QUAKTER-BACINGK 93 



pair of web drawers, a tight web shirt, and very small jockey 

 cap nothing to catch a particle of wind, no spurs, and a light 

 keen cowhide whip. 



The start is from a "scratch," behind which each horse 

 is held by a " starter." The race-boys being mounted, 

 the "judge" at the scratch asks: "Are you ready?" If 

 the starters all say " Yes," he glances along the scratch to 

 see none of the horses have a. leg over it ; if not, he says 

 " Go ! " The starters leave hold of the horses, hit them a 

 good cut of a whip if they think it advisable, and, getting 

 off at their quickest pace, the nags rush through " on the 

 jump," and the two judges at the " outcome " give their 

 decision. 



A considerable amount of money often changes hands im- 

 mediately after each race, the invariable custom being for all 

 settlements to be made directly, and for all stakes and bets 

 for the next race on the day's programme to be placed in 

 stakeholders' hands before it is started for. 



There is the inevitable "bar" on the ground, and "Let's 

 take a drink " is heard on all sides between each event. 

 Quarter-races are scenes of much sharp practice, if not of 

 downright trickery, and at them all kinds of characters are 

 to be met, the only exception being they are never attended 

 by ladies that term being used in its strict and exclusive 

 sense. 



On the occasion referred to, besides several minor 

 matches, there was one of unusual interest to corne off. A 

 " crack " quarter-horse from a neighbouring State was 

 to run against Chieftain, a local favourite. Double S. 

 backed the local favourite liberally. The crack won easily, 



