A game as multi- facetted and with such a long history as horse racing, is rich in quotes. Entire books could be compiled based on the quirky, wise and significant words spoken by a cross section of personalities that have contributed to the sport’s legacy.
Below are a few to enlighten us – or just draw a knowing chuckle:
This sign is currently posted in the weighing room at Kenilworth: “A good jockey doesn’t need orders and a bad jockey couldn’t carry them out anyway; so it’s best not to give them any.” Lester Piggott
Oisin Murphy, chatting to his valet, sensibly keeps things in perspective after experiencing a roller -coaster of flops and triumphs at Ascot: “There’s no place for tears in here. There are far worse things going on in the world. We’re in the entertainment industry and I’m steering these marvellous animals.”
Further apt words spoken by another jock with years of experience – American Hall of Famer: “Any horse can win on any given day.” Angel Cordero.
Betting advice from renowned New York writer and gritty gambler: “The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong – but that’s the way to bet.” Damon Runyon.
All horseplayers appreciate that this is a tough gig, with maybe only 3% – 4% of bettors winning consistently in a challenging skill-game. Humor helps when we get it horribly wrong: “I played a great horse yesterday – it took seven horses to beat him.” Henry Youngman.
And this: ‘Horse sense is the one thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.” WC Fields
Another wry comment from a brilliant scribe and hardened punter who had seen it all, much of it through a haze of vodka: “One way to stop a runaway horse is to bet on him.” Jeffrey Bernard.
Could this quote elicit some sympathy for the oft- maligned handicappers? “Mr O” Leary is perfectly entitled to his opinion, and I’m perfectly entitled not to listen. As a handicapper it’s amazing how quickly you get used to being despised. I feel sorry for traffic wardens, I always put an arm around their shoulder when I see them.” BHA Handicapper, Martin Greenwood after being criticized for the Grand National mark he allocated to Tiger Roll.
Staying grounded is helpful in any endeavor. Racing is such a difficult game that it keeps even the best practitioners, humble. A famous Danish physicist understands that all too well: “An expert is someone who has made all the mistakes that can be made in a very narrow field.’ Niels Bohr
And the last word in motivation comes from a brave cowboy: “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne