view raw text
LAUGH AT ENGLISH RACING METHODS Australians are not overburdened with the idea that England has the best of everything in racing. They are willing to admit, as all good judges are, that the English thoroughbred averages better than their own. When it comes to English racing as a. spectacle and its accommodations the average Antipodean levels :i lot of ridicule at the old methods and old establishments used in England. A member of the staff of the Sydney Referee writes to Iiis paper about his visit to Epsom Downs and i the Derby in this strain: "I was one of the multitude that wended its way to the Derby at Epsoms classic heath. It may be classic, but it certainly was uncomfortable. "The arrangements at a picnic, meeting at Dead Dog Creek would put Epsom to shame for a card originally issued at 12 cents, 0 to stand in the stand, and then have your view obstructed by the crowds which come on to the track in front of the stand, were part of the disorder which prevailed. No numbered saddle cloths, and a tiny semaphore with the starters and riders gave but little information to the public. "Of the tremendous crowd present but few saw the race, on an eccentric track up hill and down dtiU. which floes duty at Epsom. The stands were awful, anil to make discomfort worse, they painted the iron railings of the stand a few days ahead of the Derby, and many people witli black clothes came awny looking like zebras. "The racing outside of the Derby was poor. Fancy having two selling races on Derby Day! The sturting was bad, and the riding none too good. "The stands are old and badly designed, while the whole entourage was most disappointing. Hundreds of Australians mostly soldiers were there, and many of them laughed heartily at the primi-tiveness of the whole outfit. No more racing at Epsom for me. The whole place .should lie modernized. "Ships are scarce, and I am compelled to go bark through Canada and the States to the hind where I thev can give eighty points iu one hundred on racing to England."
