EXTERNAL FORMATION. 83 
EXTERNAL FORMATION. 
NEXT COMES THE EXTERNAL SHAPE or conformation of the race-horse, 
which is a subject very much studied by those who have the selection and 
management of them. Experienced trainers, and those who have watched 
the performances of the celebrities of the turf for successive years, will tell 
you that “the horse can run in all forms,” and so no doubt he can as an 
exception, but the rule nevertheless is, that there is a standard which should 
be regarded as the best suited for the race-course, and this will vary some- 
what according to the performance which is required of each individual. 
There is no doubt that the most skilful selection is not always attended 
with success, and the statistics of the turf do not lead us to believe that 
1,000. invested under the advice of John Scott or John Day, in the pur- 
chase of a yearling, will always bring a remuneration. Indeed, the con- 
trary has so often been the case, that high-priced yearlings are gencrally 
regarded with suspicion when they make their first appearance on the 
course. The winner of the Derby of 1860 went a-begging, and was at last 
bought for a very moderate price. So also with Butterfly, the winrer of 
the Oaks, no store was set upon her until she came to be tried ; and even 
on the morning of the race she was not generally thought good enough to 
win. The celebrated Blink Bonny was a mean looking mare, and would 
not have fetched 502. at Tattersall’s, from her appearance alone, and that 
FISHERMAw, 
wonderfui animal Fisherman was never liked till he proved his powers 
Stil, it cannot be denied that a good judge will select the ten best horses 
aQ 
<4 
