journey. Morion, three years old, 7 St. 9 lbs., showed what a good horse he was by winning in 1890. No animal of his age had success- fully carried so heavy a weight before, though his record was broken two years later when Suspender, also three years old, won with 7 st. 10 lbs. in a field of twenty-five. Suspender was never beaten, and there is no saying how good he may have been ; unfortunately it could never be ascertained in public, for he fell one of the many victims of the hard ground at Ascot, and was never able to run again after his victory in the Hunt Cup. That good miler, Victor Wild, gained one of his many victories here in 1894, and notwithstanding that he did not win in 1896, he ran an extraordinarily good race, being only just beaten by Knight of the Thistle, a four-year-old who had proved himself to be something more than useful, and who was in receipt of no less than 2 st. 7 lbs. from io6 THE TURF the winner of 1894. The Wokingham Stakes, run over six furlongs, is a species of minor edition of the Hunt Cup, and, as good animals are nearly always found in the field, success here adds much to a horse's reputation ; except of course that] if an animal does not fairly "get a mile" his character as a racehorse, having regard to the assumed aim and object of racing, cannot rank high. At Goodwood there are two noteworthy handicaps : the Stakes, first run in 1823 over a distance of 22- miles, and therefore a test of staying, and the Stewards' Cup, run over the T.Y.C., which, as elsewhere noted, is here six furlongs. The same remark that has been made about the Metropolitan and the Ascot Stakes applies to Goodwood. Horses of class and character are rarely found in the Stakes ; and what has been said about " horses for courses " also comes in here, as Stumps and Orelia both won twice. This, by the way, is still more remarkable in the Chesterfield Cup at the same meeting, for Coomassie won it in 1876 and 1877, Victor Emmanuel in 1880 and 1881, and Vibration in 1882 and 1883. Hampton won the Stakes in 1876, and that he too liked the course is demonstrated by the fact of his having carried off the Cup in the following year. Bay Archer, who has done good service to the stud in France, won in 1879, and that good mare Corrie Roy was not stopped in 1883 by her 9 st, a weight that was also carried successfully by Carlton in 1887. How little competi- HANDICAPS 107 tion there has been for long distance races of late years is made evident by the fact that in 1885 the race was void for lack of entries ; and the next year it resulted rather curiously, for the Duke of Beaufort's Winter Cherry, who had only been started to make running for Sir Kenneth (belonging to Lord Harting- ton, now Duke of Devonshire), carried off the prize. An anecdote may here be interpolated to show how Turf "certainties" are upset and how totally unex- pected results occur. The present writer chanced to drive up to the course in a fly with the Duke of Beaufort ; and as we were getting out of the carriage the flyman obviously had something to say. An oppor- tunity being afforded him, he begged to know whether the Duke had any fancy for his mare, which the fly- man, for some mysterious reason, said he thought was sure to win. The Duke overheard the question, and with characteristic kindness said, " No, my man, don't waste your money on her ; she has no chance what- ever." Walking on to the stand he remarked, " I am only just starting my mare to make running for Hartington who has tried Sir Kenneth well and thinks he cannot be beaten. I have backed him and should advise you to do the same." It was never supposed that Winter Cherry could possibly win, the idea being that she would fade out before a couple of miles had been covered. Her jockey was only told to jump off at the best pace he could and come along all the way ; and he did this so effectually that she was never ro8 THE TURF headed. The flyman met us after the races with a somewhat reproachful look, evidently fancying that he had been put off a good thing, and the kindly Duke felt the man's disappointment much more than the loss of his own money, though an extra sovereign consoled the would-be backer of Winter Cherry. The late Alec Taylor was about this time extra- ordinarily successful in the preparation of horses for long distance races. In four successive years from 1886 his stable carried off the Goodwood Stakes, with Winter Cherry, Carlton, Stourhead, and Ingram ; he won the Metropolitan with The Cob in 1887, with Parlington in 1890, and with Ragimunde in 1891 ; the Northamptonshire Stakes fell to the Manton trained Claymore in 1889 ; Eastern Emperor and Carlton won the Chester Cup in 1886 and 1887 respectively ; Ragimunde won the Cesarewitch in 1 89 1, and The Cob should have done so in 1886 ; Carlton won the Doncaster Cup in 1887, as did Clay- more in 1889 ; and four times in five years from 1886 the stable won the Manchester November Handicap, with Stourhead, Carlton (20 runners). Claymore (18), and Parlington (19), Returning to the Stewards' Cup at Goodwood, there is comparatively little to be said in comparison with the interest which the contest annually awakens. It is, indeed, rather as a medium of speculation than as a great race that the Stewards' Cup has to be considered. Some notably speedy horses have won — HANDICAPS 109 Oxonian, Trappist, Herald, and Peter. Another horse who went a great pace ought to have won in 1888. This was Bismarck, whose jockey, however, after he had passed the distance, turned round to grin derisively at his followers, whom he supposed he had easily beaten, when his horse seized the opportunity of swerving and running right across the course, leaving a half-bred five-year-old mare from Danebury, Tib by name, to carry her light burden of 6 st. 7 lbs. first past the post by a short head. After Goodwood, what is called the "Sussex fortnight" is completed at Brighton and Lewes. The Brighton Stakes dates from 1824. The race used to be over two miles; it was afterwards reduced to a mile and a half, and subsequently to a mile, the usual difficulty having been found of getting good fields for a long distance. The Brighton Cup has been reduced in the same way. Some good horses have won this, including Caller Ou, Dollar, Ely, Speculum, Albert Victor, Lilian, Marie Stuart, and Isonomy ; but in 1883 there was nothing to oppose Border Minstrel. Fields for the previous dozen years had not averaged four in number, and the distance was consequently lessened to a mile. Brag, a speedy horse belonging to Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, carried 8 st. 10 lbs. in 1885 in the exceptionally short time of i min. 39 sec. The Baron, who had started an odds-on favourite for the Derby (he had consistently shown himself a bad horse) succeeded here in beating three opponents in no THE TURF 1889. For some reason or other it seems impossible to find starters for this race even now that the distance has been diminished, and the average is much what it was previously. The same story of reduced distance has to be told about the Lewes Handicap, though only half a mile has been taken off the length of this course, and it is now a mile and a half instead of two miles. Lord Hartington's Rylstone carried out the principle of "horses for courses" in notable fashion by winning three times running, the only handicap that has. ever fallen in three consecutive years to the same horse. For the rest, there is nothing particular to be said about the race, which is contested as a rule by- average handicap horses. Much the same may be written of the Great Yorkshire Handicap at the' Doncaster Meeting. It has fallen to good and bad animals in turn. The Portland Plate at Doncaster is one of the most popular of short races, the dis- tance being 5 fur. 152 yds., and as the field is nearly always numerous, success here is a genuine test of speed. Oxonian, Lollipop, Hackthorpe, are three horses that have carried off this stake, which in 1881 was secured by Mowerina, who was presently to win' fame as the dam of Donovan. This was one of the races won by Goldseeker, with whom a succession of victories had been very cleverly planned. The horse, it may be incidentally remarked, injured his friends by winning once too often. This was in the following year at Epsom. Goldseeker started for the City and HANDICAPS III Suburban, and there can perhaps be httle harm at this time of day in saying that his friends had not on that occasion the least hope or desire of victory, though it must be distincdy understood that in saying this no sort of impHcation is made as to the integrity of those concerned. They thought the race would do him good, and help towards preparing him for the Jubilee Handicap at Kempton Park, for which they had backed him very heavily. Tom Cannon, junior, had the mount at Epsom, and was put up without any instructions as to how he was to ride ; he jumped off, and was never headed from start to finish, backward in condition as the colt was. The effect of this was to earn for him a substantial penalty for the event at Kempton Park. He had not been backed for a shilling at Epsom, and his penalty cost him the other race, for which, however, so good had his chance been esteemed that he started first favourite in spite of the additional 14 lbs. L'Abbesse de Jouarre, the Oaks winner, won with 9 st. in 1890, and the Duke of Portland's very speedy horse, Greyleg, one of the few greys that have run of late years— Eastern Empress was another— was successful in 1894. Whiston, who went wrong in his wind and speedily sank to plating, won in 1895, and Grig, a mare belonging to Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, who galloped at a great pace, was successful the year afterwards. Of the Great Eastern Handicap and the Newmarket October Handicap there is nothing special to be said 112 THE TURF except that they are popular races ; but the Cesare- witch is one of the great contests of the year. Class is better represented in this race than in any other of the long distance handicaps, and the field is almost invariably good. It is run over a severe course of two miles and a quarter, and though a moderate animal has occasionally got home with a light weight, it usually takes a really good horse to win the Cesare- witch. The race dates from 1839 and several inter- esting chapters might be compiled about it. The success of Prioress in 1857, after a dead-heat with two other animals, El Hakim and Queen Bess, was one of the first victories gained by American horses in England. Prioress was brought to this country ^by the late Mr. Ten Broeck, a keen sportsman who met with varying fortune on the Turf. 1866 was a very sensa- tional year. The race fell to the Marquis of Hastings' Lecturer, and the owner won a large fortune at a time when, there can now be no harm in saying, the money was sorely needed. The horse was trained at Dane- bury by the late John Day, and did so well in a trial with Ackworth and others that Day could not believe that the result was true. After a short interval the gallop was repeated, with precisely the same result, and it then became apparent that the colt, a three-year- old, not by any means leniently weighted with 7 st. 3 lbs., could scarcely fail. John Day's brother, William, who had taken the race in i860 with Dulcibella, and knew well what was required to win the Cesarewitch, HANDICAPS 113 believed he had a horse which could not be beaten ; but when the two brothers compared notes on arrival at Newmarket, William was convinced that he could have no possible chance, and that the money he had invested on his own horse was as good as lost. He had time, however, to secure himself, the Marquis of Hastings having very generously let him stand ^25 at the odds of 40 to i which he had at first been able to obtain about his horse. A terrible scare arose in the Danebury camp shortly before the race when it was remembered that Lord Hastings had struck out all animals entered in his name ; but by an extra- ordinary piece of good luck Lecturer chanced to have been entered for the Cesarewitch in the name of a friend, Mr. Peter Wilkinson, so that he was able to run, and he won at his ease. 1876 was notable for the fact that Rosebery, who won this race, afterwards carried off the Cambridgeshire, the first horse that had ever secured the two. One cannot pass the name of that good honest stayer, Chippendale, without a word ; he won in 1879 with 7 st. 5 lbs., ran well next year with 9 St. 4 lbs., and was second both in 1881 and 1882 with 8 St. 12 lbs. In 1880 the Cesarewitch was memorable for the victory of Robert the Devil, who carried the great weight, for a three-year-old, of 8 St. 6 lbs. It had been supposed by many that no horse of this age could win with so heavy a burden ; but there was never any doubt as to the result after the flag had fallen. Another American, Foxhall, won 114 THE TURF with 7 St. 12 lbs., he being a three-year-old, in i88i,, and followed Rosebery's example in carrying off the Cambridgeshire. The success of Corrie Roy in 1882 is worthy of note from the fact that she never had what is called "an orthodox Cesarewitch preparation." There is an idea, generally well founded, that no horse can win the Cesarewitch who has not previously been galloped on several occasions over the full distance of the course ; but there are exceptions to every rule, and Corrie Roy's trainer well understood that such treatment would not suit her ; her gallops were seldom much over a mile, but she won decisively. Robert the Devil's exploit was surpassed in 1884 by St. Gatien, who won with 8 st. 10 lbs. on his three-year- old back ; in the following year none of the English horses could hold their own against Plaisanterie, who came from France and had things all her own way. It may be noted that her son Childwick repeated his dam's success nine years later. Stone Clink won in 1886 by a piece of good fortune. A game, sturdy little horse called The Cob, belonging to the Duke of Beaufort, and noteworthy for the fact that his dam. The Roe, was twenty-four years old when he was born, had been prepared for the race by Alec Taylor, who, with every justification for the opinion, believed that he could not be beaten. Like many other good horses The Cob was very lazy, and before the race it was repeatedly impressed upon his jockey that he must ride quite past the post. "If you drop your hands on HANDICAPS 115 him, he will stop directly," his rider was told again and again by both the Duke and his trainer. The Cob led his field a rare gallop across the flat, and had practically won the race ; but the jockey, believing that victory was secure, dropped his hands as he had been so earnestly cautioned not to do, the result being that The Cob stopped, and Stone Clink crawled home by a neck. The French carried off the race again in 1888 with Tenebreuse, and in 1890 Sheen beat all records by winning with 9 st. 2 lbs. in the saddle, though, of course, having regard to the scale of weight-for-age, the success of a five-year-old with this burden was less remarkable than the victories of Robert the Devil and St. Gatien, it being estimated that over this distance in the month of October a five-year-old is a stone better than a three. How greatly owners may be mistaken about their horses is proved by the fact that Red Eyes, who ran a dead-heat with Cypria in 1893, had been given away to his trainer, Joseph Cannon, as worthless, after having been beaten in selling races. The Cambridgeshire, run at the Houghton Meeting, was also originated in 1839, and, as has been already remarked, is generally considered the most interesting and important handicap of the season. Until the year 1887 the Cambridgeshire was run up the hill to the finish at the Criterion Course post at the " top of the town," and accounts of the race used always to contain a description of what was happening at the " Red I 2 ii6 THE TURF Post," a post painted red which still stands at about the distance; but from 1888 the course has been altered and the race is now run over a distance of 2,000 yards, finishing at the Rowley Mile stand. The story of Catch-'em-alive's victory in 1863 has been so often told that it need not be here repeated. The scales were tampered with, and it seemed that the winner must be disqualified until the malicious attempt was fortunately detected. French owners have been specially keen to win the Cambridgeshire, and suc- ceeded in 1873 with Montargis, in the following year with Peut-etre, with Jongleur in 1877, with Plaisanterie in 1885 (the third animal that has carried off both this and the Cesarewitch), and with Alicante in 1890. La Merveille and La Fleche, who won in 1879 and 1892, were English-bred horses in spite of their French names. In 1878 Isonomy, undoubtedly the best three-year-old of his year, who might have won the Derby had his owner pleased — for Sefton could have had no sort of chance with him — was specially kept for the Cambridgeshire and won the race with 7 st. i lb. on his back. Foxhall's penalty raised his weight to 9 St., which it was supposed by not a few practical judges he could not possibly carry, especially as he had a field of notable excellence to beat, and his achievement was consequently a great one. 1882 is remarkable for the fact that the race had to be post- poned in consequence of a terrific storm. Fog and frost may lead to postponements, but for wind and HANDICAPS 117 rain to do so is an altogether exceptional occurrence. The horses had gone to the post when the Stewards decided that the race could not possibly be run, and Mr. Arthur Coventry, the present starter, offered to go down on his hack to convey this intimation. The crowd, meantime, knowing nothing of this, waited for the field to come in sight, the delay being made excit- ing by the circumstance that several flies and carriages were blown over, their wheels revolving at a tremend- ous pace in the hurricane that was blowing. After a time the first of the horses that had been taken to the post returned a long way ahead of everything else, the jockey's colours indistinguishable in consequence of the saturation they had received. It appeared that something had won very easily indeed, but no one could say what, and when the others appeared at wide intervals an idea prevailed that this was the most ex- traordinary race ever seen ; but presently it became known that it had not been a race at all. Hackness won the next day, when there were no fewer than thirteen races. Bendigo's success in 1883 was alto- gether unexpected. The horse's throat had been dressed and he was really not fit to run, but 6 st. 10 lbs. was a burden under which he could not be beaten, though he gave his opponents every chance, as to- wards the finish he swerved right across the course, from one side to the other ; it was only by a head that he succumbed to Florence (four years, 9 st. i lb.) next year. ii8 THE TURF The Cambridgeshire of 1886 was perhaps the most sensational on record. Possibly the true story of it will some day be told, but the time has not arrived to tell it yet, Carlton was favourite, and his party at Manton had the most implicit belief in him. St. Mirin was trained in the same stable, the two had been tried together, and of the superiority of Carlton there seemed to be no possibility of question ; but Archer, who was to ride St. Mirin, notwithstanding the trial, maintained that he was sure to beat the other, and for reasons that have never yet been explained he did so. The Derby winner Melton ran in this race, and in spite of the heavy weight he carried was going so well when they neared the Red Post that Archer began to race with him, making his effort sooner than he otherwise would have done. This no doubt took much of the steel out of St. Mirin, who, however, seemed to have the victory assured when the despised Sailor Prince suddenly challenged him, a desperate finish ensued, and Archer, weakened by wasting in order to ride the weight, was beaten a head. Three-year-olds had a run of luck from 1887, when Gloriation won, which has only been interrupted by the success of the four -year-old Veracity in 1888 and of Molly Morgan (four years, 6 st. 7 lbs.), in 1893. La Fleche's performance of winning with 8 st. 10 lbs. on her back in 1892 was a notable one; considering sex allowance it was more than equal to that of Fox- HANDICAPS 119 hall, as he only won by a short head, and the gallant mare cantered home with her ears pricked. That good horse Best Man was a strong favourite in 1895 in spite of the 9 st. he had to carry, but he could only get second to Marco (7 st. 9 lb.), who was probably much the best of the three-year-olds of his season. The handicapper in 1896 committed a grave error in letting- in so o-ood a colt as Winkfield's Pride with so little as 6 st. 10 lbs., and of course the horse had no difficulty in winning. The Liverpool Autumn Cup and the Manchester November Handicap are other races which may be mentioned. Sterling, the sire of Isonomy, won the former with 9 st. 4 lbs. in 1873, a great achievement, especially considering that the minimum weight at this time was 5 st. 7 lbs. Master Kildare, the sire of Melton, won in 1879 (8 st. 13 lbs.), and Melton (9 St. 3 lbs.), following in his sire's footsteps, was successful next year. Lady Rosebery, who had a great partiality for this course, won in 1888 (5 st. 12 lbs.) and again in 1890 (5 years, 7 st. 8 lbs.), being successful also the following year in the Spring Cup, another instance of "horses for courses" ; and in 1893 La Fleche ended her Turf career, with the exception of one essay a little later at Manchester, by a brilliant success with 9 St. 6 lbs. Belphoebe won both these races in 1878 ; Carlton's Manchester performance with 9 st. 12 lbs. in 1887 has already been mentioned, and Ravensbury, who would have had such a brilliant career on the I20 THE TURF Turf if he had lived in almost any other year except that which made him so unfortunately the constant opponent of Isinglass, won with 9 st. 4 lbs. in 1894. " Nurseries," it should here be added, are handicaps for two-year-olds exclusively, and they are frequent items on race cards during the last three months of the season, for by the Rules of Racing no " Nursery " can be run before the ist of September. CHAPTER V SELLING RACES Selling races are the lowest forms of contest recog- nised by the rules of racing ; and selling handicaps, the lowest of all, are, on the face of them, manifestly ridiculous. "Winner to be sold for 50 sovs." is the notification in the conditions of the poorest, the selling price being raised on occasions to much larger sums, though perhaps £100 is the most common, and no prize can be less than ;^ioo under Jockey Club Rules. Weights range from 9 st. to 6 st. ; and it is manifest that if one horse can give another 3 st. and a beating — a beating which may tend to prove that he could have given much more — and if the winner is only worth ^50, the defeated light-weight must be worth a great deal less ; or, on the other hand, if the bottom weight wins, and the top weight, giving the 3 St., is only just defeated, and receives, let us say, a 3 lb. or 4 lb. beating, he or she must be worth a great deal more than the winner. No one can fail to see the cogency of this argument ; and the man of logical mind who did not understand the exigencies of racing 122 THE TURF would at once say that there was no denying the common sense of the cry for the abolition of, at any rate, the selling handicap. But these exigencies are not governed by logical considerations. The point is how a man can get rid of a very bad horse ; and the selling handicap supplies the nearest approach to an answer. An owner tries a two-year- old to be very bad — a youngster of which, very likely, he may have formed high hopes, based on his breeding, make and shape, action and apparent capacity to gallop. He fulfils an engagement, and runs wretchedly. " First time out ; ran green," is the excuse ; and he is started again. Again he is badly beaten ; but the owner, perhaps, lays the flattering unction to his soul that the winner is something out of the common, has extraordinary speed, chopped his field, that his own horse did not get off, was shut in or in some way the victim of accident. Once more he tries his luck in moderate company ; and the truth, which has in fact been actually plain all the while, has to be recognised : he is a very bad horse. " We shall have to put him in a selling race," is the verdict, and in such a contest he figures. If beaten, he descends still further to the selling handicap, and should he fail even here his future becomes indefinite. If he is believed to "look like jumping," he maybe claimed and tried at hurdles ; if not, some one may pick him up at auction for a hunter, a hack or a cab — one may be dragged down Piccadilly by an animal whose name SELLING RACES 123 not long before has figured largely among the entries for great stakes. The decadence of a promising but deceptive two-year-old has here been traced ; but horses come to run in selling races later in life. Possibly, for some mysterious reason, they have lost their form ; perhaps they show a more or less pronounced tendency to go wrong in the wind ; it may be that a leg has gone and been patched up, or else shows signs of going. From some cause or other it appears urgently desirable to get rid of them while they retain a scrap of form and reputation ; and the doubtful animal is put into a sellingr race. Some screw must be loose or he would not be there, is the natural deduction ; but many who want to bet will reply that he has "never run in such company before," and "at any rate ought to beat this lot." Thus one object of latter day sport, the making up of a race which may lead to an exciting struggle (and possibly to a brilliant display of horsemanship) is fulfilled. It will at once be seen how readily such a system might be turned to a source of very possible profit by what are called "astute practitioners." Place a really smart horse in a selling plate, a horse that could win in good company, he will only have platers — the term is one of reproach — to beat, he is sure to win, and his friends may bet, as the phrase goes, " till the cows come home." The plan has often been carried out with profitable results — supposing that two or three other owners are not playing the same game at the 124 THE TURF time — but there are dangers attached to the experi- ment. In the first place " the ring " are very ready to estimate the situation of affairs, to refuse to bet against the good thing, or at best to make the backers lay long odds on it. It wins ; but the stake is paltry : in order to make money by betting a very great risk has to be undergone, and the danger is not yet over. The winner of a selling race has, of course, to be sold by auction ; the owner receives no more than the entered selling price, probably ^loo, possibly ^50 (the lowest sum recognised), and the surplus is divided between the race fund and the owner of the second horse. If the owner of the winner, who has effected his coup, wants to retain his animal, he may very likely have to give a great deal of money for it, as the circumstances of the race, the confidence with which it has been backed, and the ease with which it won, have left no doubt about its value. Buying in is, therefore, an exceedingly expensive business. An actual example will best demonstrate the case. An American importation, named Banquet II., won a selling plate at Newmarket, worth ;^ioo ; he was entered to be sold for another ^100 (so far as memory serves — the record of the race in Rtiff's Guide omits the selling price), and he was bought in for 1,510 guineas — ^1,585 los. The deficit, therefore, / 1,38 5, had to be won by betting, which in this particular case would have involved a risk of probably at least ^1,000. The owner (Mr. Croker, the " Boss of t \\ SELLING RACES 125 Tammany"), received ;^ioo for the stake and had to pay ^1,485 to retain his horse. Banquet II., as was thus made evident, was regarded by his owner as worth at least some ;^ 1,600 ; but let us see what happened in this typical case. Notwithstanding his appearance as a "plater," the horse was entered for a ^2,000 stake, and beaten ; he ran again in a race of character, and again suffered defeat ; after which another coup was attempted in a selling race. This time it miscarried. The horse was beaten a length by an outsider and promptly " claimed." This is another risk run by owners who wish to gamble on selling platers. A rule of racing says that " all other horses starting " [other than the winner, that is] "may be claimed for the selling price phts the value of the stake or plate by the owners of horses running in the race or their authorised agents." Claims may be made by owners according to the places their representatives obtain ; thus the owner of the third has priority of claim for the horse that ran second. In this case Banquet was entered to be sold for ^200 ; the stake was worth another ^200, so that he was claimed for ^400 ; just a quarter of what has been shown to be his owner's lowest possible estimate of his worth ; and of course the money betted on him, doubtless a heavy amount or the gamble would not have been remunerative, was also lost. It will be seen from this example how dangerous a game it is. The owner of the exploited plater must bet 126 THE TURF heavily in order to be able to afford to buy in his horse if he wins ; and if he is beaten he is very likely to lose the animal for a ridiculously inadequate sum,, as well as his bets. It happens on occasions that an owner loses money by winning a selling race. His horse runs better than he has expected it would do,, and he thinks he would like to keep it. He has not backed it, and so, entered to be sold for ^loo, he may have to bid, say ^500, to retain it ; which means that he must pay ^400 for division between the owner of the second and the race fund — ^500, less the ^100 entered selling price. He is consequently ^300 out of pocket, plus the jockey's winning fee of five guineas, and incidental expenses. These gambles are not healthy ; they are not in accordance with the true spirit of the sport, and by way of preventing them a rule was some time since instituted in France that horses might be claimed for the entered selling price plus the value of the stake, before a race was run. The owner who had intended to "have a dash" on a useful horse that was put in to meet inferior class animals might thus be very awkwardly circumvented. There was a good deal of common sense in the idea,, but apparently it did not answer. It is inevitable that mistakes should be made, and at times horses rise from the ranks of the selling platers and greatly distinguish themselves. Their owners have lost patience with them after a disap- pointment, it may be ; or they improve in an unex- SELLING RACES 127 pected way, possibly by shaking off some ailment which has affected them, and has not been recognised by their first trainer ; or it may be that he has mis- understood their constitution or capacity, so that in more appreciative hands they do better. If space permitted, a string of examples might be given, but the case of Victor Wild may be quoted as a remark- able one. He belonged to Golding, a particularly shrewd and capable trainer, who makes as few mistakes as any one, but who, however, doubtless for some reason that seemed good at the time, put him in a wretched little ^100 selling race, the Brockhurst Plate, at the now extinct Portsmouth Park Meeting. He won by a couple of lengths from the best of four wretches who followed him, and, entered to be sold for ^100, fetched 330 guineas — less than a twentieth part of his value. He next ran in a Nursery Handicap with a selling clause, met opponents of the most moderate character, actually receiving weight from some of them, and won comfortably. This time he was bought in for 640 guineas, and gradually started the career in the course of which he has often so memorably distinguished himself. Hampton, who won such fame as a sire, also figured in selling races. Thus a "plater" may become a famous horse ; but he will be an exception to the rule, for the course of the plater is almost invariably down hill by more or less rapid stages. CHAPTER VI THE JOCKEY CLUB — RACING OFFICIALS THE JOCKEY CLUB The Jockey Club, an association of noblemen and gentlemen dating from 1751, gradually became the supreme authority and the governing body of the Turf. The control of racing exercised by the Club is absolute. The Rules of Racing have been drawn up by the members with such continual additions and alterations as circumstances have seemed to demand, and adher- ence to them is rigidly enforced, offences against them being visited by fines of various amounts, and penal- ties which may effectually prevent those by whom they are incurred from running horses or taking any part in the sport ; for horses may be disqualified from racing under Jockey Club Rules if, for instance, their owners are found guilty of corrupt practices, or if they run at unauthorised meetings — that is to say, meetings not under Rules ; and men may be warned off New- market Heath and other places where the Rules are in force, as in fact they practically are at every place where a thorough-bred horse is at all likely to run. THE JOCKEY CLUB 129 During the off season, when there is no regular flat racing, and in connexion with steeplechases, hurdle- races, and a few other contests when flat racing is in progress, the National Hunt Committee is the govern- ing body ; but it acts in close relation with the Jockey Club, and may be said to execute a delegated power. The seasons used to be distinguished as the "legiti- mate" and "illegitimate," but the expressions are less common than they were. There is no more select Club in the country, as will be judged from the following list of the present members : — His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales His Royal Highness the Duke of Saxe Coburg-Gotha His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught His Royal Highness the Duke of York His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge His Royal Highness Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein *His Majesty the King of the Belgians *His Imperial Highness the Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia Lord Alington Douglas Baird, Esq. Capt. E. W. Baird H. T. Barclay, Esq. *Count Elemer Batthyany Duke of Beaufort *Count de Berteux Earl Cadogan Right Hon. H. ChapUn Lord Colville R. H. Combe, Esq. Daniel Cooper, Esq. Earl of Cork and Orrery Earl of Coventry W. G. Craven, Esq. Earl of Crewe *Prince d'Arenberg *M. Henri Delamarre Earl of Derby Duke of Devonshire Viscount Downe Earl of Dunraven Earl of Durham Earl of EUesmere *Count Tasselo Festetics Earl of Feversham Earl Fitzwilliani Hon. H. W. Fitzwilliam Lord Gerard Sir Reginald Graham K I30 THE TURF Earl of Harewood Lord Hastings Hon. Sir H. Hawkins J. H. Houldsworth, Esq. Earl Howe Earl of Ilchester Sir R. Jardine, Bart. Sir F. Johnstone, Bart. *Comte de Juigne Capt. D. Lane *Count Lehndorff Sir W. A. Lethbridge, Bart. Marquis of Londonderry Right Hon. James Lowther H. L. B. McCalmont, Esq. Earl of March Duke of Montrose Lord Newton Sir G. Ernest Paget, Bart. Lord Penrhyn Duke of Portland Lord Rendlesham Duke of Richmond and Gordon; C. D. Rose, Esq. Earl of Rosebery Leopold de Rothschild, Esq. *Lord Russell of Killowen Prince D. Soltykoff Lord Stanley Lord Sufifield *Montagu Tharp, Esq. Sir W. Throckmorton, Bart. Duke of Westminster Gen. Owen Williams Marquis of Zetland. *The Master of Her Majesty's Buckhounds *The President of the French Jockey Club *The Vice-President of the French Jockey Club *The three Stewards of the French Jockey Club *The President of the Jockey Club, New York *The Chairman of Committee of the Victoria Racing Club *The Chairman of Committee of the Australian Jockey Club, New South Wales. * Honorary Members. All officials — clerks of the course, handicappers,. stakeholders, clerks of the scales, starters, and judges — must receive licenses from the Stewards before they can act, as also must all jockeys. Election to the Club is by ballot ; nine members must be present and two black balls exclude. The affairs of the Club are actively directed by three Stewards, the Senior of whom retires annually, and is replaced in the spring THE JOCKEY CLUB 131 by some energetic member who has been recom- mended by the retiring Steward and has consented to act. The Stewards have much more work to do than is usually imagined. Arranging the dates of meetings for the following year is by itself a most troublesome business, for it involves an infinity of correspondence. It rarely happens that charges are not annually brought, openly or anonymously, against some of the jockeys ; and the Stewards have the task of investi- gating what they come to hear in one way or another, and of considering whether to renew the riding licenses. The attendance of the Stewards at Messrs. Weatherby's offices is constantly requested ; indeed there is always pressing business demanding their attention. The three Stewards of the Jockey Club are Stewards of all races run at Newmarket, and are also, ex officio, Stewards of Epsom, Ascot, and Goodwood ; in con- junction with the Jockey Club Estate Committee they have complete possession and control of the property and estates of the Club, and the management of the course and the training and trial grounds at New- market is in their hands. There is practically no appeal from them for men convicted of offences against the Rules of Racing. On a few occasions the common law has been invoked, but with no satisfactory result to those who have thus taken measures against the Club. The Stewards are frequently grumbled at for what they either do or fail to do, their action having very likely been influenced by excellent reasons of K 2 132 THE TURF which the fault-finders can know nothing ; but no one ever attributes their proceedings to unworthy motives, and the most absolute confidence is reposed in their earnest desire to do their best for the sport. Their powers are great; for to be "warned off" not only prevents a man from visiting Newmarket Heath or entering any ring or enclosure at a race meeting, but involves a social stigma which irreparably ruins character ; and, to make the penalty more sweeping, the warning off is usually reported to the National Hunt Committee, and to various foreign Jockey Clubs, by whom it is extended to meetings under their control. RACING OFFICIALS The duties of the various officials will be found fully set forth in the Rules of Racing, and need not be repeated here at length. That a Handi- CAPPER should give general satisfaction is of course not for a moment to be expected, as there are many owners who do not really want a handicap with which no fault can be found, but a compilation of weights which gives their horses an advantage. Very palpable blunders are, however, not rare. They sometimes arise from carelessness in trusting to recol- lection instead of looking up form ; sometimes they are due to haste, a handicapper undertaking work which he cannot possibly do in the short time he can give to it ; and not seldom they are a consequence of RACING OFFICIALS 133 too close an adherence to book form with no special knowledge behind it. Thus, it has been previously- pointed out that a horse may win by a neck and have 3 lbs. in hand or 3 stone ; and unless the handicapper sees the race, and is a judge of riding, he is likely to go far astray. Neglect of this last essential led to results which induced the Jockey Club about a year since (at the beginning of 1897) to make an addition to the Rule of Racing which deals with handicappers, to limit the work they do, and to declare that they must attend the meetings for which they have adjusted weights, either personally or by licensed deputy — and when they are vicariously represented it can only be hoped that the deputy is alert, ready to make notes and careful to ensure that his principal has them put before him. The Judge must be in his box when the horses pass the post. He carefully scrutinises the approaching field through his glasses, takes in generally the posi- tions of the leading horses, puts down his glass when the leaders are near at hand, and so notes precisely how the first three at least — usually the fourth, and occasionally others — pass the imaginary line between his box and the winning post. He can see infinitely better than any one else how the horses finish ; and though there are legends of judges having made mis- takes in short head verdicts, the chances are that their decisions have been correct. There is reason to sup- pose that once or twice a blunder has occurred, and 134 THE TURF never been protested against, when a horse, out by himself, has been an easy winner, but has come up on one side of the course under the box of a judge whose attention has been fixed upon two or three others on the opposite side fighting out what he has mistaken for the finish. On one occasion there was nearly being no verdict at all. The late Judge Clark, a wholly admirable occupant of the position — though he took no sort of interest in horses or any other animals, and occupied his leisure hours in the study of ecclesiastical architecture — went fast asleep one hot summer's after- noon at Goodwood when the horses were at the post for the Stewards' Gup. He gazed over the shimmer- ing landscape before him till he dozed away, to be suddenly aroused by a happily observant policeman, who shook him up to consciousness just when the field had reached the distance, so that he had time to fulfil his duties. Only men who have hoped, feared, and anticipated much from the result of a race can realise what those most deeply interested in the winner would have felt had it been declared that the race was void and must be run again, as would probably have been inevitable. When there are objections to winners on the ground of crossing, josding, bumping, or any- thing that has occurred in the course of the race, the evidence of the judge is sought, and always carries great weight with the stewards. Very often after a close race only the judge can say for certain which has won, and the spectators wait with the utmost RACING OFFICIALS 135 tension of anxiety to see what number he has in- structed his assistant to hoist in the frame — possibly it may be no number at all, but the " o o," which stands for a dead heat. The Starter's duties are at present threatened with supersession by the introduction of the " starting machine," a colonial invention, first tried in this country last year (1897), which has found warm advo- cates and no less energetic opponents. Starts under the system which has for so long a time prevailed not seldom occupy much time, and with the machine in use there would very likely to be less delay at the post ; so much must certainly be admitted ; but good starts are by no means assured by the employment of the contrivance. Some horses never take to it kindly, others become very clever at it, and when it is used there must always be a grave risk of accidents ; for the horses advance to the barrier in a compact line, and if a vicious, irritable, or " calfish " animal kicks out, as some always will, broken limbs are an exceedingly probable result. If there is no machine in front of the iield, a jockey whose horse becomes troublesome can ride it on in advance, or swing it to right or left : the field are not all wedged together. The opinion of the very great majority of those professionally engaged in the sport is most strongly opposed to the starting machine. Where the English method is in vogue, the starter makes his way to the post, usually on horse- back, dismounts, and, red flag in hand, takes the field 136 THE TURF in charge. The jockeys have drawn numbers in the weighing-room, to determine their places in the line, and these the starter reads out from a paper. His assistant, with a large white flag, then takes his place some fifty yards in advance, his business being to lower his white flag when the starter, by dropping the red flag, has given the signal ; the red flag will be hidden from several of the jockeys farthest away from it, all of whom, however, can see the white flag well in front of them. The starter's object is to get the field in a line, to see that no jockey is trotting or cantering, but that all are at a walk ; and, when the line is once straight, to say " Go ! " and flash his flag to the ground. The business is difficult, for several reasons. Jockeys often cannot restrain their horses ; sometimes a few are all anxiety to get away, just to anticipate the fall of the flag, and so steal an advantage ; on occasions, it is to be feared, they do not all want to get off too well ; and there are times when they lose their tempers and give as much trouble as they dare, persistently disobeying orders to "come on" or to "come back." Admirable patience and equanimity are among the chief requisites for a starter ; and it must be added that these are found to an extraordinary extent in the present chief occupant of the post, Mr. Arthur Coventry. The Clerk of the Scales is on duty in the weigh- ing room, his business being to weigh every jockey who is going to ride, and make out a list of those RACING OFFICIALS 137 competing. The jockeys declare their weights as they take their places in the scales, and he sees if they draw the amount. After the race he arain weighs the riders of the horses that have been placed by the judge, putting an extra 2 lbs. in the scale to prove that the horse has not carried too much. Jockeys of course weigh with their saddle and weight cloths, and, if they do not quite turn the beam, the bridle may be sent for to ascertain if that will make up the necessary difference. If not, disqualification follows. The Clerk of the Course is responsible for the general arrangements of the meeting at which he officiates. He must see that the distances of the courses are correctly measured and marked, though this is not often a source of trouble, as the various posts on most courses have stood for many years. A more pressing duty is the publication of cards of the races. He must also engage officials, and see that the meeting is provided with stewards. Very often those who have consented to act neither appear nor send any intimation of their inability to attend, and the Clerk of the Course is hard put to it to find suitable substitutes. Stewards may for convenience be here included. They are appointed to fulfil duties which they very often perform in a perfunctory manner, or not seldom entirely neglect — occasionally from ignorance ; for clerks of courses are apt to invite distinguished persons to act as stewards because they are locally popular or 138 THE TURF important, and notwithstanding the fact that they know nothing of the sport they are requested to control. There must be at least two stewards, whose task it IS to see that in all respects the Rules of Racing are observed and obeyed ; and some knowledge of these Rules is obviously essential. Any disputes which arise are submitted to the stewards, who seek the best evidence obtainable, and act accordingly. If an owner or jockey make an objection for foul riding, bumping, or some such offence, intentional or uninten- tional, the stewards hear what he has to say, examine other jockeys who have ridden in the race, obtain the judge's version of the affair, and sustain or overrule the objection as they may consider just. They may suspend an offender for the rest of the meeting, and in some cases inflict fines. When serious offences are committed, the stewards of meetings usually report the matter to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, who investigate the subject, and, if proof be forthcoming, sentence the culprits to such penalties as they decide will meet the justice of the case. If stewards of meetings did with more strictness what they were appointed to do, there would be much less scandal and suspicion than are at present found on the Turf. One does not want a steward to be fussy and unnecessarily prone to investigate ; but there are occasions when horses or their riders perform oddly, when perhaps the betting has foreshadowed or suggested something suspicious, and when, after the race, shrewd and ex- RACING OFFICIALS 139 perienced men — not the foolish pubHc who generally lose their temper when they lose their money, and immediately proclaim their certain conviction that a robbery has been committed, but cool headed men who know what racing is — are deliberately of opinion that dishonesty has been practised. Stewards not seldom hear such whispers — if the comments are con- fined to whisperings — and do nothing. There may be, there often is, a simple explanation of what has seemed inexplicable except on the ground of roguery ; and if only to clear characters that are besmirched, the stewards should inquire into such cases ; especially as, if they feel themselves unable to decide, they can always report the matter to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, leaving the onus of decision on them. Messrs. Weatherby. The name of Messrs. Weatherby occurs more than once in this work, and a few words must be added about the firm. Messrs. Weatherby are the active agents of the Jockey Club, the connexion having apparently arisen from the fact that in the year 1773 a Mr. James Weatherby first published the Racing Calendar, which became the official organ of the Club. The Sheet Calendar, which appears every Thursday afternoon, and occasionally at other times also, contains records of all races run since the previous issue (including sport under National Hunt Rules), programmes of races to come, notices and orders of the Jockey Club, lists of licensed jockeys, etc., the forfeit lists, and indeed all matters which the I40 THE TURF Club desire to make known. There are also Monthly Calendars and Book Calendar's ; a volume of " Races Past " and another of " Races to Come" are published annually ; and at irregular periods Messrs. Weatherby add to their already long array of volumes of the " Stud Book," which gives the pedigree of every thoroughbred foal destined to race — or to be prepared with a hope that he may be able to do so. "Not in the Stud Book " is equivalent to not thoroughbred. Messrs. Weatherby keep what is known as the " Registry Office," and matters too numerous to men- tion pass through their hands. Before a horse's name is registered, it must be sent to their office ; and they have authority, delegated by the Jockey Club, to reject it if there is another animal with a similar name, so that the existence of the two might cause confusion. They receive entries for almost all races, and charge fees for their services. But the firm has other func- tions besides those which arise from their agency to the Jockey Club. They act as bankers for the great majority of owners, and certainly save them an infinity of trouble. It would be a serious business if every owner had to send cheques for his entrances and forfeits, collect his own winnings from stakeholders, pay jockeys and so on. Messrs. Weatherby do all this for their clients. When a man "goes on the Turf" it is customary for him to start an account with Messrs. Weatherby (one or two other firms seek the same sort of business) by paying in a sum of money ; RACING OFFICIALS 141 all forfeits, entrances, etc., are then paid for him as long as the money lasts, and his winnings are put to his credit. He may win so much that he can draw money for private use, or he may have to replenish his account. Some member of the firm has almost always, if not invariably, filled the position of " Keeper of the Match Book," his business being to receive the stakes and collect entrance money and all other funds be- longing to the Club, and he is entitled to charge half- a-crown for every horse entered to run at Newmarket. Once a year, shortly before the Derby, he makes a handicap of the chief three-years-old, thus giving a quasi judicial opinion as to their relative merit. Until a few years since, Messrs. Weatherby were handi- cappers to the Jockey Club, but they have resigned. They charge owners whose business they conduct fees for their services. CHAPTER VII WEIGHT TIME SPEED AND STAYING COST OF RACING RACE COURSES WEIGHT The usual record of a race states that a horse has won by a short head, a head — a very narrow dis- tinction — a neck, half a length, three quarters of a length or more as the case may be. This is the common formula ; but the critical expert is accus- tomed to say, " he won with 3 lbs. in hand," " it was a 7 lbs. beating," or to use some such phrase which deals with weight and not with distance. The reason of this is plain. A horse may win by a neck and have 3 lbs. in hand or 3 stones, because jockeys do not want to win their races by a much larger margin than is necessary, though it may be incidentally added that the very best riders have thrown away not a few races by attempting to draw things too fine — a stumble, a peck, some trivial accident, and a victory that had seemed inevitable is turned into a defeat. Weight, as the phrase runs, " brings horses together," hence the origin of handicapping, and of the system of penalties WEIGHT 143 and allowances which is adopted to make chances more equal. It is impossible to give figures setting distance against weight, saying for instance that a length means 5 lbs., for the reason that races are run over distances varying from five furlongs to three miles — on rare occasions even more than three — and the farther a horse goes the more the weight tells. If the finish of a mile race is ridden out, and the winner beats the second by a good length, the chances are that with 5 lbs. less on the latter the two would have as nearly as possible run a dead-heat, and in con- sidering the relative capacity of the pair, the handicapper would probably make that allowance. Authorities differ. After a race, when the question arises what beating the second has received, the estimate of good judges not seldom varies to the extent of several pounds ; but in such cases it will often be found on investigation that prejudice has a good deal to do with the opinions expressed. Success in a race usually entails a penalty, and in many weight- for-age contests, "maidens," that is to say horses that have never won, have allowances of from 3 lbs. to as much as seven times that figure. As a rule, 5 lbs. or 7 lbs. is the maiden allowance ; in almost every weight- for-age race mares and geldings are allowed 3 lbs. The fact that a man's clothes weigh 3 lbs. or 4 lbs. more or less makes very little perceptible difference to him, even when taking brisk exercise ; and when the strength of a horse is considered, when, furthermore, one 144 THE TURF remembers that the racehorse is full of muscle and " condition," in the plenitude of health and strength, it seems strange that so slight an additional burden should really have any considerable effect upon him. That it has such effect is, however, daily demonstrated. The matter is still further complicated when one observes what heavy weights some good horses carry to victory on the one hand, and how frequently the tables are turned by a small penalty or allowance on the other. Foxhall, Plaisanterie, and La Fleche, all as three-year-olds, won the Cambridgeshire with 9 St., 8 St. 12 lbs., and 8 st. 10 lbs., the last-named in a canter, with her ears pricked ; Isonomy and Carlton won the Manchester Handicap with 9 st. 12 lbs. These are instances of brilliant successes under severe burdens ; and to grasp the opposite side of the question a glance at Turf records will show how many moderate horses have been helped first past the post in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Ascot by the 7 lbs. maiden allow- ance. During the first three years of a horse's Turf career he is supposed to be constantly growing in capacity, and to adjust these ever- varying differences a scale of weight for age has been constructed. It runs as follows : — Scale of Weight for Age. The following Scale of Weight for Age is published under the sanction of the Stewards of the Jockey Club as a guide to managers of race meetings, but is not intended to be imperative, especially as WEIGHT 145 regards the weights of two- and three-year-olds relatively to the old horses in selling races, early in the year. It is founded on the scale published by Admiral Rous, and revised by him in 1873, but has been modified in accordance with suggestions from the principal trainers and practical authorities. Age. Mar. and April. Five Furlongs. j st. lb. Two years j 6 o Three years 82 Four years 9 o Five, six, and aged . .9 i Six Fitrlongs. Two years ; 6 o Three years 8 4 Four years 9 7 Five, six, and aged . .199 One Mile. Two years j — Three years ; 7 9 Four years 90 Five, six, and aged ..94 One Alile and a Half. \ Two years — Three years 7 7 Four years 90 Five, six, and aged . .9 5 Two Miles. Two years — Three years 7 ^ Four years 9 4 Five, six, and aged . .910 Three Miles. Three years . . Four years . . Five years Six and aged 7 I 9 o 9 8 9 10 May. St. lb. 6 2 8 3 9 o 9 o 6 4 8 6 9 7 9 8 June. July. St. lb. St. lb. 67169 8 5 ! 8 7 9090 9090 6 7 8 8 9 7 9 7 6 II 8 10 9 7 9 7 7 II 9 o 9 3 7 9 9 o 9 4 7 13 9 o 9 2 8 2 9 o 9 o 7 II 9 o 9 3 7 13 9 o 9 2 7 II 9 4 9 9 7 4 9 o 9 7 9 8 7 12 9 4 9 8 7 5 9 o 9 6 9 7 8 o 9 4 9 7 7 7 9 o 9 5 9 6 Aug. St. lb. 7 o 8 9 9 o 9 o 7 o 8 12 9 7 9 7 8 4 9 o 9 o 8 I 9 o 9 I 8 3 9 4 9 6 7 9 9 o 9 5 9 5 Sept. Oct. and Nov. St. lb. St. lb. 7 4 7 7 8 10 8 II 9 o I 9 o 9 o [ 9 o 7 5:77 9 o I 9 2 9 7 i 9 7 9 7 9 7 6 5 8 5 9 o 9 o 6 o 8 3 9 o 9 o 6 7 S 6 9 o 9 o 6 4 8 5 9 o 9 o 6062 8485 9 4 9 4 9 5 9 4 7 II 7 13 9090 9 4 9 3 9 4 9 3 146 THE TURF TIME Occasionally in reports of races a comment is appended to the effect that the time was so many minutes, seconds, and fifths of seconds. The chances are that the figures lack correctness ; but, if they happen to be accurate, they are utterly worthless for all practical purposes. The accuracy is to be doubted, because in this country men have little experience of taking time, and as a matter of fact, when it is done, the totals are usually found to vary considerably on different watches ; moreover, when so little as fifths of a second are reckoned, it is to be noted that horses do not start exactly at the post, but " at such reasonable distance behind the starting-post as the starter thinks necessary." After the flag has fallen, therefore, and before the precise distance-line is crossed, some fifths of a second must often be occupied. Of course it is obvious that the animal which really covers a given distance in exceptionally short time must have great speed. No one can deny that. But the utter worth- lessness of the " time test " is proved by the circum- stance that horses which are unquestionably bad have very frequently won races in better time than that taken by horses universally acknowledged to be of the very first rank. It is far from certain that a mile has ever been covered in better time than the i min. 39 sees, recorded for Brag in the Brighton Cup, for about this time there seemed to be an unusual aeree- TIME 147 ment ; but it is certain that very few persons would care to maintain that Brag was the best horse of his generation, or indeed anything approaching to it. The object of a race is not to accomphsh the distance in the least possible time, but to arrive first at the win- ning-post. Nothing is more common than to read that some orood horse has "won in a canter." If he had galloped his best, it is obvious that his time would have been considerably shorter. The fallaciousness of the " test " is further increased by differences in the going and in the nature of courses. If the turf is deep and holding, horses are likely to take longer than they would if they were galloping "on the top of the ground," and five furlongs down the hill at Epsom or at Brighton is a speedier business than up the hill at Ascot or to the finish of the Bunbury Mile, or of the Criterion course — if any five-furlong race is now run in the last named. Examples bearing on this have not seldom been quoted, but may be repeated here. Galopin, one of the very best horses that ever won the Derby, took 2 min. 48 sees. ; Sir Visto, one of the very worst, took 2 min. 43f sees. ; Lord Lyon, whose excellence will be dwelt on in the section on " Famous Horses," took 2 min. 50 sees. ; Merry Hampton, a very poor speci- men of a Derby winner, took 2 min. 43 sees. Wheel of Fortune, one of the best mares ever known, took 3 min. 2 sees, to win the Oaks ; Lonely, one of the worst, took 2 min. 435- sees. The mighty Ormonde's Leger time was 3 min. 2i| sees.; The Lambkin, a L 2 THE TURF very moderate animal, was only 3 min. 14 sees, in doing the distance. These instances will probably suffice. "The watch" may possibly be of some service in showing whether a two-year-old has speed, whether he can cover five furlongs in such time as to suggest his ability to race with good prospects ; but it has been found in many years' experience that a care- fully-chosen trial horse will give the same assurance. As an almost universal rule, to take (or attempt to take) the time of a race and to draw deductions from it is an utterly futile proceeding. SPEED AND STAYING Speed is the first requisite of the racehorse, his value depending largely upon the distance of ground over which he can maintain his best pace, that is to say, whether or not he is a stayer. A good definition of a " stayer " is much needed, and for want of a better he may perhaps be described as a horse who can keep on galloping for a long way when fully extended. Many, perhaps the majority of, racehorses have a flash of speed with which to finish a race — "one effort in them," as the phrase runs, and it is among the first essentials of jockeyship to know precisely when this effort should be demanded. There are not a few horses that cannot fairly "get" even five furlongs, and among these very much depends upon the selection of the course, whether it is easy, as down the hill 1 I'TS". ^■*lW>'*nl^S' *«*■*>»» f«' r^ ■■^*^-^ . ,r «?*^ ■^ '' yi SPEED AND STAYING 149 at Epsom (if the animal has good shoulders and can come down hill), at Derby and elsewhere, or severe, as at Ascot, on the Rowley mile, the old Cambridgeshire (or Criterion) course, the Bunbury Mile, or where the winning post is at the top of an ascent. A really speedy horse that does not stay will beat bad animals over long distances, when run- ning far beyond his course, in fact, because they fail to extend him. He is cantering while they are galloping hard ; going on well within himself he does not tire, and so can keep with them at no exertion, reserving his speed ; but put the same horse in his own class, among worthy rivals, so that he is kept at or near full stretch, and he is exhausted by a very much shorter course — as is natural. A "stayer" is a somewhat vague term, as regards the question of distance, but one generally understands a horse that can last with animals of his own class for at least a mile and a half. It would have been extremely interesting after Sheen had beaten Amphion at two miles to see what would have happened had the two run together over a mile, and then over a mile and a half. At a mile most people would have expected to see Amphion win easily ; at a mile and a half opinions would have been divided ; when they met at two miles Sheen won without difficulty. Kilcock's best distance is probably six furlongs, but he won at Newmarket over a course nearly twice as long (i mile 3 furlongs), because against the horses that ISO THE TURF Opposed him he had not to exert himself. The com- bination of great speed and staying power is occa- sionally found, but it is exceedingly rare. THE COST OF RACING The cost of racing may, of course, be anything. It may result in an annual profit or loss of many thou- sands of pounds, according to the scale on which it is followed and the luck which befalls an owner. The word "luck" is not carelessly employed; for much, very much, as judgment may achieve, the element of luck supervenes and practically governs well nigh everything. When the Duke of Westminster was mating his mares in 1882, it was surely to a great extent luck or chance that made him send Lily Agnes to Bend Or, with the result that Ormonde was born to show himself invincible, and to become the sire of Orme and Goldfinch. Chance had much to do with the fact that the Duke of Portland became possessed of St. Simon ; an accident prevented the purchase of the colt after Prince Batthyany's death, before he was sold to his present owner ; and, similarly, it was luck which induced the Duke, who seldom buys at an auction, to go to Bushey the day Memoir was put up, thereby securing an Oaks and Leger winner. Without examining the matter too closely, it must be acknowledged that luck enormously influences victory or defeat. But, returning to the cost of THE COST OF RACING 151 racing, there are certain inevitable expenses, and some light may be thrown on the subject by a little con- sideration of them. A thoroughbred horse may cost from five guineas up to at least six thousand times that sum — at meetings towards the end of the season runners in sellinor races have been knocked down for the small amount named, and the larger sum is under- stood to have been oflfered and declined for Ormonde. Horses, therefore, go at all prices. Often, moreover, the dearest prove worthless, and the cheapest gallop their way to glory. When an animal has been secured, training and running have to come into consideration. The usual fee per horse is ^os. a week, though some trainers have of late years raised this to three guineas, and in certain cases the trainer also has a salary, or a percentage on the stakes won by the horses in his charge. After the weekly payment the question of entries arises ; and this is a very important one. A specially well-bred, good-looking animal will be, as a rule, freely entered in weight-for-age races, and the cost here may be anything from a minor forfeit of a sovereign to a hard-and-fast sum — "p-p," as it is called, meaning " play or pay," — of 200 guineas. The sum named is the price of entrance, for example, to the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Goodwood. It is not at all an unusual thing for a young horse to have a thousand pounds worth of engagements made for him ; and if he is no good for racing, as so often happens, 152 THE TURF the money is lost at once. Having shown inability to win important stakes, an animal may be entered for little handicaps, and being beaten in them so add to the total of loss. In order to run he must be ridden, and here the payment of jockey comes in. The set fee is three guineas for a losing mount on the flat, five guineas for a win ; but, in addition to this, special terms have to be made in order to secure the services of particularly accomplished horsemen, either by agree- ment for a sum per mount, or in the way of a retainer for first, second, or, in the case of riders who are much sought after, even a third call on the jockey's services. The writer of this book has been commis- sioned by a friend to offer as much as 4,000 guineas a year for first call on a popular jockey — who was com- pelled to refuse. It will be perceived that when an owner is anxious that the fullest justice shall be done to his horses, the jockey's payment is an important item. Travelling is another expense. Most of the leading owners have their own vans on the railway, which is not only a convenience, as the van is always ready when wanted, but also to a great extent a safe- guard against disease, as in a public horse-box an animal affected by some infectious ailment may have left mischief behind for the next user. Stabline at the place where the meeting is being held is a further detail, though of late the managers of a few courses, in order to attract horses to run, have offered stabline and forage free. There are some few additional RACE COURSES 153 expenses. For every horse trained at Newmarket a Heath Tax of seven guineas is charged ; owners almost invariably provide their horses with distinctive clothing — some have two suits, one for general use on the training ground, the other, which frequently reproduces or suggests the colours, for use on the racecourse. Caps and jackets have also to be bought for the jockeys ; there are saddlers' bills, and, not seldom, accounts for veterinary attendance. If an owner breeds his own animals, there is the cost of paddocks, of men to look after the mares, and fees for the services of sires, which may be anything down- wards from 500 guineas — the primary cost of a possible St. Simon foal. As for the rewards, the Duke of Portland in 1889 headed the list of winning owners with ^73,858. That sum stands out by itself, most nearly approached by Mr. H. B. McCalmont's ;^37,674 in 1894. From the winning totals entries and forfeits have to be deducted. If an owner bets, the cost of racing may be reduced or enhanced ; as a general rule he will, at any rate in the long run, find himself a loser by taking the odds. RACE COURSES By general consent the best meeting of the year is held at Ascot. The sport here is consistently good, and it is the one place where no selling race is found in the programme. There are only five handicaps during the four days over which the meeting extends. 154 THE TURF and one of these, the Royal Hunt Cup, is perhaps only second in general interest to the Cambridgeshire. The Ascot Stakes and the Wokingham are also events of importance, though the former is over two miles, and nowadays for all long distance races, except the Cesarewitch, fields are usually no better than moderate. The Ascot Cup stands out by itself as the great race of its kind. A few years since it was generally under- stood that a race for a Cup was invariably, like the Cup at the " Royal Meeting," as it is called, over a long distance of ground ; but in this respect things have altered on many courses, and Cups are often run for at distances of less than a mile. Nearly all the stakes at Ascot are of considerable value. The Cup is now worth as a rule not far short of ^4,000 ; the Coronation Stakes for three-year-old fillies often amounts to over ^3,000, and the St. James's Palace and Hardwicke Stakes are also reckoned in thousands. The Hardwicke, it may be remarked, was named after the late Earl, who revised the Ascot programme dur- ing his tenancy of the Mastership of the Buckhounds. The Ascot course is circular, and only some sixty-six yards short of two miles round. The ground rises and falls, with a finish up-hill, which is a severe test of a horse's ability, and some of the best jockeys who ride and who have ridden there say that races are not seldom lost because riders do not appreciate the severity of the finish, and so make their effort too soon. The oreat drawback to Ascot, as a rule, is RACE COURSES 155 the hardness of the going. The meeting always takes place about the middle of June, when the sun has baked the course, and scarcely a year passes in which some good animals do not permanently injure them- selves by running here. But to a great many devotees of the sport there is no place which approaches Newmarket. The whole of Newmarket is practically given up to the horse. Most of the training here is done on what is called the " Bury Side," an expanse of ground including the famous Lime-kilns, on which, as a rule, the going is very good. Even when it is hard on other parts of the Heath, if one passes through the belt of trees which separates the Lime-kilns from the Bury Hill, horses can be freely galloped at almost all times, though elsewhere they have to do their work on the tan tracks which have been laid down, and are utilised by trainers who desire to avoid the jar which would be caused by the hard ground. What is called the " Race Course Side " is also busy in the morning, however. Most of the races take place on some portion of the Rowley Mile, though not all of them finish at what may be called the principal winning post, opposite to the stand. There are three other winning posts on this portion of the course. First comes the Abingdon Mile. This post is situated at the bottom of a descent, so that the course is suitable for speedy horses with little staying power, as they have not to climb up the rise to the Rowley Mile 156 THE TURF post. The next is the Ditch Mile, and the last is the T.Y.C., capitals which stand for "Two Year Old Course." Every course, it may be remarked, has its T.Y.C. extending to something from 5 to 6 furlongs ; thus the T.Y.C. at Newmarket (that is to say on the Rowley Mile course) is 5 furlongs 140 yards ; at Ascot it is 5 furlongs 136 yards ; at Doncaster the "Red House in" does duty for a T.Y.C, and is 5 furlongs 152 yards ; at Epsom and Goodwood it is 6 furlongs exactly. The Cambridgeshire used to finish, as a few races do still, at the Criterion Course winning post, commonly called "the top of the town," but in 1888 the course which had been in use since this handicap was first established, in 1839, was altered. The Cambridgeshire now finishes at the Rowley Mile stand, and is run over exactly 2,000 yards, that is to say a mile and a " distance " ; for a " distance " is not a vague term as some people appear to suppose, but a measurement of 240 yards. The hill from the Rowley Mile stand to the winning post at the " top of the town " is a severe one, and forms a useful test of a horse's staying powers. Here it was that the old Beacon course, about which one often reads in old racing histories, came to an end. This course was 4 miles i furlong 177 yards in length. It is very seldom used now, never, indeed, unless the Whip is challenged for. On the Rowley Mile and its ap- purtenances are held the three Spring and three Autumn meetings, called the Craven, the First RACE COURSES 157 Spring, the Second Spring ; the First October, which usually takes place at the end of September, the Second October, and the Houghton. The two Summer meetings, the First and Second July, are held on another course, familiarly described as " Be- hind the Ditch." The course runs parallel to the famous " ditch " which was erected — for it is an embankment as well as a ditch proper — in time im- memorial for military purposes, and may still be traced through several counties. Here there are two winning posts : one opposite the stand at the top of a hill, the other, the new T.Y.C., which is 5 furlongs 142 yards, at the bottom of the rise, so that it is not nearly so severe. How trying this hill is to horses is shown by the frequency with which they fail to carry a penalty up it. There can scarcely be a better proof of a horse's merit than success in a race " A.F.," assuming, of course, that the field is made up of good animals. "A.F." are initials that signify "Across the Flat," and the course consists of the Rowley Mile together with 2 furlongs beyond it at the start. It is quite straight, with ascents and descents just enough to try a horse's action ; for though it is in no part very steep, if an animal cannot come down a hill, a consequence of bad shoulders or of his beinor what is called " upright " in front, the descent into the Abingdon Mile Bottom is sufficient to make him falter. A straight course is more arduous than one round turns, in "negotiating" which an animal must be slightly 158 THE TURF eased. The breadth of the Newmarket courses is a great advantage, as horses have plenty of room, and with moderate luck and judgment a jockey should never be shut in ; though not lonor since in a match one of the horses was disqualified for bumping. Before the stands were erected, a great many visitors to New- market did their racing on horseback, and not a few ofentlemen and trainers have their hacks there at present. When races finish, as they do on some days, at several of the different winning posts, a good deal of exercise is involved in getting about, and a hack is a great convenience. The Round Course is now little more than a name. It extended over 3 miles 4 furlongs 138 yards. The " Ditch In," 2 miles 118 yards from the running gap (a cutting through the " ditch ") to the end of the Beacon Course, is also seldom used, but one or two races are still run over the Two Middle Miles, a course in reality 17 yards short of its nominal distance. The Epsom Course is one of the worst in the country by reason of the very awkward turn at Tattenham corner. This was not long since to some extent modified, but it is still extremely dangerous, and on rounding it the jockey finds himself at the top of a steep hill, dashing down which must be something of a trial to the nerves if they are not of the best. The Derby Course is much in the form of a horseshoe, the first part of it being on the ascent ; and though, certainly, riders do not seem to ease at all in RACE COURSES 159 coming" round the corner, it is evident that they must do so, because the Derby time is invariably rather slow. The Bell stands at the bottom of the hill ; from there to the winning- post is a slight rise, but its distance is short, and thus horses that cannot come down hill have naturally a bad chance at Epsom, though it may be noted that to judge from a horse's formation whether he can come down hill or not is apt to lead the observer into error. Those who remem- ber Bay Middleton declare that he was as upright as a walking stick, but he came down the hill in perfect style when he won the Derby. Goodwood, one of the best and most picturesque courses in the country, is some five miles from Chichester on the borders of the Duke of Richmond's park. The swelling Downs, with the Solent beyond, make a beautiful view from the stands ; and for some reason or other, though the meeting is held on the last days of July or the first days of August, the going never seems to be very hard. The courses are very varied in character, the long distance races being run round a hill called " the Clump." Doncaster is a circular course, nearly fiat, i mile 7 furlongs 92 yards round ; there is a turn into the straight — for when a course is spoken of as circular it must not be under- stood that it bears anything like a close resemblance to a circle — but it is a long way from home, and trouble in the nature of josding seldom happens there, though in Memoir's St. Leger there was a scrimmage i6o THE TURF at this point, T. Loates on St. Serf having been knocked quite out of his saddle, to which he was restored by Tom Cannon. The nearest approach to a circular course, using the word in its proper meaning, is at Chester on the Roodee, by the side of the river Dee ; the course indeed has been derisively spoken of as a "soup plate." It is only about 50 yards more than a mile round, and so is very much on the turn and unsuitable for long-striding horses. A familiar phrase on the turf is " horses for courses," and that there is a good deal in the expression often seems to be proved. Thus the Brighton Course is very like Epsom, and horses that win at one meeting often win at the other, a circumstance, however, which may no doubt partially be explained by the fact that these courses down a long hill are easy, so that a speedy animal who cannot stay has a specially good chance. York has an oval flat course on the famous Knavesmire about a mile from the city. One of the most popular of the few " open courses," as opposed to gate money meetings, which still remain, is at Stock- bridge, the headquarters of the Bibury Club, one of the oldest established racing clubs in the country, members of which are ipso facto gentlemen riders, the only other English racing clubs which confer this dis- tinction being the Jockey Club, Croxton Park, South- down and Ludlow. Besides races for gentlemen riders, Stockbridge, situated on the Downs near the historical RACE COURSES i6i training establishment of Danebury, has usually some very good two-year-old sport. The place has long- been specially popular with many of the leading patrons of the turf, and it is seldom that good horses do not go to the post for the Hurstbourne Stakes — Stockbridge indeed is recognised as having a charm of its own, and much regret has been expressed at the fact that a renewal of the lease for the training ground and racecourse cannot be obtained. It was here that the Marquis of Hastings and the Duke of Beaufort had their horses under the charge of John Day, father-in-law of the present tenant, Tom Cannon, during a very sensational period of turf history. The Southdown Club meeting is held at Lewes, where the course on the top of a range of hills near the capital of Sussex has some resemblance to Stockbridge. Of the racing clubs which have lately come into existence Sandown Park was one of the first. This has a pear- shaped course rather more than a mile and a half in circumference, and is on the whole tolerably easy ; for though there is a stiffish hill at the finish, horses in a race of six furlongs or more have to come round turns which necessitate a certain amount of easing. There is also a new T.Y.C. here, quite straight, running through the middle of the park, the awkward point about which is that if races are viewed from the Stand it is impossible to judge with anything approaching accuracy what has won until the judge has confirmed impressions — or perhaps in most cases destroyed them i62 THE TURF — by hoisting the number. Kempton Park also has a trying turn, by reason of which many calculations are upset. When horses are heavily weighted, their jockeys are not seldom greatly perplexed as to the best method of proceeding. Unless they race for the turn, so as to get a good place there, they are in con- siderable danger of being shut in ; but on a horse that carries a heavy burden it is usually good policy to wait. Gatwick is on the lines of Sandown and Kempton, and like them is undoubtedly well managed. The draw- back to the place lies in the nature of the soil ; the clay forms deep and holding mud in very wet weather, and in very dry weather becomes extremely hard. Credit for orood management must also be extended to Hurst Park and Lingfield. The former is at Moulsey Hurst, where once the old Hampton Races, the great Cockney carnival, used to be held. Great pains have been taken with the ground, and the going here is almost always good. Lingfield, too, is in all respects a plea- sant and picturesque meeting, though the stands are, as on so many other courses, placed so that it is difficult for a majority of their occupants to obtain a good view of the sport. There is also a racing club at Derby and a very good flat oval course with moderately easy turns, rather more than a mile and a quarter round. The racing here is notably popular with all classes. Manchester and Liverpool (the latter, to be strictly accurate, at Aintree, some five miles from the city), are leading homes of racing. Newcastle is served by RACE COURSES 163 Gosforth Park, and Birmingham has lately started a course marked by special advantages. There is here a straight mile and a quarter, straight actually, not only nominally, and an excellent view of the sport can be had from the stands, the architects having under- stood at what angle to the running ground they should be built. Leicester has a very good course, and the meeting has lately attained a degree of popularity which was for some time denied it. There is here, however, a rather steep descent into a hollow and a trying ascent out of it before the level run in is reached. The season always opens at Lincoln, and one of the last meetings is also held there. The course is (nominally) circular, i mile 6 furlongs 6 yards. The T.Y.C. is about 5 furlongs, to suit the young horses in their earliest public essays. CHAPTER VIII STEEPLECHASING AND HURDLE RACING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEEPLECHASING In writing of " Steeplechasing," the first thing which strikes one is the absurdity of the name that has been accepted as descriptive of the sport. One cannot " chase " a thing that does not run away, and steeples are not itinerant. But the origin of the word is sufficiently clear. "Steeplechases" were first of all spins across country, and some prominent landmark had to be named as a goal, A steeple stood highest ; and so, when men who desired to test the capacity of their hunters combined with their own skill came together to fight it out, their attention was directed to a steeple in the distant landscape, and they were told that in a certain field close to it posts had been placed, the first man who passed between which was to be accounted the winner. These were genuine hunt- ing contests, especially when they were not set to be decided over an unmerciful distance. The hunters that ran were good jumpers, possessed of what their owners considered a turn of speed and sufficient THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEEPLECHASING 165 Stamina ; riders had to pick their places at the fences, and one great requisite of the good man to hounds, an eye for a country, was a primary essential. There was an element of true sport about the early "steeple- chases," and though it would be absurd to say that the modern 'chase contains nothing of the kind, the whole nature of the thing has completely altered. A good idea of the old-fashioned business may be gained from the description of the match between Mr. Flintoff and Jean Rougier in Ask Mama, by the author of Handley Cross, the creator of Jorrocks. Spectators there were told that they would be able to see everything from the road, and so would do well to save their own necks and the farmers' crops, by following the jockeys field by field, sticking to the highway. Here is the point which has so greatly tended to alter the character of the steeplechase. Spectators have increased in numbers immeasurably ; they naturally desire to see as much as they can of the race, the whole contest, in fact ; and so courses have had to be made so that the stands command a more or less complete view. The cry for natural fences is reasonable enough. The idea of the steeplechase course is that it should be a repro- duction of a fairly difficult hunting country ; but made- up fences are unavoidable, because as a very general rule some of the best riders will inevitably go the shortest way round ; they will therefore jump the obstacles time after time in the same places ; a pro- portion of the horses will " chance " the fences, take 1 66 THE TURF liberties, " tear them up by the roots " in the florid phraseology one sometimes hears from the riders. The jumps consequently have to be mended, re-made in fact, and so the courses necessarily become artificial. As the courses have altered, so have the animals that cross them. Hunters are still sometimes found competing, but one hears their owners excusing hope- less defeats by the remark, " I had no sort of chance, you know; mine was only a 'fox-catcher.'" This term as applied to the steeplechase horse is one of depreciation: the "fox-catcher" has not the speed requisite for the winning of 'chases, nor does he jump in the style of the well-schooled steeplechaser, A hunter dwells at his fences ; he has to be steadied, his leap is a special effort, and he pauses when he lands. The 'chaser must fly his fences and " get away from them " without dwelling. The two animals do their work in different ways ; the 'chaser, indeed, is quite a modern product. A little schooling in the hunting- field may be good for the steeplechase horse ; if he has on his back a rider who is at once bold and judicious, he may possibly learn to be clever. But this is only one branch of his education ; he must undergo another and a special course of preparation if he is to win credit "between the flags." The 'chaser when he has become too slow for this particular business may make an excellent hunter ; but he is apt as a rule to rush his fences, to jump them in his old THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEEPLECHASING 167 Style, and is a comfortable mount only for a bold rider. At least one Grand National winner carried his master admirably to hounds in the season of 1897-8 — Ilex, who won the greatest of cross-country events in 1890. It is not in the hunting field that recruits are sought, for the reason above given. Hunters have not the speed to live with the rivals they are certain to meet in important races. A very few years back, indeed, when the entries for the Grand National were published, it was the custom to class them into "hunters" and "handicap steeplechasers," but in truth the distinction was purely technical and really meant nothing. Steeplechase horses are usually drawn from the flat, and, as a rule, they graduate through a course of hurdle racing, though it is by no means every hurdle racer that can, even if he tries, earn distinction " over a country," and there are good 'chasers who have not the speed to win over hurdles. The oddest fact about steeplechasing, however, is that very often horses which have not been able to stay for five furlongs on the flat can win races of four miles and more over a country. A really satisfactory explana- tion of this has still to be found, though that their fine speed enables them to hold their own with less speedy animals without exertion may tend to elucidate the mystery ; but what makes the circumstance still more remarkable is that the chief steeplechases are run in time which stands out well when compared with that i68 THE TURF of flat races. The Derby has occupied as much as 3 min. 4 sees. — Ellington took this time — that is, at the rate of a mile in a shade under 2 min. 3 sees. Cloister only took 9 min. 42! sees, to win the Grand National, and to win it in a canter by forty lengths ; and there are these points to be borne in mind when the two things are compared : the Grand National course is thrice the length of the Derby course ; there are thirty jumps, most of them of really formidable size ; Cloister carried 12 st. 7 lb., nearly half as much weight again as is carried at Epsom. Nevertheless he. took only between 6 and 7 sees, more per mile than had been taken by the Derby winner of 1856. It is doubtful when the first steeplechase was run, but there is a record of a match in Ireland in 1752, over four miles and a half of country, between a Mr. O'Callaghan and Mr. Edmund Blake, the course being "from the Church of Buttevant to the spire of St. Leger Church." " The Druid," most charming of Turf historians, speaks of a 'chase in Lancashire in 1792, eight miles from Barkby Holt to the Coplow and back ; Mr. Charles Meynell, son of the M.F.H., was first. Lord Forester second. Sir Gilbert Heathcote third. Over the same course there was a match in 1824, for ^2,000 a side, between Captain Horatio Ross on a horse of his own, and Captain Douglas on a horse belonging to Lord Kennedy. The former won. These early contests seem to have been for only two or three starters, and I can find no reference THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEEPLECHASING 169 to a regular field before March 1831, when the St. Albans steeplechase was run and won by Moonraker, "" who had been bought, for ^18, with his sinews quite calloused from hard work, out of a water-cart ; but he could jump undeniably and cleared the Holloway Lane in the course of an exercise canter." There is mention of a steeplechase in France, in 1834, starting " down the Rabbit Mount, a short but steep declivity full of holes," over a river and across swampy meadows. The first Liverpool Steeplechase was run on Monday, February 29th, 1836, at Aintree. It was "a sweep- stakes of 10 sovs. each, with eighty sovs. added, for horses of all denominations ; 12 stones each ; gentlemen riders. The winner to be sold for 200 sovs. if demanded." Captain Becher, who gave his name to " Becher's Brook," won on a horse called The Duke. ''A strong recommendation to it was that nearly the whole of the performance could be seen from the Grand Stand " is noted by a writer who describes it. The distance was twice round a two mile course. The Grand National was started in 1839. This was at first a sweepstake of 20 sovs. each, 100 added ; 12 stones each ; gentlemen riders ; four miles across •country. That the course was not marked out as it is now seems to be implied by the conditions : '' No rider to open a gate, or ride through a gate-way, or more than 100 yards along any road, footpath or drift- way." The famous Jem Mason won on Lottery, a perfect jumper. Two Irish horses, Rust and Naxon, lyo THE TURF were better favourites until just before the start, when Lottery passed them in the betting as he did presently in the race. In i860 was first run a steeplechase which seemed likely to become extremely popular, but has not ful- filled its promise. This was the National Hunt Steeplechase, to be contested over four miles at such different places as the Stewards of the National Hunt might annually select ; the horses to be maidens and the jockeys gentlemen or qualified riders, that is to say, not (admittedly) professional. Owners of good horses were at first exceedingly keen about this race and put by animals expressly for it, but with the exception of Why Not it has rarely fallen to a notable 'chaser, and it is hampered by the clause which con- fines it to maidens. A four-year-old has rarely suffi- cient stamina to win — though Nord-Ouest, a French importation of that age, won at Newmarket in 1897 — and men who own horses of capacity are as a general rule unwilling to forego the prospect of success else- where, and to keep them on purpose for this race. It nevertheless continues something of an attraction, and managers of steeplechase meetings bid for its inclu- sion in their programmes. They usually pay the National Hunt Committee something between ^500 and £1,000. A National Hunt Juvenile Steeplechase for four-year-olds, about two and a half miles, is run on the day after the more important event. The two are worth about ^800 and /^300 respectively. It THE DEVELOPMENT OF STEEPLECHASING 171 should be added that the National Hunt Committee came into existence in 1866, and not before it was very badly wanted. Cross-country meetings had pre- viously been, it is said, the " recognised refuge of all outcasts, human or equine, from the legitimate Turf" There were Stewards, of course, but they had no power or authority ; the most they could do was to suspend a rider for the rest of the meeting — if his offence were committed in the last race they could do nothing. The Jockey Club gave no countenance to " illegitimate " sport, and the whole business had be- come a scandal when the Grand National Hunt Com- mittee was formed, to make rules — previously Clerks of Courses had done what they pleased — and to super- vise proceedings. Lord Suffolk and Mr. W. G. Craven had much to do with inducing the Jockey Club to recognise the Grand National Hunt Com- mittee, as it was at first called. The Duke of Beaufort and Lord Coventry soon gave their support, after a time the late George Payne and other in- fluential members of the Jockey Club, who had at first opposed the delegation of authority to a new body, were won over ; and the two institutions now work hand in hand, as is natural, seeing that not a few gentlemen are members of both. CHAPTER IX STEEPLECHASE AND HURDLE RACE HORSES Experience shows that some sires get jumpers and that others do not, that many which might be expected to succeed are failures, and that the reverse is equally the case. To some small extent breeding may thus be a guide ; but one can never tell, and the broad rule is this, that if a man wants a jumper and has or knows of a horse that "looks like jumping," it will be judicious to have him schooled and note the results. That many horses which "look like jump- ing " will prove the deceptiveness of appearances is inevitable, and to a slighter extent the opposite is true. One searches specially for good shoulders, as without them a horse is likely to pitch on landing ; he must have propelling power also, and depth through the heart is most desirable ; but at the same time, it is astonishing how on occasions weedy little animals win big steeplechases, though they will generally be found on examination to possess good points which are likely to escape the casual observer. This was STEEPLECHASE AND HURDLE RACE HORSES 175 the case with Lord Coventry's famous mares Emblem and Emblematic. Horses are usually put to jumping because for some reason or another their career on the flat has ceased to look promising, it having been so continually proved that failures under Jockey Club Rules were brilliant successes under the Rules of the National Hunt. There is much less money to be won over hurdles or fences, but there seems more chance of winnings it. Sometimes a horse who retains his capacity to gallop, but becomes a rogue and refuses to try, is put to hurdle racing because an idea exists — an idea which appears well authenticated — that animals thus often gain the confidence or courage which they lack. It was for this reason that Duke of Richmond — at one time, as set forth in a previous section of this work, regarded as a worthy rival of the great St. Simon — was schooled over hurdles. Another horse that may be instanced is Regret. As a three-year-old he won over ^3,000 in stakes, and actually started favourite for the Princess of Wales's stakes in a field which included St. Frusquin and Persimmon, the betting being 7 to 4 Regret, 5 to 2 St. Frusquin, 4 to I Persimmon, and he was third, beaten only a length from St. Frusquin, who won ; though it should be noted that Regret had 7 lbs. advantage in the weights. His wilfulness was not at first cured by a course of hurdles, but he has been persuaded to win some races since, a fact which says much for 174 THE TURF his owner, Mr. Reginald Ward, who has ridden him. Red Heart, a very speedy animal, bought at auction for 5,100 guineas in 1897, was found a few months after running, and running badly, over hurdles — the almost inevitable preliminary to running over fences. As no hurdle race is ever contested over a shorter dis- tance than two miles it might seem, when the ques- tion of selection arises, that the horses chosen must have shown capacity to stay ; but strangely enough, as has been already noted, this is by no means the case. Of recent winners over hurdles, to come to details, Priestholme's best distance was six furlongs, and his last race on the flat before he won over hurdles was over that course. Bayreuth ran a long series of five furlong races, as did the smart but desperately trouble- some Mena ; there was never any suggestion that Montauk stayed ; Pardalo always ran over five fur- longs when he did not attempt six ; Sicily Queen and Athcliath were five furlong horses. Hawkwood ran over a mile and six furlongs, and though he certainly did manage to win a couple of mile races, they were on the easy courses at Epsom and Derby. Fossicker ran over a mile when the distance was not six fur longs ; Amphidamas also usually ran over these distances, and on the two or three occasions when he attempted a little more it was without success ; Jack the Dandy as a four-year-old ran ten times, eight of his races having been over five furlong courses. All these animals have no sort of difficulty about staying SCHOOLING 175 two miles over hurdles, and it will very likely be seen in course of time that they will stay a longer distance over steeplechase courses. Many more instances occur, but those which are given will probably prove suffi- cient ; their speed carries them on. There are a few cases of stayers who win over hurdles, Soliman being a notable one, as he won the Great Metropolitan at Epsom, and ran prominently in the Cesarewitch ; but he is one of those rare horses that are speedy and can also stay. Cornbury, a Metropolitan winner, has been runnino- in hurdle races without success, for thoug-h he stayed on the flat, he has not sufficient speed to win jumping races. Golden Ring also stayed well in Ireland, but one does not know what were the value of her victories in that country. Going a little farther back the same thing is to be observed. Regal, who won the Grand National, was a short-distance runner on the flat, and only won two little races worth ^100 whilst performing under Jockey Club Rules ; but besides the Grand National he won numbers of other steeplechases. The point is a curious one, but the cases mentioned, which might be added to indefinitely, will probably be enough amply to prove that speed is the first essential. Another thing to be observed in the selection of the 'chaser is that though he may not take kindly to his work at first, patience may effect a wonderful change. Congress, who was one of the most brilliant steeplechase horses ever known, framed so badly and showed such nervousness and hesitation 176 THE TURF that his owner, being convinced that he could jump if he would, adopted the violent expedient of having him pulled over his early jumps with cart ropes. This however, leads one to the subject of SCHOOLING Almost everything depends upon the ability of the rider who is put on the horse when first he begins his lessons. He must have " hands," which are exceed- ingly rare, and he must furthermore possess just that combination of patience and firmness which is so seldom found. Patience is usually emphasised as the first requisite, and perhaps it is so, but at the same time it is essential that the horse should be made to perceive that he has his master on his back. A few animals seem to take to jumping as if they delighted in it, but these are the exceptions ; a few others resolutely refuse to do anything of the kind, and cannot be either forced or persuaded to cross even a hurdle. Two notable hunters of a former day — quasi hunters, that is to say, who ran in what were then called Hunters' Races — Quits and The Owl, could never be induced to jump. Quits would not look at a hurdle, and The Owl was almost as bad. As regards the teacher, he must carefully avoid frightening his horse, though the early experiences of Congress must surely have had a somewhat alarming effect. The thing to be done is to begin gradually, and to get on by degrees. A few faggots or a very SCHOOLING 177 low hurdle will be quite enough to start with, and it is a good thing to have a steady, trustworthy old horse to lead the young one in his early lessons. A leaping bar is not to be recommended, as it gives way when struck, and the horse will be apt to get an idea that he may take liberties, a notion which later on is apt to be forcibly dispelled. On some courses, indeed, horses can brush through their fences, and even when they are strongly made up, one not seldom sees huge pieces of them knocked out as some clumsy jumper plunges through ; but at other times, if the fence is really stiff, a bad fall is the result, and the horse should be taught that he must clear what he is put to. Further refer- ence is made to this in the chapter on " Steeplechase Courses." Very often, in his early lessons, the horse's fault may be that he will jump too high, and this is very detrimental, for he will, as the phrase goes, be apt to "beat himself jumping." Crossing hurdles is a business by itself, and differs from jumping fences. It may be added that hurdle racing is indefensible as a sport, being neither one thing nor the other — steeple-chasing nor flat-racing — though it is certainly a picturesque and pretty sight to watch a jumper that really knows his business. The ideal hurdle racer is a horse that clears the obstacles as if they were not there, taking them in his stride, and it is wonderful how the very best (there are extremely few of them) will contrive to do this. The jockey who rode Chandos in most of his races describes how, some strides from N 1^8 THE TURF a flight, the horse would begin to measure his distance so that he could take it in his stride without having to " put in a little one " when quite near. Anything like dwelling at a hurdle is fatal to success, but the worst of this business is that very often in a big field horses close in as they approach the jump, and an animal that is a little way behind cannot see what he has to do. It is a dangerous game for this reason, and a fall over a swinging hurdle is likely to be a very ugly one. At big fences a horse must be slightly steadied, but not at all in the fashion in which a man out hunting pulls his horse together before it jumps. Naturally the great object of steeplechasing is to lose no time, and therefore a horse must get away from his fences without dwelling — that indeed is one of the o-reat secrets of success. Some riders adopt the practice of going at the last two jumps "as if they were not there," but awkward results often follow from chancincr anything. The margin between success and failure is so small that pulling a horse together before the last jump may lose a length that can never be reo-ained : on the other hand, it is very certain that by chancing the last fence many horses fall, and some- thincr that has seemed to be hopelessly beaten and is toilino- on lengths behind may thus gain a victory which had seemed absolutely hopeless. At the same time, if a beaten horse is pulled out of his stride, he is apt to fall, and such a fall is usually a bad one. The size of obstacles when a horse is being schooled SCHOOLING 179 will of course be gradually increased until they attain the dimensions of the course over which he will have to run in public, but it is a bad thing to jump a horse too much, so that he grows tired and disgusted : here as elsewhere there is a happy medium, and the most successful trainer is the man who hits it off. A few turns round a "jumping school " occasionally are no doubt desirable. This school should be made round four sides of a field, enclosed by stout timber partitions, so that the horses cannot run out when they have been put into it, and the bars through which they have gained admission replaced. In these schools there are fences of as varied a nature as can be devised, and the animals are introduced riderless, men being at hand to drive them over the jumps if they require it. A little practice in this has the effect of making a horse clever. A few years ago the water- jump used to be considered one of the chief features of a steeplechase, but this, as now constructed, is by no means a formidable obstacle, thouQ-h for reasons presently explained it is an awkward jump. Some animals at first show a special dislike to water-jumping, and it is necessary therefore to accustom them to it. Any little brook, a stream even four or five feet wide, will be quite enough to begin with. It is wonderful how readily some horses take to the business, they being, no doubt, natural jumpers, and though it is advisable never to let a steeplechase horse get out of practice, as the muscles chiefly employed in leaping i8o THE TURF are likely to relax, it is a curious fact about the Grand National victory of Anatis in i860, that before he won at Liverpool he had not jumped a single fence from the time that he ran there the year before. A bad rider will soon spoil an animal that has learnt to jump really well. If he pulls his horse about, or jerks his mouth on landing, the animal will soon get clumsy and lose time at his fences. Bitting is an important detail ; not a few horses that pull hard against a severe bit will go kindly enough in something that suits them, and to which they do not object. A very astute gentleman rider some time since found that the only way in which he could hold one particularly hard puller was by putting a net over its nose, as is sometimes done with carriage horses ; but after a time the horse that was thus treated o-ot accustomed to the device and then it had no effect. Patience is essential in not going too fast until a horse has made some progress as a jumper ; and then by degrees he can be taught to race over his fences in the style which is necessary to win. CHAPTER X FAMOUS 'chasers RIDERS QUALIFICATIONS STEEPLE- CHASE COURSES FAMOUS 'chasers. As was remarked in discussing past and present horses of high reputation on the flat, opinions vary altogether about the relative merits of the animals of to-day and of former periods, though there are pro- bably more eulogists of the 'chasers of thirty or forty years ago than there are of the flat race horses of the same epoch. There is, however, of course no means of proving the accuracy of the opinions that are held. It is absolutely impossible to say what would have happened, for instance, if Emblem, The Lamb, The Colonel, Disturbance and Cloister had gone to the post for the Grand National, supposing they had been con- temporaries. The truth is that most people who are interested in the subject have their own private ideas as to the capacity of horses and are greatly governed by prejudices for and against. It is certain that until 1893 a very general opinion was held by persons who had given a good deal of i82 THE TURF attention to the matter that anything over 12 stone was a prohibitive weight for the Grand National course. Cloister proved the fallacy of this. He carried 12 st. 7 lbs. ; he made nearly the whole of the running, and he won in the easiest of canters by forty lengths — had it been worth while, his jockey could have absolutely walked him past the post, and this seems most emphatically to stamp him as a really good horse, as before his success the 11 st. 13 lbs. carried by Cortolvin in 1867 had been the record for this race, with Disturbance 1 1 st. 11 lbs. in 1873 second. Of course those who wish to depreciate Cloister ask what he beat, and make out that he beat nothing ; but a good deal could be said in opposition to this view. It must not be forgotten that he had twice been second, and the late " Roddy " Owen always maintained that had he not been hustled at the last fence in 1891 he would undoubtedly have beaten Come Away, who, there can be no doubt, was at that time a really good horse. It is worth note that there were no fewer than five Grand National winners behind the pair on this occasion ; moreover. Cloister has another creditable second in his record. He may not have been an attractive horse to look at, but his exceptional merit is surely undeniable, and one of the excellent points about him was his temper. The writer of this book was taken to see him in his box two or three hours after his victory. His owner leaned against his hocks while Cloister placidly munched his oats ; indeed, a FAMOUS 'CHASERS i83 more amiable horse never carried a saddle. It has already been remarked that horses which have run well on one occasion in the Grand National have frequently done the same afterwards ; a very con- siderable proportion of the winners had been in the first three more than once, and Frigate, who won in 1889, occupied the unenviable position of second in three Nationals. Every one who has read anything about the great race has been acquainted with the fact that the sisters Emblem and Emblematic, who won in 1863 and 1864, were the reverse of handsome animals to look at. Emblem, probably the better of the pair, has been described as " all shoulders and quarters with no ribs," but both won cleverly in the hands of George Stevens, who carried off five Nationals altogether and was an admirable horseman, though it seems to have been the fashion in his day to blame him for laying out of his ground. The Colonel, who won in 1869 and 1870, was in appearance in very marked contrast to the famous sisters, having been a particularly handsome horse. Like so many other good 'chasers he was a failure on the flat. In the Grand National one very excellent rule is to avoid the crowd, even if the rider has to go a little further round, for there is usually a good deal of hust- ling, especially at the first few fences, and the good horses that have been knocked over through no fault of their own would make a long list. Of course, in such a race as the Grand National luck has a vast deal i84 THE TURF to do with the result, and The Colonel would not have won the second time but that Surney, who evidently had the race in hand, as those that were left in jumped on to the racecourse, twisted a plate at the last hurdle and injured himself. It has been remarked in a pre- vious chapter that Moonraker was bought out of a water-cart for ^i8. Good steeplechasers are some- times discovered in odd places, and Salamander, who beat a field of thirty in 1866, was found in a hovel in Ireland, and bought by Mr. Studd with a couple of others because he thought the horse was worth the very small sum asked for him as he might, with luck, make a decent hunter. Mention of the Grand National without The Lamb is of course impossible, as that good little horse was one of the four that have won the great race twice. If the question were asked which was the best horse that ever won the Liverpool, it is probable that a good many votes would be given to Disturbance, on whom Mr. J. M. Richardson gained the first of his two victories, the second being on Reugny, an inferior animal whose staying had been considered doubtful. Disturbance was an animal out of the common, and his giving 8 lbs. to so good a 'chaser as Ryshworth says much for him, seeing that the next day Ryshworth won the Sefton Steeplechase with the greatest ease, giving weight to animals of reputation. As a general rule it may be said that the history of the Grand National is the history of the best steeplechase horses. There are a few famous ones, FAMOUS 'CHASERS 185 however, that have not distinguished themselves at Aintree. Disturbance notwithstanding, Mr. Richard- son — and his abihty and judgment can only be described as unsurpassable — believes that actually the best horse he ever rode was Schiedam, and he relates that he won a four mile 'chase from a notably good field at Warwick so easily, and was so fresh at the finish, that after jumping the last hurdle he playfully shied at a bit of white paper that was lying on the course near the post. It was only by a very narrow margin that The Doctor was not enrolled in the list of Grand National winners, as The Colonel, on the occasion of his first victory, only just managed to beat him. Brick, Pearl Diver, Chimney Sweep and other good horses have also failed at Aintree. The Irish have always been to the fore, and in the seventies, eighties, and early nineties the great question which always arose when the entries appeared was which seemed likely to prove the best of the Irish horses. The selected of the Brothers Beasley was certain, with fair luck, to go close. Liberator won in 1874, Empress, one of the four 5-year-olds that have carried off the race, in 1880, Woodbrook in 1881, and Cyrus was only just beaten in 1882 by Seaman, who cannot quite be reckoned as an " Irish horse " in the usual sense of representing Irish interests, as he finished his preparation in F^ng- land ; but he was Irish as regards breed and schooling. The next year, 1883, the field was one of the worst that ever competed, as well as absolutely the smallest. i86 THE TURF there having been only ten starters, and Zoedone won in the hands of her Hungarian owner, Count Kinsky. One of the behefs in regard to the race used to be that it was well-nigh impossible for a horse to win on his first essay over the Liverpool country ; but this was disproved in 1884 by the success of Voluptuary. Roquefort, the winner in 1885, was one of the horses that was frequently what is called "there or there- abouts," and it is worthy of note that chance only led to his appearance at Liverpool, for Colonel Fisher, now commanding the loth Hussars, had at one time made up his mind to turn him out of training, as he had a confirmed habit of trying to bolt if run on a right-handed course. When he appeared at Sandown a detachment of boys from the Bishop's Sutton stable was accustomed to stand at the top of the hill and en- deavour to induce Roquefort to keep in the track, his rooted disposition being to swing round to the left and bolt. Liverpool, however, is left-handed, and he ran third there in 1884, after which, however. Colonel Fisher had the bad luck to sell him for 1,250 guineas, so that he was in other ownership when he won the next year. Persons who are not experienced in turf affairs are usually convinced that trainers are well-nigh infallible guides as to the chances possessed by the horses in their stables, but an example of the fact that this is not so was furnished in 1880. Tom Cannon of Danebury had two horses in the race this year, Aladdin, belonging to Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, and Playfair, FAMOUS 'CHASERS 187 the property of Captain E. W. Baird. Which was the better of the two was purely a matter of opinion before the race ; but Mr. C. W. Waller, who rode Aladdin, was so convinced he would beat the other, from what he had seen while riding gallops at Danebury, that a long time before the event he took a thousand to thirty about his mount, refusing to back Playfair at all ; Play- fair, however, won, and Aladdin could get no nearer than fifth. This was one of the years when the Irish mare Frigate was second, as she had been to Roquefort and to Voluptuary, but she managed to get home in 1889. Why Not (Irish) was another horse that came near to success on several occasions before he ultimately attained it, which he did in 1894 with the respectable weight of 1 1 St. 13 lbs. on his back; but the 12 st, 7 lbs. which Cloister (Irish) had won with the year before made this tie with Gortolvin of less note than it other- wise would have been. It is remarkable how long some of these old steeplechase horses last. Come Away (Irish), who was an aged horse in 1891, and has long been forgotten, was found entered again in 1898. The success of The Soarer in 1896 was no doubt due to the number of accidents which took place during the struggle, Mr. D. G. M. Campbell, who rode, having laid to heart the advice as to keeping clear of the crowd and picking his own place at the fences, even if he did not go the shortest way. Manifesto (Irish again) was one of the victims of this occasion, and the ease with which he won the following year (1897) suggested that i88 THE TURF he must have been extremely dangerous had he not fallen or been knocked over. The proportion of acci- dents in the Grand National is, however, always very large ; sixteen horses, for instance, started in 1 890, and only five of them stood up the whole way round, though Why Not, after giving his owner, Mr. C. J. Cunning- ham, a bad fall, was remounted and finished fifth. Three other winners were among the fallers, Frigate, Gamecock, and Voluptuary. One never knows what may happen in a steeplechase. One of the starters that year was an extremely bad animal and a very uncertain jumper, named Pan, but on this occasion he managed, for a wonder, to stand up when so many of his superiors came to grief, and to the general astonish- ment finished second. Pan's price in the betting was 100 to I offered ; he had been sold a few weeks before the race for 120 guineas, and if Ilex, who won this year, had followed the general example. Pan would actually have won, for M.P., who followed him, was a very long way behind, a bad third. Few persons besides his immediate friends ever believed that Father O'Flynn would win a Grand National, as he was a particularly uncertain and self-willed animal, but his name must not be omitted from this retrospect, mainly because he was persuaded to do his best by that suc- cessful horseman the late Major "Roddy" Owen, who, having gained the great object of his ambition by win- ning the chief of cross country races, finally abandoned the sport to which he had been so devoted, and entered RIDERS 189 with equal ardour upon the business of his profession, in pursuance of which he came to his deeply lamented end. RIDERS Riding over a country is one of the very few sports at which a few of the best amateurs are not inferior to the best professionals. This, however, is perhaps natural, because these few amateurs who are really in the first flight — the number, of course, is exceedingly small — have as much practice at home and abroad as their professional opponents, and they need not ride unless they are really fond of the game. It is a melancholy thing for a steeplechase jockey if his nerve once goes ; he has to make his living, and it is a most unpleasant business to ride over a country when nerve has gone and one has no other means of livelihood. A gentleman, when this misfortune happens to him — - as in most cases it does sooner or later — can cease to wear silk, or at any rate need not ride over hurdles or fences. One not seldom finds men who have held their own over a country giving it up and appearing only in races on the flat ; but there is not this refuge for the professional when, in vulgar phraseology, he begins to " funk." It is a rapid age, and riders of the last generation are very soon forgotten ; comparatively few men now who "go racing" remember Mr. Ede, who earned a well-deserved reputation as Mr. " Edwards." He was I90 THE TURF one of twins, and learnt under the auspices of Ben Land, becoming extraordinarily accomplished at the business. It was only jockeyship that enabled Mr. Ede to win on The Lamb against Pearl Diver, who was ridden by a professional jockey. Mr. J. M. Richardson has already been mentioned, as indeed he must have been in any article that deals with steeple- chasing. Mr. Arthur Yates was one of the busiest and most successful of riders in the seventies, though increasing weight long ago obliged him to give up the game he so dearly loved, and devote himself to train- ing for his friends, which he has since done and is happily still doing with excellent results. Captain Coventry, the elder brother of Mr. Arthur Coventry, the present starter, was one of the best of his day ; and as regards the younger of the brothers, though possibly he may have been a trifle better on the flat than over a country, it may be doubted whether, all thines considered, a better amateur was ever seen. The late Fred Archer, ao"ainst whom Mr. Arthur Coventry had not seldom ridden with success, humour- ously protested against having to give any allowance of weight to a gentleman rider such as he ; for Mr. Coventry did the amplest justice to the instructions of his friend and teacher, Tom Cannon. Mr. Coventry carried off the Grand National Hunt Steeplechase of 1879 on Bell Ringer, on a course at Derby which was so severe that some of the other competitors protested aeainst it as altoo-et^er unfair. He, however, declared RIDERS 191 it to be in his opinion admirable, and the result justified his estimate so far as he was concerned. Captain Arthur Smith and Mr. Brockton were great men at this time, and Mr. W. Hope Johnstone is notable as having held his own without loss of skill or nerve for a good thirty years. He is still seen in the saddle, though he was riding against men who have long been forgotten. Mr. E. P. Wilson, a "qualified rider," which is not quite the same as an amateur pure and simple, won innumerable races, including the Grand National on Roquefort ; and a name which occurs in the seventies, not seldom with a " i " after it, is that of Lord Marcus Beresford, who is still prominent in Turf matters and held the post of starter before Mr. Coventry, the present occupant. Mr, Garrett Moore, who won the National on Liberator, and his brother, Mr. W. H. Moore, also bear notable names ; and among the best riders of that period was Mr. W. B. Morris, unhappily killed out hunting a few years ago. The three brothers Beasley came constantly from Ireland and seldom returned without taking spoil with them. Captain Middleton, known so well as " Bay Middleton," was another very well-known rider of this day, if not quite in the first flight, and it will be re- membered how he came to a melancholy end in a steeplechase a few years since. Lord Melgund, who rode as " Mr. Roily," was a keen rider in the seventies, and devoted much of his time and energy to schooling Ledburn, with whom the late Baron Rothschild had 192 THE TURF set his heart on winning the Grand National Hunt Steeplechase of 1870; but Mr. Richardson and Schiedam were too much for them, though Schiedam at that time was by no means a perfect jumper. Thus early, too, the name of the Hon. George Lambton frequently occurs. He was the possessor of beautiful hands, which he retained till failing health obliged him to give up riding and devote himself to training — with what fortunate results the records of recent years decisively show. The stable over which he presides came out fourth in order of value of races won in 1 896. Mr. Hugh Owen, the elder brother of " Roddy " Owen, was one of the most active horsemen of this day ; and among soldiers, both in England and Ireland, Mr. Lee Barber, the boldest, not to say most reckless, of riders did well. Among professional horsemen of this time, Robert I 'Anson, the present Clerk of the Course at Sandown, was prominent, and he was certainly one of the most accomplished horsemen ever seen over a country. A number of Newmarket trainers now in the busy exercise of their calling were constantly found in the saddle at this period, including R. Marsh, James Jewitt, Joseph Cannon, who won the Grand National on Regal (the second string of the stable, Chandos, the better of the pair, having fallen just after Jewitt had shouted to his friend that he was going on to win), and Tom Jennings, junior. Others who now have stables of horses under their charge away from head- quarters, include Jem Adams, F. Lynham, &c. An RIDERS 193 amusing and interesting record of " Roddy " Owen's Turf career is fully given in the memoir of him published by his sister, Mrs. Bovill, in 1897. Coming to more recent times one meets the name of Mr. Percy Bewicke, and it may be doubted whether a better all-round rider ever put his horse at a fence. An indifferent performer to begin with, he attained to absolutely the first rank by practice and experience ; he was always in the right place, never lay out of his ground or made too much use of his horse ; he could ride a well-timed finish, and it was a delieht to watch his perfect style over fences. The Grand National never fell to him, but that is to a great extent a matter of luck, as there can be no sort of question that it has more than once or twice been won by vastly inferior riders. Another gentleman who has taken the highest honours is Mr. Saunders Davies, who has ridden for a number of years with no loss of nerve, with constantly increasing skill, and ranks with the very best of his contemporaries. Mr. Atkinson must by no means be omitted as one who holds his own against all comers. Mr. H. Ripley should not be for- gotten, nor Mr. Charles Beatty, son of Captain David Beatty, an ex- Hussar who has a training stable near Rugby ; and from Mr. Arthur Yates's establishment at Bishops Sutton sound horsemen constantly appear, and prove in public the good effects of their constant practice over his private course. Colonel Fisher was one of the busiest of these until his military duties o 194 THE TURF called him from the racecourse, and another was Mr. J. C. Dormer, who headed the list of gentlemen riders one year, and was frequently close up until an accident at Sandown, which led to the loss of an eye, obliged him to retire ; the Hon, Reginald Ward is at present a successful exponent of Sutton training, as is Mr. Algernon Lawson. It is impossible to give anything like an exhaustive list of the best orentlemen riders of the day. If Mr. Lushington is not specially included, it is because his efforts are confined to the flat. Amono- the best professional riders now in practice Arthur Nightingall is prominent, one of three brothers, sons of a jockey father, who have won innumerable races, frequently on horses trained at Epsom. Robert is frequently found in opposition to his elder brother, though William has given up riding and turned his attention exclusively to training. Danebury steeple- chase horses were for a long time specially dan- gerous, and this was in no small measure owing to the skill with which they were schooled and ridden by George Mawson, who won the Grand National on Playfair. Mawson was by no means an ideal horseman in appearance, being short and stumpy, but he was an excellent rider notwithstanding, and appearances in this respect are no doubt frequently deceptive — Jem Adams being another example of this fact. At Lewes, Escott trains with fine judg- ment, and rides with a full proportion of success. For many years Sensier did most notable service for QUALIFICATION 195 Mr. Arthur Yates's stables ; there was rarely a better judge and scarcely a better exponent of the art of cross-country riding. Dollery, his old companion, is still in the plenitude of his powers, and a bolder horseman never rode at a fence. Williamson is another of the leading jockeys of the day. Qualification A few years since, as already mentioned, an absurd distinction was drawn between "hunters" and "handi- cap steeplechase horses," and it may be interesting to trace the changes that have been made. Formerly there were steeplechases and hurdle races expressly for "hunters"; only hunters could run in flat races under National Hunt — or, as they were then called, Grand National Hunt — rules, and, if hunters ran out of their own class, they lost their certificates. Not seldom owners sacrificed whatever advantages were supposed to attach to the possession of these certifi- cates, and the ridiculous nature of the distinction was rendered evident when they did so by running their horses in the Grand National. Old Joe was a " hunter " when he won that race, and he afterwards ran in the Cesarewitch. The idea was to keep apart the real hunter, the veritable "fox-catcher," and the racehorse that had been put to jumping ; but as a very general rule the only actual difference between the two animals was that one had a certificate representing him to be what he was not. To be able to run in o 2 196 THE TURF Hunters' Flat Races was the great desire of many owners, for then the speed of the thoroughbred would inevitably tell. A hunter was qualified by a certificate from a Master of Hounds saying that the horse had been hunted ; and it was the custom to send race- horses to meets in order to qualify. Some Masters appreciated the responsibility ; others, and the ma- jority, were more lax. A fractious, excitable race- horse, totally unused to the surroundings of the hunting field, was apt to be a most unpleasant neighbour. If the boy rode him near the hounds — and the boy on the would-be hunter perfectly understood his mission — danger to them was im- minent. The Master's great object usually was to get rid of the creature as soon as he possibly could. Sometimes a mere appearance at the meet was enough ; sometimes the horse would be cantered across a few fields, through gates, along roads, and so would turn up at a check, where his rider would take care that he was seen. Then application for the certificate would be made, and the racehorse that had never jumped a fence became a " qualified hunter." How remote a chance legitimate bearers of the title had against these racecourse hunters need not be said. The best of the qualified animals had the business to themselves, to the exclusion of those for whom the stakes were supposed to be in- stituted ; and, when an ex-racehorse appeared at a country hunt meeting where there had been hopes of QUALIFICATION 197 genuine sport among local horses and their riders, the thing became a farce, for the quasi-hunter would almost inevitably be in the hands of a competent "sharp." If the animal had been schooled and could jump, hunters' steeplechases were equally de- stroyed, and still more so hunters' hurdle races — ab- surdities in themselves, for it is the business of a hunter to jump a country, not to fly hurdles — where speed was a first essential. The earliest endeavour to amend this state of things was the introduction of a rule stating that no horse, though it had a hunting certificate, should be qualified to run for hunters' races if during the twelve months prior to the day of starting it had run for a handicap, whether over a country or not, at home or abroad. In the early eighties this was supplemented by a further requisition that the hunter must not have run under the recognised Rules of Racing since the age of two, and must have jumped all the fences at a meeting under Grand National Hunt Rules to the satisfaction of a couple of the stewards. At present (1898), horses, to be qualified to run in the few National Hunt Flat Races still contested, must have been placed by the judge first, second, or third in a steeplechase in Great Britain or Ireland ; and the Rule unnecessarily continues to declare that they must have jumped all the fences and completed the whole distance of the course. They must be ridden in these Flat Races also by qualified riders — that is to say. 198 THE TURF not by professional jockeys ; and one of the matters which, at the time of writing, seems to demand the attention of the Stewards of the National Hunt, is whether the "qualified rider" might not most judi- ciously be abolished, as the "hunter" he usually bestrode has been, so much to the benefit of the sport. Those who may ride under National Hunt Rules, other than jockeys licensed by the Committee, are given under rules 92 and 93. Now, as a matter of fact, it is shrewdly suspected that, with very few exceptions, qualified riders are jockeys in disguise, who do not admittedly ride for hire, but do so indirectly ; and it is the trickery of these men that leads to a great proportion of the scandals which come to light, or which often would come to light if suspicious circumstances were duly and successfully investigated. It will be seen how wide is the qualification for the gentleman-rider, and, considering that to have any chance of success a man must devote a great deal of time to the sport and ride frequently, there would be little hardship if it were demanded that riders must be qualified as ofentlemen or farmers, or else obliofed to obtain licenses as professional jockeys. Under the most favourable conditions it, of course, takes a long time for a young man to obtain election to some of the political or social clubs, membership of which is a qualification ; but the right sort of man, the rider whose co-operation would be to the advantage of the STEEPLECHASE COURSES 199 sport, should surely have very little difficulty in gain- ing admission to the Bibury, Croxton Park, Ludlow, or Southdown Club, or to the Rooms at Newmarket. If he be a person who cannot find sponsors for and secure election to any of these, or if he is not a farmer or a farmer's son, in the vast majority of cases he ought to be forced to appear what he is — a man who makes a livelihood by riding. Some men who were practically jockeys used to take a hundred acres of land and pose as farmers, and the practice is not quite extinct in spite of amendments to the Rule that have been made, and are quoted in section {b) of rule 92. Steeplechase Courses Prior to the establishment of the National Hunt Committee, steeplechase courses were just what the managers of meetings chose to make them. There were temptations to err in both directions — in that of excessive ease and of excessive severity ; in the former, because the owner of the half-schooled hurdle jumper might be, and often was, tempted to enter for steeplechases, there being really nothing that the creature could not easily jump ; in the latter, because a dangerously big fence would attract a sensation-loving crowd. The Committee therefore decreed that courses should consist of so many fences of given dimensions, and though the comparative uniformity of the regulation course is somewhat to be regretted, the ground and gradients at different 200 THE TURF places do ensure a certain amount of variety, and, as will presently be noted in detail, courses are not by any means all the same. At first the tendency of the Committee was to make fences too easy, and as it is an axiom that the easiest course is the most dangerous — because horses are often run over them when half schooled, and not only beginners, but seasoned animals, will chance obstacles that do not seem worth really rising at — the "open ditch," which could scarcely be managed by an unschooled horse, was introduced. This was a fence 4 ft. 6 in. high, if of dead brushwood or gorse 2 ft. thick, with a ditch on the taking-off side 6 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep. It was nicknamed " the grave," and protests were raised by a section of those interested in the sport, some of whom, if riders, were not very bold, and if trainers, were men who did not care about taking very much trouble with their horses. There was, however, some risk of horses blundering into the cutting, either because they did not see just where it began or because, knowing there was a ditch, they took off too soon. A guard rail was therefore put before the ditch ; and though a few complaints about it are still occasionally heard, it is for the most part approved. The obstacle which at present ap- pears most open to criticism is the water jump — 1 2 ft. of water with a fence before it only 2 ft. high. Many riders are of opinion that the fence should be raised. Horses that have had little prac- STEEPLECHASE COURSES 201 tice see the 24 inches of brushwood in front of them and are apt to disregard it as a trifle to be covered in their stride. They may blunder in, or, what is more likely, may see the water suddenly, and, making a sudden effort, overjump themselves. Whether it is physically possible for a horse that has risen at a jump to make this effort when off the ground, with nothing to give him an impetus, is a disputed point ; the only thing that can be said about it is that to the rider it feels as if the animal did so. A few words may be interpolated here as to the distances which jumpers habitually cover over fences. Some time since the writer was at Danebury watching horses being schooled over hurdles. One flight was placed just by the side of a broad road where two carts could easily pass each other. " Don't the horses hurt themselves by jumping on to the road when the ground is hard ? " seemed a natural question. *' Oh, they always clear that, and well beyond it," was Tom Cannon's reply. " You will see when they pass." Four of them approached. The animal in which we were particularly interested at the time was rather on the small side, under 15.2. They were not racing, but going a half-speed gallop. We noted where the little horse took off and where he landed, carefully measured the distance covered, and found it was as nearly as possible 28 feet. The 2 ft. fence and the 12 ft. of water make just half this, it will be seen ; so that the water jump is really far from formidable. 202 THE TURF Best of all courses, in the opinion of those riders whose hearts are in the sport and never, on the con- trary, in their boots, is Liverpool. In walking round, and coming to the great black fences, which a man of medium height cannot see over, it appears wonderful that tired horses should ever get over them, for they have to be jumped, they cannot be brushed through. And here it may be remarked that thin straggling fences are the most dangerous, for this reason : a horse that is tolerably well accustomed to them will find that he need not clear them, that they can be chanced ; he will rise less and less by degrees ; but there is a point of resistance half way up or so, through which he cannot brush ; this he will at length find, and will be turned over in consequence. A description of the Liverpool course is here given. There are two or three very awkward fences, one on the turn which requires to be taken with care and consideration in order to avoid the necessity of suddenly wrenching the horse round to the left on landing, and another with a broadish ditch on the landing side into which a horse that jumps short is apt to drop his hind legs. Description of the Fences constituting the Grand National Steeple Chase. 1 and 17. — Thorn fence, 5 ft. high and 2 ft. thick. 2 and 18. — Thorn fence, 5 ft. high, guard rail on take off side 2 ft. high, close up against fence. 3 and 19 — Thorn fence, 4 ft. 10 in. high, with ditch on take off side about 6 ft. wide and 4 ft. deep, and a rail in front of said ditch 2 ft. high. STEEPLECHASE COURSES 203 4 and 20. — Rail and fence, the rail being 2 ft. 6 in. high and the fence 5 ft. high. 5 and 21. — Same as No. i. 6 and 2 2.^Known as " Becher's Brook," a thick thorn fence 4 ft. 10 in. high, with rail 2 ft. in front and a natural brook about 8 ft. wide on the far side and 4 ft. deep. 7 and 23. — Thorn fence, 4 ft. 10 in. high, with rail in front, 2 ft. 6 in. high. 8 and 24. — -Thorn fence, 5 ft. high, ;ditch on take off side 5 or 6 ft. wide, and rail in front 2 ft. high. 9 and 25. — Known as "Valentine's Brook," a thorn fence 5 ft. high, with a rail in front 2 ft. high, and brook on far side. 10 and 26. — Thorn fence, 4 ft. 10 in. high and 2 ft. thick. 11 and 27. — Rail 2 ft. high, a ditch about 7 ft. wide and 4 ft. deep, and a thorn fence on far side 4 ft. 6 in. high. 12 and 28. — Rail 2 ft. high, fence 5 ft. high, and ditch on far side 6 ft. wide. 13, 14, 29 and 30.^ A thorn fence, 4 ft. 6 in. high. 15. — Thorn fence, 5 ft. high and 2 ft. in width, ditch on take off side 5 ft. wide and a rail in front 2 ft. high. 16. — The "Water Jump," 15 ft. in width. Sandown is "a galloping course" as the term goes, but it requires jumping, especially the three fences near together at the foot of the hill. If a horse loses his balance and gets at all abroad at the first or second of these, the third is very likely to upset him, as it is stiff and he cannot go through. At Kempton a handy horse is wanted, one or two of the jumps being rather on the turn ; and the same sort of animal is required at Hurst Park, where the fences are on the big side, and for the most part well made up. Lingfield is not a very satisfactory course, as the hill which has to be descended is too steep, and there is a bad turn, where a horse that has got out of hand is not 204 THE TURF unlikely to fall over the rails. Gatwick is rather thin and "straggly" and in the new course there is — possibly by the time these pages are published it will be correct to say was — a fence rendered very danger- ous by the way the ground slopes on the taking-off side. Manchester jumps are criticised by riders as too straight up ; fences are thin and high, so that horses are likely to find the point of resistance to which refer- ence has been made. Windsor is confusing, because of the twists ; it is hard for a rider to keep his place, as he is first outside and then inside. Dunstal Park is small and easy ; Hawthorn Hill too much up and down hill ; Newmarket is a model of a galloping course, with fair fences of good size ; riding over Aldershot has been described as "mountaineering." Most of the Irish courses differ from the English, except Leopardstown, which was an exceedingly stiff and severe edition of Sandown. It used to be danger- ously big, in fact ; horses were killed and men badly hurt ; but it has been modified. At Punchestown, Fairyhouse, and Navan the country is to a great ex- tent natural. There are banks, some of which horses fly, others they double on. Walls, open brooks, and doubles are included. CHAPTER XI BETTING AND " THE RING " It is, of course, impossible to treat the subject of racing comprehensively without devoting space to bettinof and "the rin^" That the Turf would be healthier if there were no betting is doubtless the case ; but it would also be for very many of its followers far less interestino- and exciting-. The person to whom racing is simply and solely a matter of business has not the very slightest claim to be regarded as a sportsman ; but to hold a strong opinion and support it with a wager is scarcely such an iniquity as some stern moralists are apt to repre- sent it. As to the wisdom of habitual betting, how- ever, I am inclined, from long experience and careful observation, to calculate that perhaps one "backer" out of twenty wins on the year as a rule ; that four just about hold their own ; and fifteen lose. The late famous jockey, Fred Archer, once remarked to me that betting was " a very poor game." Tom Cannon, who, as owner, jockey, and trainer combined, should be able to win if any one ever could, 2o6 THE TURF does bet, It Is true, but only In small sums, usually five or ten pounds. One year, I recollect his telling- me, he thrice had ^loo on animals he thought could by no possibility lose ; one of them was beaten, and the other two started at such long odds on that he was rather a loser by the transactions, John Osborne, a singularly shrewd judge, told me when I discussed the matter with him that he betted a little, and as a result just about held his own from year to year. How often trainers are completely mistaken about the horses under their charge those who know most of them are best aware. A few "professional backers," as they are called, make money until they are warned off the Turf, and ao-ain when the warnlno^ is with- drawn and they are allowed to come back again ; but they win by roguery, with the connivance of dishonest jockeys and trainers, who are ready to run risks ; for though there is much less rascality on the Turf than outsiders usually suppose, there is some, and the professional backers with their allies are responsible for most of It. From what has been said, It will be perceived that I most cordially agree with Archer's remark just quoted. Backing horses is a very poor game, and this is the more so because of the short prices one usually has to take. In an article on the subject of betting some years ago, I described the bookmaker as "a man who lays you 6 to 4 against a 3 to i chance," and subsequent observation has not enabled BETTING AND "THE RING" 207 me to amend the description ; but if you choose to take a short price, that is your affair; and you are practically certain to be paid, for the ring consists of a body of, for the most part, well-to-do men who are scrupulously honest in their dealings, regard their bets as commercial transactions, courteously discharge their debts when they lose, and, on occasions, are extremely lenient to their debtors. Bookmakers are not seldom much maligned by their censors, clergy- men, head-masters, and other well - meaning but ignorant critics, of whom I desire to speak with all possible respect, but who certainly evolve from their own imagination the class of person they condemn. I am far from advising any one to bet, for to do so habitually is inevitably to lose in the long run. Year by year one sees backers go under, while bookmakers continue to prosper. Usually these men start life in very humble circumstances ; but in spite of their ex- ceedingly heavy expenses, railway journeys often at specially high fares, residence at the best hotels when race prices are charged, carriage hire, admission to enclosures, and other daily disbursements, they live luxuriously and make fortunes. Obviously their wealth comes, in larger or smaller sums, out of the pockets of backers ; and the fact is full of sio-nificance. There are several traps always open for the backers of horses. One of these, and perhaps the most dangerous, is "betting to get home." Men 2o8 THE TURF begin cautiously with small bets on the first race or two, waiting, very often, to "have a dash," as the phrase goes, on what they confidently believe is a good thing ; but, as I have previously remarked, " the Racing Calendar is a record of good things that have failed to come off." This one goes down, as good things so commonly do ; the backer finds that he has lost a considerable sum of money, and he hates the idea of leaving off a loser. He wagers amounts that earlier in the day he would on no account have ventured to risk, and he backs horses without any- thing approaching to an adequate reason. He feels, being foolishly excitable and impatient, that he must try to win his money back — he is, in fact, " betting to cret home." If the last race had been first on the card he would have hesitated about backing anything in it for a five-pound note ; now he will eagerly put on a hundred, and, growing nervous, will very likely try to "save" on one or two probable sources of danger, with the frequent result that he misses the winner and makes bad very much worse. This is a daily experience. It is the last race or two on the card on which the backer so often comes to grief; for, as a general rule, what he is pleased to regard as his "bad luck" steadily pursues him to the end. That is one trap ; another is the temptation to increase stakes after a little success. A man has a modest run of luck ; it no longer amuses him to win the small sums securing which once gave him BETTING AND "THE RING" 209 mild gratification ; he bets bigger ; if he continues to win for a time, bigger still, and, in a great many cases, when luck turns — as it assuredly will sooner or later — in all probability he finds himself out of his depth after the well-nigh inevitable effort to "get home." I am tempted to quote a few lines from a brief note on the subject which I recently contributed to a magazine, in answer to a correspondent who had written to me on the subject. " I can imagine a modern Gambado discoursing on this theme, and setting off by sa/ing, ' Bet on every race ; because then you will soon come to the end of your money, and will not prolong the agony of losing year after year.' That, I think, would be an excellent recommendation so far as it went. As for the advice that my correspondent seems to want, an experienced man might very well say, ' Follow the money. A horse is rarely made favourite for a race without good cause. You may not know what that cause is, but you may infer with tolerable safety that one exists. And do not bet any sum that you really mind losing.' An equally experienced man might very well say, 'Don't "follow the money," as it is called. There may be a more or less good cause why the horse is favourite, but it may not be nearly good enough to ensure success ; indeed, if one consistently backed every favourite throughout the year, one would lose heavily. Favourites, moreover, are almost 2IO THE TURF invariably at a false price, because so many people back them merely because they are favourites. And do not bet small sums that you can throw away without feeling. They mount up ; and you lose much more than you suppose in the long run ; whereas if you make it a hard and fast rule never to bet less than some appreciable amount, a sum you can't lose without a little inconvenience, you will bet seldom, and with considerable caution — never without what seems to you a good reason, bad as it may often be in reality.' These views are diametrically opposed to each other, and there is common sense in both of them." Seriously, however, if I had to propound a rule for the guidance of a young race-goer who was determined to bet, I should say, " Never on any account back more than one horse in a race." If you are for any reason inclined to believe that a certain animal stands out by itself and cannot well be beaten, back it at the best price obtainable. Your reasons may very likely prove to have been wrong, and the price in any case unduly short. You have a strong opinion, however, and you support it with a bet. If you come to "saving" on this^particularly if " this " is the favourite, and therefore necessarily at cramped odds — having a little on that "on the off chance," not letting something else "run loose," and " throwing away a few sovereigns " on yet another because it is in your stable or belongs to a friend, and BETTING AND "THE RING" 211 you "would not like it to win without having some- thing on," you cannot in any case win much, and you may lose a great deal. Yet how many men do bet like that, meeting after meeting, and go home growl- ing at their luck, and lamenting another bad day ! If you adopt the one horse rule suggested you avoid all that sort of thing, and, moreover, you do not bet in every race. The question is often asked, Who fixes the odds ? In truth, they have a singular way of adjusting them- selves ; and it is very remarkable, seeing upon what exceedingly vague premises the business starts, how accurately the "price" of a horse can often be foretold. "How will they bet.'*" some one asks, as the card or morning paper is being scanned ; and the answer may be, " Oh, you'll have to lay odds, 6 to 4, I should think"; or, "You will most likely get about 2 to i"; or, "Oh, so-and-so and so-and-so are sure to be backed; they ought to lay you 100 to 15." A good judge will frequently be wonderfully near the mark. On what are called "post betting " and "ante-post betting " races alike, the odds are determined by the demand for a horse, that is to say, by the desire of the public to back it. In the great ante-post betting races a man makes up his mind that a horse — his own, it may be, or some one else's — is likely to win, and asks a bookmaker what he will lay. The backer may think that he ought to get, say, 10 to i ; the p 2 212 THE TURF bookmaker offers him lOO to 12, and he takes it or else refuses it and tries for 10 to i elsewhere, as the case may be. Possibly the bookmaker offers 12 to i, in which case the backer closes at once, but this is not a frequent experience if he has expected lo's. Fail- ing, it may be, to get his 10 to i, the backer takes TOO to 12 ; the price is quoted in the papers ; others, who have fancied the horse, see that it is being backed, accept the price, and, if there is much demand from various quarters, the odds speedily shorten according to the money there may be for it. Possibly the first bet was a stable commission, or was made by some one who acted on good advice ; if so, the fact soon becomes known, and the price may speedily grow very short indeed. Possibly, on the other hand, the backer "thought he knew something" when he did not ; "the stable" have no intention of backing the horse, and it drifts out for lack of support while something else is presently introduced, to shorten or lengthen in price according to circumstances — shortening speedily, as a rule, because many persons back it for no other reason than that " it seems to be backed," and lengthening gradually because it is to the interest of the ring to lay the shortest prices that any one will take. Sometimes, it is shrewdly suspected, if owners and the public are slow in "making a market," the ring give them a lead by booking imaginary wagers, which are quoted in the papers. Those, then, who do BETTING AND "THE RING" 213 not want to miss the price against anything that *' seems to be backed," follow suit, and a more or less genuine market is made by degrees. So much foolish gossip is current about well-nigh every horse in training, that a false lead is readily followed, especially as the gossip is tolerably sure to find its way into some of the numerous sporting papers that are now published. One or two prominent writers, indeed, are easily caught to act as "bonnets." If a trainer of a certain class thinks a horse that he wants to back is too much talked about, the scribe is invited to pay the stable a visit, is told that the animal is not very sound, it is hoped that it may stand a preparation, but there are grave doubts, and so on ; all of which is duly printed. Or it may be that a rascally owner wishes to keep his horse in the market, to lay against it or to maintain others at longer prices ; in which case care is taken that the scribe shall be impressed with the admirable way the creature is (supposed to be) doing its work, and the excellence of its chance. As regards post betting, that is to say betting which does not begin till the numbers of the runners are on the board and the horses are being saddled to be sent to the post, it is a tolerably usual thing for the book- makers to open out with the cry of, "The field a pony." That means to say that they will lay even money — an even " pony " (^25) or any other sum — against any horse in the race. In many cases backers in general 214 THE TURF have made up their minds that there is "a good thing," and they hasten to get on, in which case " I'll take 5 to 4" or " I'll take 30 to 20" is speedily heard, and if backers — now become "layers of odds" — are willing to continue at the rate, "I'll take 2 to i " follows. Perhaps, on the contrary, there is no general opinion abroad in favour of any one horse, in which case "the field a pony," is soon altered to " 5 to 4 on the field," " 6 to 4," and so on until a price is reached at which some backer will deal. There may, again, be some horse with an obviously great chance, the excellence of which bookmakers are at least as well able to perceive as other people. If this be so — after some futile attempts on the part of backers to get on at even money or by offering to lay short odds — there is a pause until some prominent member of the ring proceeds to set the market. "I'll take four ponies! " is possibly his suggestion — a pony, for some unknown reason, being a favourite sum — and backers — " the talent " they used to be called, not without a touch of satire, as one suspects — either lay the price or, by declining to do so, induce a less exorbitant demand. When a number of indifferent horses are about to run, the ring, in its endeavour to find a favourite, may begin by offering 3 to i or 4 to i on the field, and extend the price until backers make up their minds. There is usually some betting in London, Man- chester and elsewhere on the mornings of race days — which means on nearly every morning throughout BETTING AND "THE RING" 215 the year — and this is wired down to the meetings where the sport is in progress. Prices on the course, however, very often differ widely from the London figures. A few words may be added about the pari-uiutuel, which is employed in France and elsewhere, and cor- responds to the " totalisator " used in the Colonies. In France, there are on racecourses long rows oi pari- mutuel bureaux, where the units are different sums — 10 francs, 20 francs, 50 francs, 100 francs, and so on. The backer goes to that at which he can stake the money he proposes to venture, and finds on the ledge in front of the machine a printed card with the horses' names on it, and a number before each. He puts down his money and mentions the number, not the name, of the horse, says whether he wants one ticket or more, and whether he wishes to back the animal to win or for a place. Say that his idea is to have 40 francs on No. 5 to win and 60 francs on No. 8 for a place. Going to the 20 franc bureau, he says, '' Le cinq, gagnant, deux fois, et le kuit, plac^, trois fois " (the formula varies slightly at different places). Five tickets will be torn off separate packets fixed on to a sort of case behind the clerk who is operating, two from No. 5, gagnant, three from No. 8, plac^, stamped in a little machine, and handed to the backer. After the race, a crowd assembles at a certain spot behind the stand and gazes up at a board on which there presently appears a statement of the value of each winning bet, calculated on a unit of 10 francs. 2i6 THE TURF When these figures are displayed, backers of successful horses go, not to the bureau where they have made the bet, but to a corresponding one, the number of which is indicated on the ticket, and hand the voucher over to an official inside, who makes a rapid calcula- tion, names the sum he has to pay, goes over the figures in the rare event of a dispute about the total, and hands over the money. The whole amount wagered has meanwhile been added together, a percentage has been deducted (for the poor and the race fund), and the balance proportionately divided between backers of the winner and of the placed horses. Nothing can be fairer ; but owners of horses and those who are closely connected with various stables and accustomed to bet perceive an objection to xh^ pari-r?i2tluel. In England a man backs his horse, or his friend's horse, and if he is a good fellow is delighted to advise any one in whom he is interested to follow his example. He has got his lo to I, or whatever it may be ; and however " hot " a favourite the animal subsequently becomes, the fact does not affect him. But in France, and wherever the pari-mutuel is used, the more a horse is backed — the more tickets that are taken — the smaller grows the yield for each investment ; and the temptation to re- ticence, or falsehood, about a horse's chance, is conse- quently strong. In conclusion, I do not think I have said anything in this chapter that will be construed into advocacy of betting. There can be no possible doubt that BETTING AND "THE RING" 217 backing horses is in very many cases the origin of much distress and mischief ; for poor and — as a matter of course — ignorant men are often tempted, chiefly by advertising tipsters, to risk money which they cannot afford to lose on horses that have never had the remotest chance of winning, and bitter disappointment is one of many evil results. As for the tipster, only one thing need be said. If he were really able, as he claims, to point out the road to wealth by the backingf of winners, is it credible that he would not adopt it himself, instead of indicating it to all and sundry at the nominal price of about half a crown a head ? That argument has never been met ; no attempt has been made to answer it, because it is unanswerable. If the foolish believer in "certainties" and "good things " were behind the scenes, and could know the widely different opinions of the shrewdest trainers and best-informed judges on almost every big race during the year ; if he could be shown how often when on rare occasions opinion is practically unanimous, it never- theless proves to be wrong ; the eyes of that foolish believer would be opened in wide amazement. A stable sometimes has a run of luck ; it cannot do wrong ; backing winners seems the simplest of busi- nesses — but the turn comes. In the year 1889 the Duke of Portland won thirty-three races, worth ^73,858. In the year 1897, with a larger and more valuable breeding stud, he won a single race worth 2i8 THE TURF ^490. It is recorded that not very long- ago an owner of horses whose colours were continually suc- cessful declared that he was "tired of winning." He died a pauper, after living for years on charity. Life on the Turf for those who (bookmakers always -excepted) endeavour to make money by it is very much of a see-saw ; but there are extremely few who go " up, up, up," when they do they seldom go far, and there are very many who go " down, down, down " — right to the bottom, and stay there. But the sensible man does not "go racing" with the idea of making it a source of income, and there is much exao-o-erated nonsense talked about the in- iquities of betting. I have tried to show that the notion of the ring being wolves, and those who bet with them guileless lambs, is really rubbish. If backers kept their heads as well as the bookmakers do, and exercised as much common sense and discre- tion, results would be much more evenly regulated than they are. Numbers of men bet within their means, possibly having to deprive themselves of some little pleasure or luxury if they lose, able to indulge in some little extravagance for themselves or their friends if they win ; to them the excitement of betting is a pleasant and wholesome diversion, and the Puritans who regard such men as criminals or something akin merely reveal the narrowness of their minds. But the temptation to do foolish things is often great, and human nature is frail ! CHAPTER XII RACING IN FRANCE An excellent and erudite writer on racing in France, the Marquis des Farges, whose books and contributions to journals are signed " S. F. Touchstone," traces the sport back to the reign of Charles V. From 1370, annual meetings are reported to have been held at Semur (Cote d'Or). Mention is made of a match run in the Bois de Boulogne in 1651 between the Prince d'Harcourt and the Due de Joyeuse ; and in the reign of Louis XV, Eno-lish horses had grained considerable reputation across the Channel. After the Treaty of Paris, 1763, French gentlemen with a fancy for the sport are stated to have visited England with the ob- ject of studying the methods of training and systems of racing then in vogue. The famous Gimcrack ran in the colours of one of them, the Comte de Lauraguais. But it is certainly from 1833 that the establishment of regular racing in France may be said to date. Lord Henry Seymour was then a resident in Paris, and introduced many English manners and customs to the Parisians. He was emphatically a 220 THE TURF sportsman, and had much to do with the originating of the Prix du Jockey Club, or " French Derby," as it is often called, inaugurated in 1836. He won the first race for this prize, and was successful the next two years as well, as also in 1841. There were only five animals entered in 1836, but they all ran; and Frank, a son of Rainbow, beat his opponents in the hands of T. Robinson. The race was for colts and fillies, and Lydia, a daughter of Rainbow, won in 1837, Flatman riding; seven subscribers, five runners. Tom Robinson repeated his victory next year on Vendredi ; again five runners, out of eleven entries. The Comte de Cambis, in whose name were running the horses belonging to the Due d'Orleans, took the prize in 1839 with Romulus, a son of the English Derby winner Cadland ; and in 1840, M. Aumont — a name still known and popular on the French Turf — won with Tontine — who was proved afterwards to be an English bred one, and her name was cancelled in the French stud-book — ridden by " Yorck." When Lord Henry gained his fourth victory with Poetess, the dam of Monarque, ridden by W. Boyce, there were thirty horses engaged and eight runners. The race has progressed ; the entries are now usually not far short of 150, and the stake, with ^4,000 added money, is worth some ^6,000 or more. The dis- tance is the same as the English Derby, a mile and a half. It is run at Chantilly, sometimes described as " the Newmarket of France." The Prix de Diane, the RACING IN FRANCE 221 " French Oaks," dates from 1843, ^^^ there are races corresponding to the EngHsh One Thousand and Two Thousand Guineas in the Poule d'Essai des PouHches and the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, run at Longchamps. These races are all for French bred horses, the idea naturally being to encourage the production of native stock ; but in the early sixties the notion of a great International prize was mooted, and it took form in 1863, when the Grand Prix de Paris was instituted. All thoroughbred horses, wherever they had their origin, were eligible for this, and that moreover on particularly favourable terms for the owners, who, if they found that their animals had no chance, could get out very cheaply indeed (for ^4) before the race. A number of English horses were entered, and have been ever since ; but though at first it seemed that horses from this country would be very likely to overcome all opposition, or, at any rate, to win most of the races, this has by no means been consistently the case. Mr. Savile carried off the first Grand Prix with The Ranger, in a field of twelve ; but next year, when only five horses went to the post, a French colt, Ver- mont, was successful, beating Blair Athol and Fille de I'Air ; and it is very curious indeed to note how victories oscillated between England and France for a good many of the following years. Gladiateur was the third Grand Prix winner, having been sent over after his brilliant victory in the English Derby, and he 2 22 THE TURF easily carried off the prize from five opponents. The Duke of Beaufort's always popular colours were suc- cessful in 1 866 with Ceylon ; and the next year the race was again kept in France, M. A. de Montgomery's Fervacques winning after a dead heat with Patricien. The Marquis of Hastings' colt, The Earl, an animal who created more than one sensation during his turf career, won in 1868 ; and the see-saw between English and French horses was kept up, for Glaneur won for M. Lupin in 1869. To France the race fell again in 1870, Major Fridolin's Soinette securing it in a field of twelve. There was no race in 1871, owing to the war; but next year it was the Englishman's turn again, and Mr. Savile won his second Grand Prix with Cremorne. M. Delamarre won with Boiard in 1873, still keeping up the see-saw. In 1874 Mr. W. R. Marshall carried off the stake with Trent, in a field of fourteen, the largest that had run up to that date. It being then the turn of the French, M. Lupin won with Salvator ; and though in 1876 the successful owner was not an Englishman, Mr. A. Baltazzi's Derby winner, Kisber, must be counted an English horse, seeing that he was trained and run in this country. France again was successful next year, the Comte de Lagrange's St. Christophe being the horse, and Prince Soltykoff's Thurio (1878) brought the prize across the Channel, M. Blanc's Nubienne retain- ino- it in 1879. It was once more the turn of the RACING IN FRANCE 223 English, and Mr. C. Brewer found some consolation for his Derby defeat in 1880 by the victory of Robert the Devil. The see-saw was not sustained from this point, for Mr. Keene won in 1881 with Foxhall, and Mr. Rymill in 1882 with Bruce — another consolation for defeat at Epsom, where Bruce's jockey lost the race by letting his horse run out at the corner. The Due de Castries was successful the next two years with Frontin and Little Duck. Then the race twice running came to England by the aid of Paradox and Minting ; since when no English horse has won the Grand Prix, though two or three have been ex- tremely near it ; and until the judge's decision was given in 1893, it was generally supposed that Ravens- bury had just got up and won by a head if not a neck. English jockeys have usually gone over and ridden the winners till the last few years, when Englishmen resident in France, notably Dodge and T. Lane, have been grood enough. The most successful owners of Grand Prix winners in recent years have been Baron Schickler and M. Edmond Blanc, the latter of whom won in 1891 with Clamart, in 1892 with Rueil, in 1895 with Andree, and in 1896 with Arreau. The race has been run thirty-five times ; and has fallen to English horses, if Kisber is to be included, on thirteen occasions. It is well worth winning, the stakes usually amounting to over ^10,000. But it is a hard struggle for three-year-olds over this mile and seven furlongs ; and few of the winners, of 2 24 THE TURF late years at any rate, have done much after their victories in the Grand Prix, though Tenebreuse was an exception, as she carried off the Cesarewitch with the heavy burden of 8 st. 12 lbs. the year after her success. The Grand Prix is run at Longchamps, which is without doubt to be counted the chief of French racecourses, though at and round about Chantilly the sport is carried on with remarkable vigour, and it is there that the French Derby and Oaks take place. In the vicinity of Paris racing is in progress nearly all the year round ; indeed, there are very few days, except during the brief summer holiday, when one cannot attend some race meeting, either by driving a short distance, or by a railway journey which enables one to return in time for dinner. And if the sportsman's tastes are in the direction of jumping races, he is bountifully provided for, as twice or thrice a week there are meetings, with very heavy stakes to be won, at Auteuil during most months. As readers are per- haps aware, Auteuil is within an easy half-hour's drive of the Boulevards, and it is an excellent course, better adapted to show the real capacity of a horse than are the majority of steeplechase courses in England. The water-jump must be cleared, or otherwise horse and rider get something more than the little splashing that results from jumping short over the regulation water here. There is no regulation ditch in France. The flat race season begins at Vincennes in the RACING IN FRANCE 225 middle of March ; Vincennes is also within very easy reach of Paris, though the drive through the streets, until one reaches the wood, is not so pleasant as that to Longchamps or Auteuil, down the Champs Elysees and through the Bois de Boulogne. Stakes in France are of good value ; indeed, as a rule more money is to be won during a day's racing in France than in England, though there is no meeting where the prizes are so consistently high as at Ascot. At Longchamps, racing begins early in April, a con- siderable number of the events here and elsewhere being for three-year-olds, as two-year-olds do not run in France before the ist of August. This fact is rather interesting, as it enables the student of the Turf to see whether any distinct advantage accrues from keeping back the young horses during the months they are busily occupied in England ; and, on the whole, this does not appear to be the case, for when French and English horses meet the latter most certainly hold their own, except that of late years in the Grand Prix, as just shown, England has been singularly unfortunate : and it may certainly be doubted whether on the whole French horses last any longer in training than English. Complaints are made that the three-year-olds race a very great deal too often and are run off their legs. At Maisons Laffitte, the Prix Lagrange for three- year-olds, run about the second week in April, is worth not far short of ^2,000 ; and two or three o 226 THE TURF days after this, at Longchamps, comes another valua- ble race for three-year-olds, the Prix Hocquart Pro- duce Stake. This was won in 1897 by Canvass Back — a colt that has since distinguished himself as a hurdle racer in England — and was worth ^2,190. At the next meeting at Maisons Laffitte, the Prix Boiard for three-year-olds is ^2,000 in value. There is a Biennial for three-year-olds at Long- champs, well over ^1,200, and other good races run in April are the Prix du Cadran for four-year-olds, which was worth ^1,600 in 1897, and the Prix Noailles, a Produce Stake, for three-year-olds, worth at the least ^2,000, as well as the two other Produce Stakes, the Prix Greffulhe and Daru. The One Thousand Guineas and Two Thousand Guineas, the Prix d'Essai des Pouliches and des Poulaines are consecutive races, run at Longchamps early in May. The former credited Roxelane in 1897 with ^3,196. The companion race, in which Indian Chief just beat Doge, who subsequently won the Grand Prix, was worth just under ^3,000. About a week later the Prix Daru, for three-year-olds, amounts to over ^2,000 ; the Prix La Rochette (second year), and the Prix Reiset, also for three-year-olds, over a distance of a furlong short of two miles — the Grand Prix course in fact — credit winning owners with considerably more than half as much. About the middle of May the Prix Lupin — it will be seen that many of the races are named after well- RACING IN FRANCE 227 known sportsmen or successful horses — is a handsome stake, which may be worth nearer ^4,000 than ^3,000 ; and the Prix des Acacias, during the same week, also adds up to something considerable. To- wards the end of May the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) takes place at Chantilly, followed a week later by the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) ; and be- tween the two is a handsome stake, the Prix La Rochette (third year), for four-year-olds, run over a distance of 2f miles, which yields to the winner something like ^1,600. It may here be noted that the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris is by far the richest race run for anywhere over jumps. In 1897 Solitaire's success was rewarded by ^5,108, and the hurdle race during the same week, won by the English son of St. Simon, Soliman, was worth £2,^']\. The Grand Prix takes place early in June, almost always — but not invariably, 1898 being an exception — on the Sunday before the Ascot Meeting. Provincial racing is carried on at various places, but there are few stakes of importance during the early part of the year, though things improve in this respect later on, and there is good sport on occasions at Caen, Boulogne, and notably at Deauville, where the Grand Prix for three-year-olds and upwards, run over a distance of one mile four and a-half furloncrs. is worth nearer ^2,000 than ^1,000. Of course the two-year-olds are busily employed Q 2 228 THE TURF when August comes. At Boulogne there is a Premiere Poule des PouHches, and a Premiere Poule des Poul- ains, the distance in both cases being half a mile. At the latter end of August a meeting, extending over several days, is held at Dieppe, steeple chases and hurdle races being included, as they are at Deau- ville, odd as it seems to English sportsmen to be jumping at this time of year. Racing at Dieppe, however, is rarely of much importance. Sport is resumed at Longchamps towards the end of August, with first and second Criterions for two- year-olds, and the Prix de la Rochette, a triennial, also for two-year-olds. There are a few rich handicaps at this time of year, notably the Omnium at Longchamps, and the Handicaps de la Seine et de la Tamise at Maisons Laffitte ; but as a rule, and it is not a bad one, handicaps are not well endowed. A notable race at Longchamps is the Prix Royal Oak, the French St. Leger (of course for three-year-olds) run over the Grand Prix course, and worth close on ^3,000. The Prix Vermeille, for three-year-old fillies, is another good stake, and one of the most notable two-year-old races, after the Grand Criterion in September, is the Criterion International, run early in October, An interesting contest has lately been started, called the Prix du Conseil Municipal, sometimes known as the " Autumn Grand Prix," for which English horses are eligible. This is a substantial prize of ^4,000, run over a mile and a-half, for three-year-olds and up- RACING IN FRANCE 229 wards ; and English owners have taken advantage of the opportunity, for Mr. Wallace Johnstone's Best Man was successful in 1894, and Winkfield's Pride won in 1897. The distances of races are usually longer in France than in England, a commendable state of affairs. Ten furlongs is a very frequent course, and the five and six furlong scrambles, so popular with English clerks of courses, and, it must be presumed, with English owners also, are extremely rare. One race at Longchamps, the Prix Gladiateur, is run over a distance of three miles seven furlongs, for a stake of ^1,200, and an objet d'art worth ;^400. Flat racing, as with us, finishes in November, but cross-country sport is vigorously continued at Auteuil, Vincennes, Enghien, Maisons Laffitte, and other places, until close on Christmas, when the racing world moves south to Marseilles, Nice, and Pau, to resume operations around Paris in the middle of February. RULES OF RACING The following Rules came into operation on January ist, 1890 : — [These Rules apply to all meetings held under the sanction of the Jockey Club, and to all races run at such meetings.] Interpretation of Words and Phrases. — i. A "recognised meeting" is a meeting held under the sanction of the Jockey Club, or other Turf authority, of the country in which it is held ; or (where no such authority exists) under these Rules. The Turf authorities of the United Kingdom are — The Jockey Club, The National Hunt Committee, The Turf Club of Ireland, The Irish National Hunt Committee, The Channel Islands Racing and Hunt Club. "Stewards." — Wherever the word "Steward" or "Stewards" is used, it means Steward or Stewards of the meeting, or their duly appointed deputy or deputies. Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man are not included in the expression "Great Britain," but they are in the expression "the United Kingdom." The '' Registry Office " is the office for the time being appointed as the Registry Office by the Jockey Club. " Registered " and " Regis- tration " mean " Registered " and " Registration " at such office. The "Racing Calendar," the " Book Calendars" of "Races Past " and of "Races to Come," and the "Stud Book" are the works published under those names respectively by authority of the Jockey Club. A "horse" includes mare, gelding, colt, and filly. [N.B. — The present Registry Office is Messrs. Weatherby's office, 6, Old Burlington Street, London, W., and at Newmarket.] A " maiden " is a horse which has never won a race (other than a match or private sweepstakes) at any recognised meeting in the United Kingdom, or in any other country. A maiden means a maiden at the time of the start. A "race" means plate, cup, 232 THE TURF sweepstakes, private sweepstakes, or match, but not steeple chase, hurdle race, or hunters' race on the flat. A " plate " is a race to be run for money or other prize without any stake being made by the owners of the horses engaged. A " sweepstakes " is a race in which stakes are made, or a fixed sum subscribed for, by the owners of three or more horses engaged ; and any such race is still a sweep- stakes when money or other prize is added. A "private sweep- stakes " is one to which no money is added, and which has not been advertised previous to closing. A "match" at "catch weights" means one for which the riders need not weigh before or after the race. A "cup" is any prize not given in money. The "Forfeit List " is a record of arrears published under the sanction of the Turf authorities of the United Kingdom. A " handicap " is a race in which the weights to be carried by the horses are adjusted by the handicapper for the purpose of equalising their chances of winning. A " free handicap " is one in which no liability for stake or forfeit is incurred until acceptance. A " nursery handicap " is one confined to two-year-old horses. A " post race " is a race for which a person may, under one subscription, enter two or more horses, and run any one or more of them, as the conditions prescribe. A " produce race " is one to be run for by the produce of the horses named or described at the time of entry. A " selling race " is one the conditions of which require that every horse running, if a loser, may be claimed, and if the winner, must be offered for sale by auction, or be liable to be claimed. A " weight-for-age race " is a race in which weights are apportioned to horses according to their ages, and remains a weight-for-age race, even if there are penalties and allowances. The " nominator " is the person in whose name a horse is entered for a race. "Owner" includes " part owner " or "lessee." "Authorised agent" means an agent appointed by a document signed by the owner and lodged at the Registry Office, or, if for a single meeting only, with the Clerk of the Course. " Author- ised agent " includes sub-agent, if authority to appoint a sub-agent is provided by the document. " Arrears " are any sums unpaid in respect of fines, fees, entrance money, stakes, subscriptions, forfeits, and purchase money in races with selling conditions. The " time of entry " means the time fixed for closing. " Started " — every horse shall be considered as having started which is under the Starter's orders when the advance flag has been raised. Calculation of Time. — 2. When the last day for doing anything RULES OF RACING 235 under these Rules falls on a Sunday, it may be done on the following Monday, unless a race to which such act relates is appointed for that day, in which case it must be done on the previous Saturday. 3. "A month " means a calendar month ; " a day " means twenty- four hours. Racing Seasoti. — 4. No race shall be run earlier than in the week which includes the 25th of March, unless that week be the week next before Easter Sunday, in which case races may be run in the week preceding. No race shall , be run later than in the week which includes the 22nd of November. Steivards of Meetings. — 5. There must be at least two Stewards for every meeting. 6. Each Steward may appoint a deputy at any time ; or if there be only one Steward present, he shall, in case of necessity, appoint one or more persons to act with him. If none of the Stewards are present, the Clerk of the Course shall request two or more persons to act during the absence of such Stewards. Poiuers of the Stewards. — 7. The Stewards of a meeting have full power to make (and, if necessary, to vary) all such arrangements for the conduct of the meeting as they think fit, and, under special circumstances, to put off any races from day to day until a Sunday intervene. 8. The Stewards have control over, and they and the Stewards of the Jockey Club have free access to all stands, rooms, enclosures, and other places used for the purposes of the meeting. 9. They shall exclude from all places under their control — (i) Every person who is warned off Newmarket Heath, (ii) Every person whose name has been published in the Unpaid Forfeit List, until the default is cleared, (iii.) Every person who has been reported as a defaulter under Rules 176-178, until it has been officially notified that his default is cleared, (iv.) Every person who has been declared by the Turf authorities of, or by the Stewards of any recognised meeting in, this or any other country, to have been guilty of any corrupt or fraudulent practice on the Turf, (v.) They have power to exclude at their discretion any person from all or any places under their control. 10. The Stewards have power to regulate and control the conduct of all officials, and of all trainers, jockeys, grooms, and persons attendant on horses. 11. They have power to punish at their discretion any person subject to their control with a fine not exceeding ;^5o, and with suspension from acting or riding at the same meeting, and to report to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, should they consider any further fine or punishment necessary. 234 THE TURF 12. The Stewards have power to determine all questions arising in reference to racing at the meeting, subject to appeal under Rule i68, and should no decision have been arrived at by the Stewards within seven days of an objection being lodged, the Clerk of the Course shall then report the case to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, who may at their discretion decide the matter, and if they consider there has been any negligence, may order any additional expense arising therefrom to be defrayed out of the funds of the meeting at which the case occurred. 13. The Stewards have power to call for proof that a horse is neither itself disqualified in any respect, nor nominated by, nor the property, wholly or in part, of a disqualified person ; and in default of such proof being given to their satisfaction they may declare the horse disqualified. 14. The Stewards have power at any time to order an examination, by such person or persons as they think fit, of any horse entered for a race, or which has run in a race. 15. The Stewards, as such, shall not entertain any disputes relating to bets. Poivers of the Steivards of the Jockey Cbib — 16. The Stewards of the Jockey Club may impose any fine not exceeding ;^ioo. 17. The Stewards of the Jockey Club have power, at their discretion, to grant, and to withdraw, licences to officials, jockeys, and race-courses, to fix the dates on which all meetings shall be held ; to make inquiry into and deal with any matters relating to racing ; and to warn any person off Newmarket Heath. 18. The Stewards of the Jockey Club take no cognisance of any disputes or claims with respect to bets, but they will give effect to an official report of default made to them by the Committee of the Subscription Rooms at Newmarket, or at Tattersall's. Officials. — 19. The following officials shall be appointed for every meeting, subject to the approval of the Stewards, viz.. Clerk of the Course, Handicapper, Stakeholder, Clerk of the Scales, Starter and Judge, each of whom, as a qualification for his office, requires a licence, to be granted annually by the Stewards of the Jockey Club. 20. In case of emergency, the Stewards may, during a meeting, appoint an unlicensed substitute to fill any of the above-named offices for that meeting only. 21. Every complaint against an official shall be made to the Stewards in writing, signed by the complainant. Clerk of the Course. — 22. The Clerk of the Course, or his author- ised substitute, is the sole person responsible to the Stewards for RULES OF RACING 235 the general arrangements of the meeting, and shall see that all courses are properly measured and marked. 23. The Clerk of the Course shall arrange for the publication, under the sanction of the Stewards, of a daily official card of the Races, containing the con- ditions of each race, asJDublishedin the "Racing Calendar," the names, or other description, of the horses engaged, with a number attached to each, and such further particulars as the Stewards may require. A horse may appear on the card in the name of the owner instead of that of the nominator, and the Stewards may, under special circumstances, grant permission for a horse to run in the name of the trainer. The Clerk of the Course shall, in such latter case, make a report to the Registry Office, stating the grounds upon which the permission was granted. 24. The Clerk of the Course shall make a return to the Registry Office of any Deputy Steward or official appointed, of all complaints to and decisions of the Stewards, of all fines inflicted, and of all horses sold or claimed. 25. The Clerk of the Course shall have in his possession, for the information of the Stewards, a list of persons warned off Newmarket Heath, and of suspended jockeys, and also a copy of the latest Monthly Forfeit List ; and he shall not allow any horse which, or the owner or nominator of which, is in the Forfeit List to start for any race. Handicapper. — 26. The Handicapper shall append to the weights for every handicap the day and hour from which winners will be liable to a penalty, and no alteration shall be made after publication. 27. No Handicapper shall hold any other office at a meeting, nor handicap at any other meeting held during the same week, except by express permission of the Stewards of the Jockey Club. He must attend the meeting either personally or by licensed deputy. The name of the Handicapper attending the meeting shall appear in the Calendar containing the Report. Stakeholder. — 28. The Stakeholder shall not allow a jockey to be weighed out for any horse until such horse's stake for that race, and the forfeits for every horse belonging to the same owner, or standing in his name, the jockey's fee, and any arrears claimed under these rules have been paid, or the Stakeholder shall himself be liable. Providing that he shall not be liable for arrears in respect of a meeting elsewhere than the place at which the race is run, unless notice of such arrears being overdue has been published in the Forfeit List, or delivered in writing, signed by the party claiming 236 THE TURF the arrears, to him, and to the persons indebted, before ten in the evening preceding the race. 29. The Stakeholder shall at the expiration of fifteen days after the meeting render an account and pay over all stakes and added money to the persons entitled, and at the same time notify at the Registry Office all arrears ; and one month before the publication of the next available Forfeit List he shall further notify at the Registry Office all arrears then remaining unpaid, for publication therein. Clerk of the Scales. — 30. The Clerk of the Scales shall exhibit the number as allotted on the official card of each horse for which a jockey has been weighed out, and shall forthwith furnish the Starter with a list of such numbers, and the numbers shall not be taken down until the horses are started. 31. If extra, or special, weight be declared for any horse, such weight shall be exhibited with the number ; also any declaration to win, or alteration of colours. 32. He shall in all cases weigh in the riders of the horses placed by the Judge, and report to the Stewards any jockey not presenting himself to be weighed in. 33. The Clerk of the Scales shall always put 2lb. extra into the scale to prove that the horse has not carried too much weight. 34. He shall at the close of each day's racing send a return to the Registry Office of the weights carried in every race, and the names of the jockeys, specifying over- weight if any. The Starter. — 35. The Starter shall give all orders necessary for securing a fair start. The horses must be started from a walk, and also, as far as possible, in a line, but they may be started at such reasonable distance behind the starting-post as the Starter thinks necessary. 36. Any jockey presuming to start, or even to put his horse into a trot or canter, with a view to take any advantage before the flags are dropped, wilfully turning his horse round, not starting when the flags are dropped, hanging behind, or refusing to obey the commands of the Starter in any respect whatever, shall be reported to the Stewards. 37. A start in front of the starting-post, or on a wrong course, or before the appointed time, is void, and the horses must be started again as soon as practicable. 38. The Starter shall report to the Stewards the time at which each race was actually started ; and shall also report by whom, or by what cause, any delay was occasioned. The Judge. — 39. The Judge, or his authorised substitute, must occupy the Judge's box at the time the horses pass the winning-post. RULES OF RACING 237 He must announce his decision immediately, and such decision shall be final, unless an objection to the winner or any placed horses is made and sustained. Provided that this rule shall not prevent a Judge from correcting any mistake, such correction being subject to confirmation by the Stewards. 40. The Judge shall, at the close of each day's racing, sign and send a report of the result of each race to the Registry Office. Regulatio7is for Race Meetings. — 41. All racecourses must be licensed, and all meetings sanctioned, by the Stewards of the Jockey Club. 42. The conditions of every race before closing, and the full programme of every meeting before it takes place, must be adver- tised in the " Racing Calendar," and no alteration can be made in the conditions of any race after the last advertisement. 43. The last rule shall not preclude the addition of more money to a race, or of a new race to the programme of a meeting subsequent to the publica- tion of the last "Calendar" issued previous to the meeting being held. 44. The Stewards of the Jockey Club may at their discretion prohibit the advertisement of any race or meeting " in the Racing Calendar," or call upon the Stewards to alter or expunge any conditions even after advertisement. 45. At every meeting adver- tised in the "Racing Calendar," one half at least of the total amount guaranteed for prizes shall be apportioned to races of a mile or over for three-year-olds or upwards. 46. There shall be in each day's programme the following races, to fill with five entries for each of them : — (i) Two races of a mile or upwards, (ii) One race, being neither a handicap, a race in which there are any selling con- ditions, nor confined to two-year-olds. This race may be one of the two races specified in the last clause. 47. There shall be no race less than five furlongs, nor more than two races per day, of those confined to three-year-olds and upwards, of less than six furlongs. 48. The advertisements must state the days on which the meeting is to be held, the dates for closing the stakes, the names of the persons to receive nominations and declarations of forfeit, and a place or places for the entry for every race, the dates when weights for the handicaps will be published and when forfeits will be due, and, before the time fixed for closing (racing for future years ex- cepted), the names of two or more persons as Stewards, and of the Judge, Starter, Clerk of the Course, Handicappcr, Stakeholder, and Clerk of the Scales. Omitted Conditions. — 49. When the weights are omitted from the 238 THE TURF advertised conditions of any race, the colts shall carry Qst., and fillies 8st. nibs., subject to penalties and allowances. If the horses be of different age the weights shall be fixed by the sanctioned scale appended to these Rules. 50. When no course is mentioned, it shall be as follows : — If two-year-olds, six furlongs. If three-year- olds, one mile. If four-year-olds, two miles. If five-year-olds or upwards, four miles. And if the horses be of different age the course shall be fixed by the age of the youngest. At any meeting where there are two or more courses of the same distance, the special course shall be selected by the Stewards. 51. When no day is fixed for a race, it shall be run on the last day of the meeting unless otherwise agreed by all the parties engaged, and sanctioned by the Stewards. Special Conditions applicable to Handicaps, Produce Races, and Selling Maces. — Ha?idicaps. — 52. The top weight to be allotted in a handicap shall not be less than Qst. If in a handicap for which there is a minor forfeit declared by a fixed time the highest weight accepting was originally less than gst., it shall be raised to that weight, and the other acceptances equally. It shall be in the power of Stewards, by notice in the programme, to extend this last-mentioned rule to the highest weight left in at ten o'clock the preceding evening in handicaps for plates and stakes, where there is no declaration of forfeit, provided the weights are fixed the night before running. 53. In handicaps there shall be no clause permit- ting an alteration of the weights after publication by the claim of a selling allowance. Produce Races. — 54. If the produce of a mare is dropped before the ist of January, or if there is no produce, or if the produce is dead when dropped, a declaration to that effect by the time pre- scribed in the conditions renders the entry of such mare void : if twins are dropped, the nominator shall at the same time declare to which of them the engagement attaches. Selling Races. — 55. All lads who, while under age, have of their own free will, and with the consent of their parents or guardians, bound themselves to a trainer for a term of not less than three years, are permitted, during their apprenticeship, to claim 51b. allowance in all selling races which are not handicaps, provided no horse carry less than 6st. They will be entitled to this 51b. allowance for one year (or 365 days) after winning their first race in any country, 56. Every horse running shall, if the winner, be liable to be claimed RULES OF RACING 239 for the selling price by the owner of any other horse engaged in the race, or his authorised agent ; but if it is a condition of the race that the winner is to be sold by auction, the sale shall take place immediately after the race, and the surplus over the selling price shall be divided between the owner of the second horse and the Race Fund. If sold, or bought in, the horse shall not leave the place of sale without permission of the auctioneer, and a written order given for his delivery ; and if the horse be not paid for, or the price secured to the satisfaction of the auctioneer within a quarter of an hour, he may put the horse up a second time, and the purchaser at the first sale shall be responsible for any deficiency arising from the second, and shall be treated as a defaulter until it is paid. Whoever issues the delivery order for a horse sold, bought in, or claimed, is responsible for the money, and shall, if required, pay the same over to the person entitled, the day after the horse is delivered. 57. All other horses starting may be claimed for the selling price plus the value of the stakes or plate by the owners of horses running in the race, or their authorised agents, (i) Owners of horses placed shall have priority of claim in the order of their places ; and if the owners of two or more horses having equal rights claim, they are to draw lots. The owner of the winner has last claim. (ii) No person can claim more than one horse, (iii) Every claim must be made in writing to the Clerk of the Scales within a quarter of an hour after the winner has passed the scale. 58. The price of every horse claimed must be paid to the Stakeholder, and an order given by him for the delivery of the horse, but subject to the rules in cases of objection. In the case of a horse being claimed, if the price be not paid before seven o'clock in the evening of the day of the race, the claimant forfeits his right. But the owner may insist on the claimant taking and paying for the horse ; and if he refuse or neglect to do so, he shall be treated as a defaulter in respect of the price. 59. If a horse walk over (or there be no second horse placed) for a selling race, the winner is still liable to be sold, but any surplus above the selling price will go to the fund. 60. The foregoing rules relating to claiming and selling races, in cases where a horse placed first is objected to, are subject when practicable to the following provisions : — (i) If an objection be made before the horse has been sold, the time for selling and claiming shall be fixed by the Stewards, (ii) Where the objection is made and sustained after 240 THE TURF the horse has been sold or bought in, the sale or buying in, and any claim in respect of the horse placed second, shall be annulled, and all moneys paid thereunder returned. The horse disqualified shall be liable to be claimed as a beaten horse, and the Stewards shall fix R time for the exercise of such right of claiming, and a time and place for the sale of the horse adjudged to be the winner. Should the Stewards find the above provisions impracticable, they shall make a report to the Registry Office, (iii) In the case of a dead- heat, the time for claiming or selling is postponed until the dead-heat is run off. In case of a division, each of the horses dividing is a winner for the purposes of the rules relating to claiming and seUing ; and if an auction race, both shall be put up to auction, and any surplus shall be divided, half to go between those horses, and half to the Race Fund. 6i. In all other races with selling conditions only such horses as run to be sold shall be liable to be sold or claimed, but with this exception and allowance to apprentices the foregoing rules relating to selling races shall apply. Jiace Horses. — Age. — 62. The age of a horse shall be reckoned as beginning on the ist of January in the year in which he is foaled. 63. Yearlings shall not run for any race. 64. Two-year-olds shall not run more than six furlongs before the ist of July, nor shall they run for handicaps before the ist of September, nor in handicaps with older horses. Nawes of Horses. — 65. (i) A name can only be claimed for a horse by application at the Registry Office in London, with the description according to rule, when, if there is no other horse of the same name, the name will be registered and published in the first Sheet Calendar after it has been claimed, and will, from the date of publication, be the horse's name under these rules, (ii) In the case of a horse which has been entered elsewhere than in Great Britain under the same name as one already registered, the name may be claimed for him if accompanied by a numeral, and the name with the numeral will then be registered and published as his name, (iii) If the same name be simultaneously claimed for two or more horses, the order of priority shall be determined by lot at the Registry Office. Disqualification of Horses. — 66. If a horse run at any unrecog- nised meeting, he is disqualified for all races to which these Rules .apply. 67. No horse is qualified to be entered or run which is wholly or partly the property of, or in any way under the care or RULES OF RACING 241 superintendence of a disqualified person. 68. Any horse which has been the subject of fraudulent practice may, at the discretion of the Stewards of the Jockey Club, be disqualified for such time and for such races as they shall determine. Foreign Horses. — 69. A horse foaled out of the United Kingdom shall not be qualified to start for any race until there have been deposited at the Registry Office, and a fee of 55-. paid on each certificate (i) such a foreign certificate, and (2) such a certificate of age as are next mentioned ; that is to say : — The foreign cer- tificate must state the age, sex, pedigree and colour of the horse, and any mark by which it may be distinguished, and must be signed by the secretary or other officer of some approved racing club of the country in which the horse was foaled, or by some magistrate, mayor, or public officer of that country. The Stewards of the Jockey Club may from time to time approve any racing club for the purposes of this rule, and prescribe the magistrate, mayor, or public officer by whom a foreign certificate must be signed. They may also require any further proof or confirmation in any particular case, and may declare any horse disqualified in default thereof The certi- ficate of age must be signed by a veterinary surgeon in the United Kingdom, approved for this purpose by the Stewards of the Jockey Club, either by general order or in the particular case. 70. A horse which has been out of the United Kingdom (otherwise than as a foal at the foot of his dam) before having run in Great Britain, shall not be qualified to start for any race until a certificate of age, signed as in the last rule mentioned, has been deposited at the Registry Office. Note. — The Stewards of the Jockey Club have approved generally of certificates given by the members of the Royal College of Veter- inary Surgeons, and by persons holding the Highland and Agri- cultural Society's diploma. Entries, Subscriptions, Declarations of Forfeit, and Acceptances for Races. — 71. Every entry shall close, and every declaration of forfeit or of acceptance shall be fixed to be made, at 10 p.m., and upon Tuesdays only, except in the cases of races closing within four days of their being run. All entries for handicaps for which the weights are to appear before the week in which a meeting is held must be in the Sheet Calendar at least one week before the weights are published, and for those handicaps for which the weights are to appear during the week of the Meeting the entries shall close at least twenty-four hours before the publication of the weights. No R 242 THE TURF declaration of forfeit shall be fixed to be made for races for two- year-olds only, between the second Tuesday in October, when they are yearlings, and the last Tuesday in March in the following year. 72. A horse is not quaUfied to run in any race unless he is duly entered for the same. 73. All entries made elsewhere than at the Registry Office (except entries made during the week of, or on the Saturday preceding, the meeting) shall be lodged at that office with- in forty-eight |.hours, or, if intended for publication in the next "Calendar," within twelve hours after the day of closing. In default of observance of this rule, the receiver of nominations shall be reported to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, and unless the nominator can prove to their satisfaction that the entry was made in due time, it shall be void. 74. The list of entries shall be closed at the advertised time, and no entry shall be admitted on any ground after that time. 75. An entry or subscription may, before the time of closing, be altered or withdrawn. 76. Allowances, when prac- ticable under the conditions of the race, must be claimed at the time of entry, or they shall not be allowed. Foryn of Entry or Nomination. — 77. Entries shall be made in writing, signed by the owner of the horse or his authorised agent,, and declarations of forfeit in like manner by the owner of the engagement or his authorised agent, subject to the rules relating to sales with engagements. Entries made by telegraph shall be equally binding, but must be confirmed in writing before the time of weigh- ing, or the horse shall not be qualified to start. Declarations of forfeits made by telegraph shall be confirmed in writing, or the forfeit shall not be saved. The above confirmations must be made as soon as possible, and if the Stewards consider there has been any unnecessary delay they may inflict a fine. 78. A horse cannot be entered in the real or assumed name of any person as his owner unless that person's interest or property in the horse is at least equal to that of any other one person, and has been so registered. 79. The entry shall be in the name, or assumed name, of one person, and shall state the name, or assumed name, of the owner, the name of the horse, if registered, or his description according to rule if name not registered. 80. In entering a horse whose name has not been registered, it shall be described by stating the age, the colour (when possible), and whether it is a horse, mare, or gelding, and the registered or Stud Book names or description of its sire and dam. If the dam was covered by more than one stallion, the names RULES OF RACING 243 of all must be stated. In all cases such pedigree and description must be given as will clearly distinguish the horse entered from all other horses ; and if the pedigree of the sire or dam be unknown, such further particulars must be given as to where, when, and from whom it was purchased or obtained as will identify it. 81. AVhen- ever the name under which a horse has run at any recognised meeting in any country is changed or abandoned, his old name, as well as his new name or description, must be given in every entry until the change has been published in two Monthly " Calendars " or the Book "Calendar," and a fee of ^5 paid. 82. No alteration or addition shall be made in any entry after the time fixed for closing, except in cases expressly sanctioned by these rules. 83. In the event of a horse being entered for a race with an incorrect or imperfect description according to the rules of entry, such error or omission may, if accidental, be corrected on payment of a fine of ^5, at any time before the horse's number is exhibited for that race, provided that the identity of the horse be satisfactorily proved. If the above correction be not made, or the horse struck out, within seven days after the error has been officially brought to the know- ledge of the owner or his agent, or if any horse runs without the prescribed correction having been made, the Stewards of the Jockey Club may inflict fines upon, or otherwise deal with, any persons responsible for such errors. 84. When, subsequently to the time fixed for closing, a registered name has been published for any horse entered, the entry may be amended by inserting such name in addition to the name or the description given in the original entry. 85. A subscriber to a race may transfer the right of entry under his subscription to any other person. 86. Subscriptions and all entries, or rights of entry under them, become void on the death of the subscriber, and entries (except such as are made under another person's subscription) become void on the death of the person in whose name they are made. 87. If either party to a match die the match is off. 88. An acceptance of the weight for a free handicap shall be considered as equivalent to an entry ; but if the horse be wrongly described, the acceptance shall be void. 89. In making an entry for a produce race, the produce is entered by specifying the dam and sire or sires. 90. No horse shall be considered as struck out of any of his engagements until the owner, or some duly autho- rised person, shall have given notice in writing or by telegraph to be confirmed in writing, at the Registry Office or to the Clerk of the R 2 244 THE TURF Course where the horse is engaged. The notification of the death of a horse shall be equivalent to a declaration of forfeit. Sale with Engagei7ients. — 91. When a horse is sold with his engagements, or any part of them, the seller cannot strike the horse out of any such engagements, but, on default of the purchaser, remains hable for the amount of the forfeits in each. 92. In all cases of sale by private treaty, the written acknowledgment of both parties that the horse was sold with engagements is necessary to prove the fact ; but when the horse is sold by public auction, or claimed out of a selling race, the advertised conditions of either the race or sale are sufficient evidence. If certain engagements only be specified, those only are sold with the horse. Note. — The following are known and recognised as " Lord Exeter's Conditions " : — " The horses are sold without their engagements, but the purchaser has the right of running for any of them by paying half the stake, and in the event of the horse winning, or being entitled to second or third money, one-third shall be paid to the vendor, but the vendor reserves to himself the right of striking the horse out of any race in time to save a minor forfeit or discount, unless the purchaser shall give notice that he wishes to run for any particular race, when he will become liable for half the stake or forfeit. Horses purchased under Lord Exeter's conditions cannot be resold under the same conditions without the written consent of the original vendor." Assumed Names and Partnerships. — 93. An assumed name cannot be used unless annually registered and the fee paid. A registration continues effectual only during the current year. (i) A person cannot register more than one assumed name at the same time, nor can he use his real name so long as he has a registered one. (ii) An assumed name may be changed at any time by registering a new assumed name, (iii) A person cannot register as his assumed name one which has been already registered by any other person, or the real name of any owner of racehorses, (iv) Any person who has registered an assumed name may at any time abandon it by giving written notice at the Registry Office ; such notice of cancellation shall be published in the next " Racing Calendar," after which all entries which have been made in the assumed shall be altered to the real name of the owner. Partnerships. — 94. All partnerships, and the name and address of every person having any interest in a horse, the relative proportions of such interest, and the terms of any sale, with contingencies, lease, RULES OF RACING 245 or arrangement, must be signed by all the parties, or their authorised agents, and lodged at the Registry Office, or with the Clerk of the Course for transmission to the Registry Office, before a horse sold with contingencies, or leased, or which is a joint property, can be entered or start for any race, and the document shall state with whom the power of entry or declaration of forfeit rests, and all partners shall be jointly and severally liable for every stake or forfeit. No part owner shall assign his share or any part thereof in a horse without the consent of his partners. A fee of ^i shall be paid on each horse, and all partnerships, sales with contingencies, or leases shall be published in the real or assumed names in the next available " Racing Calendar," and partnerships and leases republished annually so long as they continue. Any termination or severance must be notified at once to the Registry Office for publication. Jockeys' Licences, &=c. — 95. (i) No jockey or apprentice shall, after the last day of the week in which he shall have first ridden, ride in any race until he shall have obtained a licence from the Stewards of the Jockey Club. Such licence must be applied for annually, with full name and address, at the Registry Office, and will only be granted on the condition that a jockey is not an owner of any race- horse. Under exceptional circumstances, leave may be granted to jockeys, who are also trainers, to own one or more horses, provided that such horse or horses are trained in their own stables, (ii) Any person who shall employ a jockey, in contravention of this rule, shall be liable to be fined by the Stewards of the Jockey Club, (iii) A list of the licensed jockeys shall be published in the " Racing Calendar." (iv) Every jockey shall pay jQ\, and every apprentice \os. for his licence, to be applied as his subscription to the Bentinck Benevolent and Provident Fund, (v) No jockey whose licence has been withdrawn or refused on the ground of misconduct will be eligible to ride trials, or be allowed in any weighing-room, stand, or enclosure during his time of suspension from riding continues. 96. Any gentleman wishing to ride in races on even terms with jockeys shall obtain a permission, current till revoked, from the Stewards of the Jockey Club, and make a donation of ^5 to the Bentinck Benevolent Fund. Jockeys^ Retainers. — 97. In the absence of special agreement, a jockey's retainer terminates at the end of the racing season. Half the agreed retaining fee must be paid in advance, and the remainder 246 THE TURF at the termination of the retainer. 98. Every jockey at the termi- nation of his apprenticeship is free to form engagements for himself, irrespective of any which have been made for him during such apprenticeship. The terms of all agreements shall be registered, and a fee of c^s. shall be paid. 99. Employers retaining the same jockey have precedence according to the priority of their retainers. 100. The Stewards of the Jockey Club may adjudicate between persons claiming the services of any jockey, and on disputes between jockeys and their employers, and have power to cancel any agreement between them. Jockeys^ Fees. — 10 1. In the absence of special agreement to ride or a lower sum, the fee to a winning jockey shall be ^^5 55., and to a losing jockey ;^3 35'., and no further charge shall be made, except when requested to leave home for the purpose of riding, in which case the cost of travelling expenses and ;^i a day for living, shall be charged to the owner, or divided between the owners, at whose request he left home, {ci) In the case of a dead-heat, if the owners divide, each jockey shall be paid a winning fee ; in case of a run-off, no additional fee shall be paid, but when either horse is ridden by a fresh jockey, the rider on each occasion is entitled to the prescribed fee. All jockeys' fees shall be paid to the Stakeholder at the same time as the stakes. Stable Lads. — 102. (i) No trainer shall engage any stable servant who has previously been in a training stable without referring to his last employer, and receiving a satisfactory reply in writing, (ii) Any trainer infringing this rule, and continuing to employ such servant after notice has been served on him by the late employer, or through the Registry Office, shall be reported to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, (iii) Any servant prevented by this rule from obtaining or retaining employment shall have the right of appeal to the Stewards of the Jockey Club. Racing-Colours. — 103. Racing-colours shall be registered either annually on payment of 55. or for the life of the person registered on payment of ;^5. Colours so registered shall not be taken by any other person. All disputes as to the right to particular colours shall be settled by the Stewards of the Jockey Club. 104. Any person running a horse in colours other than those registered in his own or assumed name, without a special declaration over night to the Clerk of the Course (at a time to be prescribed), shall be fined not less than £,\, nor more than ^10. A special declaration is also required where the owner is not the nominator. RULES OF RACING 247 Entrance Money, Forfeits, and Stakes. — 105, Entrance money, forfeits, stakes, and arrears must be paid in cash (if so required) to the Clerk of the Course, or authorised stakeholder ; and entrance money must (if so required) be paid at the time of entry, 106. En- trance money shall go to the Race Fund of the meeting unless otherwise specified in the conditions of the race and subject to the application of surplus under Rule 159. 107. Entrance fees, subscriptions, stakes, and forfeits shall be in pounds, not guineas. 108. The nominator is liable, as well as every partner in the horse at the time of nomination, for the entrance money and stake or forfeit. A person making a wrong nomination is equally liable, but where a horse has been accidentally entered for a race for which he is not qualified, he may be withdrawn on payment of a fine, in lieu of forfeit, of £^^ at any time before the race, the fines under this rule to go as the forfeits. A subscriber to a sweepstakes is liable for the stake or forfeit ; but if he transfer the right of entry to any other person he is liable only in case of default by the transferee. 109. A person taking an entry under another person's subscription, where forfeit must be declared by a particular time? shall, if he do not declare forfeit by that time, be considered to have taken the engagement upon himself, and it shall be transferred to his name. no. A jockey shall not be weighed out for any horse for a race unless there have been previously paid (i) any stake, forfeit, entrance money, or fee payable by the owner or nominator in respect of that race ; (2) all arrears due from any person for such horse, or due for the same or any other horse from any person by whom such horse is wholly or partly owned, or in whose name ■ or under whose subscription he is entered : and (3) the jockey's fee. The Unpaid Forfeit. — -iii. An Unpaid Forfeit List shall be kept at the Registry Office, and shall be published in the Sheet " Calendar " after the Newmarket July Meeting, and again at the conclusion of the racing season in every year. It shall include all arrears which have been notified by the Stakeholder of any recognised meeting in the United Kingdom, or as otherwise provided under these Rules, and shall state the real name or names, and also the assumed name or names (if any), of the persons from whom, and the horses in respect of which, the same are due. " Arrears " which have been so published must be paid directly into the Registry Office, with fees according to rule, and until so paid shall not be removed from the list. 112. Where a person is prevented by these Rules from 248 THE TURF entering or starting a horse for any race without paying arrears, for which he would not otherwise be liable, he may, by paying the same, enter or start the horse and place the arrears on the Forfeit List as due to himself, and in like manner the seller of a horse with engage- ments may, if compelled to pay them by the purchaser's default, place the amount on the Forfeit List, as due from the purchaser to himself. 113. So long as the name of a person is in the Forfeit List no horse can be entered by him or under his subscription for any race, whether acting as an agent or otherwise ; and no horse which has been entered by him, or in his name, or under his subscription, or of which he is, or was at the time of entry, wholly or partly the owner, can run for any race ; and no horse which shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Stewards to be directly or indirectly under the care, training, management, or superintendence of a person whose default has been twice published in the " Racing Calendar " shall be qualified to be entered or run for any race. So long as any horse is in the Forfeit List, such horse shall not be qualified to be entered or run for any race. This rule shall not prevent the entry for a Produce Stake of mares and stallions that are in the Forfeit List. The dis- abilities under this rule extend to all arrears officially notified by a recognised Turf authority of any country. 114. A corrected alpha- betical Index of the horses and owners in the last Forfeit List and Irish Forfeit List shall be published in the first " Calendar " of every month during the racing season. Such monthly list shall commence not less than three years before the time at which it is published, and shall be carried down to and include the latest Forfeit List which has been published in the Sheet " Calendar " as above men- tioned. 115. If a horse which, or the owner of which, is in the Forfeit List be entered for any race in contravention of these Rules, the nominator of such horse may be fined ^^50. Weights, Penalties, and Allowances.— wb. No horse shall carry less than 6st. in any race. Fe?ialties.—ii']. In estimating the amount a horse has won in any one or more races, account shall be taken of all cups or moneys whether derived from stakes, bonus, or any other source, gained by him for his owner or for any other person, deducting only his own stake and entrance. 118. Winnings during the year shall include all prizes from the commencement of the racing season to the time appointed for the start, and shall apply to all races in any country, and winning shall include dividing, walking over, or receiving forfeit. RULES OF RACING 249 Penalties for winning a fixed sum shall be understood to mean for winning it in one race unless specified to the contrary. 119. No horse shall carry extra weight for having run second or in any lower place in a race. 120. Extra weights shall not be incurred in re- spect of matches or private sweepstakes. 121. Penalties are not cumulative unless so declared by the conditions of the race. 122. When any race is in dispute, both the horse that came in first and any horse claiming the race shall be liable to all the penalties attaching to the winner of that race till the matter be decided. For penalties on dividing after dead-heats, see Rule 144. 123. All penalties and allowances shall be calculated according to the amount of the value of each race as reported in the " Racing Calendar." AUotuances. — 124. Allowances must be claimed at the time of entry where practicable (see Rule 76), but omission to claim is not a source of disqualification, and a claim for allowance to which a horse is not entitled does not disqualify unless carried out at scale. 125. No horse shall receive allowance of weight, or be relieved from extra weight, for having been beaten in one or more races ; pro- vided that this rule shall not prohibit maiden allowances, or allow- ances to horses that have not won within a specified time, or races of a specified value. 126. Allowances to the produce of untried horses are for the produce of horses whose produce never won a race in any country. 127. Allowances are cumulative unless otherwise specified. Weighing out. Exhibiting Numbers, &=€. — The Weighing Room. — 128. No person shall, without special leave from the Stewards, be admitted to the weighing room except the owner, trainer, and jockey, or other person having the care of a horse engaged in the race ; and any person refusing to leave shall be reported to the Stewards. Weighing out. — 129. Every jockey must be weighed for a specified horse by the Clerk of the Scales, at the appointed place, not less than a quarter of an hour before the time fixed for the race, and the number shall then be exhibited as soon as possible. In exceptional cases, or where the delay of a previous race has rendered punctuality impossible, the Stewards may extend the time allowed for weighing, declaring weight, and for exhibiting the numbers. 130. When the numbers have been exhibited no alteration or addition can be made without the leave of the Stewards, whose reasons for such permission 250 THE TURF shall be reported at the Registry Office, Should any horse not start whose number has been exhibited, the owner and any other person responsible may be fined, or otherwise dealt with, at the discretion of the Stewards. 131. If a jockey intend to carry over- weight, he must declare the amount thereof at the time of weighing out, or, if in doubt as to his proper weight, he may declare the weight he intends to carry, 132, It is optional for the jockey to weigh out or in with his bridle, and the Clerk of the Scales shall, if requested, allow i lb. for a curb or double bridle ; but if a horse run in a hood, muzzle, martingale, breastplate or clothing, it must be put into the scale and included in the jockey's weight. 133. No whip or substitute for a whip shall be allowed in the scales. Starting. — 134. The horses must be started by the official Starter or his authorised substitute. 135. Every horse shall be at the post, ready to start, at the appointed time. 136. All jockeys, on arrival at the starting-post, must immediately place themselves under the Starter's orders. 137, No horse, when once under the Starter's hands, shall go back, except in the case of an accident. 138, The horses shall (so far as is practicable) be drawn up before the start in an order to be determined by lots to be drawn by the jockeys at the time of weighing out. Running and Walking Over. — 139. An owner running two or more horses in a race may declare to win with one of them, and such declaration must be made at scale, A jockey, riding a horse with which the owner has not declared to win, must on no account stop such horse, except in favour of the stable companion on whose behalf declaration to win has been made. 140. (i.) A horse which crosses another in any part of the race is disqualified, unless it be proved that he was two clear lengths ahead of the other when he crossed, (ii.) If a horse or his jockey jostle another horse or jockey, the aggressor is disqualified, unless it be proved that the jostle was wholly caused by the fault of some other jockey, or that the jostled horse or his jockey was partly in fault, (iii.) If a horse run the wrong side of a post he must turn back and run the course from such post. 141. If a race has been run by all the horses at wrong weights or over a wrong course, or distance, or before the appointed time, or if the Judge is not in the box at the time the horses pass the winning- post, the Stewards shall order the race to be run again the same day if practicable, but if otherwise it shall be void. Walking Over. — 142. When one horse pays forfeit for a match. RULES OF RACING 251 the other need not walk over ; but for a sweepstakes, even if all the liorses but one have declared forfeit, that horse must walk over, except by the written consent of the persons who pay forfeit ; in the case of a plate the consent of the Stewards is necessary. 143. On a division after a dead-heat it shall not be necessary for a horse to Tvalk over. Dead-Heats. — 144. Every horse running a dead-heat for first place shall be deemed the winner of the race until the dead-heat is run off ■or the owners agree to divide ; and, if the owners agree to divide, each horse which divides shall be deemed a winner of the race, and liable to any penalty for the full amount he would have received if he had won. 145. (i.) A dead heat for the first place shall be run off on the same day, at a time to be appointed by the Stewards unless the owners agree to divide. The other horses shall be deemed to have been beaten, but they shall be entitled to their places (if any) as if the race had been finally determined the first time, (ii.) In running off a dead-heat the rules as to declaration of over-weight, weighing out, and weighing in, shall apply, but the same jockeys need not ride, (iii.) If, in running a dead-heat off, either horse should be disqualified, it shall be decided by the Stewards whether the disqualification shall extend to the loss of the second place, and, if so, the horse that originally ran third shall be entitled to the second place. 146. When a dead-heat is run for second place, and an objection is made to the winner of the race, if such objection be declared valid in time for the dead-heat to be run off on a day of the race, the Stewards may direct it to be run off accordingly ; otherwise the horses which ran the dead-heat shall divide. 147. If a dead-heat be run by two or more horses for second or any lower place in a race, the owners shall divide, subject to the provisions of the last preceding rule. 148. When owners divide they shall divide equally all the moneys or other prizes which any of them could take if the dead-heat were run off. 149. If the ■dividing owners cannot agree as to which of them is to have a cup or other prize which cannot be divided, the question shall be deter- mined by lot by the Stewards, who shall decide what sum of money shall be paid by the owner who takes such cup or other indivisible prize, to the other owners or owner. 150. On a dead-heat for a match the match is off. Weighing in. — 151. Every jockey must, immediately after pulling up, ride his horse to the place of weighing, dismount, and present 252 THE TURF himself to be weighed by the Clerk of the Scales. Provided that^ if a jockey be prevented from riding to the place of weighing by reason of accident or illness, by which he or his horse is disabled, he may walk or be carried to the scales. 152. If a horse carry more than two pounds over his proper or declared weight he is disquali- fied, unless the Stewards be satisfied that such excess of weight has been caused by wet. 153. If a jockey does not present himself to weigh in, or be short of weight, or be guilty of any fraudulent prac- tice with respect to weight or weighing, or dismount before reaching the scales, or touch (except accidentally) any person or thing other than his own equipments before weighing in, his horse is disquali- fied, unless he can satisfy the Stewards that he was justified by extraordinary circumstances. Prizes. — 154. The value of prizes not in money must be adver- tised. 155. Prizes, stakes, and forfeits in a race belong to the winner, except as otherwise declared in the conditions. 156. No plate or sweepstakes shall be run for unless the clear value to the winner (calculated as in Rule 117), in case the race be run by two or more horses, will amount to ^100. But if the value would amount to ^100 if the race was so run, a horse may walk over, although he thereby receives less than ^100. 157. In all races with not less than five entries, the second horse shall at least save his stake and entrance. 158. When a sweepstakes has been so reduced by the death of subscribers that the payments to second or other horses, according to conditions, would reduce the value, if run for, to less than ^100, the winner shall receive a clear ;^"ioo, and only the balance, if any, be divided proportionately between the other horses entitled to participate in the stakes. 159. In all races, should there be any surplus from entrance or subscription over the advertised value, it shall be paid to the winner, unless provided by the condi- tions to go to other horses in the race. A race may be declared void provided the number of entries required by advertisement be not obtained, but the value of a prize once advertised shall not be reduced. 160. When a cup or plate or any added money is adver- tised to be run for, it shall be given in the event of a walk-over. When a walk-over (except after a dead-heat) is the result of arrange- ment by the owners of horses engaged, neither a cup nor any portion of the advertised money need be given. 161. Any money or prize which by the conditions is to go to the horse placed second, or in any lower place, shall, if the winner have walked over or no horse RULES OF RACING 253 has been placed second, be dealt with as follows, namely : — (i) If part of the stakes or plate, it shall go to the winner ; or (ii) If a separate donation from the Race Fund, or any other source, it shall not be given at all ; or (iii) If entrance money for the race, it shall go to the Race Fund of the meeting. 162. No prize shall be given to any but the first four horses placed. 163. No deductions shall be made from the value of any race except such as are gained by other horses in the race, and except Clerk's stakeholding and weighing fees, as fixed by rule, or any sums assigned under the conditions of a race to the Bentinck Benevolent or Rous Memorial Funds. 164. If a race be never run or be void, stakes, forfeits, and entrance money shall be returned. 165. A race may be declared void if no qualified horse cover the course according to rule. Disputes, Objections, Appeals, ^^c. — 166. Every objection shall be decided by the Stewards, but their decision shall (if they are not the Stewards of the Jockey Club) be subject to appeal to the Stewards of the Jockey Club, so far as relates to points involving the interpretation of these Rules, or to any question other than a question of fact ; on which there shall be no appeal unless by leave of the Stewards, and with the consent of the Stewards of the Jockey Club. Notice of appeal must be given in writing to the Clerk of the Course within forty-eight hours of the decision being made known. 167. All disputes, objections, and appeals referred to or brought before the Stewards of the Jockey Club for their decision, shall be decided by the three Stewards ; if only two Stewards be present they shall fix upon a third person, being a member of the Club, in lieu of the absent Steward, but the Stewards may call in any other members of the Jockey Club to their assistance, or may, if they think the importance or difficulty of the case requires such a course, refer it to a general meeting. Objections, when and how made. — 168. (i) If an objection to a horse engaged in a race be made not later than half-past ten in the morning of the day of the race, the Stewards may require his qualifi- cation to be proved before the race ; and in default of such proof being given to their satisfaction, they may declare him disqualified, (ii) An objection to the distance of a course officially designated must be made before a race, (iii) An objection to any decision ot the Clerk of the Scales must be made at once, (iv) An objection to a horse, on the ground of a cross, jostle, or any act on the part of his jockey, or of his not having run the proper course, or of the race 254 THE TURF having been run on a wrong course, or of any other matter occurring in the race, must be made within a quarter of an hour after the winner has weighed in, unless, under special circumstances, the Stewards are satisfied that it could not have been made within that time, (v) An objection on the ground — (a) That the horse which ran was not the horse which he was represented to be at the time of entry, or that he was not quahfied under the conditions of the race ; or (d) That he has run in contravention of the rules of partnership, may be received within fourteen days of the conclusion of a meeting, (vi) An objection on the ground that a horse is disqualified by reason of any default entered in the Forfeit List, may be received within six months after the race, (vii) In any other case an objection must be made within twenty-four hours of the race being run, ex- clusive of Sunday, save in the case of any fraud, or wilful misstate- ment, when there shall be no limit to the time for objecting, provided the Stewards are satisfied there has been no unnecessary delay on the part of the objector. 169. Every objection shall be in writing, and must be signed by the owner of some horse engaged in the race, or by his authorised agent, trainer, jockey, or groom, and must be made to one of the Stewards, to the Clerk of the Course, or Clerk of the Scales ; the objector shall, at the time he makes the objection, deposit in the hands of the Stakeholder the sum of ;^5,. and on an appeal an additional sum of ;^io shall be lodged by the appellant ; if the case be decided against the depositor, his deposit shall be forfeited to the Bentinck Benevolent or Rous Memorial Funds, unless the Stewards who heard the case, or the Stewards of the Jockey Club on the appeal, shall certify that there was good and reasonable ground for the objection or the appeal. 170. An. objection may also be made without deposit by a Steward or licensed official of a meeting in his official capacity. 171, An ob- jection cannot be withdrawn without leave of the Stewards. 172. No horse shall be disqualified on account of any error or violation of rule in the entry, which might have been corrected on payment of a fine, but the Stewards may inflict fines upon, or otherwise deal with, any persons responsible for such errors. 173. If an objection to a horse which has won, or been placed in a race, be declared valid, the horse shall be regarded as having been last in the race,, and the other horses shall take positions accordingly. 174. All costs and expenses in relation to determining an objection or con- ducting an inquiry, and any reasonable compensation for outlay RULES OF RACING 255 incurred, shall be paid by such person or persons, and in such pro- portions, as the Stewards shall direct. 175. Pending the determin- ation of an objection, any prize which the horse objected to may have won or may win in the race, shall be withheld until the objection is determined, and any forfeit payable by the owner of any other horse shall be paid to and held by the Stakeholder for the person who may be entitled to it. Corrupt Practices and Disqualificatio7is of Persons. — 176. (i) If any person corruptly give or offer, or promise, directly or indirectly, any bribe in any form to any person having official duties in relation to a race or racehorse, or to any trainer, jockey, or agent, or to any other person having charge of or access to any racehorse ; or (ii) If any person having official duties in relation to a race, or if any trainer, jockey, agent, or other person having charge of or access to any racehorse corruptly accept or offer to accept any bribe, in any form ; or (iii) Wilfully enter or cause to be entered or to start for any race a horse which he knows or believes to be disqualified ; or (iv) If any person be proved to the satisfaction of the Stewards of the Jockey Club to have surreptitiously obtained information respecting a trial from any person or persons engaged in it or in the service of the owner or trainer of the horses tried, or respecting any horse in training from any person in such service ; or (v) If any person be guilty of or shall conspire with any other person for the commission of, or shall connive at any other person being guilty of any other corrupt or fraudulent practice in relation to racing in this or any other country : Every person so offending shall be warned off Newmarket Heath and other places where these Rules are in force. 177. If any person be reported by the Committee of the Subscription Rooms at Newmarket or at Tattersall's as being a defaulter in bets, he shall be warned off as in the last rule mentioned so long as his default continues. 178. When a person is warned off Newmarket Heath, and so long as his exclusion continues, he shall not be qualified, whether acting as an agent or otherwise, to subscribe for or to enter or run any horse for any race either in his own name or in that of any other person, and any horse of which he is the nominator, or is (or was at the time of entry) wholly or partly the owner, or which (after the fact of his being warned off has been twice published in the " Racing Calendar ") shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Stewards to be, or to have been, directly or 256 THE TURF indirectly, under his care, training, management, or superintendence shall be disqualified. . Fees and Fmes.-il9- The Stakeholder shall be allowed to retaui, out of the stakes in his hands, the following fees, viz. :-For every match £i For every subscription or sweepstakes where the lowest forfeit'amounts to ^20, i per cent, on the whole stake, and on all other races i per cent. 180. There shall also be payable the follow- ing maximum fees : For every entry a Clerk's fee of 2s. 6d. ; for weighing, a Clerk's fee of 2s. 6d. ; for registration of a horses name, a Clerk's fee of 2s. bd. , • . ,. Renstration i^m.-i8i. (i) For registration of authority to act <.enerally on behalf of an owner, 5^- ; (ii) ^^' ^very registration or change of an assumed name, £zo; (iii) for every registration of partnership, and on every change thereof, £^ for each horse ; (iv) for every annual registration of colours, 5^. ; (v) for every registration of colours, for life, £s; (vi) for registration of foreign and veterinary certificates, 5^.; (vii) for registration of an agreement with a ^'''^^I;/^i82. Except where otherwise provided, all fees and fines shall be paid to the credit of the Jockey Club, all fines to be afterwards transferred, either wholly or in such proportions as he Stewards may direct, either to the Bentinck Benevolent Fund or the Rous Memorial Fund. ■ ■ ^ a^a v\s^ New Rules.-^%Z. Every new rule (in which term is included the repeal or alteration of an existing rule) must be advertised three times in the Sheet Calendar, with the date of the meeting of he Jockey Club at which it is to be proposed, and be submitted to the Rules Committee, before it is brought up for discussion. 184. Every new rule must be confirmed at a meeting subsequent to that a which it is passed, and be then twice advertised in the Sheet Calendar, but shall not come into operation until the ist of Jamiary foUowmg, unless urgency be declared by the Stewards on confirmation. NATIONAL HUNT RULES As re-arranged afid revised by the Committee appointed by the JVatiofial Hunt Committee.— [Th.Qse Rules apply to all meetings held under the sanction of the National Hunt Committee, and to all races run at such meetings. They so closely resemble the Rules of Racing that they need not be quoted in full. The full divergences are however, given.] Interpretation and Application of these Rules. — A " maiden " is a horse which has never won a steeple chase, hurdle race, or National Hunt flat race (other than a match or private sweepstakes) at any recognised meeting in the United Kingdom, or in any other country. A maiden means a maiden at the time of start. A horse which has " never started " is one that has never started for a steeple chase, hurdle race, or National Hunt flat race (other than a match or private sweepstakes) in any country. A " race " means plate, sweep- stakes, cup, or match, but refers only, under these Rules, to steeple chases, hurdle races, or National Hunt flat races. (2) These Rules apply to all meetings held under the sanction of the National Hunt Committee, and to all races run at such meetings, but they do not apply to — (o) Yeomanry races confined to chargers and troop horses, and held during the time of the annual training, under the Steward- ship of the Commanding Officer, {b) Point-to-Point steeple chases held under the Stewardship of the Master of Foxhounds or Stag- hounds, or a Master of Harriers (being a member of the Association of Masters of Harriers), of the country in which they are run, of which notice shall have been given at the Registry Office (on a form to be obtained therefrom) not less than seven days before the holding thereof, with a fee of loj., and for which a certificate in form 2 of the Appendix C to these Rules, and signed by such Master as aforesaid, shall be lodged at the Registry Office within fourteen days after the holding thereof. All other meetings, to 2^8 THE TURF which the pubUc are admitted, not held under the sanction of the National Hunt Committee or other Turf authority of the country m which they are held, are "unrecognised meetings," and every horse which has run at such a meeting is disqualified for all races under these Rules. Officials— IS' One or more Inspectors of Steeple Chase Courses shall be annually appointed by, and will receive their instructions from the Stewards of the National Hunt Committee. Handicapper.-2^. The top weight to be allotted in a handicap shall not be less than 1 2 st 7 lbs, nor the lowest weight less than lost, excepting handicap steeple chases of three miles and a half or upwards, when the lowest weight may be 9 st 7 lb. Clerk of the Scales.-io. He shall always put 4 lbs extra into the scale to prove that the horse has not carried too much weight. . , . Regulations for Race Meetings.-^l- AH meetings under these Rules must be sanctioned by the Stewards of the National Hunt Committee. 42. At every meeting advertised to take place solely under these Rules there shall be in each day's programme at least two steeple chases, one of which must be three miles or upwards ; and, of the total amount guaranteed for prizes, one half at least shall be apportioned to steeple chases. But this rule shall not apply in the case of Yeomanry races held during the annual training, and conjointly under Regimental and National Hunt Rules, the pro- grammes of which have been submitted to, and approved by the Stewards of the National Hunt Committee. 43- There shall be no races less than two miles. 44- In all steeple chase courses there shall be at least twelve fences (exclusive of hurdles) in the first two miles, and at least six fences in each succeeding mile. There shal be a water jump at least 12 feet wide and 2 feet deep to be eft open, or guarded only by a perpendicular fence not exceeding 2 feet in heic^ht There shall be in each mile at least one ditch 6 feet wide and s^'feet deep on the taking-off side of the fence, which ditch may be guarded by a single rail, or left open, and which fence must be 4 feet six inches in height, and, if of dead brushwood or gorse, 2 feet in width. 45. In all hurdle race courses there shall be not less than eiaht flights of hurdles in the first two miles, with an additiona flight of hurdles for every quarter of a mile or part of one beyond that distance, the height of the hurdles being not less than 3 feet 6 inches from the bottom bar to the top bar. 46^ ''\'''ZZ Galloway race shall take place at any meetmg held under these RULES OF RACING 259 Rules. 47. There shall be no restrictions with regard to training stables in the conditions of any race. Alterations of Dates and Postponeme7its. — 48. The following pro- visions apply to any alterations in the dates of holding a meeting and to postponements — (i) The date for holding a meeting cannot be altered without the sanction of the Stewards of the National Hunt Committee, unless the weather or ground be in an unfit state for running, when a meeting or race may be postponed by the Stewards of the meeting for any time not later than the end of the following week. (2) In the latter case a certificate must be drawn up, con- taining the reason for postponement, and stating the day and hour when such decision was arrived at, which shall not be before noon on the day preceding that on which the meeting or race has been advertised to take place, or to which it may have been previously adjourned ; such certificate must be signed by two of the Stewards, or by one Steward and the Clerk of the Course, and at once despatched to the Registry Office. Omitted Conditions. — 49. When the weights are omitted from the conditions of any race, the horses shall carry i2St. ylb. each, subject to penalties and allowances. If the horses be of different age, the weights shall be fixed by the sanctioned scale given in Appendix B. 50. When no course is mentioned, it shall be as follows : — If three- year-olds, two miles. If four-year-olds, two miles and a half. If five-year-olds, three miles. If six-year-olds or upwards, four miles. And if the horses be of different age, the course shall be fixed by the age of the youngest. 51. When no day is fixed for a race, it shall be run on the last day of the meeting, unless otherwise agreed by all the parties engaged, and sanctioned by the Stewards. Special Conditions applicable to Handicaps, Produce Races, and Selling Races. — Handicaps. — 52. If in a handicap for which there is a minor forfeit declared by a fixed time, the highest weight accepting was originally less than i2St. 71b., it shall be raised to that weight, and the other acceptances equally. 53. In handicaps there shall be no clause permitting an alteration of the weights after publication by the claim of a selling condition. Selling Races. — 55. In a selling race the lowest selling price shall in no case be less than ;£s°- Age. — 63. No horse shall run under four years of age for a steeple chase or National Hunt flat race, or for a hurdle race until September ist of the year in which he was three years old. Riders, Getitlejnen Riders, Qualified Riders, Jockeys, 6^r. — 92 s 2 26c THE TURF (i) Persons who have never ridden for hire, and who are not other- wise disqualified under these Rules need no quaUfication to ride in steeple chases or hurdle races unless the conditions of any such steeple chase or hurdle race require a particular qualification. (2) Qualified riders under these Rules are persons who have never ridden for hire, and who are qualified either as :—{a) as Gentlemen, {i) as Farmers, {c) by Election, (d) Yeomen when riding at their own regimental meetings, (a) Riders qualified as gentlemen must be members of the National Hunt Committee, the Irish National Hunt Steeple Chase Committee, or of one of the following Clubs :— The Jockey Club, Turf Club of Ireland, Croxton Park, Bibury, Southdown and Ludlow Race Clubs, the New Rooms at New- market, the Jockey Clubs of Paris, Berlin, and Vienna, the Army and Navy, Junior Army and Navy, Arthur's, Turf, Boodle's, Brook's, Carlton, Junior Carlton, Guards', Pratt's, Travellers', United Service, Junior United Service, East India United Service, the Union, White's, the Conservative, the Oxford and Cambridge, the Naval and Military, the Oriental, the Badminton, the Devon- shire, the New University, the Windham, the St. James's or the United University Club, the Kildare Street, Sackville Street, Hibernian United Service or Stephen's Green Clubs, in Dublin, the Western Meeting (Ayr), or the New Club, Edinburgh ; or that they be officers on full pay in the Army or Navy, or persons holding commissions under the Crown, or bearing titles in their own right or by courtesy, (d) Riders qualified as farmers must be now farming at least 100 acres of land, and their sons if following the same occupation, and for the purposes of this rule a " farmer " shall be understood to mean one who resides permanently on his farm, working it himself, and deriving therefrom his principal and ostensible means of subsistence. (c) Persons not qualified as "gentleman riders" or "farmers," who are desirous of becoming "qualified riders," must send their names in for election, with the names of their proposer and seconder, who must be members of the National Hunt Committee, to the Registry Office for publication in at least one "Calendar" before the day of election. The names of persons elected must be submitted annually to the Committee at the general meeting on the second Monday in December for re-election. The fee to be paid on election or re-election is ^i. 93. Should any qualified rider subsequently ride for hire or appear in the Forfeit List, or be reported by the Committee of the Sub- scription Rooms at Newmarket or at Tattersall's as being a defaulter RULES OF RACING 261 for bets lost on horse-racing, he will lose his qualification, and if a qualified rider by election his name will be erased from the list of qualified riders. Jockeys' Fees. — 98. In the absence of special agreement to ride for a lower sum, the fee to a winning jockey shall be ^10, and to a losing jockey ;^5, and no further charge shall be made, except when requested to leave home for the purpose of riding, in which case the cost of travelling expenses, and ^i a day for living, may be charged to the owner, or divided between the owners, at whose request he left home. Weights. — 134. (i) No horse shall carry less than lost. in a steeple chase or hurdle race (except in a handicap steeple chase of three miles and a half or upwards, when the lowest weight may be 9st. ylb.), nor less than iist. in a National Hunt flat race. (2) Catch weights are only permissible for the matches, [or private sweepstakes. Running. — 134. (i) In a National Hunt flat race a horse which crosses another in any part of the race is disqualified, unless it be proved that he was two clear lengths ahead of the other when he crossed, (ii) In a steeple chase or hurdle race a horse shall be disqualified if his rider, by foul riding, jeopardised the chance of success of any other horse in the race, and in a run home from the last hurdle or fence section (i) of this rule shall apply; the Stewards have power to fine a rider for the above offence any sum not ex- ceeding ^50. In all cases the Stewards have power of suspending a rider until the expiration of the meeting, or, should they consider such punishment insufficient, until the case can be heard and decided by the Stewards of the National Hunt Committee, (iii) If a horse or his rider jostle another horse or rider, the aggressor is dis- quaUfied, unless it be proved that the jostle was wholly caused by the fault of some other rider, or that the jostled horse or his rider was partly in fault, (iv) If a horse run the wrong side of a post he must turn back and run the course from such post. Prizes. — 150. No plate or sweepstake shall be run for unless the clear value to the winner, in case the race be run by two or more horses, will amount to ^20. But if the value would amount to ;^2o, if the race were so run, a horse may walk over, although he thereby receives less than ^20. Corrupt Practices and Disqualificatio7i of Persons. — 165. Any person riding or running a horse for any race whatever in Great Britain not advertised to be run under the Rules of Racing, or the 262 THE TURF National Hunt Rules, and not specially exempted from the opera- tion of these rules, shall be disqualified from riding or running a horse where the National Hunt Rules are in force for twelve months from the date of such offence, but this rule shall not apply to (a) Races at meetings confined to resident members of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge ; (^) Pony or Galloway races at meetings confined to pony or Galloway racing. Qualifications fo7- National Himt Flat Races. — 169. The follow- ing provisions apply to National Hunt flat races: — (i) a horse to qualify to run for a National Hunt flat race must have been placed by the Judge first, second, or third in a steeple chase in Great Britian or Ireland, after having jumped all the fences, and completed the whole distance of the race to the satisfaction of at least two of the Stewards, to whom previous notice shall have been given in writing through the Clerk of the Course. (2) Such Stewards shall give a certificate to the above effect in the form 2 of Appendix C. (3) Such certificate, or, in the case of a horse qualified in Ireland, a copy of such certificate, signed by the Secretary and countersigned by a Steward of the Irish National Hunt Steeple Chase Committee, must be lodged at the Registry Office one clear week before running, with a fee of 5^. for registration. (4) Any certificate is invalidated by the disqualification of the horse for the race in which it was obtained. (5) Horses for National Hunt flat races must be ridden by qualified riders. They cannot be handi- capped, but shall not carry less than list. (6) The provisions of Rule 134 as to running shall be in force in National Hunt flat races so far as applicable. Special Rules relating to Steeple Chases and Hurdle Races. — 170. (i) In steeple chases and hurdle races, any horse getting away from his rider may be remounted in any part of the field or enclosure in which the occurrence took place, but should such horse not be caught until he shall have entered another field, then he shall be riden or brought back to the one in which he parted from his rider. Any rider so losing his horse may be assisted in catching him and remounting him without risk of disqualification ; and in the event of a rider being disabled, his horse may be ridden home by any per- son of sufficient weight, piovided he be quafified according to the conditions of the race. No penalty shall be exacted for carrying over-weight in this instance. Note. — In artificially constructed steeple chase courses and in hurdle races the spaces between the fences or hurdles are considered as fields or enclosures for the pur- RULES OF RACING 263 poses of this rule, (ii) If any flag, post, or boundary mark be placed in the course or altered after the riders have been shown over the ground, or had the course pointed out to them, it shall not be con- sidered binding or of any effect unless such addition or alteration shall have been particularly named, previous to starting, to all the riders in the race, by one of the Stewards, the Clerk of the Course, or by their representatives, (iii) If a horse refuse any fence or hurdle in a race, and it can be proved to the satisfaction of the Stewards that he has been led over it by any of the bystanders, or has been given a lead over by any horseman not riding in the race, the horse shall be disqualified. Appendix A. List of Meetings referred to in the Rules : — [The Stewards of the National Hunt Committee have power from time to time to alter or extend this list.] — Derby, Dunstall Park, Gatwick, Hawthorn Hill, Hurst Park, Kempton Park, Leicester, Lingfield, Manchester, Nottingham, Plumpton, Sandown Park Warwick, Windsor, Wye. Appendix B. Scak of Weight for- Age (see Part VI.) The Committee recommend the following scale of weight-for-age — For Steeple Chases of 3 miles and upwards: — From the ist of January to the 30th of June, both inclusive — 4 yrs., lost. 31b. ; 5 yrs., list. 81b. ; 6 and aged, i2st. 31b. From the ist of July to the 31st of December, both inclusive : — 4 yrs., list. ; 5 yrs., 11 st. 12 lbs. ; 6 and aged, i2St. 31b. For Steeple Chases of less than 3 miles : — From the first of January to the 30th of June, both inclusive — 4 yrs., lost. 10 lb. ; 5 yrs., iist. 10 lb. ; 6 and aged, i2st. 31b. From the ist of July to the 31st of December, both inclusive : — 4 yrs., list. 61b. ; 5 yrs., 12 st. ; 6 and aged, i2St. 31b. For Hurdle Races: — From the ist of January to the 31st of August, inclusive — 4 yrs., iist. ; 5 yrs., iist. lolb. ; 6 and aged, i2St. From the ist of September to the 31st of December, inclusive: — 3 yrs., lost. 71b. ; 4 yrs., iist. i2lb. ; 5, 6 and aged, 12 st. 31b. For National Hunt Flat Races : — From the ist of January to the 30th of June, inclusive : — 4 yrs., iist. ylb. ; 5 yrs., i2St. 31b. ; 6 and aged, i2st. 71b. 264 TURF RULES From the ist of July to the 31st of December, inclusive : — 4 yrs. i2St. ; 5 yrs., i2st. 51b.; 6 and aged, i2St. 71b. Appendix C. Form I. — Point to-Point Steeple Chase Certificate (see Part I)., I hereby certify — i. That bo7ia fide Point-to-Point Steeple Chase took place at on .2. That not more than three steeple chases, and no other races of any description, took place there on that day. 3. That the course was- not flagged, except at the turning and winning points. 4. That no money was taken at any gate, or at any stand or enclosure in connection with the races. 5. That the winning flag was placed within the limits of the country hunted over by my hounds. Signed. Master of the Hounds and Steward. Date, 5 189 *^* This certificate must be signed by a Master of Foxhounds or Staghounds or by a Master of Harriers (being a member of the Association of Masters of Harriers), and must be lodged with Messrs. Weatherby, 6, Old Burlington Street, London, W., within fourteen days of the day of the races, with a fee of i os. for registra- tion and pubhcation in the " Racing Calendar." Form 2. Certificate of Qualification for National Hunt Flat Races (see Part XXV). We, the undersigned, Stewards of the Meeting, hereby certify that Mr. 's has this day been placed in the Steeple Chase, and has jumped all the fences and completed the whole distance of the race to our satisfaction. Signed, Date, 189 , Address, Signed, Address, *^* This certificate must be lodged with Messrs. Weatherby, 6, Old Burlington Street, London, W., one clear week before the horse is to run, with a fee of 5^. for registration. INDEX Abbot, The, 102 Abingdon Mile, 155 Abingdon Mile Bottom, 157 Acceptances for races, 241, 242 Achievement, 60 Ackworth, 1 12 A. F., 157 Age of racehorses, 240, 259 Age of thoroughbreds, 10 Aladdin, 186, 187 Albert Victor, 39, 109 Alexandra Plate (Ascot), 49 Alicante, 79, 116 Alice Hawthorn, 99 Allowances, 249 AUoway, 81, 82 Althorp, 99 Amateurs (Jockeys), 27, 28 American Parole, 98 Amiable, 12 Amphidamas, 174 Amphion, 49, 84, 85, loi, 149 Anatis, 179 Andree, 223 " Ante-post betting," 211 Apology, 65 Appeals, 253 April Fool, 36 Arab, compared with thoroughbred, 6 Archer, F., Fault of, 23 Success of, 23, 63, 64 Ariel, 72 Arlequin, 104 Arrears, 232 Arreau, 223 Ascot course, 154 Stakes, 103 Yearlings at, 31 Asil, 6 Assumed names, 244 Athcliath, 174 Atkinson, Mr., 193 Aureus, 40 Auteuil, 224 Authorised agent, 232 Avington, loi Ayah, 38 Ayrshire, 12, 38, 47, 48, 74, 75, 76 Winnings of, 79 B Banquet TL, 124, 125 Barber, Mr. Lee, 192 Bard, The, 11, 30, 36, 57, 71, 72, 102 Baron, The, 53, 74, 76, 109 Batthyany, Prince, 62 Bay Archer, 106 Bay Middleton, 159 Bayreuth, 174 Beacon course, 6, 51, 156 Beasley, Messrs., 191 Beatty, Mr. Charles, 193 Beeswing, 99 " Behind the Ditch," 157 Bell, The (Derby course), 159 Bell Ringer, 190 Belphcebe, 119 Bendigo, 49, 97, loi, 117 Bend Or, 49, 54, 63, 64, 70, 95, 96, 97, 150 Beresford, Lord Marcus, 191 Bertram, 8 Best Man, 11, 57, 90, 96, 119 Betting, 205-218 " Betting to get home," 207, 208 Bewicke, Mr. Percy, 193 Bibury Club (Stockbridge), 160 Billow, 104 Bird of Freedom, 97 Birmingham (racecourse), 163 Biserta, 100 Bismarck, 109 Bitting, 179, 180 Blair Athol, 50, 55, 56 Blenkiron, Mr., 38 Blink Bonny, 53, 54, 55 Blue Gown, 61, 62, 103 Blunderville, Thomas, 5 266 INDEX Boiard, 222 " Bonnets," 213 Book calendars, 140 Bookmakers, 207 Border Minstrel, 109 Boulogne, Racing at, 228 Boys, 21 Brag, 109, 146 Breeding, 1-\l Breeding, Scientific, 7, 8 Bretby Stakes course, 39 Brick, 185 Brighton course, 160 Stakes, 109 Brocklesby Stakes, 36 Bruce, 40, 223 Buccaneer, 60, 63, 98 Euckenham Stakes, 34 " Bury Side " (Newmarket), 155 Bushey, 67 Bushey Park, Queen's yearlings at. 31 Busybody, 27, 39, 65, 66 Byerly Turk, 4 Caller Ou, 109 Cambridgeshire (Houghton) ,115 Cambridgeshire Handicap, 104 Camelia, 57 Cannon, Kempton, 25 Cannon, Mornington, 25 Cannon, Tom, 24, 25 Canvass Back, 226 Cap Martin, 81 Carlton, loo, 102, 106, 108, 118, 144 Catch-em-alive, 116 " Catch weights," match at, 232 Cayenne, 40 Certificates, forms of, 264 Cesarewitch, 112 Ceylon, 222 Chamant, 40 Champ de Mars, 81 Champagne Stakes, 38, 41 winners of, 38 Champion Stakes (Houghton), 49 winners of, 49 " Chance " sires, 8 Chandos, 177 Chantilly, 224, 227 Chelandry, 74 Chester course, 160 Chester Cup, 99 Chesterfield Cup, 106 Chesterfield Stakes (Newmarket), 37 Childwick, 33, 114 Chimney Sweep, 185 Chippendale, 99, 1 13 Chislehurst, 69 Chittabob, 38, 77, 79 City and Suburban, 97, in Clamart, 223 Clarence, 97 Classic races, for three-year-olds, 42 Claymore, 108 Clerk of the Course (Racing officials), 137, 234, 235 Clerk of the Scales (Racing officials), 136, 236, 258 Cloister, 168, 181, 182, 187 Clorane, 97 "Clump, the" (Goodwood), 159 Cob, the, 108, 114, 115 Colonel, the, 181, 183, 184 Colours, racing, 246 Come Away, 182, 187 Common, 39, 84 Conditions, Lord Exeter's, 244 Congress, 175, 176 Coomassie, 106 Coracle, 72 Cornbury, 175 Corrie Roy, 106, 114 Corrupt practices, 255, 261, 262 Cortolvin, 182, 187 Coventry, Captain, 190 Coventry, Mr. Arthur, 25 Coventry Stakes (Ascot), 37, 41 Crafton, 69 Craigmillar, 56 Cremorne, 36, 222 Criterion course, 156 Criterion International, 228 Criterion Stakes, 40 winners of, 40 Cup, definition of, 232 Cypria, 115 Cyrus, 185 D Dalby, 103 Dan Dancer, 104 Danebury, 59, 161 Dare Devil, 103 Darkness, 103 Darley Arabian, 4 Davies, Mr. Saunders, 193 Dawsons, 55 Dead-heats, 251 Derby, the, 42 Derby, the, entrances for, 43, 44 Derby course, 159 Derby, racing clubs at, 162 Derby, the. Stakes, 44 Dewhurst Plate, 37, 39, 40 Dieppe, racing at, 228 Disputes, rules as to, 253 Disqualification of horses, 240, 241 INDEX 267 Disqualifications of persons, 255, 256, 261, 262 " Distance," Definition of, 156 Disturbance, 181, 184 "Ditch In," 158 Ditch Mile, 156 Doctor, The, 185 Doge, 226 Dollar, 109 Doncaster, 54, 65, So Doncaster Cup, 49 Course, 159 Course, Length of, 43 Yearling Sales at, 28 Donovan, 12, 26, 36, 38, 39, 40, 48, ^51,77, 78, 79, 95 Winnings of, 79 Dormer, Mr. J. C., 194 Doyle, Sir Francis, 51 Duke, The, 169 Duke of Richmond, 67, 68, 173 Dulcibella, 112 Dutch Oven, 98 Dutch Skater, 98 Earl, The, 222 Eastern Emperor, 100 Eastern Empress, 1 1 1 Eclipse, 5 Eclipse Stakes, 38 Conditions in 1886, 47 Ede, Mr., 189 El Dorado, 78, 79 El Hakim, 112 EI is, 3 Ellington, 168 Ely, 109 Emblem, 172, 181, 182 Emblematic, 172, 183 Empress, 185 Enthusiast, 26, 78, 79 Entrance money, 247 Entries, 151, 241-2 Entry, Form of, 242 Time of, 232 Epsom Course, 158 Length of, 43 Epsom Gold Cup, 68 Euclid, loi Euguerrande, 57 Falmouth, Lord, 62 Famous^ Chasers, 181-189 Famous Horses, 50-93 Father O'Flynn, 188 Faugh-a-Ballagh, 68 Feather Plate (Houghton Meeting), 40 Fees, 256 Fees, Jockeys', 246, 261 Fees, Registration, 256 Fervacques, 222 Fiddler, 99 " Figure System," 31 Fines, 256 Fisher, Colonel, 193 Florence, 117 Flying Dutchman, 50, 52 Fordham, G. , 24, 63 Foreign Horses (Rules of Racing), 241 Forfeit, Declarations of, 241-2 Forfeit List, 232 Forfeit, Unpaid, 247-8 Forfeits, 247 Formosa, 60 Fossicker, 174 Foxhall, 96, 99, 113, 116, 119, 144, 223 Fragrance, 67 France, facing in, 219-229 Frank, 220 Free Handicap for Two-year-olds (Houghton Meeting), 41 French Derby, 220 French Oaks, 221 French St. Leger, 228 Friar's Balsam, 37, 40, 49, 74, 75, 76 Frigate, 183, 188 Frontin, 223 Galliard, 65 Galopin, 50, 56, 62, 66, 147 Galtee More, 39, 92 Gamecock, 188 Gatwick, 162 Gentlemen riders (National Hunt Rules), 260 Gladiateur, 50, 57, 58, 221 Glaneur, 222 Gloriation, 118 Godolphin Arabian, 4 Gold, 77, 78 Golden Ring, 175 Goldfinch, 74, 150 Golding, 127 Goldseeker, IIO Goodwood Course, 159 Goodwood Cup, 46 Goodwood Handicaps, 106 Gosforth Park (Newcastle), 163 Gouvcrneur, 39 Grandison, 38 Grand National, 167, 168, 169 Grand National Hunt Committee, 171 Grand National Steeplechase, fences, 202, 203 Grand Pri.x, 225 268 INDEX Grand Prix (Deauville), 227 Grand Prix de Paris, 221, 227 Grand Prize (Epsom), 45 Grand Steeplechase de Paris, 227 Great Eastern Handicap, 1 1 1 Great Metropolitan, 98 Great Yorkshire Handicap, no Green Sleeves, 62 Grey Friars, 72 Greyleg, in Grig, III H Hackness, 117 Hackthorpe, no Hampton, 75, 98, 104, 106, 127 Handicap, free, 232 Handicapper (racing officials), 132, 235, 258 Ha?iduaps, 94-120, 232 Handicaps, special conditions, 238, 259 Harvester, 66 Hawkwood, 174 Hawthornden, 57 Heath Tax (Newmarket), 153 Herald, 109 Heresy, 80 Hermit, 59, 67, 68 Highland Chief, 65 Horses winning over ^,{^20,000 in stakes, 93 Houghton Meeting, 40 Hurdle race {horses for), 172-175 Hurdle races, special rules relating to, 262, 263 Hurdle racing, 164-171 Hurst Park, 162 Hurstbourne Stakes, 161 Iambic, 6 I'Anson, 55 Ilex, 167, 188 Imp, The, loi Imperial Gold Cup, 73 Indian Chief, 226 Ingram, 108 Irish National Hunt Steeplechase Com- mittee, 262 Iroquois, 64, 96 Isinglass, 39, 51, 79, 87, 95 only once defeated, 88 winnings of, 89 Isonomy, 51, 96, loi, 109, 116, 144 Izenhoff, 103 J Jack the Dandy, 174 Jennette, 40, 49, 57 Jenny Howlet, 77 Jezebel, 58 /ockeys, 21-28 Jockeys (National Hunt Rules), 260, 261 Jockey, First call on, 21 Jockeys, Payment of, 22, 152 Weighing, 137 Jockey Club, 128-132 Jockey Club Cup (Houghton), 49 Jockey Club, Election to, 130 Members of, 129, 130 Stewards, 130, 131 Jockey Club Stakes (Newmarket), 48 Joe Miller, 100 Johnstone, Mr. W. Hope, 191 Jongleur, 116 Jubilee Handicap (Kempton Park), lOI Judge, 104, 236, 237 Judge (Racing Officials), 133 July Stakes (Newmarket), 37 Jumping School, 178, 179 K Keeper of the Match Book, 141 Kempton Park, 38, 162 Kermesse, 37 Kilcock, 149 Kingcraft, 62 Kingsclere, 62 Kisber, 63, 222 Knavesmire, 160 Knight of the Garter, 99 Knight of the Thistle, 105 L'Abbesse de Jouarre, 85, 102, in Ladas, 36, 38, 39, 88, 90, 96 Lady Elizabeth, 59 Lady Rosebery, 119 La Fleche, 3, 32, 38, 49, 85, 86, 87, \ 116, 118, 119, 144 Lamb, The, 181, 184, 190 Lambkin, 147 Lambton, Hon. George, 192 La Merveille, 116 Lancashire Plate, 48 La Veine, 87 Lawson, Mr. Algernon, 194 Leamington, 64, 99 Lecturer, 112, 113 Ledburn, 191 Leicester (Race course), 163 Le Nord, 81 Le Sancy, 48 Lewes Handicap, no Liberator, 185, 191 Licences, Jockeys', 245 INDEX 269 Lilian, 109 Lily Agnes, 70, 150 Lincoln Racecourse, 163 Lincolnshire Handicap, 97 Lingfield, 162 Little Duck, 223 Liverpool (Aintree), 162 Liverpool Autumn Cup, 119 Loates, S., 25 Lollipop, 1 10 Lonely, 147 Longchamps, 224-228, 229 Lord Clifden, 56, 57 Lord Lome, 103 Lord Lyon, 58, 59, 60, 147 Lottery, 169 Lowlander, 67, 104 Lucy Glitters, 96 Lushington, Mr., 194 Lydia, 220 M Macaroni, 56, 57 MacGregor, 80 Macheath, 39 "Maiden," 143, 231, 257 Maisons Laffitte, 225, 226 Manchester, 162 Manchester Cup, loi Manchester November Handicap, 119 Manifesto, 187 "Manton, Mr.," 83 Marchioness, 103 Marco, 119 Marguerite, 83 Marie Stuart, 65, 80, 109 Marksman, 59 Martagon, 81, 82 Masque, 104 Master Kildare, 97, 119 Matchbox, 90, 96 Meddler, 66 Meetings, List of, 263 Melanion, 76 Melbourne, 53 Melgund, Lord, 1 91 Melton, 37, 39, 40, 69, 72, 96, 119 Memoir, 12, 81-85, 96, 150, 159 Mena, 174 Mephisto, 70-72 Merry Hampton, 27, 63, 74, 147 Merry Prince, 100 Middle Park Plate, 36, 39, 40, 42 Winners of, 40 Middle Park winners, who have won the Derby, 39 Middleton, Captain, 191 Miguel, 79 Mile, Time taken to gallop, 5 Miner, The, 56 Minting, 38, 50, 59, 71, 73, 76, 223 Miss Jummy, 70 Modwena, 70 Molly Morgan, 1 18 Monarque, 58 Montargis, 116 Montauk, 174 Monterey, 74, 92 Monthly Calendars, 140 Moonraker, 169, 184 Moore, Mr. Garrett, Moore, Mr. W. H., 191 Morion, 105 Mornington, 98 Morris, Mr. W. B., 191 Moslem, 60 Mowerina, no Mrs. Butterwick, 12 Muley Edris, 64 Musket, 103 N Names of horses (Rules as to), 240 National Breeders' Produce Stakes (Two-year-olds), 38 National Hunt Committee, 129, 171 National Hunt Flat Races, Qualifica- tions for, 262 National Hunt Juvenile Steeplechase, 170 National Hunt Steeplechase, 170 Naxon, 169 New Holland, 98 Newmarket December sales (yearlings), 31 First October Meeting, 34 July Meetings, Yearling sales at, 28 October Handicap, in Second Spring Meeting, 45 Newmarket Stakes, 45 Newminster, 57 New Stakes (Ascot), 37, 42 (Ascot), winners who have won Middle Park Plate, 37 Nomination, 242, 243 Nominator, 232 Nord-Ouest, 170 Nubiennc, 222 Nursery handicap, 232 " Nurseries," 40, 120 Oakdene, 40 Oaks, the, 42 Oberon, 70 Objections, 253 — 255 Officials, 234, 25S 270 INDEX Omitted conditions (Rules of Racing), 237, 238,- 259 Omnium, 228 One Thousand Guineas, 42 entries for, 45 Stakes, 45 " Open courses," 160 Orelia, 106 Origin and Development 0/ Racing, 1—6 Orme, 40, 49, 74, 86, 87, 150 Ormonde, 3, 30, 36, 40, 49, 50, 54, 59, 61, 70, 72, 73, 79, 95, 147, 150 Orvieto, loi Orwell, 81 Ossian, 69 Owen, Mr. Hugh, 192 Owl, The, 176 Owner, 232 Oxonian, 109, no Prix Daru, 226 Prix de Diane, 220, 227 Prix d'Essai des Poulaines, 226 Prix d'Essai des Pouliches, 226 Prix du Jockey Club, 220, 227 Prix Gladiateur, 229 Prix Hocquart Produce Stakes, 226 Prix Lagrange, 225 Prix la Rochette, 226, 227 Prix Lupin, 226 Prix Noailles, 226 Prix Reiset, 226 Prix Royal Oak, 228 Prix Vermeille, 228 Prizes, 252, 253, 261 Produce race, 232 special conditions, 238, 259 Prudhomnie, 100, 104 Pageant, 103 Pan, 188 Paradox, 49, 69, 222 Pardalo, 174 Pari-mutuel, 215 Parlington, 108 Partnerships, 244, 245 Patricien, 222 Paul Jones, 99 Pearl Diver, 185, 190 Penalties, 248, 249 Pero Gomez, 62 Persimmon, 69, 91, 173 Peter, 105, 109 Petrarch, 57 Peut-etre, 116 Pioneer, 26 Placida, 59 Plaisanterie, 114, 1 16, 144 Plate (Rules of Racing), 232 Playfair, 186, 187 Poetess, 220 Point-to-Point Steeplechases, 257, 258 Portland Plate (Doncaster), no "Post betting," 211 Post race, 232 Pretender, 62 Priestholme, 174 Prince of Wales' Plate (Ascot), 42 Stakes (Goodwood), 37 (Leicester), 48 Princess of Wales' Stakes (Newmar- ket), 48 Prioress, 112 Prix des Acacias, 227 Prix Boiard, 226 Prix du Cadran, 226 Prix du Conseil Municipal, 228 Qualifications, 195-199 Qualified riders (National Hunt Rules), 260 Queen Adelaide, 67 Queen Bess, 112 Quits, 176 R Race Courses, 153-163 Race, meaning of (National Hunt Rules), 257 "Race Course Side" (Newmarket), '55 Race Meetings, Regulations for, 237, 258 Races on the flat, limits of value, 23 " Races to come," 35 Racing Calendar, 139 Racing, cost of, 1 50-153 Racing officials, 1 32-141' Racing, Rules of, 231-256 Racing season, 233 Raeburn, 88 Ragimunde, 108 Rainbow, 220 Ranger, The, 221 Ravensbury, 89, 104, 1 19, 223 Rayon d'Or, 49 Recognised Meeting, Definition of, 231 Red Eyes, 115 Red Heart, 173 Regal, 175 Registry Office, 140 Regret, 173 Retainers for Jockeys, 152, 245, 246 Reugny, 184 Reve d'Or, 98 INDEX 271 Richardson, Mr. J. M., 190, 192 Richmond Stakes (Goodwood), 37 Riders, 189-195 Riders (National Hunt Rules), 260 "Ring, 77^,?," 205-218 Ripley, Mr. H., 193 Riversdale, 102 Riviera, 38, St, Robert the Devil, 8, 49, 63, 64, 113, 115, 223 Roe, The, 114 Romulus, 220 Roquefort, 186, 187 Rosebery, 113 Rosicrucian, 62, 103 Round Course, 158 Rover, The, 8 Rowley Mile, 155 Roxelane, 226 Royal Hunt Cup (Ascot), 104 Royal Stakes (Kempton), 48 Rueil, 223 Rules, National Hunt, 257-263 Running (National Hunt Rules), 261 Running over, 250 Rust, 169 Rylstone, no Ryshworth, 184 S Sailor Prince, 118 Sainfoin, 63, 84 Salamander, 184 Sale with Engagements, 244 Salvator, 5, 222 Sandown Park, 38, 46, 161 Saraband, 11, 71 Schiedam, 185, 192 Schooling, i75~i8o Scott, John, 55 Seabreeze, 48, 74, 76 Seaman, 185 See Saw, 104 Sefton, 63, 97, 116 Selling handicaps, 94 Selling Races, 121-127, 232 Selling Races — special conditions, 238- 240, 259 Semolina, 12, 80, 81, 85 Shancrotha, 103 Sheen, 85, 115, 149 Sheet Calendar, 139 Sicily Queen, 174 Signorina, So, 81, 82, 83 Silvio, 56, 62 Sir Bevys, 63 Sir Hugo, 86 Sir Kenneth, 107 Sir Visto, 61, 63, 91, 99, 147 Sloan, Tod, 27 Smew, The, 87 Smith, Captain A., 191 Soarer, 187 Soinette, 222 Solaro, 38 Soliman, 174 Solitaire, 67 Southdown Club Meeting, 161 Speculum, 109 Speed, 148-150 Spinaway, 57 St. Albans, 99 St. Angela, 66 St. Blaise, 65 St. Christophe, 222 St. Frusquin, 39, 40, 47, 69, 91, 173 St. Gatien, 8, 64, 66, 96, 114, 115 St. Leger, The, 42 Entries for, 43 St. Louis, 39 St. Mirin, 71, 118 St. Serf, 69, 160 St. Simon, 37, 50, 64, 66, 68, 69, 70, 74. 79, 95, JiSo Stable Lads (Rules of Racing), 246 Stakeholder, 235 Stakes, 247 Star of Portici, So Starter (Racing Officials), 135, 236 Starting, English method of, 135 Rules of, 250 Starting Machine, 135 Stayer, Definition of a, 148 Staying, 148-150 Steeplechase, origin of term, 164 Steeplechase courses, 199-204 Steeplechases, special rules relating to, 262, 263 Steeplechase, horses for, 172-175 Steeplechase horses, points of, 172 Steeplechase, Liverpool, 169 St. Albans, 169 Steeplechasing, 1 64-1 71 Sterling, 119 Stewards' Cup (Goodwood), 106, 108 Stewards (Racing officials), 137, 231 powers of, 233, 234 Stewards of Jockey Club, 130, 131 powers of, 234 Stewards of meetings, 233 Stockbridge, 160 Stockwcll, winners by, 53, 54, 60 Stone Clink, 114, 115 Stourhead, loS Stud Book, 140 Stumps, 106 Subscriptions, 241, 242 Superba, 67 Surefoot, So, 83, 84 .Surney, 184 Susiana, 82 272 INDEX Suspender, 105 Sweepstakes, private, 232 Sweepstakes (Rules of Racing), 232 Tenebreuse, 115, 224 Ten Thousand Pounders, 47 Teviotdale, 103 Thebais, 40, 96 Thormanby, 80 Throstle, 26, 57, 90. 9^ Thurio, 222 Tib, 109 Tim Whiffler, 99 Time, 146- 1 48 Time, calculation of, 233 Times in races, 168 Tontine, 220 " Totalisator," 215 Trainers, 11-21 Trainers, list of chief, il, 12 work and duties of, 12-21 Trappist, 109 Trent, 222 Tristan, 49, 68 Turf authorities, 231 Two Middle Miles, 158 Two Thousand Guineas, 42 entries for, 45 Stakes, 45 Two-year-old races, 34-41 Two-year-olds, distance allowed to run, 40 Tyrant, 100 T. Y. C, 156, 161 Victor Wild, loi, 105, 127 Vincennes, 224 Vista, 99 Volcano, 36 Voltigeur, 50, 52 Voluptuary, 186-188 W U Unauthorised meetings, 128 Walking over, 250, 251 Ward, Hon. Reginald, 194 Watts, John, 25 Weatherby, Messrs., 139 Weighing in, 251, 252 Weighing out, 249, 250 Weighing room, 249 Weight, 142-145 Weight-for-age race, 232 Weight -for-age races, 41-49 Varieties of, 41, 42 Weight-for-age, Scale of, 144, 145, 263 Weights, 248, 261 Wenlock, 57 We ' ,\r Ualian, 50, 53, 58 Wneel of Fortune, 147 Whip, The, 49 Whiston, III Whitefriar, 74 Why Not, 170, 188 » Wild Thynxe, 67 Wilson, Mr. E. P., 191 Winkfield's Pride, 97, 119 Winter Cherry, 107, 108 Wisdom, 8 Wokingham Stakes, 106 Wolf's Crag, 97 Wood, Charles, 65 Woodbrook, 185 Woodcote Stakes (Epsom), 36 C / V Vampyre, 103 Vauban, 59 Vedette, 62 Velasquez, 38, 79, 90, 92 Vendredi, 220 Veracity, 1 18 Vermont, 221 Vibration, 106 Victor Emmanuel, 106 Yates, Mr. Arthur, 190 Yearlings, Points of, 29, 30 Yearling Sales, 28-35 Yearlings, The Queen's, 31 Yeomanry races, 257 York course, 160 Zoedone, 186 Rei>rinted with additions from the E^'CYCLOP.«;DIA of Sport. RICHAED CLAY AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BUNGAY. VVeoster Famiiy Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings Schc-' . f ^ '^^s^rir :.,v Medicine at Ti 200 v:.r::::A;,L; rvUd^J North Gsafton. MA 01536 1 «