1 8 Indian Racing Reminiscences. 



lottery was held on a race for which three horses started, 

 and that they were purchased, respectively, by A, B, 

 and C, for Rs. loo, Rs. 400, and Rs. 500. In this case, 

 A would stand to win (1000 + 400 + 500 — 100) Rs. 1800 

 and to lose Rs, 200 ; in fact, he would be taking 9 to 

 I ; while A would get 1200 to 800, and B would have 

 1000 even. Backers, contrary to the rule in "the ring," 

 have, generally, " the best of it " in lotteries, as the 

 amount realized from the sale of the chances of the 

 horses rarely equals the price of the tickets. A deduc- 

 tion of five per cent, which I have not reckoned in the 

 foregoing calculations, is made for the benefit of the 

 race fund. 



In India there are no two or three year-old races, as 

 owners are almost entirely dependent on imported stock, 

 the majority of which are four or five years old when 

 they land. Hence races for maidens of the season arc 

 substituted for the more orthodox events. 



In India, race meetings are held at the various stations, 

 so as to suit, as far as possible, the convenience of 

 owners. Thus, in Bengal, the principal fixtures follow 

 something like this order : — Dchra Doon in the early 

 part of October ; then Umballa, IMcerut, Allahabad, 

 Sonepore, Calcutta at Christmas time ; Dacca, Mozuf- 



