220 A MIRROR OF THE TURF. 



bold spirits on the turf, when they think the 

 opportunity has befallen them, " clown the pieces " 

 in the most fearless manner, or rather they go 

 in for big money at the risk of those who will 

 give them credit. On some occasions a lucky 

 coup will be made that may prove to be the 

 precursor of good fortune. A man may bring 

 off a double event or may win a few hundred 

 pounds over a handicap, and so be able to in- 

 augurate a successful career on the turf. On 

 the other hand, a person may bet for a season 

 with all his might, and with fair knowledge and 

 experience, and lose more than another man may 

 pocket. Numerous instances of such being the 

 case might be cited. It is not long since the 

 sporting journals related the downfall of a backer 

 who in one season made a tolerably nice little 

 fortune by backing the mounts of the chief 

 jockey. In a few months the thousands which 

 that person had realised had taken unto them- 

 selves wings and flown away, and so he became 

 *' broke," like similar speculators. 



There are, however, men on the turf at the 

 present moment who are worth money, and who 

 earned what they possess by betting. The persons 

 here alluded to have proceeded on the lines that 

 *' small fish are sweet," and have been contented 

 with modest profits, taking care to keep care- 

 fully what they gain. " Old Thatchem," '^ who is 

 the happy possessor of a whole village in a well- 

 known racing county, made all the money with 

 which he bouofht or built his houses at the race- 

 meetings held in his own shire. His first bit of 



* This note and the preceding are abridged from a magazine 

 sketch about •' Public Form." 



