Captain Armstrong

Captain Armstrong

English

Etymology

A pun on the name Armstrong, referring to the use of a strong arm.

Noun

Captain Armstrong (uncountable)

1. (horse racing, archaic, slang) A form of cheating in which the jockey deliberately pulls his horse back so that it does not win.
   • 1860, George Alfred Lawrence, Guy Livingstone (page 70)

     "Poor child," he said to himself, all his angry feelings changing, "she seems to have set her heart so upon winning, it would be sad if she were disappointed. No one has much on it: shall I try Captain Armstrong for once? It would make her very happy. Bar accidents, I must win. They don't know that the chestnut has not extended himself yet."

   • 1886, Baily's Magazine of Sports & Pastimes (volume 46, page 413)

     He had practised “Captain Armstrong” so palpably as to be banished from the Turf.

   • The Sporting Magazine (page 208)

     We have not an iota of belief in this or any other "Captain Armstrong" insinuation against high-class jockeys, who have far too comfortable incomes, and too much proper pride, to place their characters in any man's power, […]