THE TURF. 
year, gentlemen alone were allowed to ride), Bath, 
Croxton Park, and several other places, we marvel not 
at the proficiency of these patrician jockeys ; and during 
certain parts of the racing season, such performers as 
Lord Wilton, Messrs. White, Peyton, Kent, and one or 
two more of the best of them, are 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 dis- 
reputable 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 aban- 
doned, we feel no great hesitation about saying, go 
" 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 repeated. If those whose 
land is thus trespassed upon are contented, or if recom- 
227 
