INJUSTICE OF THE SYSTEM TO OLDER JOCKEYS. 205 



weights can only ride for two or three years, when they have 

 to give place to others as incompetent as themselves. 



But if the continuance of this baneful system is inevitable, 

 may not something be done to lessen its evils ? As it is, little 

 fellows are put in the saddle more fit to mount a rocking- 

 horse, and if they can only ride a short gallop or two with the 

 assistance of an old jockey, or a trial without falling off, are 

 pronounced efficient, I should require something more. Let 

 the lad, before he goes forth to ride, be made to pass a com- 

 petitive examination, and show proof of his ability, and so 

 prevent the endangering of his own life and the lives of others. 

 The riding of a trial or two with old jockeys, and in the 

 presence of other persons capable of judging appointed for 

 the purpose, would be enough to decide the point ; and with- 

 out a certificate of competency, signed by such autho- 

 rities, I would not allow any one to ride. For, indeed, it may 

 be asked why should a so-called jockey alone have full power 

 to maim for life, or cause the death of any, by his reckless 

 assumption in undertaking to do what he is unfitted to 

 accomplish ; and in the public trial hurt either himself or 

 others .-' It would not be allowed in other trades or profes- 

 sions, and should not be in this. Under such restraints, we 

 should have better jockeys, and a smaller number of them, 

 both desirable objects of attainment ; whilst the men would be 

 more fitting recipients of the lavish presents now bestowed on 

 children, so frequently, as has been shown, to their detriment. 



As it is, most sensible people would prefer, in place of our 

 present races, to go back to longer courses, even though we 

 had fewer of them. For it is not the number, it is the quality 

 of the competitions that gives the sterling interest to our great 

 national contests. I may fearlessly say that three good horses 

 with men on them, running a long course at Ascot, Goodwood, 



