The Sporting Dictionary and Rural Repository, Volume 2 (of 2) / Of General Information upon Every Subject Appertaining to the Sports of the Field

by William Taplin

WEIGHT to the SCALE

.—Bringing the proper weight to the scale immediately after each heat, is in racing a very important consideration. Whatever weight by the conditions, in either plate, match, sweepstakes, or subscription, a horse is appointed to carry, the rider or jockey must have ascertained before the Stewards, or Clerk of the Course, by the scales and weights publicly affixed to the starting-post of every race ground for that purpose. So soon as each and every heat is ended, such rider or jockey is to ride his horse up to the scales, there to be weighed in immediate succession; and any rider or jockey neglecting so to do, dismounting before he reaches the scale, or not bringing his full weight when there, the horse in either case is deemed equally distanced, and can start no more for that plate or prize, whatever may be its denomination.