S42 MODERN FARRIER. 



would be better founded. It is more probable that 

 the difference in riding amongst different jockeys 

 may afi'ect a horse more than a trifling addition of 

 weight; and it is well known that horses cannot 

 run so well upon some grounds as otliers. Some 

 horses can run well on a flat that can neither run up 

 nor down hill ; and these perhaps are circumstances 

 that require more attention in making a match, than 

 the consideration of a small difference in weight. 

 Besides, some horses, especially small light colts, 

 run faster at two years old than at any other period; 

 whilst others do not acquire their utmost power of 

 speed nntil three or four years old. 



A good judge on this subject expresses himself 

 thus : ' Neither the accustomed weights for the year, 

 nor the give and take weights, seem to me possible 

 to be accommodated to the nature of the case. As^ 

 examples, perhaps, seven or eight pounds only will 

 be given, when the ability to carry weight is strik- 

 ingly different in the two horses ; on the other hand, 

 in give and take weights, a horse of fourteen hands 

 will carry nine stone, and one of fifteen hands eleven. 

 Now, nature may have reversed this scheme com- 

 pletely, by having enabled the lowest horse to be 

 master of the greatest weight. Matching with dis- 

 cretionary weights, or weights for age and qualifica- 

 tions, seems susceptible of more accuracy ; and per- 

 haps it may be yet discovered, that much more 

 weight may be allowed on account of substance and 

 strength than has been hitherto supposed.' 



126. Matches against Time. 



. Before treating of matches against time, it may 

 be amusing to notice a few instances of performances 

 that have been timed. The speed of Childers has 

 been before noticed. Eclipse was never timed ; but 

 it was judged, or perhaps some persons might look 

 at their watches on the occasion, that he ran four 



