In a rayce a man must think as quick as he sees, and act
as quick as he thinks, and must have a nice judgment of payce. Now
here comes my word of advice.
1. Remember that many riders beat themselves by over-eagerness.
Well--let 'em, Barnabas.
2. Don't rush your fences, give your mount time, and steady him
about twenty yards from the jump.
3. Remember that a balking horse generally swerves to the left,
Barnabas.
4. Keep your eye open for the best take-offs and landings.
5. Gauge your payce, save your horse for raycing at finish.
6. Remember it's the last half-mile as counts, Barnabas.
7. So keep your spurs till they 're needed, my lad.
A rayce, Barnabas lad, is very like a fight, after all. Given a good
horse it's the man with judgment and cool head as generally wins. So,
Barnabas, keep your temper. This is all I have to say, or your father,
only that no matter how near you come to turning yourself into a
fine gentleman, we have faith as it won't spoil you, and that you
may come a-walking into the old 'Hound' one of these days just the
same dear Barnabas as we shall always love and remember.
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