HO TRIALS. 



CHAPTER XV. 



TRIALS. 



Immense value of trials — Difficulties of the subject — How short trials and how long 

 . trials should be made — Unsatisfactory trials ; false pace —The best method of 

 trying — In doubtful cases try again — A good pace essential — Disappointments 

 in races in which running is made, accounted for ; how the pace should be 

 made ; instances at Goodwood and Newmarket — Points to be noted in trials 

 — Mistakes in trials ; hints thereon ; a second trial advised — Illustrative 

 trials : General Hesse and an Arab, Crucifix and Iris, Rising Sun and Twilight 

 — False pace and its results — My success in repeated trials — The pace in trials 

 and in races. 



We have seen how horses should be purchased and brought 

 to that condition which, in turf phraseology, is called "fit to 

 run ; " and now must discuss the subject of trials, the only 

 true method of ascertaining if this desirable condition be 

 achieved. Nothing can be of greater value than a correct 

 estimate of the merits of the animals you possess ; for by it 

 you engage and run them, lose or win fortunes, staking your 

 reputation on the accuracy of your opinion. 



On reaching this stage of our journey in search of knowledge, 

 it might be thought and hoped that the most difficult obstacles 

 had been vanquished. But it is hardly so. It has been aptly 

 said, 



" Errors, like straws, upon the smfacc flow ; 



lie who \\uuld search for pc;uls must dive below." 



