342 A MIRROR OF THE TURF. 



is himself concerned, but my readers will, I hope,, 

 forgive me. Pope is not far from the mark when 

 he says, ' Just as the twig is bent the tree 

 inclineth,' and so it is with jockeys as with other 

 mortals." 



The chief jockey is petted like a prima donna, 

 and made a companion by sporting lords. His 

 movements are chronicled as carefully as those of 

 a Prince of the Royal blood. His cartes-de-visite 

 are in constant demand. He is surrounded by a 

 host of parasites ; his " mounts " are backed till 

 they are quoted at the shortest odds ; his opinion 

 of the animal he rides is anxiously asked for by 

 owner and trainer ; while the ragged regiment of 

 gamblers who pin their faith to his horse are 

 pleased with a smile even from his valet. Sporting 

 journals publish his portrait, and garnish their 

 columns with criticisms of his riding and anecdotes 

 of his career ; his bon-mots are circulated as good 

 things, and his clothes are imitated by the vulgar. 

 Moreover, he earns a larger income than a Prime 

 Minister, his services being intrigued and paid 

 for with a power of diplomacy and at a rate of 

 remuneration only known "on the turf." 



To readers not versed in the ways of racing 

 it may be explained that when a jockey is so 

 fortunate as to win a race he receives a fee of five 

 guineas, but when not successful in achieving the 

 first place he receives only three guineas. He is 

 paid two guineas for riding in trials on occasions, 

 when it is desirable to ascertain the power of 

 some horse to win a particular race. A (qw 

 jockeys, seldom heard of as winners of races, 

 earn a considerable amount of money by riding in 

 trials. Payment for trials is sometimes, however,, 



