Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)
My son, if you go to the races to battle with Ikey and Mo, Remember, it's seldom the pigeon can pick out the eye of the crow; Remember, they live by the business; remember, my son, and go slow. If ever an owner should tell you, "Back mine", don't you be such a flat. He knows his own cunning no doubt, does he know what the others are at? Find out what he's frightened of most, and invest a few dollars on that. Walk not in the track of the trainer, nor hang round the rails at his stall. His wisdom belongs to his patron, shall he give it to one and to all? When the stable is served he may tell you, and his words are like jewels let fall. Run wide of the tipster, who whispers that Borak is sure to be first, He tells the next mug that he meets with a tale with the placings reversed; And, remember, of judges of racing, the jockey's the absolute worst. When they lay three to one on the field, and the runners are twenty-and-two, Take a pull at yourself; take a pull, it's a mighty big field to get through. Is the club handicapper a fool? If a fool is about, p'raps it's you! Beware of the critic who tells you the handicap's absolute rot, For this is chucked in, and that's hopeless, and somebody ought to be shot. How is it he can't make a fortune himself when he knows such a lot? From tipsters, and jockeys, and trials, and gallops, the glory has gone, For this is the wisdom of Hafiz that sages have pondered upon, "The very best tip in the world is to see the commission go on!"
Type of Poem: Didactic Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This anonymous poem uses the metaphor of horse racing to explore themes of wisdom, caution, and the folly of trusting too easily. The speaker, presumably a seasoned gambler or observer of the sport, imparts advice to his son about the pitfalls of the racing world, which serves as a broader commentary on life's challenges and the danger of being naive. The tone is pragmatic and paternal, underlined by a wry humour and cynicism towards the various figures within the racing world.
The poem's structure, composed of seven quatrains with a distinct ABAB rhyme scheme, lends a rhythmic, almost sing-song quality that contrasts with its serious message. Its use of colloquial language and vernacular ("Ikey and Mo", "such a flat", "p'raps it's you") adds authenticity and a personal touch to the speaker's advice. Notable literary devices include irony and paradox, especially in the lines questioning the wisdom of those who claim to know the outcomes of the races yet do not profit from it themselves. The final line, referencing the wisdom of Hafiz, a famous Persian poet known for his insights about life and love, brings a universal, timeless perspective to the poem. This line suggests that the best strategy, whether in the racecourse or life, is not to blindly follow advice, but to observe, understand, and make informed decisions.