154 THE TURF 



in nearly as much request as the regular 

 hired jockeys, and are obliged to prepare 

 themselves accordingly. Wishing them well, 

 we have but one word to offer them. For 

 the credit of the turf, let them bear in mind 

 what the term gentleman-jockey implies, and 

 not, as in one or two instances has been the 

 case, admit within their circle persons little, 

 if anywise, above the jockey by profession. 

 This has been severely commented upon as 

 having led to disreputable practices, with 

 which the name the sacred name of 

 gentleman should never have been mixed 

 up. With this proviso^ and considering 

 what might be likely to take the place of 

 'the laconic boot,' were it abandoned, we 

 feel no great hesitation about saying, go 



1 Win the plate, 

 Where once your nobler fathers won a crown/ 



A new system of racing has lately sprung 

 up in England, which, however characteristic 

 of the daring spirit of our countrymen, we 

 know not how to commend. We allude to 

 the frequent steeple-races that have taken 

 place in the last few years, and of which, 

 it appears, some are to be periodically re- 



