178 MODERN PIG-STICKING 



A few quotations from the records may be of 

 interest. The opening paragraph of the description 

 of the Guzerat meeting of 1888 reads : 



There is no sporting event in the Bombay Presidency 

 that excites more interest than the above competition, 

 especially amongst those whose kingdom is the jungle-side 

 and whose sceptre is their spear. Racing, pure and simple, 

 is no doubt an excellent thing, as without it people would 

 be deprived of much amusement, and, what is more 

 important, the breed and speed of horses would never be 

 kept in their present state of perfection. Steeplechasing, 

 again, is most popular, as it not only tests speed, but the 

 nerve of the rider as well. Pig-sticking combines every- 

 thing of these two, with the additional charm of riding 

 over new and unknown and unmade country with the 

 pluckiest of Nature's animals as a leader. There is a little 

 desultory pig-sticking carried on during the year at various 

 places in these parts, and at Easter it is now the custom 

 to invite all who love the sport, to meet and fight out who 

 is best man at it. And there is more than honour and glory 

 to be won. The good men of Guzerat dip their hands 

 deep in their pockets every year, and give a handsome Cup, 

 weighing many shekels of silver, to the winner, to become 

 his property for all time, and to be handed down to his 

 children's children as a standing testimony to the skill of 

 those who have gone before them, as an incentive to them 

 to go and do likewise, and as a permanent memorial of 

 Guzerat liberality. No one out of Guzerat is allowed to 

 subscribe, yet all are free to ride for the Cup. One sporting 

 doctor. Doctor Tully, who has so frequently competed 

 before, and is now in Burma, circumvented this above 

 rule by entering when he had not the remotest chance of 

 being present, and so helped the funds. May this spirit 

 prosper and spread, and each succeeding year see more 

 competitors to the fore. 



Probably the most exciting contest ever seen 

 in the Guzerat Cup v^as the final in 1885, the first 

 year. The two competitors left in were Mr. 



