Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-13

course, no fast moves are made until the horses
have been worked or exercised upon the track
for some time. But after the horses are first
got on the track. as was the case in their pre-
Iiminary work. their work and exercise are in
creased daily, the only exceptions being where
the horse goes lame and becomes sick.
AS THE TIME ADVANCES
the distance is increased and the time de-
creased-that is. the animal is daily made to go
farther and faster. And it is in these fast
moves that the importance and value of having
good jockey up becomes so apparent. For
instance, the trainer wishes to have a horse do
a mile IN certain time, minutes, or 1:55, or
1:50: or three-quarters in / 80 or I:25 or 20;
or half a mile in l minute. or sc, or 81, or SO
seconds. very few stable boys are there whose
knowledge OF pace Is such as to enable them to
ride so precisely. This knowledge of pace al
most appears to be gift with some jockeys.
and no other knowledge is of more value in the
making of q jockey. Isaac Murphy's knowl-
edge OF pace Is simply wonderful and goes a
great way toward making this bright darkey
the greatest jockey in the country.
RUBBING DOWN.
After the trainer has put his string through
the work he had mapped out for them that
morning he directs them 10 the stable. Here
they are carefully cooled out" then taken to
their stalls, where they are groOmed and
briskly rubbed down. This rubbing down as
work, and for rubbers good, strong boys or
men are engaged who are able to put much
strength III their work. Every part of the
horse. from head to foot. is vigorously rubbed
and rubbed-cioths. towels or channels skin
being used. The legs OF the animal particu-
larly where the muscles are prominent are
especially attended to bv the rubbers
Generally it is a dry rub, but
frequently liniments are used, especially
when the horse shows lameness The OBJ
ject OF this rubbing down, which is done when
ever the animal has been exercised or raced.
is 10 harden and make pliable every muscle,
and any one who has enjoyed the luxury of a
vigorous rubbing down after violent exercise
can appreciate the pleasure the horse receives
from his daily rub. The feet of the horses
are thoroughly cleaned and washed out and
feet and legs closely examined so that SWELL
lngs, fever. spralns or lamcness may be dis
covered and remedies promptly applied. Such
examinations are always attended with
great anxiety. for indeed an oracle only
would have the gift to tell Just when q racer
would go Gmiss. Having now been put away
III their roOmy stalls, the horses eat. sleep,
play until late In the afternoon. when they are
once more ridden or led forth for easy exercise
for an hour or so. Then the grooming. rub
bing. and the storing away for the night Next
morning the same routine is gone through. and
so the time passes until the day arrives on which
the racing season opens, and if the horse
Is mt, he comes forth on the the track. the in
telligent, noble animal we see parade before
us; impatient for the drop Of the flag and the
cry. they're are off," and so anxious to get
oil Well as to forever remove doubt of their
knowledge of the value and Importance of "a
good start
Such is the training of racer. and such is
WORK now to be seen every fine morning at Ivy
city. and an early rise and ride or drive there
these beautiful mornings viii more than fully
repay one