143 TRIALS. 



second trials in all cases of the slightest doubt, and most 

 strongly commend their adoption to others. A few days should 

 intervene if possible ; and all else that is necessary is, that the 

 animals should keep well, and the ground admit of the per- 

 formance. I know that second trials are considered by many 

 to be too severe, and are therefore condemned. But the prac- 

 tice is one I have the greatest faith in. I tried it with Dulcibella 

 and Weatherbound, before their respective races at Newmarket ; 

 also with St. Giles and One Act, as I have already described, 

 and in no single instance have I had cause to regret it. 



We all know that horses must gallop. There is no dis- 

 guising this fact, say what we may ; nor can there be any 

 objection to their doing so without their clothing, or without 

 knowing the respective weights of the boys : and this is in 

 reality all the difference between a good gallop, such as they 

 must have near the time of their running, and a trial. But 

 I go further, and say it is better that they should gallop 

 now and again free from the incumbrance of a heavy suit 

 of clothing, and with a boy on their back a stone or two 

 heavier than you have any reason to suppose he is. Indeed, 

 it is folly to suppose any one would do otherwise who 

 had at heart his own interest, and that which is not only 

 inseparable from it, but is his first duty — the interest of his 

 employers. 



