The Riders In The Stands

Jockeys have recently come in for some lashing so here's one for them and "up-there's" to the riders in the stands...

For those who may not know "The Riders In The Stands" was written by Banjo Patterson who, was not only a war correspondent here in SA during the Boer War but he also wrote "Waltzing Matilda". For the more discerning reader you can find his poems in the following website www.wallisandmatilda.com.au/banjo-paterson-poems.shtml

"The Riders In The Stands" by Banjo Patterson

There's some that ride the Robbo style, and bump at every stride;
While others sit a long way back, to get a longer ride.
There's some that ride like sailors do, with legs and arms, and teeth;
And some ride on the horse's neck, and some ride underneath.

But all the finest horsemen out -- the men to Beat the Band --
You'll find amongst the crowd that ride their races in the Stand.
They'll say "He had the race in hand, and lost it in the straight."
They'll show how Godby came too soon, and Barden came too late.

They'll say Chevalley lost his nerve, and Regan lost his head;
They'll tell how one was "livened up" and something else was "dead" --
In fact, the race was never run on sea, or sky, or land,
But what you'd get it better done by riders in the Stand.

The rule holds good with everything in life's uncertain fight;
You'll find the winner can't go wrong, the loser can't go right.
You ride a slashing race, and lose -- by one and all you're banned!
Ride like a bag of flour, and win -- they'll cheer you in the Stand...

That has become a classic, for the very good reason that it's all too true.

Excellent

a great quote that comes from the same era that might be relevant -Harry Breaker Morant: "Shoot(ride) straight, you bastards. - Don't make a mess of it!"

Bloody fantastic!

Thanks for posting.