13 



Commence at eight, of course for the benefit of the 

 betting. Some few might last unimpaired until they 

 reach the age of twenty years which is just equal to 

 five of the horse. But do not stop here ; 

 continue to train them and their progeny on for the 

 next century, for the development of their muscle, in 

 the same manner that colts and fillies have been 

 trained for the last century ; that is, not only to the 

 very utmost, but beyond what their limbs can stand, 

 and what a beautiful aristocratic race might *not be 

 produced ? They would justly merit the very appro- 

 priate appellations of " son of Baron Badbuild," or 

 "daughter of the Duke of Deformity." Had horse 

 racing been kept up solely for the improvement of the 

 breed, and no horses allowed to run until they were five 

 years old, and then only those of undisputed good 

 build, with straight, strong, unblemished legs, and 

 well formed tough feet and open heels, what might we 

 not have had ? What have we now ? For one half of 

 the two, three, and four-year-olds that run now-a-days, 

 who cares twopence whether they win or lose, as far 

 as their utility for improving the breed is concerned ? 

 Who would have them for Sires or Dams ? Who indeed ? 

 And if they are only wanted for the betting, would not 

 donkey running answer as well ? The real horse has 

 suffered enough in such judicious hands : give him 



