604 HISTORY OF THE 



by wasting, nor does the continuance of life appear 

 to be affected by it." 



First in practice and in skill among the jockeys 

 of the present, day stand the names of the famous 

 rivals Samuel Chifney and James Robinson, each 

 remarkable for his peculiar style of riding, and for 

 the success which he has gained in many a well 

 contested race. It has been well observed of these 

 crack riders, that Chifney's style is that of the 

 Kean school; Robinson's that of Kemble's : — the 

 former is frequently correct, always brilliant : the 

 latter often striking, ever finished. 



A celebrated sporting character has thus face- 

 tiously expressed his opinion of the comparative 

 merits of these "first rate performers" over a 

 course. "As to Jem Robinson, his talent is not 

 to be questioned ; he will ride through a church- 

 door, however awkward and refractory the animal 

 may be on which he is mounted ; but, as to Sam 

 Chifney, only let him get tight hold of his horse's 

 head, and he'll rush slap through the key-hole." 



The distinguishing feature of Chifney's style is 

 the manner in which he "waits" until he thinks 

 the time for action has arrived, which he calcu- 

 lates to a nicety, when the quiet, but rapid way in 

 which he steals up to his horses, and then the ter- 

 rific rash, so entirely his own, with which the fini- 

 shes his race, excite the admiration and surprize of 

 the spectators. Even Robinson vields to him 



