INJUSTICE OF THE SYSTEM TO OLDER JOCKEYS. 205 
weights can only ride for two or three years, when they have 
to give place to others as incompetent as themselves. 
But if the continuance of this baneful system is inevitable, 
may not something be done to lessen its evils? As it is, little 
fellows are put in the saddle more fit to mount a rocking- 
horse, and if they can only ride a short gallop or two with the 
assistance of an old jockey, or a trial without falling off, are 
pronounced efficient. JI should require something more. Let 
the lad, before he goes forth to ride, be made to pass a com- 
petitive examination, and show proof of his ability, and so 
prevent the endangering of his own life and the lives of others. 
The riding of a trial or two with old jockeys, and in the 
presence of other persons capable of judging appointed for 
the purpose, would be enough to decide the point ; and with- 
out a certificate of competency, signed by such autho- 
rities, I would not allow any one to ride in public. For, it may 
be asked, why should a so-called jockey alone have full power 
to maim for life, or cause the death of any, by his reckless 
assumption in undertaking to do what he is unfitted to 
accomplish ; and on the race-course hurt either himself or 
others? It would not be allowed in other trades or profes- 
sions, and should not be in this. Under such restraints, we 
should have better jockeys, and a smaller number of them, 
both desirable objects of attainment ; whilst the men would be 
more fitting recipients of the lavish presents now bestowed on 
children, so frequently, as has been shown, to their detriment. 
As it is, most sensible people would prefer, in place of our 
present races, to go back to longer courses, even though we 
had fewer of them. For it is not the number, it is the quality 
of the competitions that gives the sterling interest to our great 
national contests. I may fearlessly say that three good horses 
with men on them, running a long course at Ascot, Goodwood, 
