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" ABOUT RACING IN JAPAN 0 Selections in Japan Advertiser Puzzle English Racing Man. 4 In Letter to Editor of Sportsman He Indulges In Fantastic Guesses as to Meaning of Enigmatic AVord "Show." It seems that there is horse racing of one sort or another in Japan, but, judging from the following letter to the editor of the London Sportsman, the sport must have been introduced by Americans rather than Englishmen : To the Editor of The Sportsman: Sir. I have raced in many quarters of the globe, but until the postman handed me yesterday a copy of the Japan Advertiser I had somehow failed to realize that the I great game is played even at Negishi, Yokohama. Staring me in the face I read the well-known words, "Forecast of the Winners," and as I scanned the prophets predictions my heart went out in sympathy to the bookies, if bookies there are. Imagine the artists of the silver ring getting their tongues around names such as "Kachizuki," "Fujikahawa," "Asahahi," not to mention "Fuyudzoki" and "Mushashi." " Ere you are, threes Catch-you-Sukey, Much-Hashy. Even money to you, Lady?". The medical profession must be kept busy on Saturday nights getting dislocated jaws in order for the following week. THAT PUZZLING "SIIOW." Frankly, I was puzzled by the forecast itself. Selections appeared under three head-I lngs: "Win," "Place," "Show." I know a winner well enough when I see one. I have before now recommended many a horse as likely to be placsd, but what oh, what is a "Show"? As an acrostic fiend, and as one who has never submitted to defeat from any jig-saw, in the solitude of my room I sought a satisfactory explanation, but remained non-plussed. At first I was of opinion that this mysterious "show" was inserted for the benefit of those of the fair sex who back a horse because "he looks perfectly sweet," or because "I think the colors so pretty." This supposition was, however, reluctantly discarded as I have no satisfactory proof that the ladies of Japan are so far advanced in western culture as to have their little bit on, even though supported by the advice of the Japan Advertiser. Another and somewhat similar an idea suggested itself. Possibly at Negishi revolutionists have conceived the idea of combining race meetings with horse shows. Half the stake to go to the winner of the race, the other half to the best-looking and best turned out competitor. The notion has its attraction. Undoubtedly some fine double event betting would result, and a sporting journalist would gather fresh and interesting material for his column. Imagine a few items: POSSIBLE COMMENTS. "In the show ring no horse was more admired than Condover, which wore a new frontlet, and whose mane was neatly plaited with his owners striking colors ;" "No," remarked the genial trainer of Dio-phon, "I cannot disclose where I buy my ribands that is a stable secret;" "Donna Inez was strongly fancied by the public for the double Win and Show, and her success would have hit many of the big operators very heavily." The matter of time rules cut this solution. If by chance the lields at Negishi ever approximate the size of a two-year-old field at Newbury, it would seem reasonable to suppose that the first event would be timed for shortly after sunrise, and, even so, racegoers might stagger home too late for supper at the Yokohama Savoy. One other possible answer to the riddle suggested itself. Could "show" be possibly interpreted as "out for an airing"? I know nothing about Japanese libel laws, but in any case visions of infuriated owners, trainers and jockeys invading the sanctity of the editorial room force me to regard this solution as out of the question ; besides, as I have already said, I am ignorant how far western culture has penetrated to the Far East. There must be many readers of The Sportsman even in Yokohama; perhaps they will supply a solution of this altogether baffling problem. Yours, etc., H. R. C. February 7, 1024.
