io6 PREPARATION. 



for others may not only think so too, but have it. The result 

 is that, if half prepared, you are beaten through reliance on 

 your own horse's superiority and the inferiority of your 

 opponents'. There are some trainers who purposely start 

 their horses only half prepared, that they may race themselves 

 into condition, and even back them when in such a state; and, 

 in the result, they often lose their money, as they richly deserve 

 to do. If you bring your horse fit to the post, you probably 

 win the race, and most likely a large stake in bets in addition. 

 After one such victory you can afford to wait; it is worth half- 

 a-dozen that may be won with half fit animals that you cannot 

 back with confidence. For let your first victory be what it 

 may, you are sure to have the unwelcome assistance of the 

 public whenever you want to back your horse again. Another 

 reason why I like to run my horses fully prepared, is, that a 

 severe race does not affect so prejudicially a horse so trained, 

 as it does one only half fit. 



There seems little more to be said on the subject than 

 briefly to explain some of the signs of this desirable fitness. 

 One clue is, when it is found, at the finish of his gallop, that 

 the horse's nostrils are distended comparatively very little, 

 that he blows little, does not heave at the flanks, and quickly 

 recovers his former state of composure. Excessive sweating in 

 gallops or races is no proof of unfitness ; for often those that 

 sweat most profusely are fitter to run than those which, after 

 galloping, are scarcely wet. But, after all, there is nothing 

 like a trial to arrive at a horse's exact state of fitness ; for, 

 if he tires, then he will probably require more work, but 

 if not, may be considered fit — and the issue may be taken 

 as his correct form. 



It is said of the late Mr. Stephenson, of engineering cele- 

 brity, that when making a reservoir he was told after it was 



