While looking at a recently discovered blog written by a former apprentice jockey, I came across this newspaper clipping from 30 August 1935. It's about halfway down the page. I love that last sentence. Anyway, this short article surely asks more questions than it answers. I'm guessing that the rattle design would have been more akin to an old football rattle rather than one aimed at the baby market. The thundering of hooves would probably mask the sound of a baby's toy, rendering it next to useless. I'm curious to know more about this rattle - how big it was, how it was carried, decibel output etc. - so if anyone has further information about H. Hedges and his rattle I'd be pleased to know. The whole blog is worth a look, especially to those of us who might look back on the racing scene in the 1960s and 1970s with a sigh of nostalgia.
I suppose until we know a little more about the rattle, it's a bit hard to pass judgement on it's banning. But it does all seem a bit strange. Nice spot BD.
