[74] The 'Odds' or probabilities of horse racing are explained in
chapter VIII., in which the entire 'Doctrine of Chances' is
discussed.


Such are the leading facts of horse-racing in England. One
cannot help observing that the sturdy strength and muscular
exertions of an Olympic charioteer of old exhibit a striking
contrast to the spider-like form and emaciated figure of a
Newmarket jockey.

Qui studet optatam cursu contingere metam,
Multa tulit, fecitque puer, SUDAVAT et alsit.

'Who in a race would reach the long'd-for goal,
Must suffer much, do much, in youth, indeed,
Must SWEAT and fag.'

This is literally true respecting the English jockey, whose
attenuated form is accounted for in the following dialogue in an
old work entitled 'Newmarket, or an Essay on the Turf,' 1771.

'Stop, stop, OLD GENTLEMAN! I desire to speak a word to you; pray
which is the way to----.'

'I beg, sir, you will not interrupt me. I am a Newmarket
jockey--am to ride in a few days a match, upon which there is a
great deal depending, and I am now PREPARING.'

'Oh, I see now, you are a YOUNG man, instead of that old one for