LOCAL MEETINGS. 347 



recognised in some point-to-point races that two classes are 

 admitted as, for instance, Welter weights over 13 stone and 

 light weights under, a stake being offered for each. These 

 contests are often run simultaneously, and the first in each class 

 wins, quite irrespective of where he may finish among the other 

 class. Thus, if a couple of light weights finish first and second, 

 and the welter only manages to get third, the latter neverthe- 

 less wins the prize for his class if he beats the others in it. 

 The riders' resources as horsemen are of course called upon in 

 these races where no narrow track is flagged out, and men have 

 to make their way as best they can to distant points. 



In some Yeomanry regiments the troopers have to deliver 

 despatches to an officer known to be posted at a certain spot 

 so many miles away across country. Each man carries his 

 despatch, and the first to place it in the officer's hand wins the 

 race. 



Of MILITARY MEETINGS it is not necessary to say much. 

 Many soldiers happen to be supporters of steeple-chasing, 

 either as owners, as riders, or both. Thus conditions are 

 easily drawn up and entries obtained, while the presence of a 

 few men who have held their own at regular meetings gives 

 character to the sport and affords an example for young officers 

 who are ' training on ' to become riders. The Aldershot course 

 is more severe than the steeple-chase tracks at Sandown and 

 other popular resorts where most of the fences have been cut 

 down to dangerous proportions. At Aldershot the water-jump is 

 of a width to test the stride of a horse ; there is an open brook, 

 unguarded in any way, a drop over one of the obstacles, and 

 altogether the course more nearly resembles the typical 'fair 

 hunting country ' than do most. It often happens, however, 

 that, principally for social reasons, such courses as that at San- 

 down are chosen for military meetings. How these courses 

 might be improved has been dwelt upon in a previous chapter. 



A few words should be added about the Grand National 

 Hunt Steeple-chase, which is really a sporting affair in the best 

 sense of the term. The conditions are as follows : 



