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on some particular day. Very easily, I should say, from 

 the fixed routine they had been accustomed to at previous 

 meetings — such as being plated, having their manes plaited, 

 having a slack day on the previous one after several days 

 of fast work, etc. — and from the appearance of the race- 

 course, which made the fact manifest that races were 

 about to come off. 



Most platers, on coming to the track of a strange race- 

 course will plainly show that they know what it is. 

 Then again, how many old race-horses know when to 

 make their effort on nearing the winning-post, though 

 some of them would probably " shut up " were they called 

 upon earlier by their jockeys. How well a horse knows 

 whether his rider has spurs on or not ! Some will be as 

 sluggish as a cow if they are absent, though were the 

 Latchfords on they would be all life, even without being 

 touched. Others will refuse to try if they get the slightest 

 prick, and even when the jockey is without spurs they 

 will require a few kicks in the ribs, just to show no 

 punishment is meant, before they will consent to go 

 " kindly." 



There is always a difficulty about riding-boys in this 

 country. In England, stable-lads can either ride, or are 

 capable of being taught ; but among natives it is not the 

 custom, and as it is very difficult to get lads, one is 

 frequently forced to send horses alone, or, at most, in pairs. 

 I am aware of the difficulty of finding a boy who has even 

 a little idea of pace. In default of having such a one, 

 I strongly recommend the amateur trainer to time every 

 gallop, as well as each quarter of a mile of it, so that he 

 may be able to correct the lad as occasion may require. 



