CHAPTEE XV 

 TEAINING FOE EACING, POINT-TO-POINT, Etc. 



THERE is no mystery in training ! When I was about 

 to leave Spain, during the heyday of the Spanish 

 Turf, where for three years the stable over which I presided 

 had carried off a large number of prizes, including the chief 

 and most valued races, I was asked a searching question by 

 the clever owner of the most successful stable in the 

 Peninsula. Moreover, W. Everitt, his professional trainer 

 and jockey, was one of the most capable men, in both lines, I 

 have ever had the fortune to meet. I was staying with Mr. 

 Davies just prior to my departure for England, and whilst 

 we were riding home together he remarked, " We have 

 always been excellent friends, and I hope you will not mind 

 my asking you a question. What is your secret in training ? 

 for now you are leaving us there can be no harm in telling 

 it." " Secret " ! I ejaculated. " I have no secret ! " But 

 he was quite huffed, and said in hurt tones, " You must 

 have a secret. I have never seen horses so universally 

 turned out well, not on any race-course in England, as yours 

 are. You might let me know your secret now — and I think 

 you ought to, after all I have done for you. Everitt wants to 

 know, and told me to ask you." " I have no secret," I 

 answered. " The only secret I know is hard work and 

 common sense ! " At first my reply did not mend matters, 

 and seeing he was really annoyed I added, " I would tell 

 you directly if I had anything to tell ! But let us see what 

 your system is, and I expect it will be just the same as 

 mine." Having mollified my friend, we went into all the 

 minutiae of our respective methods, and, as I expected, there 

 was no essential difference between us, any more than there 



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