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
give a good account of himself in any company short of the top
class.
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