ABOUT JOCKEYS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 5062, 14 June 1877, Page 3

ABOUT JOCKEYS.

The fees earned by a successful jockey, speaking roundly, form the least portion of his income, as the presents given him by owners of horses aud numerous “admirers," iu thesbape of bettors who have backed his mouuts, are frequent and valuable. Gold watches, diamond rings, aud breast-pins set wit!) rabies; riding horses, dog-carts, and yachts; as well as suits of clothes, new hats, boxes of cigars, aud cases of champagne, arc frequently betowed on jockeys who win important races. A noted professional horseman of ten years ago received in two seasons as many boxes of cigars as would have stocked a modest shop. The same lad was also presented in the course of his career —which, although of short duration, was exceedingly successful—with eleven gold watches (he always used a silver one), and seven finger rings set with diamonds, as well

l as with'' other valuable jewels. Money gifts to successful jockeys are now, however, the order of the day, and that such gifts are often of great magnitude there is abundant evidence to show. Ten years ago the jockey who rode the winner of the sensational Derby of that period was presented by the owner of Hermit, the winning horse, with a sum of three thousand pounds. Another gentleman gave him what in racing parlance is called a “monkey,” which is five hundred pounds ; whilst a present of one hundred pounds was bestowed by a third person. Humorous offerings of lesser value, as also some gifts of jewellery, were likewise sent to the hero of the race, who is said to have netted over four thousand pounds by bis exertions on that one occasion, which is about double the sum paid to Sir Walter Scott for writing his celebrated poem of the “ Lady of the Lake.” The present chief jockey, we believe, is not more than eighteen years ot age, and yet during the racing season of 1876 he rode not less than 657 times, and won 207 races—a feat never before accomplished by any horseman on the turf. His five and three guinea fees for riding would amount to more than two thousand four hundred pounds. A gentleman who is well versed in the £ s. d. of racing has calcxilated that the chief jockey of 1876 received as much in fees, retainers, and presents as the Lord High Chancellor of England : counting fees at £2400 ; the “Hosebery” present, £IOOO ; retainers, say £I2OO ; and allowing for presents at the rate of £2O for each of the 207 races he won, £4l4o—total, £8740. — Temple Bar.