TOD SLOAN 



so perhaps what may be considered expert opinion — 

 and in this others' views are being reflected — might 

 be worth more than passing notice. Time after time 

 the sporting papers in England voice the opinion that 

 certain starts at Newmarket and elsewhere have been 

 simply terrible, and that a race has been lost at the 

 post, there being no possible opportunity of winning. 

 Look at the reports and see how many times incom- 

 petent youngsters have caused this. 



The unnecessary use of the whip is something boys 

 have to learn about, but I think by the rules of many 

 apprentice races there are, neither whip nor spur is 

 permitted. With regard to the latter I never used 

 them for years before ceasing riding, looking upon 

 them as a totally unnecessary cruelty on a horse, and 

 they should be barred altogether from the race-course. 

 It is a wonder that this topic has never been taken up 

 by the Jockey Club. Nobody who understands racing 

 has ever discussed it from the cruelty point of view, 

 and it may seem strange that a criticism should come 

 from one to whom racing is part of life. There is 

 indeed a strong chance for anyone to take up the 

 question of prohibiting spurs. Many a good horse 

 has been ruined in temper or courage by a spur, and 

 it was a wonder to see them in use so long. Neither 

 do I believe they are at all necessary for cross-country 

 races. As however I have not sufficient experience 

 in that respect perhaps it would be as well for others 

 to give their views on this. Such a lot could be said 

 on the spur question. 



The whip can be of use if properly applied, but at 

 the same time it can be a stopper to a horse. The 

 one great advantage for any jockey who knows how 

 to handle the whip is that an animal can frequently be 

 kept straight, and anyone who knows anything about 



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