THE STABLE-BOY AND HIS TEMPTER. 269 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



PRACTICABLE REFORMS. 



The stable-boy and his tempter, the tout — A method to frustrate espionage ; its 

 working and advantages explained — The light-weight jockeys and their 

 riding ; numerous accidents through incapacity of boys ; necessity and 

 advantage of having men in the saddle — A protest by able jockeys suggested 

 — Doubtful result of Education Act — A growing evil, " galloping for a start," 

 and its remedy — Sales with engagements considered in reference to reform of 

 present hardships — Four days a week racing commended and advantages 

 shown — Judicious enactments of the Jockey Club. 



Of all remedies in turf matters, not any would be more 

 desirable than one that should defeat the wretched system 

 of espionage ; and I therefore venture to suggest a simple 

 method by which the tout may be in a great measure rendered 

 harmless, if he be not totally checkmated. 



Contrary to the generally received notion, it is not on 

 the downs, but in the stable, that the tout works so much 

 harm. On the former he is seldom in the right place at 

 the proper time ; but from boys in the stable he derives 

 information as to all that is going on inside — for as matters 

 are now conducted, nothing escapes detection. The boys, 

 be they big or little, good or bad, know every horse, and 

 whether he be ill or well, lame or sound ; and more — whether 

 the lameness be of a trivial or fatal character, or the illness 

 likely to be of long or short duration. Once in possession 

 of these facts, they communicate them nightly, as far as 



