140 TRIALS. 
CHAPTER XV. 
TRIALS, 
Immense value of trials—Difficulties of the subject—How short trials and how long 
trials should be made—Unsatisfactory trials ; false pace —The best method of 
trying—In doubtful cases try again—A good pace essential—Disappointments 
in races in which running is made, accounted for ; how the pace should be 
made ; instances at Goodwood and Newmarket— Points to be noted in trials 
—Mistakes in trials; hints thereon; a second trial advised—Illustrative 
trials: General Hesse and an Arab, Crucifix and /ris, Rising Sun and Twilight 
—False pace and its results—My success in repeated trials—The pace in trials 
and in races. 
WE have seen how horses should be purchased and brought 
to that condition which, in turf phraseology, is called “ fit to 
run;” and now must discuss the subject of trials, the only 
true method of ascertaining if this desirable condition be 
achieved. Nothing can be of greater value than a correct 
estimate of the merits of the animals you possess ; for by it 
you engage and run them, lose or win fortunes, staking your 
reputation on the accuracy of your opinion. 
On reaching this stage of our journey in search of knowledge, 
it might be thought and hoped that the most difficult obstacles 
had been vanquished. But it is hardly so. It has been aptly 
said, 
‘‘ Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow ; 
He who would search for pearls must dive below.” 
