RACE RIDING. 



the horse when he is getting into his stride, and should 

 be "off" with the drop of the flag. When coming 

 up into line, he should keep his horse as much on 

 the move as possible, for one that is bending and 

 prancing a bit will gain lengths of another which walks 

 sluggishly up, although they may be perfectly level at 

 the moment when the starter gives the signal. Lads 

 learn the tricks of starting — such as stopping a little 

 behind and then coming into line at a canter, while the 

 others are walking, on the chance of the starter letting 

 them go — quite soon enough, without it being necessary 

 for me to allude to such practices, further than to say 

 that they don't " pay," especially with a starter who 

 will not stand any nonsense. 



I might here suggest to the genuine lover of the turf, 

 that considerable information, pleasure, and even profit 

 may be obtained from closely watching the start, not 

 only for the larger and more important races, but occa- 

 sionally for the five and six furlong scurries. The 

 careful observer will learn much of the tactics of the 

 celebrated horsemen of the day, and, with his heart in 

 the sport, will not fail to be struck by the many 

 -instances in which the jockey's efforts at the post are 

 understood and assisted by his horse. 



