THE CLEMENCY OF JOCKEYS 281 



in conclusion, to the difference between the jockey and 

 trainer of to-day and their predecessors. But first a 

 well-deserved compliment must be paid to the owners of 

 racehorses, not only for their urbanity of manner, but for 

 their discreet and disinterested conduct in leaving to the 

 jockeys the sole management of their horses. Indeed, I 

 think all jockeys should be trainers. Owners of horses 

 now rightly and unmistakably express their entire satis- 

 faction with their jockeys, and their sincere admiration 

 for them. Social distinction, however great, nowadays 

 forms no barrier against intimate acquaintanceship. Even 

 friendship, often most hastily formed, is known to exist 

 between the two, for a time. With them ' familiarity 

 breeds no contempt.' Gentlemen seldom attempt to 

 admonish even in the mildest terms under any provoca- 

 tion, serviceable as advice so given would often be, for 

 fear of repeating the fiasco by which a nobleman was 

 deprived of the valuable services of a jockey for ever. It 

 came about through his folly in injudiciously asking him 

 why he did not attend to ride one of his horses the week 

 before. The matter, report has it, was taken before the 

 authorities, and the evidence of the jockey, most fairly 

 given, to the effect that ' private business of a delicate 

 nature required his personal attendance at his private 

 residence in the suburbs of London,' at once settled 

 the case in his favour. The effect has been good; 

 for no further offence on the part of an owner in 

 attempting to ' carpet ' his jockey has occurred since. 



I trust in what I have said I have not, in the warmth 

 of discussion, too severely criticised the sayings and 

 doings of the veterans of the old and effete school, who 

 in their day had many warm friends and sincere admirers. 

 Nay, I must allow that there are some living who still 

 speak of their virtues and talents in terms of high praise. 



