JOCKEY v. TRAINER 229 



Messrs. Weatherby as soon as he has ridden a race. 

 In no other profession or trade is similar protection 

 given. 



Tf a jockey were only allowed to ride for the one 

 stable from which he has accepted a retainer, every 

 stable would have its exclusive jockey, and his interest 

 would be identical with the stable, and not divided, 

 as it now is, amongst a number. We should, if the 

 exclusive rule were established, have more jockeys 

 riding than we unfortunately possess at the present 

 time. There are plenty of boys who can ride, and 

 are only awaiting the opportunity. That, however, 

 seldom arrives. Indeed, it never will come so long 

 as we are compelled to keep fiddling on two or three 

 strings. Why should the jockey pose upon a more 

 exalted pedestal than the trainer ? Look at the 

 anxiety of a trainer's life compared with that of a 

 jockey. As I have maintained more than once in 

 these pages, in other terms and drawing conclusions 

 from other facts, he must, to be successful, devote all 

 his time and energy to the animals committed to his 

 charge. He can see nothing through other eyes. 

 He must make a separate study of each horse ; find 

 out his constitutional peculiarities ; watch daily, even 

 hourly, the progress he is making, so as to have his 

 charge in perfect condition on the day of his race. 

 He must not be a week too soon, or a week too late, 

 for that means defeat. Then, having accomplished 

 his task, and achieved a well-earned victory, who is 

 it that receives the applause and thanks of the public ? 

 Not the trainer, but the jockey. It is not said that 



