SCHOOLING 175 



two miles over hurdles, and it will very likely be seen 

 in course of time that they will stay a longer distance 

 over steeplechase courses. Many more instances occur, 

 but those which are given will probably prove suffi- 

 cient ; their speed carries them on. There are a few 

 cases of stayers who win over hurdles, Soliman being 

 a notable one, as he won the Great Metropolitan at 

 Epsom, and ran prominently in the Cesarewitch ; but 

 he is one of those rare horses that are speedy and can 

 also stay. Cornbury, a Metropolitan winner, has been 

 runnino- in hurdle races without success, for thoug-h 

 he stayed on the flat, he has not sufficient speed to 

 win jumping races. Golden Ring also stayed well in 

 Ireland, but one does not know what were the value 

 of her victories in that country. Going a little farther 

 back the same thing is to be observed. Regal, who 

 won the Grand National, was a short-distance runner 

 on the flat, and only won two little races worth ^100 

 whilst performing under Jockey Club Rules ; but 

 besides the Grand National he won numbers of other 

 steeplechases. The point is a curious one, but the 

 cases mentioned, which might be added to indefinitely, 

 will probably be enough amply to prove that speed is 

 the first essential. Another thing to be observed in 

 the selection of the 'chaser is that though he may not 

 take kindly to his work at first, patience may effect a 

 wonderful change. Congress, who was one of the 

 most brilliant steeplechase horses ever known, framed 

 so badly and showed such nervousness and hesitation 



