TIPSTERS AND TIPPING 295 



themselves. Besides, how wise we all are after 

 the event ! 



The reasons for which some people back horses, 

 and even extraordinary winners, are remarkable. 

 Many follow systems, in none of which, I would 

 at once say, do I believe. Some adhere to 

 favourites, others to second favourites, a few follow 

 jockeys' mounts (although this is now almost an 

 exploded practice), while sometimes by the aid of 

 the none too scrupulous advertising commission 

 agents such methods as the " first away," the 

 " doubling up," the " Tideway " systems, and 

 numerous others, are put most lucidly and plausibly 

 before backers. All can be made to work out well 

 " on paper " and in theory, but actual practice 

 would very soon show different results. 



To my mind the best plan, if one be desirous of 

 following a very fascinating sport and deriving 

 from it the added excitement of speculation, is to 

 read a reputable newspaper. Learn, as one soon 

 will do, the capacity of the writer, whether he be 

 cautious or sanguine and in a modest way exercise 

 one's own judgment in weighing those of his ideas 

 which appear to be based on experience and keen 

 observation. 



There is no truer saying than that " money 

 speaks." It is a fact that plenty of professional 



