The Kingsclere Baronet also indicated some reformation or widening
of the Jockey Club by his proposition "that the basis of the club
be extended, and that not only more gentlemen who are large owners
of race-horses, but those who take interest in racing as a means of
preserving the breed of horses, be invited to become members." Sir
Joseph, in formulating his Turf Reform Bill, undoubtedly indicated some
of the blots incidental to modern horse-racing, as indeed previous
turf reformers had done, and as has in some degree been done since he
died. Under the rules of racing as now administered there can be no
doubt that the gambling element of the turf has far greater scope than
it would be allowed under the stringent regulations formulated by Sir
Joseph.
Whenever any proposals are made for racing reform of a substantial
kind, strenuous opposition at once begins, both within and without the
Jockey Club. The members of that self-constituted body are difficult
to move in such matters, some of them at any rate being pretty staunch
believers in the doctrine of "use and wont." Some critics have asserted
that the gambling element is at times stronger within the club than
out of it; at any rate, it will not soon be forgotten how one of its
members at a prominent meeting created a "scene" in the ring because
he had been anticipated in backing one of his horses--that gentleman's
love of "the noble sport of horse-racing" is easily estimated. Probably
before that time comes--it seems to be at present far distant--when no
person will be eligible for election to the club who bets, much-needed
reforms of various kinds will have been consummated. At some future
date it may probably be enacted by the Jockey Club that two-year-old
horses shall not run at Lincoln, nor at the earlier Newmarket meetings
as at present, but be reserved for a later period of the season; in the
meantime, however, with the sordid spirit of gambling pervading every
nook and corner of the turf, it is vain to hope for much reform of the
kind indicated by Sir Joseph Hawley.
Before leaving this part of the subject it may just be noted that there
was no lack of two-year-old racing at Newmarket in the years (1882-83)
which are selected as being representative. From April 11th to 14th six
races took place in which two-year-olds were the competitors either in
whole or part; for these the fields numbered respectively 6, 8, 3, 10,
8, and 3. From April 25th to 28th ten races were run at head-quarters,
the fields for which averaged 11 horses. At the May Newmarket reunion
(9th to 11th) there were thirteen races in which two-year-olds were
engaged, being an average of say 6 horses for each race. The Newmarket
July Meeting is celebrated for its two-year-old races, two of which
are looked upon with great interest. In 1884 nineteen races for
two-year-olds were run at Newmarket during the first three meetings,
and very fair fields of competitors were seen on the Heath. At the
Newmarket April Meeting of last year (1890) there were seven races on
the programme for two-year-olds.
From these statistics it will at once be apparent that if an abridgment
of two-year-old racing is ever to take place it will have to begin at
home, and the Jockey Club will require to set the example. Owners and
trainers have, however, become so accustomed to the present early and
lavish display of two-year-olds on all the race courses of the kingdom
that it will be difficult to enter even the thin end of the wedge. The
racing public are wedded to things as they are, and yearlings have
become so costly that owners and trainers are glad to see their horses
earning money at an early date.