268 TALES OF THE TURF. 



ing the cooling-out process after the event. When the 

 signal is given every horse has just so long a time to 

 get into that shed, and if not there at the last tick of the 

 watch within the time limit, he stays out, and his nom- 

 inator is a subject for the discipline committee. Every- 

 thing is done with military promptness and precision. 

 There is no chaffing nor back talk ; every man knows 

 what is required of him, and does it. This discipline is 

 noticeable at every stage of the sport, no yelling, no de- 

 lay, no friction, everything moves with clock-like regu- 

 laritv ; and that is where France is far ahead of America 

 in the conduct of a race-meeting. 



The powers of the Judges are probably arbitrary, but 

 there are no charges of favoritism, no demurring to the 

 ruling, no kicking nor chaffing. The perpetration of a 

 foul drive is rarely charged by one driver on another. 

 When it does occur there is a certain decorum, amount- 

 ing almost to dignity, displayed by both parties to the 

 complainant; and the consideration of the Judges im- 

 presses you with a feeling of respect and confidence in 

 the justice of the decision, which is never questioned by 

 the public or the press. Every attendant is dressed neat- 

 ly and cleanly in the uniform of his owner; and every 

 rider and driver is designated by the colors of his racing 

 stable. They have bright, showy and becoming uniforms, 

 generally including white knee-breeches and top boots. 

 The "weighing-in" process, assigning of positions and 

 settlement of entrances are details of the forenoon, so 

 when the starting for the post signal is give in the after- 

 noon, there is no delay ; in fact no business detail to be 

 arranged. Every man knows his position and takes it 

 at the post. 



