My Racing Adventures 



business ; continued practice helps to make them 

 perfect, or as perfect as poor human beings are 

 ever likely to be in the saddle or elsewhere. 

 Judgment of pace, power to " finish " effectively, 

 confidence, quickness, capacity to take instant 

 advantage of all openings offered — those are the 

 qualifications that a sharp lad is likely to pick up 

 by riding constantly in trials. In that way does 

 an employer become familiar with his ability. 

 A mount in public is given in due season ; then 

 everything depends on the neophyte himself. If 

 he does not grow too heavy, if he likes plenty of 

 work and a minimum quantity of rich food, if he 

 is able to do his share of " wasting " cheerfully 

 and without a sour face or stomach, he may reach 

 the top of the tree. If his head does not swell 

 too rapidly for that giddy position, he may 

 remain there till he can afford to abjure the 

 muzzle without remorse of conscience. Then 

 does his enjoyment begin, and he feels that he 

 has not earned an income for nothing. 



" They are as interesting as a catalogue with the 

 place of sale dexterously omitted " — such was a 

 joker's account of the lists of trials offered for the 

 public delectation ; and I cannot speak fairer if I 

 have to go down on my knees and beg for mercy. 

 If you back such information once in five times you 



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