TALK OF THE DAY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 52

TALK OF THE DAY.

By

Sentinel.

THE SLOAN SEAT.

(PIKTOGRAPH IN THIS ISSUE.)

During the winter months a small sea. of ink was spilt over the merits or deme 1 . its oi the crouch seat as introduced by Tod Sloan. Strange to say, not one correspondent quoted Sloan’s own opinion on the matter. Sloan was a miniature Vian, and vet a herculean horseman. He revolutionised race-riding in England i because he was a great judge of pace, and had the very happy gift of getting into sympathy with his mounts. It is a mistake to think that Sloan won his races by going to the front and staying there. He did so on many occasions,

.ding a waiting race in front; but many >f his best feats in the saddle took place hen he waited with the field and outudged and outrode some of the best lorsemen of the day when it came'to a inish. Sloan was unquestionably an artist in the saddle, and his great horsemanship won him friends amongst the very highest in the land. During the controversy on the Sloan seat the writer overlooked the fact that he had in his possession a photograph of Sloan riding back to the scales after winning the Ascot Gold Cup on the Australian horse Merman. A glance at the photograph will show that some of our present-day-riders out-Sloan Sloan and ride shorter than the famous little man from America. In fact they sit more like a caricature of his seat than what he actually adopted in» the saddle. Merman was deemed short of work when he started in the Ascot Gold Cup only as the result of a last-moment decision. In his description of the race Sloan states that “ I tacked on behind, and had the wind-break for over a mile and a-half, and as the race was run really a worse horse might have won it.” In his interesting book, published in 1915, Sloan relates many 'incidents in race-riding—-some where he slipped his field from the rise of the barrier, and in others where he waited in behind the leaders. Many will remember that Sloan stated that he would have beaten Flying Fox in the Derby with Holocaust. Sloan does say in his book that he had Flying Fox beaten when Holocaust broke a leg; but the former went a quarter of a mile to three furlongs in each of five false starts, and that nearly led to Orme’s famous son scoring a iniss in the world’s greatest classic. That, however, by the way.

The object of this note is merely to introduce Sloan’s seat to present-day riders and racegoers, and show that he rode with much longer leathers than many l of his imitators. Let Sloan speak for himself. He says: “Just another word about the ‘ crouch ’ seat or ‘ riding short,’ which I have heard so much discussed. This is rather an important matter in connection wtih the ‘ revolution ’ in race-riding of, say, twenty years ago. It is a great mistake to think that some of us rode short; in fact, it is a misconception altogether. In walking and cantering my stirrups were frequently as long, in fact nearly always, as the old school of English riders. When breaking into a canter it was often the same; but once a race had begun, and by the strength of the legs the ‘ crouch ' assumed, there would be an immediate difference in the action of a horse and his speed. Since then others have quite shortened the stirrup—not with the best results. That is why the term ‘ riding short ’ came in. Hands and brain have more to do with successful race-riding than anything else.” Anyone who has studied the anatomy of a horse must be fully aware that the neck is not made or supported to carry weight, and yet a large percentage of present-day riders place the full weight of their body on the neck of their mount. The neck is supported and held by muscle, _ and the longer and lighter muscled it is the less adapted it becomes to carry weight. Hence the neck is the last place where weight should be placed. The extreme crouch puts all the weight of the rider in front of the saddle during the progress of a race, and those who go to extremes in that direction do not know the first thing about the construction of a horse. Ever since man placed a riding saddle on a horse the stirrup leather hangs in the same place, by accident or design, over the centre of gravity. In recent years the Sloanites have extended the flap over a horse’s shoulder, but the support to the foot remains in the same place and cannot be shifted. Riders whose knees are as high as the

withers follow an ignorant adoption of. the crouch, and we have Sloan’s own authority for the statement. The chief merits of the crouch is that it reduces wind pressure and allows the rider to poise his weight slightly in advance of the centre of gravity. The fact that a large number of riders place their weight on a horse’s neck could, with a good show of reason, be held responsible for the apparent lack of stamina in many horses. The neck is the first part of a horse to tire, and when forced to the unnatural. use of carrying weight must result in the so-called lack of stamina, iso sane person.would carry weight on .he end of a stick, and the riders who he on a horse’s neck and hold the reins near, the rings are following the most unscientific method of distributing a burden for the simple reason that they are . forcing an extra and unnecessary strain on the muscular force required to lift the forehand to each stride. - < CAUSE AND EFFECT. It is quite common to read verdicts com cermng inquiries into cases of interference stating that owing to the trouble being accidental no further action was taken. In many cases such verdicts are absolutely wrong. Even if the cause is accidental, the effect may be very disastrous, and that being so, the sufferer should not be doubly punished bv being deprived of the stakes or nart of them gained by a placewinner. In England the winners of some

of the most important events have been disqualified for interference. Craganour was deprived of the fruits of his success in the Derby through an alleged interference, and the same verdict has been recorded in connection with other important races. None of these cases were held to be deliberate interference. Sometimes because interference takes place at or near the start it is held that it did not affect the result. It is immaterial as to what part of a race interference may take place. It may be sufficient to unbalance a horse and throw him out of his stride. This is sure to cause a serious lot's of ground, and if the sufferer is eventually beaten by the originator of the trouble there should be no question as to the verdict. We have far too many cases of accidental interference, and it really seems time that verdicts in connection with them should be based on a commoneense knowledge of racing. When Songbird won the Great Easter Handicap he cut across Sunny Loch and seriously interfered with him. Sunny Loch eventually ran second to the Kilbroney gelding, and if a protest had been entered very good grounds could have been established for reversing the judge’s decision. The full facts of the case did not come out, however, in time for any action to be taken in the matter. With those who were fully aware of the facts no doubt existed as to what would or. should have been the result of an objection. Here at least is one case where interference in the first few strides denrived a horse of a good stake. As a matter of fact Sunny Loch had to give Songbird a good start in the run up the straight, and there suffered defeat onlj by a very narrow margin. At Geraldine the interference which took place on both days must, have been something like a record. Amongst those that got a bad passage in their races were The Geisha. Royal Love, Semper Paratus, Full Fling. On Top, Mount Boa, Colonel Quex, Rosy Morn (fatal), and Tracsono. Others were bumped or crowded at the start, and one or two more cases may have escaped observation. The above makes a fairly large list for two days’ racing at a small meeting, and if some action is not tken in the matter the evil based on bad and careless, riding is more likely to grow instead of dimin shing.

A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. A difference of opinion is still being expressed as to whether a special weight race, in which weights are allotted according to age, ranks as a weight-for-age under the Rules of Racing. This matter cropped up a couple of times last season, and was revived by Tray Bond winning a special weight race at Ashburton, and racing without a penalty at the Geraldine meeting. It must be clear, in the first place, that a club rule cannot override and dominate the Rules of Racing. If that is so then any allotment of weights not in accordance with the standard weight-for-age scale cannot be deemed a weight-for-age race. This view is supported by Section 10 of Part XVIII, which reads: “In all races other than handicaps and races to be run under the standard scale of weight-for-age, the weight to be carried shall be specified in the conditions of the race.” This rule makes a clear-cut distinction between handicaps, weight-for-age races, and all races not run under those conditions. Hence if a race is run at other than a handicap or at the standard scale it cannot be deemed a weight-for-age race. In section 11 of Part XVIII it is stated that: “In all races other than handicaps in which horses sired north of the equator and foaled on any day from January 1 to July 31 inclusive are engaged, there shall be allowed to such horses, unless otherwise provided by the conditions of the race, two-year-olds, 101 b; three-year-olds, 71b; four-year-olds, 31b.” This rule allows an _ owner to claim allowance in either weight-for-age races or one run at special weights. The crux of the matter is based on the final sentence of Part 7 of the rule already quoted, and which reads: No horse shall carry extra weight in a handicap in consequence of having won a weight-for-age race.” This was brought in so that the winner of the Harcourt L«P». run under standard weight-for-age conditions, should not incur a penalty 7 for the New Zealand Cup. To clasps a race not run under the standard scale of weights as a weight-for-age race seems to be anything but a logical deduction. A race may be one of. classical distinction, such as -the English- Derby, but one never hears the world-famous classic mentioned afi a weight-for-age race. It could not possibly be considered a weight-for-age because it is not run under those conditions, nor can a special weight race, such as the English Derby, be interpreted to mean one run under the standard scale. Hence it is contended that if the handicapper desired he could have inflicted a penalty on Tray Bond in the Ohapi Handicap for winning a special weight race at Ashburton.-. The interpretation placed on the definition of a weight-for-age race is in conflict with the rules quoted above, and thus we have it that two interpretations can be placed on what constitutes a weight-for-age race. THE GERALDINE MEETING. The Geraldine Racing Club tried an experiment in .connection with its annual race, meeting which bore good results. It consisted of racing on'Thursday and Saturday instead of two consecutive days.

The alteration certainly did not study the convenience or cost of travelling expenses to owners and trainers, and some of them that appeared on the first day did not remain for the second. Nevertheless the attendance seen on the second day appeared to be something like a record for a Geraldine meeting. The change was made to catch the half-holiday in Timaru, and will, no doubt, become permanent so far as racing on a Saturday is concerned. An early arrival on the course supplied an opportunity to walk round the track prior to the start of racing. The going was on the soft side and the track carried an excellent turf, which, however, was a bit rough underfoot. The going could be made as near perfection as possible if the track receives immediate attention after the meeting, and this should certainly be done in the interests of owners who patronise the meeting. An attempt should be made to improve the run, from some of the starting posts, particularly at the six-furlong barrier. An improvement could be made by shifting back the wire fences on the outside of the track, and so provide a much better run than what is obtainable under -existing conditions. A similar improvement could be carried out at the seven-furlong post, and mile races should be abandoned, as the start takes place far too near the sharp turn. The going should be the first consideration, and with that object in view the track worked into proper shape at once so as to give the ground the best part of a year to settle down into what could be made a perfectly level turf. The racing was full of interest from start to finish, but marred by far too much interference, and by starting which came in for general condemnation. Mr Hastings has had a considerable amount of experience, but his work at Geraldine was anything but satisfactory. He might do a lot better work with a more substantial barrier calculated to steady a field, but even when he had small fields to handle he failed to get them away from a fair line. This sort of thing naturally creates a lack of confidence amongst the riders, and makes the starter’s work far more difficult than what would otherwise be the case. It has to be remembered that the success of a race meeting depends in no small measure on the starting and the starter's ability to control a field and get the horses away from a fair line. Some of the riders do not contribute to the starter’s success because they appear to get their mounts away by a fluke, and others do not seem able to jump out even if the rest of the field waited all day for them. The starter must, however, get his fields in a fair line at tbe barrier, and then he cannot be blamed if some are smarter than others on their legs at the rise of the tape.

THE KUROW MEETING. At the time of writing, the re-handicaps for the Kurow meeting are not to hand, and so one is rather in the dark as to how the winners at the Geraldine meeting will be treated. It is an easy mile and a-quarter at Kurow, because the first couple of furlongs are on a down grade, and so, of course, is the finish from the home turn. There is a slight rise round the top, but it should not seriously hamper a horse. If the going is at all firm Starshooter would run a better race in the Kurow Cup than he did in the soft going at Geraldine, and hence he should be dangerous. Rascal was unlucky in both races at Geraldine, but may find the distance a shade beyond him. On his form at the Grand National meeting, High Gear may be selected as tbe best of the lightweights, but those in search of the favourite will probably confine themselves to Black Duke, Town Major, Starshooter, and Rascal. The final pick may rest with Starshooter, Rascal, and Black Duke. Compensation and Charmeuse may be selected to make Meadow Lark feel every ounce "of the 9.13 he has in the Gillies Handicap, and others likely to be fancied during the day are as follows: —Highweight Handicap. Royal Limond, Traho. Novice Plate, Master Anomaly, Skysign;, Publicans’ Handicap, Rosewood, Jock b’ Hazledean, Wise Choice; Hakataramea Handicap, Mount Boa, Jock o* Hazledean.

COURAGE REWARDED. Lord Glanely has been one of the most courageous of English buyers, at the yearling sales for many years. He paid the record price of ll,soogns a few years ago for Westward Ho, and followed it up the following season by paying 14,500gns for Blue Ensign, a half-brother to Westward Ho. They were indifferent investments, but (says “ Chiron ”) that did not deter Lord Glanely from competing for other high-priced youngsters. At the Doncaster sales a couple of years ago he went to 12,500gns for Singapore, and this time he was rewarded for his enterprise, ae recently Singapore won the St. Leger for him. The stake would not represent the money laid out in the purchase of Singapore, hut as a St. Leger winner Singapore will become a valuable stud proposition; and earn the 12,500gns laid out on his purchase many times over in stud fees. Singapore was bred at the Compton stud, on whose behalf his dam, Tetrabbazia, was purchased at the sale of the late Lord Manton’s-mares in 1923 for 9000gns. Tetrabbazia cost Lord Manton 6000gns as a yearling, and won

four races worth £4835, so she showed a, debit in his racing account. Her dam; Abbazia, was a half-sister to Greatorex,’ a good performer in England, who afterwards became the leading sire in South Africa/ Phaleron, a half-brother to Abbazia and Greatorex, was a first-class horse when he was raced by the Duke of Portland, for whom he won over £lO,OOO in stakes. He finished second to Minoru in the Two Thousand Guineas. Miss Middlewick, from whom Singapore descends, was a full-sister to Violet Melrose, the dam of the Derby winner, Melton? This is the family founded by the Stockwell mare. Woodbine, ancestress of Linacre, Valais, Ayrshire, and a host of other noted racers and sires. Singapore is a son of Gainsborough, ■who had been having what was for him a comparatively lean season, but he has come into his own again. This is Gainsborough s second St. Leger winner, as he was successfully represented in the Doncaster classic previously by Solario. Singapore is out of a daughter of The Tetrarch, who has been conspicuously suecessful in the St. Leger, as three of his sons, Caligula, Polemarch, and Salmon Irout all won the race. This is the second classic winner sired from a daughter. °^^ he 'Letrarch, as Taj Mahal bred A a 4 who won the One Thousand Guineas last season.

DERBY WINNERS. . The Derby victor in the Old Country is accepted as a racehorse in the best sense. In the case of a colt, his value for stud purposes becomes enormous. In Australia no great significance is ‘ attached to Derby form except at Randwick and Flemington. A classic victory on either course is generally taken as a good recommendation for the stud, especially if the superiority is maintained throughout the season. However, many Derby winners have failed to carry on their line worthily. _A glance through the A.J.C. records, will provide much evidence on this point. The outstanding name in the earlier history of the race is that of The Barb. Even his stoutest admirers must agree that The Barb was not a great success as a sire. He did not exercise nearly the same influence at the' stud as Fireworks, who won the following A.J.C. Derby, though fie could show the better turf record. Kingsborough, who carried Sir Hercules Robinson’s colours in 1874, did only fairly well at the stud, but Richmond (1875) and Robinson Crusoe (1876) will always be remembered as sires no less than as racehorses. The same can be said of Grand Flaneur, who started his second and last season on the turf by winning the A.J.C. Derby of 1880. The country would also be much the poorer in thor* oughbreds if Nordenfeldt (1885) had not fixed to go to the stud. The strapping son of Musket performed his part in handing on a strain of blood that has worked wonders not only in Australia, but in most parts of the world. It is curious that the brothers Navi* gator and Trident, by Robinson ‘Crusoe from Cocoanut, both Derby winners, have now been practically forgotten as sires. Now and again their names are mentioned in a pedigree. No one is likely to claim that any of Abercorn’s representatives came up to his own mark, though one of them, Cocos, won the v .R.C. Derby. Eventually Abercorn went to England. There is just a possibility that, had he remained here, his stud results would have been improved. After going away he was scarcely heard £L Melos (1888), who so often had to fight against Carbine and Abercorn was more or less a stud failure, and Gibraltar (1890) may have done better; but there “ttle to be said in favour of the stud nnnM any 0 - le others down to Maltster (1900). He became a leading sire, though there were few really stout stayers in the family. Poseidon (1906) was one of the really great racehorses of the present century who did not come up to expectation at.the stud. Nor did Parsee do much as a sire. Prince Foote and Mountain King helped to enrich the thoroughbred stock of the country. They were credited with a classic winner each, Prince Foote being responsible for Richmond Main and Mountain King for Mountain Knight. Beragoon did not beget s son up to his standard, and the stud records do sa .V much for Abundance, Sylvanite, Kilboy, and other A.J.C. Derby heroes.

ADVICE ON RIDING. In the course of an interview I had (says ' Musket of the Melbourne Globe) with Brownie Carslake, the famous Australian horseman who has been riding in England for a great number of years’, he had some interesting comments to make regarding the difference of race-riding here and in Australia. He said:— “ The onlooker does not realise the vast difference in riding in Australia and England. It is the difference in the horses that causes it. Your horses in Australia are taught from their earliest education to go on the bit, as it were. Here it is not the same. The horses have to be made to do everything. In a race here you have to feed ’ a horse in order to make him gallop in earnest. By that I mean you are compelled to keep checking him slightly and kidding to him all the time. If you sit down and lie out on his neck, like they do m Australia, you would find that he will

not go a yard—that is, the great majority of English horses. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to ride with a long rein in preference to the short hold so much favoured in Australia. You know it usually takes a jockey from Australia a good twelve months to become used to the long rein method and general conditions of riding here. I have never known an Australian to pick up the English methods so quickly as did Frank Dempsey when he came over here. It was remarkable how soon he adapted himself to what to him must have been a radical change—and let me tell you it is no easy matter to alter a style which you have followed from the beginning of your riding lessons. No doubt you have noticed in some cases how ungenerous English-bred horses are in races in Australia. Well, you can understand what it is like to be riding that class of horse nearly all the time. Of course we have here many smart sprinters which a rider can let go from barrier rise, but in races over a bit of ground these horses take a lot of riding.” Carslake is recognised as one of the most capable riders in England, especially in short distance events, owing to his marked ability in getting horses away from the barrier. It was reported recently that he rode a horse at 8.2 in a race. He told me that such was not the case, as the actual weight carried was B.4—the lowest at which he has been able to ride for a long time. It is even lower than the weight at which he rode when he surrendered his jockey’s license last season. Carslake attributes his reduction in weight to the fact that he avoids liquids as much as possible. This has been very helpful—but not pleasant—in his effort to keep his weight within reasonable limits. From his weight it will be seen that Carslake’s opportunities in the saddle are. limited. In the circumstances, his record is a good one.