My Four Years in Germany by James W. Gerard
page 52 of 340 (15%)
page 52 of 340 (15%)
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trainer of one of the best racing stables in Germany, that of
the brothers Weinberg, who made a fortune in dye-stuffs. "Pop" Campbell, who trained Mr. Daly's Ogden, a Futurity winner, is also a Berlin trainer. The top notch jockey was Archibald of California. McCreery, who once trained for one of my brothers, had the stable which rivalled the Weinbergs', that of Baron Oppenheim, a rich banker of Cologne. The German officers are splendid riders and take part in many races. The Crown Prince himself is a successful jockey and racing stable owner. On June fifth, at the annual hunt race, the big steeplechase of the year, the Emperor himself appeared at the Grunewald track, occupying his private box, a sort of little house beyond the finish. Bookmakers are not allowed in Germany. The betting is in mutual pools. About seventeen per cent of the money paid is taken by the Jockey Club, the State and charities, so that the bettor, with this percentage running always against him, has little chance of ultimate success. Many of the races are confined to horses bred in Denmark and the Central Empires. All of us in the Embassy joined the Red White Tennis Club situated in the Grunewald about five miles from the centre of Berlin. The Crown Prince was a member and often played there. He is an excellent player, not quite up to championship form, but he can |
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