XII 

 RACEGOERS AND RACEGOING 



BY A RACEGOER 



People go racing for various reasons. Some are 

 attracted by a genuine love of the sport ; it gives 

 them immense pleasure to look over the horses in 

 the paddock, to note their action as they canter to 

 the post, and to watch every detail of the struggle. 

 These may be set down as sportsmen, a title to 

 which a large proportion of racegoers certainly 

 have no sort of claim. Others go for lack of 

 occupation. It is something to do, a way of 

 passing the afternoon ; they see people they know, 

 and reflect that it is good to be in the open air. 

 Members of another class attend in the hope of 

 advancing their doubtful social status. Acquaint- 

 ances are soon made on racecourses, and may 

 possibly be extended beyond such resorts ; it 

 furnishes a subject to talk about at dinner, and the 

 snob can mention the peers and personages who 

 were present, with a sort of suggestion that he is on 



