AN ENGLISH JOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 76, 30 March 1935, Page 18

AN ENGLISH JOCKEY.

Amongst the visitors 'at the Oamaru meeting last week was Ernest Ransom, a lightweight rider from England, at present on a trip round the world. On the way out he called at Bombay, where lie ran across L. H. Hewitt, who lias about 20 horses in training and is doing well. At Jamaica Ransom rode the winner of a £300 stake and received a regulation 10 per cent riding fee. He saw some racing in Australia, but his greatest impression came when he attended the recent autumn meeting at Trentham. When asked for an opinion on racing and riding in this part of the world, Ransom stated that several of our jockeys take too short a hold of a horse, so they learned to pull even when cantering. Ransom said that the j)lough tracks so common here would not be considered in England, as they tend to spoil a horse's action and shorten his stride. Ransom w r as one of the 26 apprentices attached to the stable of F. Hartigan when it had 96 horses in training. The strictest supervision was kept over the boys, who were not allowed out later than 10 p.m. They rode out three times a day, the afternoon lot" generally being the horses on the easy list. During the Oamaru meeting he was introduced to 11. J. Ellis, whose riding made a very favourable impression on him, and he imparted some useful information in case Ellis might decide to try his luck in England. Ransom also met C. Emerson, and conveyed to him a message from England. Emerson earlier in his career went to England under important engagement, but had to return to a more congenial climate. Ransom left on his return this week.