260 



RACING. 



is an unexampled piece of bad luck, which, however, rather vin- 

 dicates his judgment than otherwise. 



Amongst the accessories of betting, before or after the fact 

 as bettors' abettors the professional commissioner or com- 

 mission agent plays an important part. 



More often than not himself a converted bookmaker, he 

 is thoroughly well acquainted with the fraternity, belongs to 

 their clubs, lives with them, and knows 

 exactly the scale and scope of each 

 racing-man's business, and can, there- 

 fore, form a 

 " "~ ::\ tolerably just 



Carefully look it over in the paddock. 



estimate whether a horse is being backed by the right people, 

 or peppered by the wrong ones. 



On the smaller events he is largely employed by owners 

 who, through idleness, or an idea that, by not personally appear- 

 ing on the scene, they will get better odds, are disinclined to 

 make their own investments. On the larger, or p.p. races, his 

 services are almost a necessity, especially when the owner 



