CHAPTER XXXIX 



THE RACING PRESS 



The Late Charles Greenwood — Other " Hotspurs " — Martin and Jack 

 Cobbett — Son of "The Druid" — The "Special Commissioner" 

 — Starting Prices 



I HAVE mentioned in a previous chapter that I was 

 always on the look-out for what my contemporaries 

 were doing in the way of new features for their sporting 

 pages. That, however, did not apply to individuals — 

 men who wrote racing I have met with. They have 

 been more of individual or personal studies than the 

 work they did. It was inevitable, however, to become 

 familiar with their methods and style. It may be said 

 there have been during the past decade or two some 

 most capable men, those who could dissect a handicap, 

 appreciate the finer points of racing, and collect news 

 items too. It is not an appreciation of these capabili- 

 ties, however, which should be set down, as it would 

 be inevitable to mention some in this respect to the 

 exclusion of others. Thus an invidious distinction 

 would be made — as against old and valued acquaint- 

 ances. It is better that any reference should be of 

 quite a personal nature. 



In dealing, say, with the last fifteen years, of course 

 the late Charles Greenwood must be included. I was 

 acquainted with him, but never on terms of intimacy. 

 He was a power in connection with racing journalism, 

 and enjoyed the friendship of the majority of trainers, 

 and many owners. " Hotspur " then was the leading 

 racing authority of the day, and was treated as such. 



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