How it Feels to be a Racing Judge, Daily Racing Form, 1906-02-14

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HOW IT FEELS TO BE A RACING JUDGE. The four judges at New Orleans Messrs. Trcvel-yan. Murphy, Bryan and McDonald were recently asked "how does it feel to be a racetrack judge." The answer of each is an Indication that they are most fearful of the criticism attending the placing of horses in a close finish. They are unanimous In expressing the feeling that no matter how accurate their judgment, there are bound to be many in the throng of spectators who will ever hold the opinion that the placing was incorrect. Each has little apparent regard for the opinion of that element which may le designated as "scolders" and which gathers after each close finish to deride or applaud the decision, the trend of their comment being always intluenced by the wagers they have made. The confidence of the fair-minded among the race-goers and these arc in the majority is what the judge strives for. Each of these gentlemen confesses that a close finish grates on his nerves. Judge Murphy says "it isnt what happens, but what may happen." Judge Trevelyan says he can sympathize with the Kentuckian who shouted "scatter, scatter," when be was asked to preside in the stand and saw a field of horses charging down to him like a line of cavalry. Judge McDowell says "many a time in a head and head jumble at the wire I have wanted to faiut, but have -refrained -from doing so. It would not look well in public." Judge Bryan says that the placing of the horses at the finish does not have for him the worry that attends the meting out of discipline.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1900s/drf1906021401/drf1906021401_1_7
Local Identifier: drf1906021401_1_7
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800