wm^m 3 9090 014 530 097 Hyyi^ Tufis University .. ■ 200 Westboro Road /" JOHNA.SEAVERNS Tm]^©(0)MWE]LIL }FlEi^iMllP^(OM }mq niF. KATHFR OF Tlii: TURK . Henry Colirum, Publisher. Oreat MajlboTOu^h oLreet,164'0 HISTORY OP THE BRITISH TURF, FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT DAY. BT JAMES CHRISTIE WHYTE, Esq. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. LONDON: HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. 1840. 0 TO THE NOBLEMEN AND GENTLEMEN, THE MEMBERS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB AT NEWMARKET, THESE VOLUMES ARE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR MOST OBEDIENT, HUMBLE SERVANT^ JAMES C. WHYTE, London, July, 1840. vm INTRODUCTION. admitted on all hands to have ^' done the state some service" in the well-contested battles of the Peninsula, and finally, in the glorious fight at Wa- terloo ; it is, therefore, rather to prove the beneficial effect our improved breed of blood horses has had upon the commercial interests of the country, that we would address ourselves. In order to do this, it is only necessary that we contrast the mode of travelling before this im- provement had taken place, or extended itself, with that of the present day, Dashwood"^ observes : '' that he is old enough to remember a certain west- coach, (and he takes it for a fair average rate of the travelling in those days), when it always took ten, and sometimes twelve hours, to accomplish its journey, fifty-seven miles, or thereabouts, from yard to yard." Its present time is something above six hours. In 1742, the single stage-coach that travelled between London and Oxford, began the journey at seven in the morning, and did not reach its destination until the evening of the following day, resting at High Wycombe during the intervening night. The same journey is now regularly performed in six hours. Again, so late as in the summer of 1798, the Telegraph, then considered a fast coach, left the * A well-known writer on sporting subjects in the Old Sporting Magazine, in an article on coaching, written in 1824. INTRODUCTION. ix town of Gosport at one o'clock in the morning, and arrived at the Golden Cross, Charing Cross, at eight in the evening ; thus occupying nineteen hours in travelhng eighty miles ; being at the rate of rather more than four miles an hour. This journey is now performed in eight hours. We are quite ready to admit, that this immense change in the rate of travelling, viz. — from four miles to ten in the hour ought to be — in a great measure, laid to the account of the great im- provement which has taken place in the state of our turnpike roads, which in those days, but too often merited the description given of that between Preston and Wigan by Arthur Young, in his Tour in the North of England," published in 1770.=^ * " I know not," writes Mr. Young, *' in the whole range of lan- guage, terms sufficiently expressive to describe this infernal road. To look over a map, and perceive that it is a principal one, not only to some towns, but even whole counties, one would naturally conclude it to be, at least, decent ; but let me most seriously caution all tra- vellers who may accidentally purpose to travel this terrible county, to avoid it as they would the devil, for a thousand to one but they break their necks or their limbs by overthrows or breakings down. They will here meet ^vith ruts, which I actually measured, four feet deep, and floating with mud, only from a wet summer ; what, therefore, must it be after a winter ? The only mending it receives in places, is the tumbling in loose stones, which serve no other purpose but joltmg the carriage in a most intolerable manner. These are not merely opinions, but facts, for I actually passed three carts broken down in these eighteen miles of execrable memory." ( c X INTRODUCTION. While, however, we allow the present improved roads their proper influence, we must maintain, that without the corresponding improvement in our breed of coach-horses, produced by the im- portation of Eastern horses for racing purposes, and which improvement, was brought to its present perfection by the continuance of racing, the in- crease in the rate of travelling would have been trifling. It is, therefore, as having enabled us to avail ourselves of the speed and lasting qualities of a breed of horses far superior to the old, that improved roads have conduced to form our present rate of travelling, and they were accordingly in- creased as this important result became further developed and appreciated, in such a degree, that in 1829, we find the turnpike-roads covered an ex- tent of 24,541 miles. How this important branch of national prospe- rity will be afl'ected by the present rage for rail- roads, must, at no distant day, form a most serious subject for the investigation of the legislature. It is true, that Dr. Mc. Culloch maintains, that al- though railroads will cause the discontinuance of horses upon the direct line, the increased general traffic will make it necessary to employ as great a number of horses as will be displaced. Against this, however, we must oppose the fact, that the opening of the railroad between Manchester and Liverpool, a distance of Uttle more than thirty INTRODUCTION. xi miles, had the effect of dismissing from employ- ment nearly 1000 horses. But, as our present object is rather to explain how great has been the influence of racing in promoting commerce, and in forming and preserv- ing our national habits, customs and manners, we leave to others the defence of the vast interests involved in turnpike trusts, as well as those of our numerous and respectable coaching estabHsh- ments, with their fellow-sufferers, the post-masters, tradespeople, &c. Can we, for a moment, lose sight of the impor- tant fact, that it is to the residence of our nobilitv in their ancient halls, and to the races and mag- nificent hunting establishments they maintain or largely contribute to, we are chiefly indebted for that excellent tone which pervades the English character, the good effects of which are visible in every class, from the peer to the peasant. This union between all ranks in this country, but existing, more especially, among our rural popu- lation, has long been at once the admiration and envy of foreign powers ; some of whose most eminent political writers^ have attributed the pre- servation of our nobility and our institutions, to this cause, when other countries were dissolving under the awful crash of the first French revolu- * Among others, Mr. Cooper, the celebrated American author. xii INTRODUCTION. tion, and the dreadful anarchy and warfare which it, for years, created throughout the whole of Europe. Certain it is, that whenever danger from with- out, or the attempts of anarchists at home, have threatened this country, since the expulsion of James II, the yeomanry have never failed to throng to the national standard, under the guid- ance of our nobility and landed gentry ; and nothing can exceed the courage and good under- standing with which both classes have acted on such occasions. But it is not only in this sense that the national character is benefited. Our upper and middle classes, shunning the frivolous pursuits of the effeminate nobility of the continent, and following manly exercises in the fresh air of their native plains, hills and woods, invigorating both their minds and bodies ; while their offspring, partaking these effects, grow up bold and vigorous, for the defence of their country, both by sea and land, and fitted for all the active and laborious pursuits of life. In addition to the vast sum of money which is annually run for in stakes, plates, matches, &c., a large amount is circulated by the breeders, and more especially the owners, of race-horses,^ among * In 1821, the number of race-horses in respect of which assessed duties were charged amounted to 579; in 1833, to 1007. INTRODUCTION. XUl farmers, tradespeople, and the lower classes, from among whom, they draw their numerous grooms, helpers, &c. Again, we must take into conside- ration the money expended by the thousands who annually frequent our numerous race- courses, to enjoy the innocent and cheerful amusements of the turf, in health and good fellowship. In the literature of the country, the turf main- tains two weekly newspapapers,^ four monthly magazines, viz : — the Old Sporting Magazine, t commenced in 1792 ; the New Sporting Maga- zine,! started in 1824, by Nim South, a favourite writer, for many years previously, in the Old Sport- ing Magazine ; the Sporting Review, § edited by Craven, who left the Old Magazine to begin this, in 1837 ; and the Sportsman, || originated in 1829. All these publications are got up in the best style, with embellishments, and present to their nume- rous readers, articles evincing much and varied talent on every subject of sporting interest ; the price of the three former being 2s. 6d. per number, of that of the latter, only Is. 6d. In addition to these, we have Weatherby's * Bell's Life in London, published by the proprietor, Mr. Clement, in the Strand, and the Sunday Times, published by John Kemble Chapman, Fleet Street. f Published by M. A. Pitman, Warwick Square, Newgate Street. ^ Published by Spiers, Oxford Street. § By Ackerman, Eclipse Sporting Gallery, Regent Street. II By Rogerson, Norfolk Street, Strand. XIV INTRODUCTION. Racing Calendar, the Sportsman's Pocket Refe- rence Book, the Turf Remembrancer, and two sporting almanacs, all of which are published an- nually. In no other country in the world exists the same encouragement for breeding and running race- horses, in the number and value of the prizes which tempt the amateur or follower of the pursuits of the turf, on every side, in constant succession. A few striking facts, at once show this to be the case ; and are proud and convincing evidence, at once, of the spirit of enterprize and the great wealth and prosperity of the British nation. In three starts, it is possible for a three-year-old filly to win £11,000, and a colt of the same age, nearly £9,000 ; and this, too, in the course of a few successive months. "^ The total amount of money run for in Great Britain and Ireland, over one hundred and fifty-three different race-courses, in the vear 1839, exceeded in value the enormous sum of £143, 204. t In addition to which we have to add the royal plates, shown in the fol- lowing table. * The Riddlesworth stakes, at Newmarket, the Derby and Oaks stakes at Epsom, and the Doncaster St. Leger stakes, have amounted, taken together, to these sums. The fact of colts not being allowed to start for the Oaks, while filhes may run for both Derby and Oaks, explains the difference in the above amounts. t These amounts are as correct as we could obtain them, and are certainly, if anything, rather under the amount than over. INTRODUCTION. XV Queen's Plates run for annually in Great Britain and Ireland, in 54 races, at 37 different places. Paid from the allowance of Formerly paid from Scotch and Irish the Master of the Horse's de- Paid from the Privy Purse. Civil Lists— now voted annually. partment. i 1 Ascot Heath, grant- 1 Ascot Hunter's Plate £ s d ed in 1826. 1785. 1 Royal Corporation, 2 Canterbury.* 2 Bedford. County of Down. . 92 6 2 3 Carlisle, 1763. 3 Chester. 2 ,) j» 105 0 0 4 Chelmsford, 1770. 4 Goodwood. 3 Curragh of Kildare. 106 4 0 5 Doncaster.* 5 Hampton. 4 105 0 0 6 Guildford.* 6 Lancaster. 5 fj it 106 4 0 7 Ipswich.* 7 Leicester. 6 M i» 106 4 0 8 Lewes.* 8 Liverpool. 4 9> t9 106 4 0 9 Lincoln.* 9 Northampton. 8 »» » 106 4 0 10 Lichfield.* 10 Shrewsbury. y >» >> 106 4 0 11 Manchester, 1823. 1 1 Curragh of Kildare, 10 105 0 0 12 Newcastle.* whip and 100 gs. 11 106 4 0 13 Newmarket.* 12 Ascot Echpse, foot 12 ,i it 105 0 0 14 Ditto.* and 200 sovs. 13 „ „ 106 4 0 15 Ditto.* 13 Brighton cup lOOgs. 14 Belle wstown. 106 4 0 16 Nottingham. 14 Guernsey ditto, £30. 15 Londonderr}\ 106 4 0 17 Richmond and York 16 Edinburgh. 98 12 6 alternately. 18 Salisbury.* 11 Plates at lOol. 1155 Brighton cup. . 105 17 Caledonian Hunt. 98 12 6 19 Warwick, 1789. Echpse foot, &c. 200 £1771 11 2 20 Weymouth, 1825. Guernsey cup. . 30 21 Winchester.* 22 York.* £1490 22 Plates at £105 each, £2,310. SUMMARY. Master of the Horse's department. . 2310 0 0 Privy Purse. 1490 0 0 Voted annually. . 1771 11 2 £5571 11 2 N.B. — All those plates marked * were granted before 1760. Having endeavoured to show the importance of the Turf as conducive to our national prosperity, we may be permitted to remark upon that intole- rant spirit, which has urged on a numerous band xvi INTRODUCTION. of opponents to endeavour to put down the amuse- ment of racing, and who do not scruple to resort to the most wilful misrepresentations to effect their object. A writer^ belonging to this class, only recently travelled out of his way, and treated the public with a chapter on the Turf, written in that spirit of hostiUty, on " rehgious grounds," which Pope so admirably censures in the following lines : *^ For virtue's self may too much zeal be had, The worst of madmen is a saint run mad." We are far from wishing to interfere with the Unknown Tongues , the Revivals, the Praying in the Highways y and other similar enjoyments of these w'orthy people. Those who think that the Being, who loves his creatures to a degree beyond the power of human conception, delights in their misery, may be as wretched as they please, and live in the full indulgence of sighs and tears and groans. We only ask in return toleration for those of a different opinion. This, however, they appear unwilling to grant, and accordingly grum- ble at the least appearance of innocent mirth and enjoyment among their neighbours, w^hether pursued within or without doors, on the grounds that all public amusements have an immoral tendency. It is not when the mechanic or labouring man enjoys recreation in public, in the society of his * Grant's Travel's in London. INTRODUCTION. xvii wife and family, that he gives way to the indulgence of drinking. On the contrary the amusement (of whatever nature) passing before him, occupies his mind and withdraws his thoughts from less innocent gratification. Among continental nations, where intoxicating liquors can be obtained at the most trifling ex- pense, we find the vice of drunkenness almost un- known, even among the very lowest classes ; and this is accounted for, chiefly by the numerous places of cheap public amusements, which every where abound, were the mechanic passes his even- ing with his family or friends, and at which the presence of modest females of his own class, gives a proper tone to society; *' emoUit mores et non sinit esse foeros." Such is the perverseness of our saints in this respect, that so far from encouraging similar places of harmless entertainment they either obstinately refuse, or do all they can to prevent the obtaining of music and dancing licences to public houses, and thus drive the poor man to the monotonous solitude of the tap-room, or to the vitiated society of its frequenters, when in either case drinking forms his only resource. The following just observations of our late re- vered monarch, on the subject of racing, cannot be too generally known. When, in 1836, on a deputation from the town xviil INTRODUCTION. ofEgham waiting on William IV, to express their thanks for His Majesty's munificent gift of a free plate of 100 gs. His Majesty made the following gracious reply to the deputation : — ** I feel most deeply the dutiful attention that induced this ac- knowledgement of an act, prompted, on my part, by a desire to show that I am sensible of the mu- nificence and loyalty of a parliament and a people that have, not only enabled me to possess as a re- sidence that ancient and magnificent castle — the pride of Jlnglishmen and envy of foreigners — but to follow the dictates of my heart in furthering the wishes and promoting the happiness of every class of my people, whether of the gentleman of large fortune, or of that class," looking towards the inhabitants ofEgham, *' which I always con- sider as forming that most important connecting link in a chain, that binds the heart of a sovereign to the interests and enjoyments of his people. I consider this to be a national sport — the manly and noble sport of a free people ; and I deeply feel the pride of being able to encourage these pas- times, so intimately connected with the habits and feelings of this free country. I cannot help ad- verting to the spot on which we are now assem- bled to enjoy an amusement so truly national — a spot which derives such a peculiar claim to our veneration from the circumstance, that here arose that first dawning of liberty so dear to my heart — INTRODUCTION. XIX SO dear to the hearts of every one of my people. Neither I nor anybody can be present without call- ing to mind, that here it was that our liberties were obtained and for ever secured, and that we are here to enjoy those liberties and sports which I will, with my utmost power, ever protect and fos- ter^ and, in so doing, never lose sight of the wel- fare and enjoyment of every clasr of my people, from the highest to the lowest." We have endeavoured, in these volumes, to give all the most useful and interesting facts and infor- mation connected with the Turf, from its earliest origin, and which now only exist in so dispersed and broken a form, as to be utterly useless to general readers, and difficult of access even to the few whom curiosity might induce to take the trouble, and be at the expense of particular in- quiry. At the same time that the reader has before him, the performances, pedigrees, weights, &c. of the celebrated horses of the last century, he will find those of the most modern date, and thus be enabled to draw his own comparison between them. As a book of reference, we ^flatter ourselves, he will find in our pages, every description of infor- mation as to facts which he may require, con- nected with racing. On every point we have con- stantly referred, at the expense of much time and labour, to the best authorities, and where an event XX INTRODUCTION. has appeared doubtful, we have so expressed our- selves, and given our authority. In conclusion, we claim the indulgence of our readers for any inaccuracies we may have fallen into, and which it is extremely difficult to avoid in a work of this description. CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. CHAPTER I. Page Introduction — Early history of the Horse . . .1 CHAPTER II. Early history of the horse and horse-racing in Great Britain — Brief review of the most remarkable writers on the science of horses and horsemanship . . . . . .17 CHAPTER III. On the Arabian and other Eastern horses . . .43 CHAPTER IV. The Arabian, Turkish, Barb, and Persian horses imported mto Great Britain . . . . . -71 CHAPTERV. Zoological Classification of the Horse — Its external structure — Teeth, &c.— Size, Formation, Colour, Speed, &c., of the tho- rough-bred Horse . . . . . .94 Xxii CONTENTS CHAPTERVI. Page Rules concerning Horse-racing in general — Rules and orders of the Jockey Club— Admission of New Members of the Jockey Club — Rules for the Rooms— Nominations, &c. — Present Members of the Jockey Club— Adjudged Cases — The Law of Horse-racing, and of Wagers thereon — Colours at present worn by the Riders ...... 139 CHAPTER VII. The Race-courses in Great Britian and Ireland— The various Stakes run for over each annually, with many others particulars of interest to the British Sportman . . . .187 CHAPTER VIII. Earliest Racing Calendar — Tregonwell Frampton, Esq., Father of the British Turf — Amusing Anecdote of — Origin of the dif- ferent meetings at Newmarket — Royal Plates, &c. — Extract from a curious work on racing published in the reign of Charles II. ...... . 385 CHAPTER IX. Pedigrees and Performances of the most celebrated race-horses from Basto in 1703 up to Marske, (sire of Eclipse) in 1750, &c. &c. — Basto — Old Scar — Bay Bolton — Lamprie — Brocklesby Betty — Molly — Buck-hunter — Fox — Flying Childers — Bonny Black — Bartlett's Childers— Squirrel — Miss Neesham — Old Cartouch — Mr. Calvert's wager — Bald Charlotte — Crab — Hobgoblin — Fearnought — Starling — Partner — Young Car- touch — Little Partner — Miss Layton — Lath — Spanking Roger — Second — Volunteer — All the horses "distanced in a race at CONTENTS. xxiii Page Maldon in 1738 — Torismond — Moorcock — Babram — Little Driver — Silver Leg — Othello — Sampson — Mr. Cooper Thorn- hill's match against time, 213 miles in 11 hours, 33 minutes and 52 seconds — Match'em — Brilliant — Forester. . . 410 CHAPTER X. 1750 to 1754 — Marske (sire of Eclipse) — Snap— Syphon— Cruel match between Crop and Mr. Harrison's roan horse — ^The Earl of March's celebrated chaise match at Newmarket — Careless — Dainty Davy — Lottery — Spider — Match between Skewball and Miss Sportly on the Curragh of Kildare — Extraordinary per- formance of Mr. Spelding's mare on the Curragh — Sir Charles Turner's match against time — 300 miles in 64 hours, and 20 minutes, by Mr. Croker's mare. .... 460 CHAPTER XL 1754 to 1764 — Squirrel — Engineer — Miss Pond's match at New- market, 1,000 miles, in 1,000 successive hours — King Herod — Mr. Jenison Shafto's match at Newmarket, 50 miles in two hours — Gimcrack —Bay Malton — Mr. John Woodcock's extra- ordinary performance at Ne^vmarket, 100 miles a-day, (on any one horse each day), for 29 successive days, for 2,000 gs. . 492 CHAPTER XH. The celebrated race-horse. Eclipse. . . . .515 CHAPTER XHL Pedigrees and performances of the most celebrated race-horses, &c., continued from 1764 to the period of the establishment of the Great St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster, 1 717 — Goldfinder — Cicero — Forester— Paymaster — Solon — Trentham — Mark An- Xxiv CONTENTS. Page thony - Mambrino - Sweet-William - Firetail - Johnny- Pumpkin-Sweetbriar-Shark-Young Marske-Donmont- Pot-8o's-HigMyer-HoUandoise, the first winner of the St. Leger. . . , • LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. VOL I. Page TregonweU Frampton, Esq., (the Father of the Turf.) Frontispiece. Old English Horse ^^ Horse of the time of Charles I ^^ The Arabian Horse ^^ The Godolphin Barb ^^ Flying Childers .102 Skeleton of the Horse ^^^ Horse's Teeth ^^^ Earl of March's Carriage ^^^ VOL. II. The Queen at Ascot, 1840 Frontispiece. HISTORY OF THE BRITISH TURF. CHAPTER I. Introduction— Early history of the Horse. BuFFON observes of the horse, that it ranks in the first scale of excellence of all animals coming under the denomination of cattle, — pos- sessing a grandeur of stature, an elegance and proportion of parts, superior to other quadrupeds. Endowed with a form and sagacity eminently- adapted for the use of man, the domestication of the horse forms one of the most valuable acqui- sitions made from the animal kingdom. The chisel and the pencil of the artist have, from the remotest antiquity, combined with the pen of the poet, to embody his beauties and attributes, to VOL. I. B 2 HISTORY OF THE adorn their works ; and we cannot do better than give the following pre-eminently poetical description of this noble animal in his compara- tively wild state, as an introduction to the his- tory of his highest cultivated excellence. The earliest passage we meet with in the works of the writers of antiquity, in which the horse is brought forward with the fire of inspired genius, we find in the 39th chapter, and from the 19th to the 25th verse, of the Book of Job. It is in the following words : '' Hast thou given the horse strength ? Hast thou clothed his neck with thunder ?^ *' Canst thou make him afraid as a grass- hopper ? The glory of his nostrils is terrible. * We find the following' note in Berenger's Horsemanship, vol.i. p. 12. on the use of the word thunder in the above quotation. *' In this enumeration of the beauties and noble qualities of the horse, it should be remarked that the English translators make Job say that the animal's neck is clothed with thunder, an expression as false as it is absurd. The true rendering of this passage is, that his neck is clothed with a mane; thus Bochart, Le Clerc Patrick, and other commentators translate it. Bochart says that the word which in Hebrew signifies thunder is synonimous for the mane of a horse ; but this being so, it is astonishing that the translator should have set aside the just and natural signification, and have chosen to cover the horse's neck with thunder instead of a mane; nor is it less amazing that this nonsense should have been extolled by the author of the Guardian, [Guardian, vol. ii. p. 26.] and others as an instance of the subhrae." BRITISH TURF. 3 ** He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength ; he goeth on to meet the armed men. ** He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted, neither turneth he back from the sword. *' The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. '' He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage, neither believeth he that it is the sound of the trumpet. '*He saith among the trumpets Ha, Ha, and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shouting.""^ Again Homer, in the 6th book of the Iliad, has the following beautiful simile : The wanton courser thus with reins unbound. Breaks from his stall, and beats the trembhng ground ; Pampered and proud he seeks the wonted tides, * The Rev. Dr. Scot gives the following translation of the above passage, which he considers incorrectly rendered in the common version : " Hast thou given spirit to the horse ? Hast thou clothed his neck with a mane ? Canst thou make him bound as a locust ? The majesty of his snorting is terrible. He paweth in the valleys and exulteth ; he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear and trembleth not ; nor turneth he back from the sword. Against him rattleth the quiver, the glittering spear and shield. He devours the ground with fierceness and rage, and is impatient when the trumpet soundeth. He uttereth among the trumpets Ha ! Ha ! He smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains and the shouting." b2 4 HISTORY OF THE And laves in height of blood his shining sides ; His head, now freed, he tosses to the skies. His mane dishevel'd o'er his shoulders flies ; He snuffs the females in the distant plain, And springs exulting to his fields again/* And Virgil, in the 6th book of the JEneid, nearly equals his great master in the following lines : So joys the steed when bursting from his bounds. And flies impetuous o'er opposing mounds ; Seeks female herds, or in the well-known flood Bathes his bright sides to cool his fiery blood. He neighs, and rears his lofty neck ; behind His spreading mane, on either side reclined. Luxuriant flows and wantons in the wind.'* Many of the early writers on the horse have entered into much controversy and research, for the purpose of demonstrating the exact period when this noblest and most useful auxiliary to man among animals, first became subject to his dominion ; but always without success. The impossibility of penetrating the obscurity which envelopes the earliest ages of mankind must ever prevent us from arriving at accurate data on that point. But with the aid of those authorities we possess, we may attain all that is useful, as well as much that is curious, in the BRITISH TURF. early history of the subjugation of the horse to the uses of man. Created, as the sacred volume informs us, before man, we have httle doubt he inhabited, with his future master, the fertile nursery as- signed him by the Almighty in the East ; where, being brought in almost constant contact with each other, it is highly probable that but a brief period elapsed before man availed himself of the services of an animal so obviously fitted by na- ture to his use. The earliest mention of horsemanship on record, we find in the Bible, where, in the 50th chapter of Genesis, verse 9, horsemen are named as forming part of the funeral procession of Jacob; and again, in the 14th chapter of Exodus, verse 9, horsemen are enumerated among the troops with which Pharoah chased the Israehtes on their departure from Egypt. Homer, who is generally supposed to have been cotemporary with Joshua, frequently dwells on the beauty of the horses which drew the cha- riots of his heroes, although it may be remark- ed, as a singular fact, that he makes but two references to horse riding in his great poem the lUad, and but one in the Odyssey. The first in the Iliad (K 513) is where Ulysses andDiomede, having stolen the horses of Rhesus without the 6 HISTORY OF THE chariot, mount and gallop them to the Grecian camp. That in the Odyssey (E 371) is in des- cribing Ulysses after his shipwreck, as bestriding a beam of wood among the waves, in the atti- tude of a man on horseback — Ittttov iXocvvoou — a passage the exact meaning of which is pre- served in none of the published translations. Again in a metaphor in the 1 5th book of the IHad: ** So when a horseman, from the watery mead, (Skill'd in the manage of the bounding steed) Drives four fair coursers, practised to obey. To some great city, through the pubhc way ; Safe in his art, as side by side they run. He shifts his seat, and vaults from one to one ; And now to this and now to that he flies ; Admiring numbers follow vnth their eyes." Virgil, in his 3rd Georgic, attributes the first breaking of horses for riding to the Lapitse, thus translated by Dryden : " Bold Erichthonieus was the first who joined Four horses for the rapid race design'd. And o'er the dusty wheels presiding sat : The Lapitse to chariots add the state BRITISH TURF. \ Of bits and bridles ; taught the steed to bound. To run the ring, and trace the airy round ; To stop, to fly, the rules of war to know, T' obey the rider, and to dare the foe." Strabo asserts that the Medes, Persians, and Armenians were the first that broke in the horse to the saddle ; and when we call to mind, that in all probability the fertile plains between the Tigris and Euphrates were the early nursery of this noble animal, this opinion would appear the most correct. However this may be, from the records of the Old Testament, we are able to ascertain the exact period when, in Egypt and Canaan, this animal began to be domesticated. 1920 years before Christ, when Abraham was driven into Egypt by the famine which raged in Canaan, Pharoah offered him sheep and oxen, and asses and camels ; and doubtless horses would have been added, had they at that time been domes- ticated in Egypt. Taking the period during which Joseph served the Egyptian monarch, as that during which the horse became the servant of ma^ in Egypt, this event would appear to have taken place about 1740 years before Christ; and 1450 years be- fore the Christian era the horse was so far natu- raUzed in Greece, that at the Olympic games 8 HISTORY OF THE then instituted, both chariot and horse races were included. The natives of Canaan are spoken of in the 11th chapter of Joshua, (1420 before Christ,) and again in Judges, (1250 before Christ,) as having used great numbers of horses in battle ; but the Israelites, partly that their leaders might keep their nation distinct from the sur- rounding heathens, and partly from making their strongholds among the mountains, made no great use of cavalry in war. A passage in Deuteronomy, (chapter XVII, verse 16) — *' But whoever shall be king of Israel shall not mul- tiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should mul- tiply horses" — proves that, although perhaps not the original domesticators of the horse, the Egyptians, in every respect undoubtedly the most civilized people of that age, were then famous for breeding horses. Modern authors have been generally induced to adopt the opinion of BufFon, who held the horse to be indigenous to Arabia ; but we find this position in direct opposition to the authority of the sacred writings. About 1095 years be- fore Christ, when Saul, king of Israel, led his army against the tribes of Arabia, we find no mention of horses amongst his plunder, although BRITISH TURF. camels, oxen, sheep, and asses are particularly enumerated. Even at the time when Jeru- salem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, the Arabians serving in the host of that conqueror appear to have derived their horses from the plains of Mesopotamia.^ The nature of the country, moreover, is in favor of this scriptural evidence. The scanty herbage of its desert plains affords no facility for the breeding and rearing of horses ; and it appears more probable that the Arabian horse, and in like manner the thorough bred horse in our native country, are indebted, chiefly if not entirely, to the great skill and constant attention of their breeders, for the just celebrity which they have attained. The horse formed a prominent feature in the fabulous, but in many instances beautiful, tales of the heathen mythology. Neptune, we are told, created the horse, by striking the earth with his trident ; and Pluto carried off Proser- pine in a chariot drawn by four horses, whose names are given in these records of superstition. * The 2nd Chronicles, chap, ix, which alludes to King Solomon obtaining gold and silver from that country, while it informs us that they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt and out of all lands, makes no express mention of Arabia ; which would scarcely have been the case, had they come originally from that part of Asia 10 t HISTORY OF THE In Ovid's beautiful fable of Phaeton, a descrip- tion is given of the horses which were supposed to draw the chariot of the sun, and which we find thus alluded to by our own immortal bard : *' Gallop apace, ye fiery-footed steeds. To Phoebus mansion ; such a waggoner As Phaeton would whip you to the west. And bring in cloudy night immediately."* The goddess Aurora is represented, by the an- cient poets, drawn in a rose coloured chariot by milk white horses, and preceding the sun at his rising. It was one of the labours of Hercules to destroy Diomedes, king of Thrace, a tyrant who is said to have fed his horses on human flesh. Mars, the god of war, was generally represented as riding in a chariot, drawn by furious horses, named Flight and Terror ; and horses were offered up on his altars, to propitiate his warlike spirit. The origin of the Centaurs, half man half horse — a favourite fable of the ancients, some of whom, as Plutarch and even Pliny, have actually maintained that these monsters existed — is thus given by Palsephatus, in his book, De Incredibilibus Historiis. This author relates, that in the reign of Ixion, king of Thes- * Romeo and Juliet, Act III, scene 2 BRITISH TURF. 11 saly, a herd of mad bulls descended from Mount Pelion, and ravaged the whole neighbouring country. In consequence of a large reward being offered by Ixion for the destruction of the bulls, certain adventurous young men turned their attention to the training of horses for the saddle ; before that time they having been only used in chariots. These men having attacked the bulls on horseback, and cleared the country of them, soon became insolent, ravaged the plains of Thessaly, and even attacked Ixion himself. At their departure from these frays, the ignorant Lapitse, as the inhabitants of that part of the country were called, seeing only the tails of the horses and the heads of the men, took them for monsters, half man half horse. Having given these as forming the earliest records on the subject of horsemanship, men- tioned in the best authorities of sacred and pro- fane history, we will proceed to notice the first introduction of horse-racing, which took place at a very early period among the Greeks. Here we must be understood as not referring to chariot racing, — which already, in the time of Homer, formed a prominent feature among the games of the Greeks, upon all solemn festivals and occasions, — but to the establishment of races between horses ridden by men. 12 HISTORY OF THE That the utility of pubhc horse-racing was understood and appreciated by the Greeks, is sufficiently evident by the introduction of horse- racing among the Olympian games, which were held at Elis every four years, about the time of the 24th Olympiad ; and it is a curious fact, that at the 71st Olympiad, such progress had been made in these races, that besides prizes insti- tuted for aged horses, we find a race formed for mares only, called Calpe, much on the same principle as the Oaks of the present day. The Olympian Hippodrome at Elis, where these races were held, is thus described by Pausanias : '' This course was divided into two parts ; the stadium for foot races and athletic exercises ; the hippodromus, as the name im- plies, for equestrian trials. The barrier, or starting post, was in the shape of the prow of a ship, with the beak towards the course ; and towards the other side, at which it became broader, it was connected with the portico Agnamptus, as it was called, from the name of its architect. A bar appears to have stretched across the course at the extremity of the beak, and upon this was fixed a brazen dolphin. The space on either side the beak extended 400 feet in length, and in it were various stands, both for horses and BRITISH TURF. 13 chariots, distributed by lot to the competitors ; in front of these was suspended a rope. About the middle of the prow stood an altar of unburnt brick, which was fresh plastered at every re- newal of the games. Upon it was a brazen eagle, with outspread wings, w^hich at a parti- cular time, worked by some ingenious ma- chinery, flew upwards, while the dolphin before mentioned sank below. At this moment the barriers were let down, and the horses and cha- riots moved forward from their particular stands, according to the order of their lot, till they were ranged in an even line at the point of the beak ; the race then began. One side of the course stretched along a hill ; the other, which was the larger of the two, was formed by a cause- way." '' We will here relate an anecdote of a mare called Aura, the property of one Phidolas, a Corinthian, which threw her jockey in the race, but continued her course as if he had kept his seat, increasing her pace at the sound of the trumpet, which was used as the signal of the coming in, and having been first at the winning goal, presented herself to the judges, as if con- scious of having won. The Elians declared her the wanner, contrary to the present custom in such cases. These judges, called Hallanodics, 14 HISTORY OF THE regulated all matters at Olympia, exercising a « power which would not be relished at the pre- sent day ; for we find them not only excluding from the games, and imposing fines upon, such as were convicted of fraud, but even inflicting upon them bodily correction. Having sufficiently shown the origin and pro- gress of horsemanship and racing among the ancients, at least as far as we are borne out by creditable authorities, and as the limits of this work will allow, we w^ill now conclude this in- troductory chapter by a glance at Zenophon's IIEPI inniKHS, CDe EquitatuJ the earliest known work among the Greeks, or in fact, among the ancients ; for although the breeding and training of horses must have been cultivated, both by the Romans, and by those warlike nations of the north of Europe who at length subverted the Roman empire, no waiters on these subjects, if any did exist, have descended to us ; whatever knowledge was attained in those days has pe- rished with them ; and after Zenophon we have no writers on horsemanship until the beginning of the sixteenth century. Not only is the work of Zenophon deserving of attention on account of its antiquity, but the reader will be surprised to find how superior it is, in almost every respect, to nearly all the BRITISH TURF. 15 works on the same subject which have followed it, up to the eighteenth century. Zenophon refers to a previous work by Simon of ^gina, but of which nothing is now known,- — a matter of little consequence, as Zenophon pro- fesses to give all the passages in it that are worthy of notice. He commences with instructions to a purchaser, in which he recommends especial attention to the legs and hoofs. He then parti- cularly commends the use of gentleness in breaking in and training ; in which respect he differs from most of the later writers, great vio- lence being the practice they generally advise. He then proceeds to refer to the teeth, as a sure criterion of a horse's age. His instruc- tions for stabling, feeding, and exercise, show much judgment ; and among other things, he recommends that an outer court should be strewed with small round stones, confined by an iron rim, so that by constant treading upon these, the hoofs may acquire hardness ; — a fact well worthy of remark, as it proves that at this period the Greek horses were not shod. His duties of a groom being curious, we will briefly describe them. They are, to know how to fasten a horse properly to his manger, to keep the stalls clean, to curry the body, and wash the head, mane, and tail. The legs are 16 HISTORY OF THE not to be washed, as he fancies damp softens the hoof, and also that it is so much labour lost, as they so soon become dirty again ! At- tention is particularly enjoined in keeping the heels clean, — a most salutary recommendation. Among those precepts most worthy of being follov/ed, is that in which he advises the groom never to be angry with the horse ; but if a horse is startled at any thing, he is to be gently led up to it, and the rider is to handle it before him. Blows are on no account to be given, as the horse in such cases lays them to the account of the object by which it has been terrified. The remainder of his work is devoted to directions to the rider, as to the proper manage- ment of his horse in leaping, public shows, and war. His other work inriAPXIKOS, containing in- structions to his son Gryllus, relates entirely to military horsemanship. BRITISH TURF. 17 CHAPTER II. Early history of the horse and horse-racing in Great Britain — Brief review of the most remark ble writers on the science of horses and horsemanship. If, in the absence of any authority as to the exact period when horses were first brought into this country, we might hazard an opinion, we should feel inclined to fix it as coeval with, or at least as immediately following, the coloniza- tion of the Island. Emigrating, as the first settlers did, from the opposite coast of Gaul, where, in common with all the other barbarian nations of the North and "West of Europe, they must have been much accustomed to the use of horses, it seems natu- ral that, feeling early the want of them in their newly-adopted country, their immediate efforts would be directed to obtain them ; and we think it far more probable that they should have brought them over on rafts, from the opposite VOL. I. c 18 HISTORY OF THE continent, during the finest days of summer, than that they should have been imported by the Phoenicians, who frequented the island at a very early period, for the purpose of trade. However this may be, we find on Csesar's in- vasion of Great Britain, that the landing of the Roman troops was opposed by immense bodies of horsemen, besides chariots and infantry ; and as the fact is well established by the testimony of many Roman historians, we are bound to take it in preference to what is 'advanced by Bede, who assigns the year 631, in the reign of Edwin the Great, as the earliest period at which the English began to use saddle horses. That horses were introduced into Britain many years before its invasion by the Romans, would further appear from the immense number used by the Britons against their invaders ; as we find Casibelanus, King of Trinobantes, of which people Canterbury was the capital, har- rassing the march of the Romans with 4000 chariots. We will now endeavour to trace our subject through the obscurity of the middle ages, until we arrive at what may be considered the real commencement of our present breed of race horses ; and as we shall always give the authorities from which we have derived our in- BRITISH TURF. 19 formation, we do not in any respect consider ourselves as pledged for its infallibility. The earliest mention of race-horses, or as they were called in those days, running-horses, in our national annals, is of those in the 9th^ century, sent by Stugh, founder of the royal house of Capet, in France, as a present to King Athel- stan, whose sister, Ethelswitha, he was soliciting in marriage. In the reign of William the Con- queror, according to Cambrensis, Roger de Bellesme, a follower of the King, and created for his military services. Earl of Shrewsbury, imported some stallions from Spain into his estate in Powisland ; and we find their produce celebrated afterwards by Drayton, the poet. This is the first well-authenticated step we can find towards the improvement of the breed of horses. Fitzstephen, a monk of Canterbury, secretary to the celebrated Archbishop a Becket, and who flourished in the reign of Henry II, gives the following account of races in Smithfield, in his '' Description of the City of London," originally published in Latin, but afterwards translated in- to English by John Strype : *' There is also without one of the city gates, * Malmsb. de gest. Reg. Angl. Lib. II cap. VI. c 2 20 HISTORY OF THE and even in the very suburbs, a certain plain field, such both in reality and name, Smithfield, from a Saxon word, smith, signifying smooth. Thither come, either to look or to buy, a great number of persons resident in the city — earls, barons, knights, and a swarm of citizens. When a race is to be run by this sort of horses,^ and perhaps by other, which also in their kind are strong and fleet, a shout is immediately raised, and the common horses are ordered to withdraw out of the way. Three jockies, some- times only two, according as the match is made, prepare themselves for the contest, (such as being used to ride know how to manage horses with judgment.) The grand point is to prevent a competitor from getting before them. The horses, on their part, are not without emulation. They tremble, are impatient, continually in mo- tion, and at last, the signal once given, they strike, devour the course, hurrying along with unremitting velocity ; the jockies inspired with the thoughts of applause, and in the hopes of victory, clap spurs to the willing horses, bran- dish their whips, and cheer them with their cries. You would think, according to Heraclitus, that all things were in motion, and that the * He refers to what, in a previous passage, he denominates the more vahiable hackneys and charging steeds. BRITISH TURF. 21 opinion of Zeno was certainly wrong, as he held there was no such thing as motion, and that it was impossible to reach the goal." Drayton the poet testifies to the correctness of this account, which is the earliest to be found of racing in this country. Fitzstephen does not say whether prizes or money were run for in these races ; or whether it was merely to show off the paces of horses to the buyers, (Smithfield being at that day the market for the best, as well as the inferior sorts of horses) ; but we are inclined to think that, if not exactly at the period he writes of, a very short time elapsed before matches for considerable sums were run for; as we find in the next reign, that of Richard I, a match, for what was a very large sum in those days, is spoken of in the old metrical romance of Sir Bevis of Stamp ton. ^ " In somer in Whitsuntide, When knights most on horseback ryde, A courselet they make on a day. Steeds and palfraye for to essaye Whiche horse that best may run. Three miles the course was then. Who that might ryde him shoulde Stave forty pounds of redy golde " * Sir Bevis of Stampton, black letter, printed by Wm. Cop- land, Garrick's collection, K. vol. ix. 22 HISTORY OF THE And in another romance of the same period, written to celebrate the warlike actions of Richard I, we find that swift running horses were greatly esteemed by the heroes who figure in it, and rated at prodigious prices, even allow- ing for the exaggeration of the poet in the pre- sent quotation. The poet, or more properly speaking, rhymer, is speaking of races in the camp. *• Two steedes fownde King Richard, Thatt von Farell, that other Syard, Yn this worlde they hadde no pere Dromedary, rabyte, ne cammele Goeth none so swifte without fayle. For a thousand pounde of golde He shoulde the one be solde." Passing over those reigns, of which no records exist bearing upon the subject we have in view, although we may fairly presume that swift run- ning horses continued in request, and were highly prized and sought after by breeders, we come to the reign of Edward III. 1326. — This monarch, we find, purchased running horses at the price of £13. 65 Sd each — equal to £160 in money of the present day ; and in the ninth year of his reign he re- ceived a present of two running horses from the King of Navarre, supposed to have been valua- BRITISH TURF. 23 ble, as the King gave 100 shillings to the person who brought them. This warlike prince was particularly fond of horses, and procured supplies of them from dis- tant countries, with the view of improving the national breed. It appears, from the annals of this reign, that this prince was indebted at one time to the Count of Hainault 25,000 florins, besides large sums to other foreign powers, for horses ; but we are inclined to think the great- est number of these were intended to fill up the ravages the constant wars of this epoch had pro- bably occasioned among the horses of the army. In this reign, horses were divided into the ma- naged, or those disciplined for war, and into coursers, amblers, palfreys, nags, and ponies. Henry VII . — The custom of gelding horses, now in general practice, took its origin about the reign of Henry VII. At that period, nu- merous herds of horses, belonging to the landed proprietors, grazed together when the harvest was gathered in, on which account the horses were castrated. Henry VIII. 1509.— This King who was remarkable for his attachment to manly sports and exercises, took great pains to improve the royal stud ; and Sir Thomas Chaloner, a writer in the commencement of the reign of Queen 24 HISTORY OF THE Elizabeth, mentions his having imported horses from Turkey, Naples, and Spain. In this reign a law was made, for the purpose of securing strength and size in the breeding of horses, which remains unrepealed to this day. By this law (32 Henry VIII. c. 13.) it is enacted *' That no person shall put in any forest, chase, moor, heath, common, or waste (where mares and fillies are used to be kept) any stoned horse above the age of two years, not being fifteen hands high, within the shires and territories of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge, Buckingham, Huntingdon, Essex, Kent, South Hampshire, North Wiltshire, Oxford, Berkshire, Worcester, Gloucester, Somerset, North Wales, South Wales, Bedford, Warwick, Northampton, York- shire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire, Salop, Leicester, Hereford, and Lincoln ; nor under fourteen hands in any other county, on pain of forfeiting the same ;" and it proceeds, ** It is lawful for any person to seize any horse so under size, in manner following : — he shall go to the keeper of such forest, or (out of such forest) to the constable of the next town, and require him to go with him to bring such horse to the next pound, there to be measured by such officer, in the presence of three other ho- nest men, to be appointed by the officer \ and if BRITISH TURF. 25 he shall be found contrary to what is above expressed, such person may take him for his own use." Also, by the same statute, (section 6) ** all such commons and other places shall within fif- teen days after Michaelmas yearly, be driven by the owners and keepers, or constables, respect- ively, on pain of 406-. and they shall also drive the same at any other time they shall think meet ; and if there shall be found, in any of the said drifts, any mare, filly, foal, or gelding, which shall not be thought able, nor like to grow to be able to bear foals of a reasonable stature, or to do pro- fitable labours, by the discretion of the drivers, or the greater number of them, they may kill and bury them." (Section 7.) Even infected horses are prohibited from being turned into such commons by the same act — (Section 9,) '' whereby it is enacted that no per- son shall have, or put to pasture, any horse, gelding, or mare, infected with the scab, or mange, in any common or common fields, on pain of 10^. and the ofience shall be enquirable in the leet, as other common annoyances are, and the forfeitures shall be to the lord of the leet." Carew, in his History of Cornwall, supposes this act of parliament to have been the occasion 26 HISTORY OF THE of losing almost entirely the small breed of horses which were peculiar to that country ; and no doubt the same effect was produced in Wales. This loss, however, was well repaid by the race of large and powerful horses which took their place. The following illustration of the horses of England in this reign is taken from the Regula- tions and establishments of Algernon Percy, the fifth Earl of Northumberland, begun in 15 J 2. *' This is the ordre of the chequir roul of the nombre of all the horsy s of my lordys, and my ladys, that are appointed to be in the charge of th^ hous yerely, as to say, gentill horsys, palfreys, hobys, naggis, clothsek hors, male hors. *' First, gentill horsys, to stand in my lordis stable, six. Item, palfreys of my ladis, to wit, oone for my lady, and two for her gentill women, and oone for her chamberer. Four hobys and nags for my lordys oone saddill, viz : oone for my lorde, and oone to stay at home for my lorde. *' Item, chariot hors, to stand in my lordis stable yerely. Seven gret trottynge horsys to draw in the chariott, and a nag for the chariott man to ride, eight. Again, hors for Lord Percy, his lordship's son and heir. A gret BRITISH TURF. 27 doble trottynge hors, called a curtal, for his lordship to ride on out of townes. Another trottynge gambaldyn hors for his lordship to ride on when he comes into towns. An am- blynge hors for his lordship to journeye on daily. A proper amblynge little nag for his lordship when he goeth on hunting and hawking. A gret amblynge gelding, or trottynge gelding, to carry his male." It is proper to explain that the gentill horse was one of superior cattle, and made the best chargers. Palfreys were an elegant kind, mostly of a small size, and broken in to the use of ladies, and aged or infirm people of rank. Hobys were strong active horses of a small size, and are supposed to have come originally from Ireland. This breed being at one time in high repute, gave origin to the phrase, by which any favourite object is termed a man's hobby. The clothseJc, or male horse, was one that carried the cloak-bag, or portmanteau. Chariot horses, (derived from the French word charotte, from which again the English word cart), were waggon horses. ^ A gret doble trottynge horse, was a heavy powerful horse, whose pace was a trot, being 28 HISTORY OF THE either too unwieldy in itself, or carrying too great weights to gallop. A curtal was a horse whose tail was cut or shortened. A gamhaldynge horse was one of show and parade ; from the Italian word gamba, (leg). An amhlynge horse was one of much the same description, but whose more quiet ambling pace adapted him especially to the use of ladies. In the reign of Edward VI., horse stealing was made a capital offence. By the 1st Edward VI, cap. 12, we find it enacted, *' that no person convicted for felonious stealing of horses, geldings or mares, shall have the privilege of clergy." But this enactment being in the plural number, caused a doubt whether a person con- victed of stealing one horse, mare, or gelding, was entitled to benefit of clergy, and two acts were subsequently passed in the same reign, to remedy this defect. Elizabeth. 1558. We have every reason to believe that the country derived much benefit to its breed of horses in this reign ; as it is more than probable that great numbers of Barbs, and Spanish horses descended from Barbs, were taken on board the numerous vessels captured BRITISH TURF. 29 by Lord Howard of Effingham, the British admiral, on the defeat and dispersion of the Spanish Armada. From what cause does not appear, but it is certain that racing fell off as a public amuse- ment in this reign. We do not find it mentioned as forming part of the amusements with which the Earl of Leicester entertained his royal mis- tress on her visit to Kenilworth ; and^ Com- menius says at this day, 1590, tiJting or the quintain is used when a ring is struck with a truncheon instead of horse racing, which, he adds, is grown out of fashion. That this was not on account of any gambling or improper practices being attached to it, we may gather from the writings of John Northbrook, a puritan, who, though very severe against cards, dice, and plays, allows horse-racing, classing it with hunting and hawking. That race-horses, however, were still highly prized on account of their breed, appears from the following observations in one of Bishop Hall's satires. t * Commenius, in his vocabulary, entitled Orbis Sensualium Pietus, published towards the conclusion of the sixteenth cen- tury. t Bishop Hall's Satires, Lib. IV, Sat. 3, Edit. 1599. 30 HISTORY OF THE ***** Dost thou prize Thy brute beast's worth by their dam's quahties ? Say'st thou, this colt shall prove a swift-paced steed. Only because a jennet did him breed ? Or say'st thou, this same horse shall win the prize. Because his dam was swiftest Trunchifice, Or Runcevall his syre : himself a galloway ? While like a tireling jade, he lags half way. It is remarkable that such was the large falling off in the number of cavalry horses between the reign of Edward VI, in 1547, and the middle 9f Ehzabeth, that in 1588, when England was threatened by the Spanish Armada, no more than 3,000 cavalry could be mustered in the whole kingdom, to suppress the invasion. Towards the close of this reign coaches were introduced by Fitzallen, Earl of Arundel, their inventor, and such was the demand for horses thus occasioned, that a bill was actually intro- duced into the House of Lords, to restrain the excessive use of coaches. It was, however, lost on the second reading. Before this the Queen was, on state occasions, accustomed to ride be- hind her master of the horse. But for a con- siderable period after the introduction of coaches, saddle horses continued in use at state cere- monies ; for so late as the Restoration, King Charles the Second made his entrance into Lon- BRITISH TURF. 31 don on horseback, between his brothers, the Dukes of York and Gloucester, attended by a splendid cavalcade. James I. 1602. — If we find racing languish- ing in the former reign, it would seem but to have laid by, to start up with increased vigour in this, from which we may safely date the foundation of our present system. This king gave £500 to Mr. Markham for an Arabian ; — probably the first Arabian introduced into this country. The Duke of Newcastle, who wrote in the reign of Charles II, and whose work we shall presently notice, mentions the Markham Arabian as a little bay horse, not well shaped, and as having been beaten in every race he ran. From this we learn that even at this period the English had attained some progress in the swift- ness of their race horses. A south eastern horse, called the white Turk, was imported about the same period by Mr. Place, afterwards stud -master to Oliver Crom- well, who purchased it. In this reign, races were run for silver bells, at Gatherly in Yorkshire, Croydon, Chester, and Theobalds, on Enfield chase, and the food, physic, exercise, sweats and weight (which was usually ten stone) began to be rigidly attended to. The following ceremony is mentioned by 32 HISTORY OF THE the elder^ Randel Holme, the Chester antiquary, as having been performed according to custom near that city, in the presence of the mayor, at the Cross, in the Rodhi, orRoody, an open place near the city. A silver bell, valued at about three shilUngs and sixpence, is placed on the point of a lance, to be given to him who shall run the best and furthest on horseback before them on Shrove Tuesday. These bells went by the name of St. George's bells, and the younger Randel Holme tells us that in the last year of this reign (1624) John Brereton, innkeeper. Mayor of Chester, first caused the horses en- tered for this race, then called St. George's race, to start from the point beyond the new tower, and appointed them to run five times round the Roody ; and, he continues, he who won the last course or trayne, received the belly of a good value, £8 or £10, and to have it for ever, which moneyes were collected of the citizens for that purpose. By the use of the term, for ever, it would appear that the bell had been formerly used as a mark of temporary distinction only, by the successful horsemen, and afterwards re- turned to the Corporation. * Randel Holme of Chester, one of the city heralds, M.S. Harl. 2150, fol. 235. BRITISH TURF. 33 Bassompierre, a French writer, mentions that in this reign, the merit of the EngUsh horses began to be so evident, that many were pur- chased and sent into France, where they con- tinue to be much valued and admired. It would also appear that towards the conclusion of this reign, the English method of keeping and managing horses, was thought so judicious that France, and other neighbouring countries, thought proper to adopt it, and no doubt by this judicious treatment the foundation was laid for that celebrity of the British race horse, which so soon followed the introduction of Eastern blood. Charles I. 1625. — The first races which were held at Newmarket, took place in this reign, in the year 1640, although the round course was not made till 1666 ; and as a further proof of the rapid progress already made in the improvement of the national breed of horses, we find one Sir Edward Harwood ignorantly complaining of what he calls the scarcity of able horses in the kingdom, there not being so many as 2,000 that were equal to a like number of French horses ; the cause of which he supposes to be the strong addiction which the nation had to racing and hunting horses, which, for the sake of swiftness, were all of a lighter and VOL. I. D 34 HISTORY OF THE weaker mould. We may here remark, as highly probable, that the invention of gunpowder and the general use of fire-arms, which caused heavy armour to be disused, did much towards effecting this change, by bringing lighter and fleeter horses into general demand. Butcher,* a writer of this period informs us, in his Survey of Stamford, that a race was annually run for in that town, for a silver and gilt cup with a cover, of the value of £7 or £8, provided by the care of the alderman for the time being, out of the interest of a stock for- merly made by the nobility and gentry in the neighbourhood. The following lines are from an old ballad in D'Urfey'sf collection of songs, and supposed to have been written in this reign. It is called '' Newmarket," and plainly shows not only that that place was then famous for the exhibition of horse races, but that they were not always conducted with the strictest integrity : ** Let cullies that lose at a race. Go venture at hazard to win ; Or he that is bubbl'd at dice, Recovei at cocking again. * Butcher's Survey of the Town of Stamford, first printed A.D. 1646. chap. 10. t Pills to purge Melancholy, 4th edition, A.D. 1719, vol. 2, page 83. BRITISH TURF. 35 Let jades that are foundered, be bouglit ; Let jockies play crimp to make sport ; Another makes racing a trade. And dreams of his projects to come. And many a crimp match has made By bubbing* another man's groom." In a farce, or interlude, played in the same reign, (1641) entitled '' the Merry Beggars, or the Jovial Crew," we find races alluded to in Hyde Park ; but as this is the only mention of them we find, we are inclined to think that they were never of much importance. Burton, in his Anatomy of Melancholy, touches on the expense attending these pursuits, in a passage which seems to imply that much mo- ney was ventured on races. He observes, *' riding of great horses, running at rings, tilts and tour- naments, horse races, and wild goose chases,! which are disports of greater men, and good in themselves, though many gentlemen by such means, gallop themselves out of their for- tunes." As a proof of the attention of this monarch to equestrian exercises, he issued a general order in the commencement of his reign, directing the * Bribing. t These we imagine to have been what are now called steeple chases, and if so is the earliest mention of them we find. D 2 36 . HISTORY OF THE use of bits instead of snaffles, which were used in the army before that time. 1653. — Ohver Cromwell, with his accustomed sagacity, perceiving the vast benefit derived to the nation by the improvement of its breed of horses, the natural consequence of racing, pa- tronised this already pecuUarly national amuse- ment ; and we find, accordingly, that he kept a racing stud. Mr. Place, whose name, coupled with that of his horse, the famous white Turk, before alluded to, will live for ever in the memory of all British sportsmen, was Crom- well's master of the stud ; and it is to be deeply regretted that the civil war of that eventful period has prevented us from receiving any records of racing during the Protectorate. An anecdote which has been handed down, of a narrow escape of the Protector, when driving in person four horses in Hyde Park, from their running away and overturning the carriage, when a loaded pistol he always carried about his person went off, would serve to show his fond- ness for equestrian amusements ; at the same time it would appear this great man found it less difficult to keep a whole nation in subjection than to control four horses. We now approach that important epoch in the history of the British horse, the reign BRITISH TURF. 37 of Charles IT, when the importation of Eastern blood by that monarch, which was continued under his successors, together with the firm root public racing took among the most popular amusements and pursuits of the people, led to the perfection of the British horse, by the formation of the thorough -bred or racing breed. Before we commence this eventful era, al- though not immediately bearing on the object of this work, it may not be altogether devoid of interest to give a brief review of the works of the most eminent writers on the science of horses and horsemanship, previous and up to this period. The first writer we come to, worthy of notice after Zenophon, is Grisone, who published his works at Naples (then the chief school of Euro- pean horsemanship) , in the beginning of the six- teenth century. It is entitled, '' Gli ordini di Cavalcare di Federigo Grisone Gentilhuomo Napolitano," and is entirely devoted to military horsemanship. It is now very scarce ; the only copy we remember to have seen is in the British Museum. Many of the writers who followed Grisone have copied largely from his work. Solomon de la Brone, Escuyer d'Esurie du Roi (Henri IV), et de Monseigneur le Due 38 HISTORY OF THE d'Espernon, published in Paris, a work contain- ing chiefly the precepts he derived from his master, Pignatelli, of Naples, a pupil of Gri- sone. Michaell Baret produced an Hipponomie, or the Vineyard of horsemanship, &c." written in a quaint scholastic form, and well worth the pe- rusal of the curious in these matters. It is divided into three books, the first dedicated to King James, the second to Thomas Dove, bishop of Peterborough, and the third, which* applies the precepts of the two first to hunting and running horses, to Sir Francis Payer. The author treats his subject logically, and some- times in the form of syllogisms, as in the fol- lowing : — ** Nothing that doth tend to violence doth worke according to the true art of horse- manship ; but all hard cavisans, bittes, and snafiies doe tend to violence : ergo, no hard cavisans, bittes, and snaffles doe tend to the true art of horsemanship." He prefers a good and lasting, to a speedy race horse. 1624. — Antoine Pluvinel published ''Maneige Royale, ou Ton pouvait remarquer le defaut et la perfection du chevalier en tous les exercices de cet art digne des Princes, fait et practique en I'instruction du Roy (Louis XIII) par An- toine Pluvinel, son Ecuyer Principal, Conseiller BRITISH TURF. 39 en son conseil d'Etat, son chambellan ordinaire, et sous-gouverneur^ de sa Majeste. Le tout grave et represents en grandes figures de taille douce par Chrispian de Pas, Flammand a Thon- neur du Roy, et a la memoire de M. de Pluvinel. Paris 1624." This is written partly in the form of a dialogue between the King and his in- structor. Rene de Menon strongly recommends Pluvi- nel's system in his publication, * * La practique du Cavalier.'^ The last of these productions we shall here mention, and which brings us up to the time of Charles II, is the splendid work of William Cavendish, afterwards Duke of Newcastle, writ- ten and published during his long exile at Ant- werp, in 1658. It was originally written in French, and entitled, '' Methode et Invention nouvelle de dresser les Chevaux," containing a frontispiece and forty-two well executed plates. The Duke was instructor in riding to Charles II, when Prince of Wales ; and mentions that such was the precocity of his royal pupil, that at between nine and ten years of age the young prince had attained the most firm and beautiful seat ever beheld, and managed a horse, through all his airs and paces, with the greatest address and judgment. This work, although containing 40 HISTORY OF THE much repetition, besides many of the precepts of previous writers, is still worthy of notice. The Duke's opinion of the relative merits of the horses of different countries, is remarkably just, and well deserving of being given in his own words : *' We will now enquire into the difference existing between the breed of horses of these countries. I have not seen many Turkish horses, but there are various breeds among them, as may be imagined from the vast extent and diversity of the Grand Seignor's dominions. The Turkish horse stands high, though of une- qual shape, being remarkably beautiful, active, with plenty of power, and excellent wind, but rarely possesses a good mouth. Much praise is given to the grandeur of carriage of the Neapo- litan horse ; and in truth they are fine horses, those I have seen being both large, strong, and full of spirit. I have not only seen many Spanish horses, but several have been in my possession. They are extremely beautiful, and the most eligible of any, either to form subjects for the artist, or to carry a monarch, when, sur- rounded by the pomp and dignity of majesty, he would show himself to his people ; for they are neither so intemperate as the barbs, nor so large as the Neapolitans, but the perfection of BRITISH TURF. 41 both. The barb possesses a superb and high action ; is an excellent trotter and galloper, and very active when in motion. Although gene- rally not so strong as other breeds, when well chosen I do not know a more noble horse ; and I have read strange accounts of their courage, for example, when so badly wounded that their entrails have protruded, they have carried their riders safe and sound out of danger, with the same spirit with which they entered it, and then dropped dead." He gives the preference to barbs, though, as he observes, he may be prejudiced in their fa- vour by having had and seen more of them than of any other sorts of horses. The best sorts he observes come from Cordoue, in Andalusia, where the King of Spain has a stud. Endea- vouring to establish the superiority of his fa- vourite sort of horse, he mentions that an old nobleman, who served under Henry IV, told him in France, that he had often seen barbs up- set the heavv Flemish horses in a tilt : '* and I have taken," he continues, ^' the bone of the leg of a barb, and found it to be almost solid, having a hollow scarcely large enough for a straw ; while, on the other hand, in the same bone of a Flanders horse, you may almost insert your finger." He further recommends 42 HISTORY OF THE barb stallions to be put to English mares, with fine skins and good shapes for breeding. We will conclude this chapter with transla- tions of the word horse into the most celebrated languages of the earth. The horse, in Hebrew, is called Sus^ and the mare Susah ; in Syriac, he is called Rekesh and Soucias ; by the Arabians, Bagel, by the Chal- deans, Ramakin and Susuatha ; by the Persians Asbaca; by the ancient Greeks, Hippos, and in the modern Greek, Alogo ; in the Latin Equus and Caballus ; in Italian and Spanish, Cavallo ; in French, Cheval ; in German Pferd and Kossz; by the Bohemians, Kun; and by the Dutch, Paard. BRITISH TURF. 43 CHAPTER III. On the Arabian and other Eastern horses. The history of the British horse may be di- vided into three distinct epochs, the first and second of which we have treated of in the preced- ing chapter. The first epoch consists in the ages of chivalry, when a strong, heavy horse, partaking largely both in shape and qualities, of the Flemish and cart horse breed, was required by the knights in their numerous w^ars, who not only carried heavy armour themselves, but loaded their chargers with it also. We remember to have seen this description of horse admirably illus- trated in a very old Dutch painting, of the drowning of the Egyptian host in the Red Sea. The woodcut given below is taken from this painting, from which it would appear that Myn- heer the artist evidently made the cart-horse- 44 HISTORY OF THE looking animal of his own country and day- stand as the naodel for the light Barb and Ara- bian coursers which no doubt formed the cavalry ofPharoah's host. The second epoch we would assign to the period when the invention of gunpowder, gra- dually abolishing the use of armour, together with the introduction of racing, caused stud owners to turn their attention to the breeding of a lighter and fleeter animal, more fitted to the demands of the changed times. In the reign of James I this may be said to have been finally effected ; and we have given a facsimile of the horse in general use in the reign of Charles I, as represented in the forty-two plates of the Duke BRITISH TURF. 45 of Newcastle's Treatise on Horsemanship, which we consider forms a fair specimen of the im- provement which had already manifested itself in the second epoch. As we purpose treating fully in another place of the thorough bred horse which forms the third and last epoch, according to the theory we have ventured ' to lay down, we will now proceed to the consideration of the Arabian and other Eastern horses, which laid the foundation of our present racing breed. The extensive country called Arabia, cele- brated in all ages for freedom and independence, 46 HISTORY OF THE is situated at the south-western extremity of Asia. It is bounded on the south-west by the Red Sea and the Isthmus of Suez ; on the north east by the Persian Gulf, and the lower course of the Euphrates ; on the north-west by Syria, the Euphrates, and the intervening desert ; and on the south-east by the Indian ocean. The country is described as a vast collection of rocky and precipitous mountains, encircled by a bor- der of low, barren, and sandy plains, which dif- fer widely in their climate, soil and productions. The plains consist, either of bare rocks, or of hard or loose sand, and suffer from an almost constant drought, there being no rivers ; conse- quently the deep wells and springs scattered at distant intervals, and which are generally sur- rounded by a small margin of the most refresh- ing verdure, form the sole resource of the fainting traveller. The temperature of other tropical climates is moderate in comparison with the heat of these deserts, where the thermometer is generally above 100° during the night, in the morning 108% and in the course of the day rises to 110°, and often higher, in the shade. The mountainous tracts immediately behind these dry and sandy deserts, stretch backwards from the sea shore, and contain numerous vallies of remarkable fertility, forming the celebrated re- gion called by the ancients Arabia Felix. BRITISH TURF. 47 Such is the country justly renowned for ages for the swiftness, patience of fatigue, spirit, and dociUty of temper, of its breed of horses. We have before observed that Arabia cannot lay claim to the honour of having been the original nursery of the horse, nor is it known at what period, or from whence, it obtained this useful animal. Even so late as the seventh century of the christian era, so far was Arabia from abounding in horses, that the historian who re- lates the attack of the prophet Mahomet upon the Koreish, near Mecca, mentions only two as following in his train; and although in the plunder of this cruel and exterminating expedi- tion, he carried with him on his return 24,000 camels, 40,000 sheep, and much silver, horses do not appear to have formed a portion of the spoil. Among the numerous memorable acts of Mahomet, certainly not the least worthy of at- tention may be said to be the formation of those breeding studs, which we firmly beheve laid the real foundation of the perfection of the Arabian horse. The following interesting tradition of the ori- gin of the Kochlani, or Kailhan, or noble race of horses, whose genealogy, with true Eastern exaggeration, has sometimes even been traced to the stud of Solomon, is from a German work on Arabia. The author relates that the Arabian 48 HISTORY OF THE prophet, wishing to set aside from his stud the best mares, in order to form a distinct and per- fect breed, had them all kept for two entire days and nights without water. On a sudden, when almost mad with thirst, the mares are released, and gallop with the swiftness of the wind to the well-known spring. When in view of the re- freshing waters, by a preconcerted signal, the trumpets sound a war charge. At this well- known sound five of the mares, forgetting in a moment the agonies of their thirst, leave un- tasted the waters of the spring, and gallop to the imagined war ; and from these five mares the author imagines the noblest breed to have descended. The dry air and soil of Arabia seem pecu- liarly adapted to produce hard muscular fibre ; accordingly we find the Arabian horse in the highest, and other Eastern breeds in an inferior, degree, possess a firmness of anatomical organi- zation unequalled except by the English thorough bred horse. The nature and character of the horse of the desert particularly adapted him to produce an animal which, as in the case of the race horse, is called upon to put its physical powers to the severest trial to which nature, aided by art, can submit. These advantages, which he derives from climate, and the great care exercised in breeding and rearing him by BRITISH TURF. 49 his Arab master, arise from the possession of larger muscles and smaller bones than any other horses ; muscles and sinews constituting the powers of action ; and on these depend the lasting qualities of an animal going at the top of his speed. Bones, being the weight to be lifted, serve only to extend the parts ; and it is obvious that such as are small, but highly condensed, like those of the deer and the Arabian horse, are, by occupying less space, and containing less weight, more easily acted upon by muscular force than such as are large and porous, and for a greater duration of time, without fatiguing the active powers. But the excellence of the horse of the desert does not end with his highly condensed bone and flat and wiry leg, so much valued by real judges. On reference to the works of eminent writers on the anatomy of the horse, we find all the muscles, and fibres, and sinews of his frame described as driven into closer contact than those of any other breed ; always excepting our own thorough bred horse ; and from the mem- branes and ligaments being composed of a firmer and thinner substance, he possesses the rare union of strength with lightness, so essential to the endurance of fatigue in all quick motions ; and when to these qualifications are added the VOL. I. E 50 HISTORY OF THE peculiar and deer-like elegance of his form, the broad squareness of forehead, the short fine muzzle, the prominent and brilliant eye, the small ear, and the beautiful course of the veins, he appears to furnish all the requisites of a race horse* THE ARABIAN HORSE. ^:^j-i»v^y The pure Arabians are smaller than our race horses, seldom exceeding fourteen hands two inches in height, and are never known, in tropi- cal countries, to turn roarers or to have curbs. Count Rzeiousky gives the following account of the docility and sagacity of the kohlan, or first class of Arabian breed of horses, translated by an English writer, and which we give, as being BRITISH TURF. 51 very curious, although we think it highly exag- gerated. *' Above all horses in the world," writes the Count, *' the kohlan is distinguished for the goodness of his qualities and the beauty of his form. He possesses uncommon mildness of temper ; an unalterable faithfulness to his mas- ter ; a courage and intrepidity, as astonishing as they are innate in his noble breast ; an un- failing remembrance of the places where he has been, and of the treatment he has received ; not to be led, not to be touched, but by his master ; in the most dreadful confusion of battle, cool and collected, he never forgets the place he came from, and though mortally wounded, if he can gather up sufficient strength, he carries back his desponding rider to his defeated tribe. ** His intelligence is wonderful : he knows when he is sold, or even when his master is bargaining to sell him. When the proprietor and purchaser meet for that purpose in the sta- bles, the kohlan soon guesses what is going on, becomes restless, gives from his beautiful eye a side glance at the interlocutors, scrapes the ground with his foot, and plainly shews his dis- conj^nt. Neither the buyer nor any one else dares to come near him : but, the bargain being struck, when the vendor, taking the kohlan by E 2 52 HISTORY OF THE the halter, gives him up to the purchaser with a slice of bread and some salt, and turns away, never more to look at him as his own — an an- cient custom of taking leave of a horse, and his recognizing a new master — it is then that this generous and noble animal becomes tracta- ble, mild, and faithful ta another, and proves himself immediately attached to him whom his passion, a few minutes before, might have laid at his feet, and trampled under his hoofs. *' This is not an idle storv ; I have been a witness of, and an actor in the interesting scene, having bought three kohlans in 1810 and 1811, from Turkish prisoners. I made the bargain in the stables, and received personally, and led off the most fierce but intelligent ani- mals, which before the above mentioned cere- mony, I should not have dared to approach. The fact has been confirmed to me by all the Turkish and Arab prisoners, and by several rich American merchants who deal in horses, and go generally to the desert to buy them. The koh- lans also evince great warlike qualities." Bishop Heber thus describes the docility of the Arabian horse. He says : *' My morning rides are very pleasant. My horse is a nice, quiet, good-tempered little Arab, who is so fearless, that he goes, without starting, close to BRITISH TURF. 53 an elephant, and so gentle and docile, that he eats bread out of my hand, and has almost as much attachment and as many coaxing ways as a dog. This seems the general character of the Arabian horses, to judge from what I have seen in this country. It is not the fiery dashing animal I had supposed, but with more ration- ality about him, and more apparent confidence in his rider, than the majority of English horses." Chillaby, the property of Mr, Jennings, of Clay Hall, Essex, formed a singular exception to the gentle and naturally tractable disposition of the Arabian horse ; being so ferocious that he was kept chained in his stall, like a wild beast. He was, however, afterwards purchased and tamed by Hughes, for the circus, at the opening of that place of amusement in Lon- don. In the belief that anv information, and even anecdotes, relative to the Arabian parent stock from which our celebrated racing breed derive their origin, will not be out of place in a work professing to record the most renowned per- formances of the latter, we will proceed to give a few of the most interesting and best authen- ticated facts stated in the works treating on this subject. 54 HISTORY OF THE Major Denham, the intelligent African tra- veller, thus expresses himself on the death of his favorite Arabian horse, in the deserts of central Africa : *' There are a few situations in a man's life, in which losses of this nature are felt most keenly ; and this was one of them. It was not grief, but it was something nearly approaching to it ; and though I felt ashamed at the degree of derangement I suffered from it, yet I was several days before I could get over the loss. Let it, however, be remembered, that the poor animal had been my support and comfort, nay, I may say, companion, through many a dreary day and night, had endured both hunger and thirst in my service ; and was so docile, that he would stand still for hours in the desert, while I slept between his legs, his body affording me the only shelter that could be obtained from the powerful influence of a noonday sun ; he was yet the fleetest of the fleet, and ever fore- most in the chase." Nothing can exceed the attachment that exists between the poor Arab and his horse, often his whole stock of wealth. The mare and her foal inhabit the same tent with his family, and are caressed by all. The body of a mare is often the pillow of her master, and more frequently of BRITISH TURF. 55 his children, who roll about upon her and the foal, without the least risk. The kindness thus engendered, is returned by the mare in many of those situations when the life of the child of the desert depends only on the sagacity and swiftness of his faithful courser. " When the Arab falls wounded from his mare, she will immediately stand still, and neigh until assistance arrives. Should fatigue compel him to he down to sleep in the desert, she watches over him, and arouses him on the approach of man or beast. Among the many anecdotes illustrating the attachment of the Arab to his mare, the follow- ing are particularly touching. An old Arab had a valuable mare, that had carried him for fifteen years in many a hard fought battle, and many a rapid weary march ; at length, eighty years old, and unable longer to ride her, he gave her, and a scymitar that had been his father's, to his eldest son, and told him to appreciate their value, and never He down to rest until he had rubbed them both as bright as a looking-glass. Tn the first skirmish in which the young man was engaged, he was killed, and the mare fell into the hands of the enemy. When the news reached the old man, he ex- 56 HISTORY OF THE claimed that life was no longer worth preserving, for he had lost both his son and his mare ; and grieving for one as much as the other, he immediately sickened and died."^ We have the following interesting account of the love of an Arab for his horse in Clarke's Travels : — *' Ibrahim, a poor but worthy Arab, unable to pay a sum of money which he owed, was compelled to allow a merchant of Rama to be- come a partner with him in a valuable mare. When the time came, he could not redeem his pledge to this man, and the mare was sold. Her pedigree could be traced on the side of sire and dam for full five hundred years. The price was £300, an enormous sum in that country. After the sale, Ibrahim went frequently to Rama to inquire after the mare ; he would embrace her, wipe her eyes with his handkerchief, rub her with his shirt sleeves, and give her a thou- sand benedictions, during the whole two hours that he remained talkmg to her. 'My eyes T he would say to her, ' my soul ! my heart ! must I be so unfortunate as to have sold thee to so many masters and not keep thee myself? I am poor, my antelope ! I brought thee up in * Smith on Breeding, p. 80. BRITISH TURF. 57 my dwelling as my child. I did never beat or chide thee ; I caressed thee in the proudest manner. God preserve thee, my beloved ; thou art beautiful, thou art sweet, thou art lovely ! God defend thee from envious eyes !" M. de Chateaubriand, in his Travels in Greece, thus relates the feat of an Arab mare, which died to save her master. '* When I was at Jerusalem, a feat of one of these steeds made a great noise. The Bedouin, to whom the animal, a mare, belonged, being pursued by the governor's guards, rushed with her from the top of the hills that overlooked Jericho. The mare scoured at full gallop down an almost perpendicular declivity without stumbling, leaving the pursuers lost in admira- tion and astonishment. The poor animal, how- ever, dropped down dead on entering Jericho, and the Bedouin, who would not quit her, was taken, weeping over the body of his faithful companion. This mare," he continues, *' has a brother in the desert, who is so famous, that the Arabs alwavs know where he has been, where he is, what he is doing and how he does." The following well known story addresses itself peculiarly to the feelings in favour of the poor Arab of the desert. 58 HISTORY OF THE The whole stock of one of these consisted of a mare ; this the French consul at Said offered to purchase, with an intention of sending her to Louis XIV. The Arab hesitated long, but being pressed by poverty, he at length con- sented, on condition of receiving a very con- siderable sum, which he named. The consul wrote to France for permission to close the bar- gain, and having obtained it, he immediately sent for the Arab, to secure the mare, and pay for her. The man arrived with his magnificent courser. He dismounted, a wretched spectacle, with only a miserable rag to cover his body. He stood leaning upon his mare ; the purse was tendered to him ; he looked at the gold, and gazing steadfastly at his mare, heaved a deep sigh ; the tears trickled down his cheeks. ' To whom is it,' he exclaimed, * 1 am going to yield thee up ? To Franks, who will tie thee close, who will beat thee, who will render thee mise- rable ! Return with me, my beauty ! my jewel I and rejoice the hearts of my children !' As he pronounced the last words, he sprung upon her back, and was out of sight in a moment." Thus did this despised Arab show a sensi- bility we might in vain look for among the civilised Europeans, preferring his hard lot rather than to attain riches by surrendering the animal BRITISH TURF. 59 he had reared in his tent and in the bosom of his family, to what he supposed the unkind treat- ment of strangers. Sir John Malcolm relates two anecdotes to the same purpose, but of a more amusing na- ture. '* When the British envoy, returning from his former mission, was encamped near Bagdad, an Arab rode a bright bay mare of extraordinary shape and beauty before his tent, until he at- tracted his attention. On being asked if he would sell her, ' what will you give me V was the reply. ' That depends upon her age ; I suppose she is five off?' * Guess again,' said he. 'Four?' * Look at her mouth,' said the Arab, with a smile. On examination she was found to be rising three. This, from her size and symmetry, greatly enhanced her value. The envoy said, ' I will give you fifty tomans (a coin nearly of the value of a pound sterling). * A little more, if you please,' said the fellow, apparently entertained. ' Eighty.' ' A hun- dred.' He shook his head and smiled. The offer at last came to two hundred tomans. • Well,' said the Arab, you need not tempt me further ; it is of no use ; you are a rich elchee (nobleman). You have fine horses, camels, and 60 HISTORY OF THE mules, and, I am told, you have loads of silver and gold. Now', added he, ' you want my mare, but you shall not have her for all you have got.' ""^ ** An Arab sheick, or chief, who lived within fifty miles of Bussorah,.had a favorite breed of horses. He lost one of his best mares, and could not for a long while discover whether she was stolen or had strayed. Some time after, a young man of a different tribe, W'ho had long wished to marry his daughter, but had always been rejected by the sheick, obtained the dam- sel's consent and eloped with her. The sheick and his followers pursued, but the lover and mistress mounted on one horse, made a won- derful march, and escaped. Upon this the old chief swore that the fellow was either mounted upon the devil, or the favorite mare he had lost. After his return, he found the latter was the case ; that the lover was the thief of his mare, as well as of his daughter, and that he stole the one to enable him to carry off the other. The sheick was quite gratified to think he had not been beaten by a mare of another breed ; and was easily reconciled to the young man, in order * Malcolm's Sketches of Persia, vol. 1, p. 41. BRITISH TURF. 61 that he might recover the mare, which appeared an object about which he was more sohcitous than about his daughter."^ The poverty of the Arabs enables them to afford but scanty nourishment to their horses. Besides the dry aromatic herbage they may chance to pick up, the Arabian horse usually has but one or two meals in twenty-four hours. At night it receives a little water ; and five or six pounds of barley or beans and a little straw. In Nedjed the horses are regularly fed on dates, and the fragments of any provisions that may be used by the inhabitants ; and some writers have even asserted, that flesh, raw as well as boiled, is given them by the wealthy people, a practice in the prevalence of which we are not incUned to place much faith. Very httle water is given, as the Arabs conceive (and justly) that much liquid injures the horse's shape and affects his wind. The colt is mounted after its second year, when the Arab on all other occasions so kind to his horse, puts it to a cruelly severe trial. The colt, or filly, is led out to be mounted for the first time ; its master springs on its back, and rides at full speed for perhaps fifty miles, over sand and rock of the burning desert, without one * Malcolm's Sketches of Persia, vol 1, p. 45. 62 HISTORY OF THE 4 moment's respite. He then plunges it into water enough to swim, and if immediately after this, it will eat as if nothing had happened, its purity of blood and staunchness are considered incontrovertible . Such is the account handed down to us by respectable authorities, who in their turn re- ceived it from the Arabs themselves ; but some allowance should be made for the proneness to exaggerate for which all eastern nations are remarkable, more especially the Arabians ; and glorying as they justly do in the prowess of their beautiful steeds, it is not to be wondered at, if they should sometimes enlarge upon it to foreigners. The greatest care is exercised in breeding the kohlan, or kailhan, the noble race ; mucii cere- mony takes place as well at the union of these animals as at the birth of the foal ; and a certi- ficate is made out, and properly authenticated, within seven days after that event. It is gene- rally believed that pedigrees of the noble race of horses exist of not less than five hundred years, with sire and dam distinctly traced. The following pedigree is mentioned by Weston, in his Fragments of Oriental Literature : it was found hanging round the neck of an Arabian horse purchased by Colonel Ainslie, during the last campaign in Egypt against the French. BRITISH TURF. 63 '' In the name of God, the merciful and com- passionate, and of Seyd Mohammed, agent of the High God, and of the companions of Mo- hammed and of Jerusalem. Praised be the Lord, the omnipotent Creator. This is a high bred horse, and its colt's tooth is here in a bag about his neck, with his pedigree, and of un- doubted authority, such as no infidel can refuse to beheve. He is the son of Rabbaing, out of the dam Lahadah, and equal in power to his sire, of the tribe of Zazhalah. He is finely moulded, and made for running like an ostrich, and great in his stroke, covering much ground. In the honors of relationship he reckons Zaluah, sire of Mahat, sire of Kallack, and the unique Alket, sire of Manasseth, sire of Alshek, father of the race down to the famous horse the sire of Laka- lala ; and to him be ever abundance of green meat, and corn and water of life, as a reward from the tribe of Zazhalah, for the fire of his cover ; and may a thousand branches shade his carcase from the hyena of the tomb, from the howling wolf of the desert ; and let the tribe of Zazhalah present him with a festival within an enclosure of walls ; and let thousands assemble at the rising of the sun, in troops, hastily, where the tribe holds up, under a canopy of celestial signs, within the walls, the saddle with the name and family of the possessor. Then let them 64 HISTORY OF THE strike the hands with a loud noise incessantly, and pray God for immunity for the tribe of Zoab, the inspired tribe." Next to the Arabian blood, we are indebted to the Barb for our present breed of thorough bred horses. This breed is from Barbary, and particularly from Morocco and Fez, and the interior of Tripoli ; and remarkable for its beau- tiful form and graceful action. The barb was very early introduced into this country. The Godol- phin Barb, or as he has been improperly called, the ^' Godolphin Arabian," of whom we have pre- sented our readers with a cut,^ was the origin of some of our best racing blood ; and others of our most celebrated race horses trace their descent from the African mares imported by Charles II. GODOLPHIN BARB. * For further particulars of this celebrated horse, vide p. 86. BRITISH TURF. 65 The climate and soil of the native country of the barb, peculiarly resemble those of Arabia, while the treatment of the horses is very similar in both countries. Besides these two celebrated breeds, we have imported both Persian, Turkish and East Indian horses. Persia, from the remotest ages, has been cele- brated for its horses. Sir John Malcolm ob- serves : *' A variety of horses are produced in Persia. The inhabitants of the districts which border on the gulf, still preserve pure those races of animals which their ancestors brought from the opposite shore of Arabia. In Fars and Irak they have a mixed breed from the Arabian, which, though stronger, is still a small horse, compared with either the Toorkoman or Khorassan breed, which are most prized by the soldiers of Persia. Both these latter races have also a great proportion of Arabian blood." The Persian horse and its management is thus described by Sir Robert Ker Porter : *' The Persian horses never exceed fourteen or fourteen and a half hands high ; yet certainly, on the whole, are taller than the Arabs. Those of the desert, and country about Hillah, seem very small, but are full of bone, and of good speed. General custom feeds and waters them VOL. I. F 66 HISTORY OF THE only at sunrise and sunset, when they are cleaned. Their usual provender is barley and chopped straw, which, if the animals are pi- queted, is put into a nose-bag, and hung from their heads ; but, if stabled, it is thrown into a lozenge-shaped hole, left in the thickness of the mud wall for that purpose, but much higher up than the line of our mangers, and there the ani- mal eats at his leisure. Hay is a kind of food not known here. The bedding of the horse consists of his dung. After being exposed to the drying influence of the sun during the day, it becomes pulverized, and, in that state, is nightly spread under him. Little of it touches his body, that being covered by his clothing, a large mimmud, from the head to the tail, and bound firmly round his body by a very long surcingle. But this apparel is only for cold weather ; in the warmer season the night clothes are of a lighter substance, and during the heat of the day the animal is kept entirely under shade. '' At night he is tied in the courtyard. The horses' heads are attached to the place of secu- rity by double ropes from their halters, and the heels of their hinder legs are confined by cords of twisted hair, fastened to iron rings and pegs driven into the earth. The same custom pre- BRITISH TURF. 67 vailed in the time of Zenophon, and for the same reason, to secure them from being able to attack and maim each other, the whole stud generally consisting of stallions. Their keepers however, always sleep in their rugs amongst them, to prevent accident ; and sometimes, not- withstanding all their care, they manage to break loose, and then the combat ensues. A general neighing, screaming, kicking and snort- ing, soon raise the grooms, and the scene for awhile is terrible. Indeed, no one can conceive the sudden uproar of such a moment, who has not been in Eastern countries to hear it ; and then all who have, must bear me witness that the noise is tremendous. They seize, bite, and kick each other, with tj^e most determined fury; and frequently cannot be separated before their heads and haunches stream with blood. Even in skirmishes with the natives, their horses take part in the fray, tearing each other with their teeth, while their masters are in similar close quarters on their backs." We have the following description of a Per- sian race, by the same author : *' My curiosity was fully on the spur to see the races, which I could not doubt must have been chosen from the best in the nation, to exhibit the perfections of its breed before the F 2 nriir r II jgnglDsi. ::tig Tn^ar- i, Ttuna- si WOBSL i~ I ■iKfH laa: _: jmfT h: "inf sua,. HIT -MM-ni«i jr ^ ^^TTffif HESL RT TL nr 'tm f 70 HISTORY OF THE '^ They took them into their own habitations, cleansed, combed, and caressed them with as much affection as they would their own chil- dren. They hung something like a jewel about their necks, and a broad ribbon, which was full of amulets against poison, which they are most afraid of. They never strike them, the grooms that dress them being as gentle as their masters. In return for this treatment, these animals natu- rally acquire a great attachment to man, and are always most tractable and easily managed. The Turks take a pride in making them so tame that they wdll kneel to be mounted at the word of command, take up a stick or simitar from the ground, and whenever the rider happens to fall off, immediately stand still. But alas ! the horses of our christian grooms generally and with reason fear their keepers." BRITISH TURF. 71 CHAPTER IV. The Arabian, Turkish, Barb, and Persian horses imported into Great Britain. Although no reasonable doubt can be enter- tained that horses of Eastern origin were im- ported into this country previous to the time of James I, the most authentic account we have refers to this period. In the reign of this monarch, Mr. Markham, a merchant, imported an Arabian, which he sold to the King for £500. Not succeeding as a racer, this horse tended to bring the Arabian blood into disrepute in England. Accordingly, with the exception of Place's white Turk, and the royal mares, imported by Charles II, from Tangiers in Africa, we find few, if any Eastern horses were imported between that period and the reign of Queen Ann. The Darley Arabian was brought to England in the early part of the reign of that Queen, which event forms the gre'at epoch from which the history of the Turf should be dated. 72 HISTORY OF THE The following is a list of the Eastern horses imported from that period ; and it is to be re- gretted that much interesting and valuable in- formation respecting them has been lost in the lapse of time. The performances of the most celebrated race horses, the produce of these horses, will be given in this work. The Brown Arabian, sire of Ariadne, was first called the Northumberland Arabian, and after- wards, being disposed of to Mr. Leedes, of North Melford, Yorkshire, was distinguished in his stud by the name of the Leedes Arabian. He was foaled in 1755, and was purchased in Zemine, of the Immaum or King of Sinna, in Arabia Felix, at a very great expense, and brought into England by Mr. Phillips^, a gentle- man well known for his extensive skill and nice judgment in the peculiar and distinguished points and qualifications necessary in a race- horse. The following is the account given of this horse by Mr. Pick : ** Mr. Phillips was sent into Arabia by the Earl of Northumberland, purposely to select and purchase for his Lordship such Arabian horses * Mr. Phillips also brought into England with the Brown Ara- bian another horse, which was distinguished in Lord Northum- berland's stud by the name of " the Golden Arabian." He was sire of his Lordship's Aurora, Ermine, Jew, and a few others. BRITISH TURF. 7^ and mares as might appear best calculated to im- prove the breed of horses in this country.^ The Brown Arabian was a private stallion in Lord Northumberland's stud until the year 176 6, when he served mares at Mr. Leede's at 3^5. and 5s. * This country is certainly pjreatly obliged to the late Duke of Northumberland, for his endeavours to improve the breed of the Enghsh horse ; for he spared no expense whatever in sending even into the interior of Arabia, to procure horses of the true and ge- nuine Arabian breed, of which, amongst others, the above was only one. Much credit is due to the Arabians, as we have partially observed elsewhere, for the distinct manner in which they give attestations of the genealogy of their horses, when they sell them, and which Mr. PhiUips procured with those he purchased for the Duke. That gentleman bears witness to the fact of their preserving the pedigree of their horses with great care and for several ages back. They know their alliances and all their genealogy ; they dis- tinguish the races by different names, and di^dde them into three classes. The first is that of the nobles, the ancient breed, and un- adulterated on either side ; the second is that of the horses of the ancient race, but adulterated ; and the third is that of the common and inferior kinds. The last they sell at a low price ; but those of the first class, and even of the second, amongst which are found horses of equal value to the former, are sold extremely dear. They know, by long experience, the race of a horse by his appearance ; they can tell the name, the surname, and the colour, and the marks belonging to each. When they are not themselves pos- sessed of staUions of the noble race for their mares, they borrow from their neighbours, paying a proper price, as with us, and re- ceive a written attestation of the whole. In this attestation is contained the name of the horse and the mare, and their respective genealogies. When the mare has produced her foal, new wit- nesses are called, and a new attestation signed, in which are des- cribed the marks of the foal, and the day noted when it was brought forth. These attestations increase the value of the horse ; and they are given to the person who buys him. 74 HISTORY OF THE the groom ;^ in 1767, 1768, and several years afterward, at 5gs. and 5s, He was also sire of his Lordships 's Nonsuch, Acteeon, and Grizelda ; of Mr. Shafto's Mittimus ; Mr. Jenning's Ultra- marine ; Sir John Douglas's PhilHppo ; Mr. Mor- rison's Dolly-0 &c. He served very few mares, notwithstanding which there was not above two or three of his get, but what were winners. Mr. Honeywood's white Arabian, sire of the grandams of Squirrel, &c., was first the property of Sir John Williams, Bart., who sold him to Mr. Turner, of Suffolk, from whom he was pur- chased by Mr. Honeywood. He was also sire of the two True Blues, who were both in a very high form ; the elder was the best plate horse of his day in England. It is not known whether this Arabian covered any other blood mare be- sides the Byerley Turk mare, the dam of the two True Blues. The Arabian, sire of Makeless, was the pro- perty of Sir Thomas Oglethorpe, of Scotland ; this Arabian was also sire of Bald Frampton, and the famous Scotch galloway that beat, carrying a feather, the Duke of Devonshire's Dimple, 7st. 71b, when Dimple had the whip at Newmarket. * It being the custom to present the grooms who have the care and management of stallions with an extra fee, when their services are particularly required, the amount to be so given is always fixed and advertised by the owner of the entire horse. BRITISH TURF. 75 The Cullen Arabian mare (by the CuUen Ara- bian oat of an Arabian mare), dam of Principessa, was bred by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. She was a blood mare in Sir Charles Sedley's stud, and was also the dam of Sir C. Sedley's bay colt, ^olus, by Re- gulus, ^ ' ^' Sir C. Sedley's Ches. filly, Nottingham Bess, by Changehng, 1759 Sir C. Sedley's Ches. filly. Lovely, Wor- laby, Betty, Torrent, Potosi, Mary- Ann, Aranjuez, Harper, Stride, and Bandy's grandam, by Barbram, 1760 Sir C. Sedley's bay colt, Presto, by Mr. Newcomb's Arabian, 1763 Sir C. Sedley's Ches. colt, Regulator, by Careless, 1767 and several others. The Newcombe Bay Mountain Arabian was purchased at three years old, by Captain Bur- ford, from the Thick of St. John Dirackiz in 1756 ; and when brought into England was sold to Mr. Newcombe. He was allowed by breeders to be one of the finest Arabians that had been imported into this kingdom, being of a fine size, with bone superior to most other foreign horses, and more hke the Godolphin Barb than any other horse that had been brought into this country. He covered at Mr. John Giles's, at 76 HISTORY OF THE Bowes Farm, near Southgate, Middlesex, in 1760, 1761, 1762, 1763, &c., at 5^5. and 5^, He was also sire of Aldridge's Newcomb, Mr. Crosoer's Slender, Jonas, &c. ; the Duke of Bridgewater's Honest Billy, &c. He served very few mares. The Damascus Arabian (sire of Signal) was a black brown horse, and foaled in 1754. He arrived in England in September, 1760, and in 1761-2 and 3, he covered none but thorough bred mares, at Mr. William Coates's, at Smea- ton, near Northallerton, Yorkshire, at 5^5. and 55. the groom; in 1764 at Mr. Samuel Tate's, at Mickleham, near Leatherhead, Surrey ; in 1765 again at Smeaton ; in 1766 at Mr. John Tuting's at Newmarket, at one guinea and 2^. 6d, (none of his get having started) ; at the same place in 1767 (on account of Signal's superior running) he was again advanced to 5gs. and 5s. ; in 1768 and 1769, at the same price ; in 1770 at 5^5. and a half; in 1771 at Wick- ham, near Witham, Essex, at 5^5. and 55 ; in 1772 and 1773, at the same place, at lOgs, and 55. This horse was generally thought to be of the purest Arabian breed, without any mixture of the Turcommor or Barb ; he possessed great bone and substance, and was fourteen hands, BRITISH TURF. 77 half an inch, and upwards, which size is seldom exceeded by Arabian horses. He was bred by the Arab who was Sheick or Chief of Aeria, noted for his breed of horses, and presented when a foal, to the Bashaw of Damascus, and given by him to a rich Turkey merchant at Aleppo, with whom the Bashaw had great deal- ings in money affairs. He was bought there at two years old, by an English gentleman, in whose possession he continued till his arrival in England. This account was to be seen certified on stamped paper, at Smeaton, as late as 1807. He was sire of Mr. Vernon's Flush, Mr. Marche's Mungo, and Trump, Sir F. Eve- lyn's Atom, Mr. Sheele's Little Joe, Mr. Burl- ton's Musti and Pigmy, Mr. Pleasant's Magpie, &c. He got the dam of Mr. Wentworth's Merry Wakefield, (afterwards Mr. W. Wilson's Menelaus), which dam was also the dam of the Ancaster Mare, that bred Mr. Fenton's Alegro, Dapple, Miss Grimstone, &c. The Brown Arabian, better known as the Cullen Arabian, (sire of Camillus &c.) was brought into England by Mr. Mosco, from Constantinople, and afterwards became the property of Lord Cullen ; he was bred in the Royal Stud, highly esteemed for the purity and genealogy of his blood, and presented to the 78 HISTORY OF THE British Consul, by the Emperor of Morocco. The Cullen Arabian was also sire of Mr. Wil- liam's Mosco, of Mr. Warren's Whimsey, (Dragon's dam), Basto, Pickpocket, Molotto, Madcap, &c. ; of Sir William St. Quintin's Prince Ferdinand ; of Mr. George's Sourface ; of Sir John Moore's Hackney ; of Mr. Grevelle's Hobby-horse : of Mr. Wildman's Harlequin ; of Lord Oxford's Matron, (dam of Delia, Gossamer, Bay Richmond &c.) ; of Mr. Charles Turner's Black Filley, (out of Fishmonger), and several others. He got the dam of Sir Charles Sedley's -^olus, Dovely, (Shede's grandam), Principessa, (Heinel's dam). Presto, Regulator &c. ; and the dam of Mr. JollifF's Fox-hunter. He got the grandam of Cunegonde, (dam of Mr. Panton's Ostrich) ; he also got the grandam of Amderby, Alfred, Georgina, (Moorcock's dam). Dictator, Eye-bright, Laurustinus &c. ; he likewise got the dam of Mr, Goodricke's Old England mare, that bred Trincolo ; Manilice, (Miss Judy's dam) Imperatrix, (Septem's dam), Didapper, (Dol- phin's dam), Guiler, Gaudy, Roman, Drowsy, (Deserter's dam) &c. The Cullen Arabian covered at Rushton, Northamptonshire, at ten guineas and a half ; he died in the year 1 76 1 . The Chesnut Arabian, (sire of Primrose), was the property of Mr. Charles Wilson, and BRITISH TURF. 79 brought into England by the Kinoul, Ambas- sador at Constantinople, where he cost above £200 sterling, and was esteemed as high bred as any horse in that country, being very com- pact and exceedingly strong. He covered several seasons at Mr. Dunn's at Oran, one mile from Catterick, Yorkshire, at five guineas and five shillings. He was also sire of Lord Northumberland's Narcissus, Nimrod, and Polydore, Lady Northumberland, Semiramis, Mr. Scroope's Jingle, Jeffrey, Mr. Carr's Nery, and a few other winners. The Darley Arabian (sire of Childers) was the property of Mr. Darley of Buttercramb, near York. A brother of that gentleman being an agent in merchandize abroad, became a mem- ber of a Hunting Club, by which means he acquired interest to procure the said Arabian for a moderate sum, and which he sent over to England, as a present to his brother. He also got Almanzer, a very fleet horse ; the Duke of Somerset's Whiteleys, own brother to Almanzor, and thought to be as good, but meeting with an accident, he never ran in public ; Cupid and Brisk, good horses ; Dsedalus, a very fleet horse ; Skipjack, Manica, Aleppo, Brisk, Bul- lyrook, Whistlejacket, and Dart, good plate horses, though out of indifferent mares, and 80 HISTORY OF THE iliili Lord Tracey's Whimsey, a good plate mare. He covered only a few mares besides Mr. Darley's. The Lonsdale Bay Arabian (sire of Monkey and Spider), was also sire of Lord Lonsdale's Jigg, that won the October Stakes of two hundred and fifty guineas at Newmarket, in October, 1736, beating Lord Middleton's Shambleshanks, Mr. Panton's Cato, the Duke of Bolton's Little John, and five others. He was also sire of his Lordship's Juba, Cyrus, Kouli Kan, Ugly, Nathan, Sultan, and seve- ral others ; he got the dam of Miss Ramsdon, who bred Eumenes, Woodpecker, Quicksand, Wormwood and Whipcord ; he got the grandam of Mr. Ellis's Diana ; the grandam of Sir Jo- seph Pennington's Creeping Kate ; the great grandam of Mr. Shafto's Goldfinder, &c. &c. He covered but a few mares, and those chiefly Lord Lonsdale's. It may be remarked that many of our best race horses are traced to him. At the time he was a stallion, there were also the following celebrated sires in service : viz. the Alcock Arabian, Aleppo, Almanzor, Astridge Ball, Basto, Bald Galloway, Bay Beltor, Bloody Buttocks, Bloody Shoul- der'd Arabian, Belgrade Turk, Bethell's Ara- bian, Bartlett's Childers, Bolton's Sweepstakes, Baltor's Starling, Burlington's Barb, Crab, BRITISH TURF. 81 Crofts's Egyptian Horse, Curwin's Jew Trump, Coneyskin's Cinnamon, Chaunter, Catouch, Cy- prus Arabian, Devonshire's Childers, Devonshire's Arabian, Devonshire's Blacklegs, Dunkirk, Easby Snake, Fox, Fox Club, Graeme's Champion, Grey- hound, Younghound, Grey Barb at Hampton Court, Grey Crofts at Hampton Court, Godol- phin Arabian, Gallant's Smiling Tom, Hutton's White Hunter, Hartley's Blind Horse, Hip. Hall's Arabian, Hutton's Grey Childers, Hamp- ton Court Childers, Hutton's Blacklegs, Hob- goblin, Heneage's Whitenose, Jigg, Johnston's Turk, Leedes, Litton's Chesnut Arabian, Lamp- rie, Manica, Metcalf's Harlequin, Matthews's Per- sian, Manner's Doctor, Nottingham's Arabian, Newton's Arabian, Oysterfoot, Pigett's Turk, Partner, Ruffler, Royal, Sorehues, Skipjack, Strickland's Arabian, Smalis's Childers, Tifter, Woodcock, Wood's Counsellor, Wyndham, Wil- liam's Squirrel, Wynn's Arabian, Young Bel- grade, Young True Blue, and many others. The Coombe Arabian (sire of Methodist) was first called Mr. Piggott's Grey Arabian, and after- wards Lord Bolingbroke's Grey Arabian. He covered at Chesterton Hall, near Stilton, Hun- tingdonshire, in 1770 and 1771, at 10^5. and 5s., and in 1772 at Pokesley Green, two miles from Stoney Stratford, Northamptonshire, at the same price. He was also sire of Lord Offord's Deha, Jansanist, and Europa ; of Mr. Vernon's Minima ; fi VOL. I. G 82 HISTORY OF THE Lord Bolingbroke's Philippo ; Mr. Piggott's Mil- lico ; Lord Craven's Pastime ; Mr. Foley's Mus- sulman, &c. He likewise got the Dam of Thet- ford, Crop, Elder, Grace, Feenow, Kiss-my-lady, Nobleman, &c. Mr. Bell's Grey Arabian, sire of Mistake, first covered in 1765, at Mr. Carver's, Goulder's Green, near Barnet, Hampstead, and Hendon, Middlesex, at lOgs. and 5s. the groom. He also covered, at the same place and price, in 1766, and from that year till 1772. This truly valuable horse is said to have been one of the purest and most esteemed breed amongst the Arabs that has ever yet been brought to the Western parts of Europe, having been purchased at the distance of thirty days' journey from St. John d'Acre, the nearest sea port to the deserts of Arabia, by Philip John, an Armenian, sent by Mr. Bell on purpose, and with an unlimited com- mission to buy the best and most genuine breed horse he could find in Arabia at any price ; and who, as well from his great skill in horses, as from his perfect acquaintance with the language and manners of Arabs, was enabled to execute the commission Mr. Bell had given him, in a manner no other European could have done ; in consequence of which, by his address and by means of the valuable presents he made to Beny-Suckr, the principal chief and commander of all the different tribes of Arabs of those deserts, and to the sheiks, other great men there, he not only got permis- BRITISH TURF. 83 sion to travel into any parts of the deserts, and to take his choice of all the most esteemed horses there, but even obtained the favour of purchasing Bell's Arabian out of Beny Suckr's own stud, with an undoubted assurance and testimonial, signed by all the principal officers and chief men of the country, of this horse being of the right Jelfz blood, the most valuable breed in all Arabia, and in every respect being a true and perfect Arab horse. Mr. Bell gave out that this was the most perfect, if not the first and only horse of the genuine and most valuable Arab breed, that had ever before been brought into England ; and at the same time, from the great original price paid for him, the value of the presents made to the Arabs, the great expense incurred by having a guard of ten men that Beny Suckr sent to attend him during a journey of thirty days through the deserts to St. John d'Acre ; his being carried from thence by land to Aleppo, from Aleppo to England ^ by sea, with the charges of the person who pur- chased him during his journeys and voyages for upwards of three years, was also the most costly Arabian horse that had yet been seen in England up to that period, viz : 1765. He was the sire of the Duke of Northumber- land's Voltaire, Ticklepitcher, Babble, &c : of Sir C. Bunbury's Orlando and Lazarus ; of the Duke of Bolton's Cobscar, and Close; of Lord Clermont's G 2 84 HISTORY OF THE Bellissimo ; Mr. Strode's Belinda ; Mr. Bethell's Harlequin ; Mr. Walker's Juliana ; Mr. Jake's Atalanta; Mr. Williams's Shropshire Lass, &c. THE GODOLPHTN ARABIAN. This extraordinary horse was of a brown bay colour, with some white on the off heel behind, and supposed to have been foaled in 1 724 ; he stood about 15 hands high. He was long consi- dered an Arabian, although his points resembled more those of the highest breed of Barbs. It is now generally believed that he was imported into France from Barbary, and there is reason to believe was sent as a present from the Emperor of Moroc- co to Louis XIV. So little was he valued in France, says the author of the Sportsman's Repo- sitory, that he was actually employed in the drud- gery of drawing a cart in Paris. He was brought into England by Mr. Coke, who gave him to Mr. Roger Williams, proprietor of the St. James's Coffee House. As we intend giving the perform- ances of the most celebrated of his get, it would be superfluous to do more here, than to remark, that every superior race horse, since his time up to the present day, partakes of his valuable blood. By Mr. Williams he was presented to the Earl of Godol- phin, in whose possession he continued as a private stallion till his death. He was teazer to HobgobHn in BRITISH TURF. S5 the years 1 730 and 1 73 1 , and on the latter refus- ing to cover Roxana, she was put to the Godolphin Arabian, and from that cover produced Lath ; the first horse the supposed Arabian got. Lath was one of the finest horses of his day, and was pronounced by the most skilled, at that time, to be the best that had appeared at New- market for many years previous to his time, Childers only excepted. The Godolphin Arabian died at Hog-Magog in Cambridgeshire in 1753, being supposed to have been then in the 29th year of his age, and is buried in a covered passage, lead- ing to the stable, with a flat stone over him, with- out any inscription. At his interment, ale and cake were given, as at that afterwards of the celebrated race horse Eclipse. There is an original portrait of this remarkable horse, by Seymour, in the collection of the Mar- quis of Cholmondeley, at Houghten Hall, Norfolk, and another picture of him with his favorite cat, in the library at Hog-Magog, in Cambridgeshire. He was represented in all the prints of the day with his favorite cat, and such was the regard existing between them, that the cat really pined to death for the loss of the horse. The Godolphin Arabian was remarkable also for the almost unnatural highness of his crest, as ap- pears in the wood-cut. The Duke of Portland, it is well known, once possessed a horse with the same singularity. fit n. 1«. 1^' ITM. B 1749. B. i: B ^ B i;a B • B. ITli. B 17«i. B I I* . I n R •• Tt * li i: a r>. i:- It t:%y • • « . B. f« «*- n in»L II !«•». 1^ 1* w 01) Noov I I V i lUfftU Ur««ll«tlr i\ {i 87 f>l n ■ ■ — >"<|'*4**la • orifMiihin » K' . i' 170. I7M. B I7ii. Br I7U. B mi. B I7tt. Br \lr (V..ft« I. 1. r1 M«rrb * ' 4phia. Mr iaorotft. ^iWI >:K4ic*i out of 88 HISTORY OF THE Foaled. Colour. Name, Dam. OwTiers. 1754, Miss Windsor, { ^^^^^ ^^°^^ ^^ } 1743, B. Shepherdess, (a) Hobgoblin, Mr. Martindale. 1748, B. Sophia, „ Mr. Harvey. 1747, B. Pirn's dam, „ Lord Sandwich. 1750, B. „ „ Lord Grosvenor. 1752, Hip's dam, „ Lord Godolphin. 1751, Grand dam of Marplot, „ Lord Eglinton. 1739, Merhn's dam. Large Hartley, „ 1738, Dun BiiUian's dam, (a) Silverlocks, Mr. Crofts. 1739, Dam of Well-done „ Sir John Moore. 1746, B. „ Large Hartley, Lord Craven. *» B. „ Whitefoot, 1752, B. „ Soreheels, Lord Waldegrave. It is worthy of remark that the great proportion of both colts and fiUies, produced by this cele- brated horse were of a bay colour like himself. This blood has now, however, been so much crossed, that his descendants are to be met with of all colours. The Curwen Bay Barb (one of the dam of Part- ner) was a present to Louis XIV., from Muley Ishmael, King of Morocco, and was brought into England by Mr. Curwen of Workington, Cumber- land ; who being in France when Count Bizham and Count Thoulouse (two natural sons of Louis XIV) were, the former was Master of the Horse, and the latter an Admiral, he procured of them two Barb horses, which he conveyed to England ; both of which proved to be most excellent stal- lions. The Curwen Bay Barb was distinguished for several years, by the bare style of the Bay BRITISH TURF. 89 Barb, and was as well known to sportsmen by that name as he would have been had there never been another Barb Horse of his colour in the kingdom. He did not cover many mares ex- cept Mr. Curwen's and Mr. Preham's. The Barb Mare (great great grandam of Miss Layton) was a present from the Emperor of Moroc- co to Lord Arlington, Secretary to King Charles n, who sold her to Mr. Wilkinson. Mr. Compton's Barb, sire of Coquette, after- wards became the property of Sir Charles Sedley, Bart, and was then styled, '' the Sedley Grey Arabian." He was also sire of Lord Bolingbroke's Bistern, Sir E. Sedley 's Greyling, Spillikin and Rouleau ; Mr. Strode's Rebus and Pudenda ; Mr. Walker's Baby ; Lord Clermont's Toledo ; Mr. Pultenay's Prude, &c. The Thoulouse Barb became the property of Sir John Parsons of Ryegate, Surrey ; and was afterwards sold to the Earl of Burlington ; he was sire of the famous mare called the Ryegate mare, which was the dam of Cinnamon, &c. he also got Mr. Panton's Molly ; Sir William Blackett's Bag- piper, and Blacklegs ; Mr. Thompson's Rosamond ; and many others. The Marshall or Selaby Turk, (sire of the dam of Wyndham) was the property of Mr. Marshall's brother, stud groom to King William, Queen Anne, and King George the First, which Turk, after his brother's decease, became his own pro- 90 HISTORY OF THE perty. Turk was sire of Mr. Curwen's Old Spot, (that got the dam of Mixbury, and the grandam of Mr. Croft's Partner ;) he also got the dam of Mr. Rawlinson's Spot, (afterwards Lord Portmore's ;) the dam of Lord Derby's Tickle- pitcher ; the dam of the Hampton Court White- neck ; the grandam of the Duke of Bolton's Sloven and Fearnought ; the grandams of Mr. Cowling's Peggy-grieves-me, Whitenose, and Richmond Ball. The Byerley Turk (sire of Basto) was Captain Byerley's charger in Ireland in King William's wars, (1689, etc.) and afterwards proved a most excellent stallion, though he did not cover many well bred mares. He was sire of the Duke of Kingstone's Sprite, who was allowed to be nearly as good as Leedes ; of Sir Roger Moyston's Jigg, (sire of Mr. Croft's Partner) of the Duke of Rut- land's Archer and Black Hearty, (sire of Bonny Black) ; of Lord Bristol's Grasshopper, Lord Godolphin's Byerley gelding, Mr. Knightley's mare, etc. all in very high forms as racers. He got the dams of Lord Halifax's Farmer Mare (dam of his Lordship's Miss Halifax,) SirW. W. Wynn's Looby, Mr. Smales's Childers, etc. The great grandam of Lord Godolphin's Whitefoot, Wryfoot, and Morat, which grandam of the said three was the dam of Grey Ramsden and great great grandam of the Bolton Fearnought. Hautboy (sire of Grey Hautboy that got Bay BRITISH TURF. 91 Bolton and Lampice) was bred by the d'Arcy family, and got by the White d'Arcy or Sedbury Turk out of a Royal Mare. King Charles II sent abroad the Master of the Horse (which was said by some to be Sir Christopher Wyvill, and by others Sir John Fenwick) in order to procure a number of foreign high-bred horses and mares for breeding ; and the mares thus procured by the king's interest and brought into England (as also several of their offspring) have been called Royal Mares ; one of which was the dam of Hautboy. He was never trained for racing, and was well known to sports- men and breeders by the name of Wilkes's Old Hautboy. He was sire of Old Wyndham, Mr. Fell's Painted Lady, Sir John Parson's Ploughman, Farmer and Clumsy, all three bred by Mr. Wilkes ; the latter of which was sire of Old Fox and Fox Club. Hautboy also got the mare that was the dam of Mr. Darley's Almanzor, Terror and Cham- pion ; the dam of Mr. Lister's Snake ; the dam of the sire of the Gardener Mare, and several others. The Acaster Turk, was sire of Chaunter's Terror and Mr. Thwaite's Dun Mare (dam of Mr. Beaver's Driver.) He got the dam of Mr. Wil- liams's Squirrel ; the dam of Mr. Ovington's famous Roxana (dam of Lath and Cade ;) the dam of Mr. Coke's Silverlocks, who was the dam of Lord Portmore's Silvertail, Lord Godolphin's Buffcoat, and grandam of Mr. Croft's Brilliant* 92 HISTORY OF THE Mr. Scroope's Trusty's dam was own sister to Silverlocks ; Mr. Panton's Cato was out of an own sister to Roxana ; and Mr. Greville's Molly Long- legs's dam was out of an own sister to Cato. He covered very few mares. The Belgrade Turk (sire of Young Belgrade), was taken at the Siege of Belgrade in Turkey, from the Bashaw of that place, by General Merce, by whom he was sent to the Prince de Craon, who presented him to the Prince of Lorraine (afterwards Emperor) whose Minister in London sold him to Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, Bart, in whose possession he died about the year 1740. The White Turk (sire of the Old Thornton Mare) was the property of Mr. Place, stud groom to Oliver Cromwell, when Lord Protector of Eng- land. He was also sire of Mr. Crofts's Com- moner, Wormwood, etc. he got the great grandams of Old Sear, Wyndham Crutches, Old Cartouch and several others. The Turk (sire of Snake) was brought into England by the Duke of Berwick, from the siege of Buda in the reign of King James H., and was as often called the Shadling as the Lister Turk ; he was also sire of the Duke of Kingstone's Brisk and Peping Peg ; of the Duke of Rutland's Coneyskins, and of the grandam of the Duke of Bolton's Sweepstakes. The Turk (sire of Batt), was the property of Sir WiUiam Strickland, Bart, and was sire of BRITISH TURF. 93 Colonel Howard's Chesnut Mare, that won the King's Plate for mares at Newmarket in 1728, beating eleven others. He covered very few mares. 94 HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER V. Zoological Classification of the Horse — Its external structure — Teeth, &c. — Size, Formation, Cdlour, Speed, &c. of the thorough-bred Horse. Before proceeding further on the subject, we consider it highly, if not absolutely necessary, to give some explanation of the generic character and external structure of the horse. The genus equus, or horse, is placed by the great naturalist. Baron Cuvier, in the class Mammalia, which contains those animals that suckle their young, and forms the ninth genus of his sixth order, called Pachydermata. The class Mammalia is still exceedingly large, and we find it thus subdivided.^ 1. Those whose extremities are divided into fingers or toes, scientifically called unguiculata from the Latin word for nail ; and, 2, those whose extremities are hoofed, scientifically called, ungulata, from the Latin word for hoof, * Library of Entertaining Knowledge, (Vol. I. p. 13). BRITISH TURF. 95 The extremities of the first are armed with claws, or nails, which enable them to grasp, to climb, or to burrow. The extremities of the second tribe, are employed merely to support and move the body. The extremities of the horse are covered with a hoof, by which the body is supported, and with which he cannot grasp anything, and therefore he belongs to the tribe ungulata or hoofed. But there is a great variety of hoofed animals. The elephant, the rhinoceros, the hippopotamus, the swine, the horse, the sheep, the deer, and many others, are ungulata or hoofed. They admit however, of an easy division. Some of them masticate or chew their food, and it is imme- diately received into the stomach, and digested ; but in others, the food, previous to digestion, undergoes a very singular process ; it is returned to the mouth, to be re-masticated or chewed again. These are called ruminantia or ruminantSy from the food being returned from one of the stomachs, (for they have four) called the rumen ^ or paunch, to be chewed again. The ungulata that do not ruminate, are some- what improperly called pachydermata, from the thickness of their skins. .The horse does not ruminate, and therefore belongs to the order pachydermata. The pachydermata who have only one toe, belong to the family solipeda, single-footed. There- 96 HISTORY OF THE fore the horse ranks under the division vertebrata ; the class mammaUa ; the tribe ungulata ; the order pachydermata ; and the family solipeda. The solipeda consists of several species, as the horse, the ass, the mule, and the quagga. First stands the Equus Caballus, or Common Horse. Animals are likewise distinguished according to the number, description, and situation of their teeth. The horse has six incisers or cutting teeth, in the front of each jaw, and one canine tooth, or tusk. On each side, above and below, and at some distance from the incisers, behind the canines, and with some intervening space, are six molar teeth, or grinders ; and these molar teeth have flat crowns, with ridges of enamel, and that enamel penetrating into the substance of the tooth. The whole is thus represented by natural his- torians, and the reader will comprehend our meaning, when we are speaking of other ani- mals. Horse incisers ^, canine u, molar n ; total, forty teeth. In the Linneean arrangement, the horse is placed with the hippopotamos, as a genus of the order Belinse ; according to Erxlebar, it ranks between the elephant and the dromedary. Storr made a separate order of it, he followed BRITISH TURF. 9? the ruminantia, under the name Solipedes. Baron Cuvier adopted this classification in his first edi- tion of the Regne Animal, but subsequently placed it in the order Pachydermata. The fol- lowing are distinctions of the horse according to Linnaeus. The tail is long, with hair all over ; the mane is long, and he is without any humeral stripe. It is a generous, proud, and strong animal ; fit for all the purposes of man ; for the draught, the course, or the road ; he is delighted with the freedom of open pastures ; he is fearful of being touched on his hinder quarters ; defends himself from the flies with his tail, scratches his fellow, defends his young, calls by neighing, sleeps after night-fall, fights by kicking and biting, rolls on the ground when weary and perspiring, bites the grass closer than the ox, wants a gall-bladder, never vomits ; the foal is produced with the legs stretched out ; he is injured by being struck on the ear, or upon the stifle, by his being caught by the nose in barracks, by having his teeth rubbed wdth grease, and by various herbs. His diseases vary in diflerent countries and climates. With us the glanders, a consumption of the ethmoid bones of the nose, called the nose, is the most fatal and infectious disease. He eats hem- lock without injury ; he has no canine teeth till five years of age. *' Of all quadrupeds,'* says Buflbn, '' the horse VOL. I. H 98 HISTORY OF THE possesses, along with grandeur of stature, the greatest elegance and proportion of parts. By comparing him with the animals above or below him, we find that the ass is ill-made, and that the head of the lion is too large ; that the limbs of the ox are too slender, and too short in proportion to the size of his body ; that the camel is deformed ; and that the grosser animals, — as the rhinoceros, hippopotamus, and elephant, — may be considered as rude and shapeless masses. " The great difference between the head of a man, and that of the quadruped, consists in the length of their jaws, which is the most ignoble of all characters. But, although the jaws of the horse be very long, he has not, like the ass, an air of imbecility, nor, like the ox of stupidity. The regularity and proportion of the parts of his head, give him a light and sprightly aspect, being gracefully attached to his finely arched neck, which is well supported by the beauty of his chest. He elevates his head, as if anxious to exalt him- self above the condition of other quadrupeds. In this noble attitude he regards man, face to face. '' His eyes are open, lively, and intelligent ; his ears handsome, and of a proper height, being nei- ther too long, like those of the ass, nor too short, like those of the bull. His mane adorns his grace- ful neck, and gives him the appearance of strength and courage. His long bushy tail covers and ter- BRITISH TURF. 99 minates with advantage the extremity of his body ; his tail, — very different from the short tails of the deer, elephant, and hippopotamus, and from the naked tails of the ass, camel, and rhinoceros, — is formed of long thick hairs, which seem to rise from his crupper, because the trunk from which they proceed is very short. He cannot, like the lion, elevate his tail ; but though pendulous, it becomes him better, and as he can move it from side to side, it serves him to drive off the flies w^hich incommode him; for though his skin is very firm and well garnished with close hair, it is nevertheless, very sensible." The attachment of the horse's head above the rest of his frame especially contributes to give him a grace- ful aspect ; its most advantageous position is when the front is perpendicular to the horizon. The supe- rior ridge of his neck, from which the mane issues, should first rise in a straight line from the withers, and then, as it approaches the head, form a curve nearly similar to that of a swan's neck. The inferior part of the neck should have no curvature, but rise in a straight line from the breast to the under jaw, with a small inclination forward. If it rose in a perpendicular direction, its symmetry and gracefulness would be greatly diminished. The superior part of the neck should be thin, with little flesh near the mane, which ought to be decorated with long, flowing, and delicate hair. The neck, to be fine, must be long, elevated H 2 100 HISTORY OF THE and proportioned to the general size of the animal. When too long, the horse commonly throws back his head ; and when too short and fleshy, the head is heavy to the hand in riding. The head of the horse should not be too long, and it ought to be rather thin than otherwise. The front should be narrow, and a little convex ; the eye-pits well filled, and the eyelids thin ; the eyes large and prominent, clear, lively and spark- ling, with fiery glances ; the pupil should be large ; the under jaw should be a little thick, but not fleshy ; the nose slightly arched, the nostrils open and deep, and divided by a thin septum, or parti- tion ; the ears should be small, erect, and narrow, but not too stifl*, and placed on the upper part of the head, at a proper distance from each other, but not too wide, as this always gives a horse a disagreeable aspect ; the mouth should be delicate, and moderately split ; the withers sharp and ele- vated ; the shoulders flat and not confined ; the back equal, a little arched lengthwise, and raised on each side of the spine, which should have the appearance of being slightly sunk ; the flanks short, and full ; the crupper round and plump ; the haunches well furnished with muscular flesh ; the dock or fleshy part of the tail firm and thick ; the thighs large and muscular ; the hough round be- fore, broad on the sides, and tendinous behind ; the shank thin before, and broad on the sides ; the tendo-achilles prominent, strong, and well BRITISH TURF. 101 detached from the leg bone, and the fetlock some- what prominent, and furnished with a small tuft of long hair behind ; the pasterns should be of a mid- dling length and pretty large ; the coronet a little elevated, the hoof black, solid, and shining ; the instep high, the quarters round, the heels broad, and a little prominent ; the frog thin and small, and the sole thick and concave. The colours of horses are extremely variable, and they are generally thus distinguished. Bay is of various shades, viz : a black bay, brown bay, and dapple bay ; these have always black manes and tails ; — dun and mouse dun, these have frequently a black list along the spine ; flea-bitten, which is white, spotted with a reddish colour ; grey, dapple-grey, silver-grey, sad or powdered grey, black grey, branded-grey, sandy-grey, and iron-grey ; grissel or rount, is a light flesh colour intermixed with white ; peach colour or blossom colour. Piebald consists of two colours, one of them white ; roan is bay, black, or sorrel, inter- mixed with white hair ; rubicund black or sorrel, with a few white hairs scattered about his body ; chesnut, light and dark ; sorrel, common sorrel, red sorrel, bright or red coloured sorrel, burnt sorrel ; starling colour, resembling a brownish or blackish grey, only more freckled or intermixed with white ; tiger colour, some branded grey, only the spots smaller; wolf-colour, cream-colour, deer colour, black, white, &c., with many other modifications. 102 HISTORY OF THE We now come to the terms used in describing a horse, and with which it behoves every professed sportsman to be conversant. The following is the explanation of the accom- panying plate, which is the portrait of the cele- brated race horse FLYING CHILDERS. a, the muzzle, b, the face, c, the forehead, d, the jowl, e, the poll, /, the crest, g, the withers, h, the wind-pipe, i, the back, j, the point of the shoulder, /c, the breast or bosom, Z, the arm or fore-arm, m, the knee, nnn, the cannon, o o o, the fetlock, p p, the small pastern, q, the large pastern, r, the hoof, 5, the heel, t, the elbow, w, the girth, v, the flank, w, the sheath, x, the stiffles, y, the ham or hock, z, the coronet ; A, the hip, B, the croup, C, the dock, D, the quarter, E, the thigh or gaskin, F, BRITISH TURF. 103 the ham-string, G, the point of the hock, H, the hams, I, the gullet. The following is the description of the skeleton of the horse, as shown in the subjoined plate. SKELETON OF THE HORSE. A the head, a, the posterior maxillary or jaw- bone' 6, the superior maxillary or upper jaw. The small hole towards the nose, in the division m front of the letter v, is the foramen, through which pass the nerves and blood-vessels which chiefly supply the lower part of the face ; e, the orbit, or cavity in which the eye is contained ; d, the nasal bones, or hones of the nose ; e, the suture dividmg the parietal bones below from the occipital bones above • /, the inferior maxillary hone contammg the upier incisors, or cutting teeth ; B, the seven cervical vertebrae, or bones of the neck ; C, the 104 HISTORY OF THE eighteen dorsal vertebrse, or bones of the back ; D, the six lumbar vertebrae, or bones of the loins ; E, the five sacral vertebrae, or bones of the haunch; F, the caudal vertebrae, or bones of the tail, the usual number being fifteen ; sometimes however they vary. G, the scapula, or shoulder blade ; H. the sternum, fore part of the chest, or breast bone ; I, the costse, or ribs, seven or eight of which, articulating with the sternum, are called the true ribs, and the remaining ten or eleven, which are united together by cartilage, are called false ribs. J, the humerus, or bone of the arm ; K, the radius, or bone of the fore arm ; L, the ulna, or elbow, with processes, the olecranon ; M M, the carpus, or knee, consisting of seven bones ; N N, the metacarpal or shank bones ; the large metacarpal, or cannon, or shank, in front, and the smaller metacarpal or splent bone behind ; g, the fore pastern and foot, consisting of the os sufFragines, or the upper and longer pastern bone, with the sesamoid bones behind, articulating with the cannon and greater pastern, the os coronnae, or lesser pastern, the os pedis, or coffin bone, and the OS naviculare, or naviculer, or shuttle-bone, not seen, and articulating with the smaller pastern and coffin bones ; A, the corresponding bones of the hind feet. O O, the small metacarpal, or splent bones ; P, the pelvis, or haunch, consisting of three portions : the illium, the ischium, and the pubis ; Q, the femur, or thigh bones ; R R, the patella placed on the stifle joints ; S S, the tibia BRITISH TURF. 105 and fibula ; the latter is a small bone behind ; these are also called the ham bones ; T T, the bones of the tarsus, or hock, six in number ; U U, the metatarsals of the hind leg, called shank or cannon bones ; W W, the os calcis, or point of the hock ; X X X X, the sesamoid, or fetlock bones. The following Plate shows the age of a horse from the teeth. horses' teeth. I 106 HISTORY OF THE The horse, in a state of maturity, which is at five years, has forty teeth. He has six incisory or cutting teeth, in each jaw ; these are situated in front ; two canine teeth, or tusks, in each jaw, ' situated behind the incisors ; and six molars, or grinding teeth, in each jaw, situated behind the tushes. The age of a horse is known by certain marks on their incisory teeth, but no reference whatever is made to the grinders. Fig. 1. Represents the anterior portions of the lower jaw of a foal, with the two central incisory teeth, or nippers, which make their appearance in seven or eight days after birth. Fig, ^ Between two and three months the centre nippers have reached their proper level, and the second pair grown as represented. Fig. 3. represents the nippers complete in num- ber at a year old, the four middle teeth being worn level, and the two outer ones becoming flat, the mark of the two middle teeth get faint and wide, in the next two it becomes darker, and more narrow, being darker, longer, and narrower in the outer jaw. Fig. 4. the nippers at two years old, which ex- hibit a considerable change, in the shape and markings. Fig. 5. shews the nippers at three years old ; the central ones being considerably larger than the others, doubly grooved on their outer convex sur- BRITISH TURF. 107 face. The marks on the next two incisors being nearly obhterated, and beginning to disappear in the corner nippers. When a horse is rising three years, his two central nippers above and below, fall out, and are replaced by new ones, having the hollow mark in the middle, at the end of this year the tusks will have made their appearance, as represented in the figure ; there is also a visible difference in the form of the jaw. Fig. 6. the nippers at four years ; the central nippers are perfectly formed, and the sharp edges a little worn off, with the mark shorter, wider, and fainter. Fig. 7. at five years the jaw is nearly perfect, the tusks are much developed. Fig. 8. in the sixth year the marks in the centre nippers are worn out. There will however, be some difference of colour in the centre of the tooth, as the cement or enamel which fills the cavity, is of a brownish hue. Fig. 9 . represents the jaw at eight years old; at which period the marks on the lower jaw are nearly filled up ; but on the upper jaw they gene- rally continue till ten ; the two central ones are obliterated at eight. At this period the disgraceful practice of Bishop- ing is often resorted to ; a term given from the name of the villanous inventor. The marks on the surface of the corner nippers, which have now 108 HISTORY OF THE nearly become plain, are imitated as at the age of seven, by an engraving tool ; they are then burned with a hot iron, when a permanent black stain is left. This practice is sometimes employed on the next pair of nippers, in a slight degree. By this infamous trick, the ignorant are often imposed on. But the irregular appearance of the cavity, the diffusion of the black stain around the tusks, the sharpened edges, and concave inner surfaces, are wanting, which no art can imitate ; — thus, an attentive observer need not be deceived. Fig. 10. shews the nippers at ten, when merely the rudiment of the funnel remains. Fig. ] 1. a jaw at twelve year old, the nippers have lost the centre enamel, and the septum of the root is wounded. Fig. 12. represents the jaw at sixteen ; all the nippers have become triangular in shape ; and the septum of the root forms a rounded point, on all the tables of the teeth. The above description applies to the teeth of the ass, mule, zebra, and quagga, which all undergo a similar change. Osmer, an old, but able, and well accredited writer on the horse, defines the meaning of the term, blood, as applied to the horse called thorough- bred, to be a certain elegance of parts, derived from air, climate, food, and training. This being suit- able to the true natural conformation of the animal, BRITISH TURF. 109 enables him to perform extraordinary feats of ac- tivity and motion, coupled with wonderful endu- rance of the highest bodily exertion ; hence, he ex- plains, the expression, " he shows a vast deal of blood," means only true formation as a race horse. *' Where," continues this writer, '' is the blood of the ostrich, whose speed so far excels that of the swiftest horse ? If the good qualities of the race horse depend upon blood, we could not, as we often do, see one horse very good, and his brother, with equal advantages of good keep and training, very bad." Osmer censures the folly of expecting that what is termed high blood in the Eastern horses, un-accompanied with essential form, will produce a race horse ; and he instances the many failures that have occurred, in breeding according to this rule, without reference to the important truth, that blood can never be considered as independent of form or substance. Although we must allow, that there is much truth in the foregoing observations, nevertheless we conceive that Osmer, in the endeavour to ob- tain for the effect, the weight to which it is most undoubtedly entitled, has entirely overlooked the cause to which its production may be ascribed. He would have blood to consist in mechanical excel- lence alone ; while we maintain that excellence to be the result of blood never to exist without it — and 110 HISTORY OF THE never to fail except in competition with it. It is the pe- culiar descent of the thorough hred horse, combined with a careful selection of sires and dams, and the utmost attention in management exercised through- out a lengthened period, which may be said to have combined in the formation of that excellence under- stood by the term blood. Already greatly improved by the introduction of racing, before the introduc- tion of Eastern blood, the English horse was eminently qualified to receive the good effect which so speedily evinced itself after that event. If Osmer's doctrine held good, that there must be this elegance of form, these nice proportions in the Hmbs, or moving levers of the race horse, how is it, we would ask, that so many of those called cross naade, plain and apparently disproportioned horses, possess the power or parts conducive to speed and action. One of the ablest anonymous writers on this sub- ject wethat remember to have met with, has thus treated this point. ''If blood can be defined tobe the peculiar elegance in the texture of the external parts, how happens it, that several very ugly horses and mares have at all times distinguished themselves on the turf? Are there certain occult causes, not discernable to the eye, that produce this excellence, to which the rules and laws of action appear to be opposed ? On these points it may be observed, first, that the force and effect of muscular motion BRITISH TURF. Ill are nearly beyond our ken ; and secondly, sucli horses are really not mis-shapen, inasmuch as there are hidden virtues in the mechanism of their inter- nal frames, which the eye cannot detect ; and where deficient in one point, they are recompensed by additional powers in others ; they possess the essential points, although not so elegantly dis- played ; and this we believe is the case with other animals than the horse, although, generally speak- ing, true symmetry in all, is attended with cor- responding excellence in their useful properties, and adaptation to the purposes of man . '' Those persons who insist upon an innate quality, in what is termed, ' blood,' are led to believe that there is something in the nature of a thorough bred horse, which enables him to struggle in a race, far beyond his natural capabilities, and which is distinguished by the term ' game.' We do not think there is. We learn from experience that horses often allow themselves to be beaten by others which are inferior to them, from sheer ill- temper ; but their efforts to win a race, we consi- der to be merely limited by their physical powers, the effect of a proper arrangement of their parts ; and that the operation of the mind or spirit has nothing at all to do with it. The hero at the Olympic games had, and the champion of the Bri- tish boxing ring may have had, feehngs which, from the superiority of their nature, and the fact 112 HISTORY OF THE of their character, interest, and future happiness, being all involved in the event, might have induced them to struggle, even to the very verge of life ; but the same sense of honour, and the same spirit of emulation, cannot, at least in anything like the same ratio, be ascribed to the race-horse. If his own acting powers be unequal to those of others opposed to him in the race, he yields to that superiority ; although it must be admitted, that what are called sluggish horses will not try to exert themselves to the utmost, unless urged to it by the spur and whip, and others, when spurred and whipped, slacken instead of increasing their speed. The final result of this discussion then, is, that when, as has been previously suggested, we speak of such horses as King Herod, Highflyer, or Eclipse, having transmitted their blood to the past and present generations of running horses, we can only admit that they have transmitted that true formation of parts necessary to enable them to run races at a prodigious rate of speed, and to endure the severity of training for them." Much discussion has taken place in the different sporting magazines, on the question of what con- stitutes the blood or thorough bred horse. The purport of our foregoing observations on this subject may be thus shortly summed up. We consider the term blood, or thorough-bred horse, to imply one whose pedigree can be traced BRITISH TURF. 113 through the Stud Book to any Eastern stallion, or to the two Barb Mares, commonly called the Royal Mares, imported by Charles II. The assertion so often made, that, for a horse to claim the title of " thorough," it is necessary he should be of pure Eastern descent, cannot for a moment be supported; as investigation proves, that the first British race- horses were those of British origin, already much improved by the attention and management of breeding which followed the introduction of horse racing. The admixture of Eastern blood and judi- cious crossing, afterwards combined to form the thorough bred horse. SIZE, COLOUR AND FORMATION OF THE THOROUGH-BRED HORSE. The thorough-bred horse varies in point of size, the preference being given to a low over a large horse. Experience teaches the justness of this preference, for we find that w^hile the largest horses that have ever appeared on the British Turf, have with a very few exceptions proved very inferior in running to those of a medium height, many instances are to be found on the other hand, of the best horse of his year being almost the lowest. As speed does not arise from superior height, — being more frequently destroyed by it, as we find the long beam breaks from its own length,— we may VOL. I. I II 1 14 HISTORY OF THE safely venture to lay down the medium height, about 1 5 hands, 2 inches, "^ as constituting the best size for a race-horse. The prevailing color of the thorough-bred horse is a bright bay,t with black mane and tail, and black legs to correspond, occa- sionally relieved with a small white star on the forehead, or a white heel of the leg. What are commonly termed vulgar colors, such as dun, light sorrel or brown, with a mealy muzzle, are seldom met with ; and we remember but one instance of the pie-bald, and very few roans. J Black is also an uncommon color and seldom approved of, although several of our best racers (almost all of the Trumpeter blood) have been of that color. On the other hand the real chesnut is both a favorite and more prevailing color, and is reckoned equal to the bay, in the rich beauty of its hue. The celebrated Eclipse was a rich chesnut, audit is a remarkable fact that a small dark spot on the quarter of this famous horse, has been fre- quently found in his descendants in the fifth and sixth generation. The perfection to which the form of the thorough- bred horse has attained, by the efforts of human skill grafted on nature, consists in the following * A hand is 4 inclies. % t According to Zenophon, the ancients reckoned thirteen colours of horses, holding the bay in the highest favor. I See " the Cocker," by W. Sketchley. London, 1814. BRITISH TURF. 115 cardinal points. But before we attempt to portray these, it is highly necessary to observe, that no rules can be laid down, by which it can be deter- mined whether or not a horse will make a racer, by the mere examination and consideration of his form. Numerous instances might be adduced in which horses, that the eye of the judge in such matters would delight to study, have turned out worthless on the Turf; and the contrary. While therefore the sportsman may derive much useful information, as well as pleasure, from a proper investigation of the symmetry and proportions of the thorough- bred horse, he will do well to remember that his powers can only be safely determined by actual trial. The peculiar elegance of form of the race-horse, is derived from the just proportions of his limbs and moving levers, coupled with the exact fitting with each other, of all the mechanical parts of his frame. To this mechanical excellence of frame is united a superiority of muscular substance, joined with justly proportioned shape, giving that elegance of form, in which there is no unnecessary weight to oppress the muscles. We now proceed to por- tray the generally approved points of the race-horse, without pretending to lay down any exact standard of perfection. The form of the head in the racer, resembles that of the Arabian, and is one of the leading characteristics of the thorough-bred horse. I 2 116 HISTORY OF THE His broad, angular forehead, the tapering of the face from the forehead to the muzzle, his brilliant and rather prominent eye, and his expanded and flexible nostrils, give him that beautiful and in- telligent expression of countenance, which no other breed (with the exception perhaps of a few of Eas- tern countries) possesses. His throat should be clean, with a good wide space between the jaw- bones,— which should be thin, but not extend too high towards the onset. His neck should be mus- cular, rather long than otherwise, wide, but not too high crested. What is termed a loose neck in a race-horse, has been by many considered as favorable to speed, the head being as it were the helm by which he guides his motions in the race ; but we consider a good mouth, to be of much • greater service in this respect. The shoulders being the chief moving levers of the horse, the points on which his action in a great measure depends demand our utmost attention. We find they vary in form more than any other part of the horse's frame, and it is difficult to dis- criminate between the theories of the numerous writers who have laid down the law, as to the most correct formation of these limbs. While those of Flying Childers rose very high and fine towards the withers, on the other hand a firkin of butter is said to have rested on the withers of EcHpse, when in covering condition ; and yet each of these match- BRITISH TURF. I [J less race horses were unequalled in speed and power of endurance. The shoulders of Eclipse, it would appear, resembled those of the greyhound, wide at the upper part, and nearly on a line with the back. We refer our reader to our extract from Sainbel's ce- lebrated Essay on the proportions of this matchless racer, which we have given at some length in a for- mer chapter of this work, for much useful information, both as to this and other points of the race horse. Upright shoulders, being a great impediment to speed, a certain obliquity of the scapular becomes absolutely necessary; but not so their running fine at the withers. Thus we find large and even what are termed coarse shoulders, no impediment to speed (being always highly conducive to strength) if there is proper declivity of the shoulder-bone or scapular. The withers should enlarge gradually downwards, there being a distance of 4 or 5 inches between the fore-thigh, and less between the feet ; in fact the shoulders should be what is commonly termed well laid back. It is impossible to go into a minute investigation of those points from which the thorough-bred horse derives his wonderful speed, without being struck with the fact, that these distinguishing features may be traced through sire and dam to the Eastern horse, from which thev were originally derived. All the Herod Jegs had prominent knees and yet were famous for standing work ; a point handed down to that splendid racer 118 HISTORY OF THE from the Byerley Turk,=^ and the excellence of which consists in the great diminution of concus- sion in galloping which takes place in legs so formed. The setting on, and the length of the fore arm, or part from shoulder to knee in the fore-leg, and the declension of the haunch to the hock in the hind leg, commonly known by the phrase '' well let down in the thigh," are points of great importance. It is the true position of the limbs thus constituted, which causes the thorough bred horse to stand over more gi'ound than one wanting this formation, although of a larger frame. The hare, possessing those points in perfection, is enabled thereby to describe a larger circle in run- ning, and to cover more ground at one bound, than any other animal double her size. The cannon or shank,f from the knee to the fetlock, should be of moderate length, flat, (round being highly ob- jectionable) with sinews and bones distinct ; and the former very firmly braced. The pastern should be rather small than otherwise, but long and lax. The hoof of moderate size, although there are many who think a horse's foot cannot be too large * Herod was got by Tartar, whose sire was Mr. Croft's Partner, got by Jigg, son of the Byerley Turk and each of these horses are mentioned as having these prominent knees. f A reference to the plates and the explanations of them given in pages 102 — 108 will enable the reader better to understand the positions here laid down. BRITISH TURF. 119 or spread out. This we find in direct opposition both to nature and reason, the swiftest animals having generally small feet in proportion to their size ; while reflection must convince, that the larger the surface which comes in frequent contact with the ground, the greater must be the resistance to its removal ; to say nothing of the animal force expended in the action of moving a superfluous weight. The race horse should have length, the length being in his shoulders and quarters, (the part posterior to the hips) and not in his back, w^hich should be short, sinking a little behind the withers, which gives his rider a good seat, without diminishing his strength. His shoulders should sink imperceptibly into his neck at the points ; acute angles and straight lines being destructive of ele- gance of shape. He should have what is termed a round barrel carcass, which is produced b)- the ribs standing well out from the spine ; as well as great depth of body — a formation which not only gives strength, activity and beauty to the whole frame of the horse, but by aifording the lungs and intestines ample room to perform their functions, imparts freedom of breathing, and constitutional vigor. Care is, however, requisite that these points are not carried too far, so as to make the horse too heavy for his legs ; as it is well known that horses too heavy in the body, injure their legs much in their gallop ; and we find accordingly that mares and 120 HISTORY OF THE geldings stand training to a later period of life than stallions ; for as they generally carry less flesh than entire horses, so they require less work in train- ing. After the head, the peculiar formation of his haunches may be said to be the truest characteristic of the thorough bred horse. What little injury is done to the elegance of the parts, by the width of the hips, is amply compensated by the increased strength it imparts to the animal ; and when found in conjunction with good loins, these projections of the ilium can hardly be too great for the pur- poses of power and action. The form and sub- stance of the thigh form another material point. The thigh of the hare gives us the best idea of what should be the formation of those of the race- horse ; accordingly we find its thighs let down to a great extent for their size, and the lower parts of the hinder legs placed under them, as those of the racer should be, from a proper curve of the hock. Well developed muscle, not size, is what is wanted ; for although horses are said to go with their shoul- ders, the power to give the impetus in progressive motion comes from behind. The hock is a very complicated joint ; it should be large and lean, with its points projecting behind the body. As the proper understanding of this important subject is of manifest interest and utility to all sportsmen, we cannot do better than illustrate it still further BRITISH TURF. 121 by quoting the opinions of Mr. Darvill,^ one of the ablest writers on these matters we possess. The following are amongst the principal and essential points of a race-horse, pointed out by that writer in the second volume of his Treatise. *' His head should be small and lean ; his ears small and picked ; his eyes brilliantly large ; his forehead broad and flat His throat should be clean, and fine from the butt of the ear down to its centre, with a good wide space between the jaw bones, which latter should be thin The neck should be moderate in length. I prefer its being wide ; I mean its width should be formed by the substance of muscles which pass along each side of the top part of it ; from the withers to the head it may gradually rise a little in its centre, but by no means to any extreme, as I have a great aversion to a high crested race-horse. Indeed, I would prefer that his neck should be as I have des- cribed his face, rather of the ewe or deerlike shape, (this we consider a peculiarly happy expression) than that it should be loaded on top, which I will presently explain. As to the lower part of the neck, I have no very particular remarks to make, further than that the trachea or windpipe should be spacious, and loosely attached to the neck on its way to the lungs. The withers may be moderately high, and, if the reader like, they may be also * Darvill's Treatise on the Care, Treatment and Training of the English Race-horse, 2 vols. London, 1834. 122 HISTORY OF THE moderately thin ; but, with respect to this latter point, I am not so very particular, provided the shoulders lay well back. From the withers the back commences. I confess that appearance may be in favor of a horse that has his back a little low or hollow. As a saddle-horse this may be all very- well ; but for a race-horse, to have strength and liberty of stride, his back should be straight and moderately long, with the shoulders and loins running well in at each end. The loins should have great breadth and muscular substance, so much so as for them to have the appearance of being raised as it were on their surface ; and those muscles posterior to the loins should fill up level the top part of the quarters to the setting on of the tail, which latter should be set on pretty high up. , I now come to speak of the body, or as it is by some people commonly called, the middle piece of the horse, and which is divided internally into two cavities, bv a muscular substance called the diaphragm. The anterior cavity, the chest, contains the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, &;c. Now, w^ith respect to the external form of the body, which contains and protects all those numer- ous organs so important to life, I shall first make my observations on the chest. To use a common phrase, and somewhat an expressive one, a horse in this part should be what is called well over the heart, that is to say, he should be deep in his girth, round or well arched in his ribs. I mean by this. BRITISH TURF. 123 that a rider on the back of a race-horse (as they are generally better about the chest than horses in common use) , should feel he has some breadth or substance between his legs ; and there should be a good swell of muscle before his knees, or the centre of the flaps of the saddle. The chest, thus spa- ciously formed, gives room for respiration, so that in training, the horse's wind can be brought to the greatest perfection, which enables him to run on in long lengths. The next part to be treated of is the abdomen or belly, or what is commonly called the carcass. It may perhaps appear a little strange, but I have a great aversion to what is commonly called a good carcassed horse, nor am I particu- larly partial to a large sheathed one. I like both these parts to be in the medium, as I do also that of his being w^ell ribbed up. It is true that a horse being well ribbed up denotes strength, and a short close made race-horse is, in running, handy in his turns, and as I have already noticed, he is generally a pretty good one under high weights, over a small round cock-pit course ; but this description of course and sort of running is not now so much practised as formerly, or rather it is a sort of racing that does not exactly suit long-striding horses, as most of those are that run at Newmarket. Ano- ther thing is, that horses with large carcasses are mostly great gluttons ; they put up flesh very rapidly, and are very difficult and troublesome to train, in consequence of their constitution being 124 HISTORY OF THE too strong, or proportionably too much for their feet and legs. Such horses not only seldom re- main long in training, but they cannot remain long in condition, without their becoming stale in them- selves, as also on their legs, and those are my reasons for objecting to very large carcassed horses. To return to the fore-extremities. The shoulders commence from a little below the withers. They should be most particularly well back ; should be deep, broad, and muscularly strong ; yet those muscular parts should appear to the eye as being moderately so, that is, not unproportionably loaded. Tliese muscles should be distinctly seen , there should be no appearance of fat, or as it is technically termed, ' adipose membrane.' The shoulders cannot well be too oblique in their de- scent to the front of the chest ; here, on each side, a joint is formed by the lower part of the scapula or shoulder-blade being united with the upper part of the humerus or arm bone. Those joints thus formed are usually called the points of the shoul- ders, which points should appear straight or level. There should be no coarse, projecting, or heavy appearance about the points of the shoulders of such horses as are intended to race ; nor indeed does this often occur, unless where it happens that the chest or counter of the horse is unproportionably wide. In taking a front view of the chest, it should appear moderate as to breadth, and if its prominency is at all to the extreme, it should be in BRITISH TURF. 125 consequence of the fullness or substance of those muscles covering the breast, which muscles should be lengthy and their divisions distinctly to be ob- served. The fore-arm should be broad and long, and most particularly well furnished with muscles on its top parts, inside as well as out ; I mean by this, that the muscles on the top and inside of the arm should here be so large as to leave but a mode- rate space between the fore -legs immediately under the chest, and which muscles should appear, as those in front of the chest, distinctly divided. The posterior part of the top of the arm is called the * elbow ;' this should appear (the horse in condition) somewhat on a level with the body ; if it at all elevates from this appearance, I would prefer its standing in, to that of its standing unproportio- nally out. The knee-joint should be large, broad, and flat in front. Generally speaking, the larger and broader all joints are in reason, the better and stronger they are ; and the longer, coarser, and rougher their projecting points or processes are, the greater and more secure will be the lever for the muscles or tendons to act upon, provided such projecting parts or joints (as the hocks and pas- terns) do not amount to disease, as that of produc- ing spavins and ring bones. The legs from the knee to the fetlock cannot well be too short, neither can they well be too broad or too flat, nor their flexer tendon scarcely be too large or ap- 126 HISTORY OF THE pearing too distinctly divided, as it were, from the leg ; the fetlock -joint should also be large, and the pastern proportionally strong, but its length and obliquity should be in the medium. The wall or crust of the feet should also be moderately oblique, with the heels open, and frogs sound ; this indeed, is generally the state of racing-colts on first leav- ing their paddocks, if their feet have been paid proper attention to during the time they have remained there. Yet the feet of such of them as have been some time in work, will occasionally get out of order ; they grow upright and strong ; the horngfets hard and brittle, and the heels more or less contracted ; almost all of which defects are too often occasioned from the want of proper at- tention being paid to them at the time of shoeing, and the want of proper applications being applied to them in the stables. Previous to con- cluding my remarks on the fore extremities, it may not be amiss to observe to the reader, that supposing him to stand opposite to those parts of the horse, if the animal is formed in them as I have already described, the centre of the top part of the fore-arm, to be well placed, ought to be nearly or quite in a parallel line with the top or fore-part of the horse's withers ; and again, from the top part of the fore-arm, down to the foot, for the horse to stand firm and well, and have the power of using his fore-legs well, he should BRITISH TURF. 127 stand perfectly straight on them. I mean by this, they are not to appear too much under him, or too much out or away from him. Suppose again, for example, a man standing in front of the horse, and here taking a view of the foot ; the centre part of the wall or crust should be in or on a parallel line with that lower part or joint of the shoulder, commonly termed its point. A horse's feet thus placed, will neither be too much out or too much in ; but should his feet deviate from what I have here observed, by amounting to a fault, in turning too much out or too much in, I should prefer their being a little out, to that of the other extreme of turning in, and being what is called * pigeon- toed.' *' I shall now proceed to describe the hind- quarters or posterior extremities. As may be sup- posed, the well formation of those parts is of the utmost importance to a race-horse in his running ; it is, therefore, necessary that they should be, in breadth, substance, and length, of very superior dimensions. The hips should have a great breadth between them : and if thev are a little coarse or projecting, so much the better, provided such coarse projections are not in extreme, or appear vulgar or unsightly. From the centre and poste- rior part of the loins, to the top of the tail, is called the ' croup,' and should be of great length ; and, if it deviates from that of a straight line, it may 128 HISTORY OF THE be somewhat arched in the centre. The croup being thus formed gives great breadth to the top of the quarters, the length of which, from the croup down to the hock, cannot scarcely be of too great an extent, in order that there may be sufficient room here for the attachment of those broad, powerful, lengthy, and distinctly divided muscles on the out- side of the quarters and thighs ; and there should also be a similar portion of such muscles on the inside of the quarters and thighs ; so that a man who is a good judge, taking a posterior view, may observe how the horse is made. In this position he should be, as it were, struck by the appearance of the great breadth and length of the back part of the quarters, and as he moves his head to the right or left, the centre and outside of the quarters and thighs, and the swell of the muscles, should appear beyond a level with the hips. The upper parts of the muscles on the inside of the quarters should appear quite close to each other, so that no vacuous space should be visible between them, as that of an appearance of the horse being (if I may thus express myself) chucked up in the fork. Such should be the lengthy and muscular quarters of a well made race-horse. '' The stifle joint should be in a direct line under the hip, and the length from this joint to that of the hock cannot reasonably be too long, and the farther out of the angular or oblique posi- BRITISH TURF. 129 tion of the thigh-bone the better, so as to admit of the back part, or projecting point of the hock appearing some distance out bej^ond the top of the hind quarters. Tliose parts being thus formed, ad- mit of a very considerable lever for the main ten- don here to act upon the tendon Achilles ; which like the flexor one of the leg, can scarcely be too large or too distinctly seen, in its commencement from the lower part of the quarter to its insertion into the posterior or projecting point of the hock, the OS ocilsis. The hock should be broad and wide, with a clean, lean appearance, and those parts which are occasionally the seat of thorough pins and log spavins, in a sound well formed hock, should appear more as cavities, than as having the above mentioned projections, and which are some- times the cause of lameness. The hind leg. like the fore one, should be short, broad, flat, and straight ; the trifling angle formed by the hock, should toge- ther with the moderate obliquity of the pastern, bring the extremity of the toe nearly under the stifle-joint." When we consider the situation and action of the hock, the weight and stress thrown upon it must be exceedingly great, and we find ac- cordingly that it is frequently injured in rapid and powerful motion. It is true that some provi- sion to prevent injury is provided, in the groved VOL. I. K 130 HISTORY OF THE or pully-like heads of the tibia (see page 104) and the astragalus, received deeply into each other, and confined by powerful ligaments, admit of a hinge-like motion, but if no side motion, to which the joint might be exposed in rapid action, or on an uneven surface. The hock is, from its compli- cated structure and its work, the principal seat of lameness behind. Nine-tenths of the lamenesses that occur in the hind leg are to be traced to this joint, and when, after careful examination, we are unable to find any other seat of lameness, we shall usually be justified in affirming that the hook is affected. ACTION, SPEED AND WIND OF THE RACE HORSE. The great proportion in the limbs and moving levers of the race horse give him, as we have pre- viously remarked, a great stride in his gallop ; but to render this stride effective in producing speed, it is necessary that it be quickly repeated, other- wise the racer would lose in time what he gains in space. Accordingly it is stride and quickness united that constitute fleetness in the race horse. Eclipse, as will be shown when we come to treat of that celebrated horse, is generally believed to have covered 83 feet of ground in a second, when at the top of his speed ; which, by the calculation by M. Sainbel, which we have given elsewhere, amounted BRITISH TURF. 131 to about 25 feet of groiuid covered at a single stride ; the most which has been done by any horse before or since, with the exception of Flying Chil- ders,"^ to which horse the same feat is likewise ascribed. Hambletonian, in his famous match with Diamond, is asserted to have covered 21 feet at a stroke at the finish. But much doubt has been throw^n of late years upon these instances of un- common speed on these two grounds, viz : in the first place that they are unsupported by autho- rity, and, therefore unworthy of belief; secondly that the race horses of the present day, being in no ways inferior to those of whom these wonderful feats are recorded, cannot, it is wxU known, anything like equal their reputed performances. Although we are perfectly ready to admit that the wTiters who have recorded these wonderful performances, have advanced to the utmost verge of possibility, nevertheless a proper investigation of the subject teaches us that w^e should be guilty of illiberality and even selfish prejudice in entirely rejecting their evidence. In the first place, we find on making a careful research, that these accounts have been written (the greater part at least) by cotemporaries, * It is said that this celebrated horse, carrying nine stone, two lbs. ran over the round course at Ne^vmarket, (three miles, six fur- longs and ninety-three yards in length) in six minutes and forty seconds. Also that he ran over the Beacon course, (four miles, one furlong and 138 yards in length) in seven minutes and thirty seconds; covering at every bound a space of about twenty-five feet. K 2 132 HISTORY OF THE and often witnesses, of the performances they re- cord, in whose day the event was a matter of public notoriety ; therefore had they advanced be- yond the bounds of truth, there can be no doubt but that denials, as public as their recorded facts, would have been made, and handed down to us. Wm. Pick of York, in his Historical and Annual Racing Calendar published in 1786, gives the ac- count we have quoted of the wonderful perform- ances of Flying Childers, without insinuating that the slightest doubt existed in his time of their having taken place. Now as Childers ran as late as 1723, and did not die till 1741, Mr. Pick, if not himself cotemporary with Childers (of which we have little doubt,) had most certainly the opportunity of conversing with many who had witnessed the per- formances of that wonderful racer ; and it would appear, was quite convinced that their accounts were correct. Of the performances of Eclipse we have still more perfect evidence, as they are handed down to us direct from several who had actually witnessed them, noblemen and gentlemen of the highest rank, judges of racing, and utterly incapable of mistating facts. Accordingly Wm. Pick, Sain- bel, with several other writers, in their works pub- lished soon after the death of Eclipse, only mention these performances as stated to them by the above mentioned leading men en the Turf. Another argument in favor of our position may be adduced BRrriSH TURF. 133 from the fact, that a reference to the rate of speed at which the most celebrated races were run between those periods and the present day, shew^ the falHng off to have been gradual. For instance, the famous match in which Hambletonian, carrying 8st. 31b. beat Diamond at the Newmarket Craven Meeting, 25 March, 1799, for £3000 over the Beacon Course (4 miles, 1 furlong and 13S yards) which he ran in 7 minutes, 15 seconds. Hambletonian was supposed to have covered seven yards in his last stroke in passing the winning post. At Doncaster 19th Sep- tember 1801, Sir Solomon beat Cockfighter 8st. 71bs. each (41bs. more than Hambletonian) over the round course (4 miles, less 408 yards) the dis- tance being done the first 2 miles in 3 minutes, the whole distance in 7 minutes and 1 1 seconds. In comparing this with the performance of Ham- bletonian, it should be remembered that the lat- ter was over the straight course of Newmarket, while at Doncaster the former had to run round a course twice over, which doubtless impedes a horse's speed, besides which the Doncaster course was excessively hard at the time this race was run. The following is a fair specimen of the speed of our present racing stock, as compared with the above, from which it appears to have gradually de- clined. In 1822, Theodore the winner of the Don- caster St. Leger Stakes, ran over the St. Leger course, (one mile, six furlongs and 132 yards) in 134 HISTORY OF THE 3 minutes, 23 seconds, carrying 8 st. 61b. At the commencement of the present century, 3 and 4 mile heats, with lOst. 41bs. to list. 61bs. formed the conditions on which the Roval Plates were usually run for. Sir Charles Bunbury introduced the system of short races, and light weights, and the conditions of the Royal Plates were gradually altered to suit the new style of racing. From this period we may date the falling off of our present breed of thorough bred horses, as compared with those of the eighteenth century, both in speed and stoutness. It is well known that we have not such good four mile horses, as they are termed, as for- merly, and we consider the reasons obvious. In the first place, we have at present very few four mile races, either at Newmarket, or in the country ; consequently the deep rate of the old four mile horses is not wanted ; but as in short distances a horse is required to get off quickly, or as the term is to get on his legs, in a few hundred yards, the animal now in request is one of a lighter and more active kind. In the next place, it must be ob- served that the most celebrated horses of the last century, such as Childers, Old Crab, Flea-catcher, Eclipse, Herod, &c., &c., did not appear on the Turf before they were five years old ; while now, the inducement to train colts and fillies at a very early period of their lives, before they are arrived at their full growth and powers, must have a most injurious effect on their stamina. According to the present BRITISH TURF. 135 system, no sooner have they won, or even run well for any of our great three year old stakes, than they are put into the stud (frequently broken down) to breed racing stock, which is necessarily defec- tive, and which in turn undergoes the same disad- vantageous system. But, how^ever, the British race horse of the pre- sent day may suffer in comparison with the racers of the past century, they nevertheless maintain a proud superiority over every other breed in the world. We are impelled to make this observation, and to adduce the fact which we shall give in evi- dence of its truth, from having frequently of late ob- served with surprise in several of our leading me- tropolitan dailyjournals, paragraphs copied from the German papers, and professing to give accounts of races in Russia. According to these statements not only are the Cossack horses made to equal our pre^ sent highest bred and carefully trained race horses, but without regard to either due preparation or weight, are stated to run distances in periods that out herod Herod, and eclipse Eclipse. With these veracious scribes a mile in a minute is about che per- formance of the last horse ; as for the winner the pen of a Gulliver or a Munchausen is required to portray his speed and power of endurance. Now what is the real fact, is sufficiently shown in the following trial between the rival breeds. On the 4th of August, 1825, two second rate English 136 HISTORY OF THE racers, Sharper and Mina, contended, against the most celebrated Cossack horses from the Don, the Black Sea, and the Ural, in a race of the cruel distance of forty-seven miles. At starting Sharper and Mina ran away with their riders more than a mile, and up a very steep hill, where the latter horse broke down and consequently was pulled up. Half the distance was run in an hour and fortv minutes. In the last half, only one of the many Cossack horses that started was able to contend with Sharper, who, notwithstanding every foul advan- tage was taken by changing the w^eight, and even dragging along his opponent Avith a rope, won his race in gallant style, performing the distance in two hours and forty-eight minutes. At starting the English horses carried three stone more weight than the Cossacks ; and during the last half of the race, the one Cossack that remained in it was ridden by a mere child. THE HALF-BRED HORSE OR COCK-TAIL. We will conclude this chapter with a brief notice of a second rate description of racer, of compara- tively modern origin, and lately very prevalent in England, with the exception of Newmarket ; — the half-bred horse, or as he is commonly termed the cock-tail. This description of race horse has never found favor in the eyes of the nobility and gentry, BRITISH TURF. K^7 the real supporters of the Turf; and for very good reasons. In the first place, what are termed half-bred stakes (some of which are of large value) have led to a great many frauds being committed, as horses have been brought to run for them, under false pedigrees and false age ; which must ever be the case, from the great difficulty of proving a horse to be thorough bred, where the owner, for his own dishonest purposes, has carefully removed all traces of his origin. We find therefore that for the most part, cock-tails are in the hands of third rate trainers, horse dealers, and what are called at the present day, gentlemen riders, and that con- tinual disputes and unpleasantness arise out of half-bred stakes, — frequently to the disgust of a ge- nuine sportsman, who may by chance happen to have entered a horse for the same stake. Besides this the breeding of these horses is a direct injury to the country, as it encourages a spurious breed of horses, instead of the blood horse, the great object of racing. Were what are now called cock-tail stakes only used for what they were originally in- tended, viz. for hunters, there would be no reason to complain. Real hunters' stakes would be advan- tageous, if open to all horses that had been regular- ly hunted for a season, (not merely ridden by a boy to see a fox found, or cantered on the road to see a stag taken) and giving no allowance to the cock- 1.S8 HISTORY OF THE tail ; and if this practise was followed in all other stakes throughout the country, we should soon have the satisfaction of seeing this eyesore of real sportsmen, and blot on racing, done away with. BRITISH TURF. 139 CHAPTER VI . Rules concerning Horse-racing in general — Rules and Orders of the Jockey Club — Admission of New Members of the Jockey Club — Rules for the Rooms — Nominations, &c., &c. — Present Members of the Jockey Club — Adjudged Cases — The Law of Horse-racing and of Wagers thereon — Colors at present worn by the Riders. RULES CONCERNING HORSE RACING IN GENERAL, WITH A DESCRIPTION OF A POST AND HANDICAP MATCH. At a meeting of the Members of the Jockey Club held 25th April, 1833, it was resolved that from, and after the end of the year 1833, horses should be considered at Newmarket as taking their ages from the 1st of January, instead of the 1st of May. With respect to other places, they will continue to be considered as taking their ages from the 1 st of May, until the stewards of those races shall order otherwise. Four inches are a hand. •Fourteen pounds are a stone. 1. Catch weights are, each party to appoint any person to ride without weighing. 2. Give-and-take-plates are, fourteen hands to carry stated weights, according to age ; all above, MO HISTORY OF THE or under to carry extra, or be allowed the propor- tion of seven pounds to an inch.'^ 3. A Post Match, is to insert the ages of the horses in the article, and to run any horse of that age, without declaring what horse till he come to the post to start. 4. A Handicap Match is, A. B. and C. to put an equal sum each, into a hat ; C, wlio is the handicap- per makes a match for A. and B., who when they have perused it, put their hands into their pockets, and draw them out closed ; then they open them to- gether, and if both have money in their hands, the match is confirmed, if neither have money it is no match. In both cases the handicapper draws all the money out of the hat ; but if one has money in his hand, and the other none, then it is no match ; and he that has money in his hand is entitled to the deposit in the hat. 5. Horses are not entitled to start without pro- ducing a proper certificate of their age, if required, at the time appointed in the articles, except where aged horses are incJuded, and in that case a junior horse may enter without a certificate as to age, pro- vided he carry the same weight as the aged. 6. No person shall start more than one horse of which he is the owner, either wholly or in part, and either in his own name or that of any other person, for any race for which heats are run. * ITiese plateis, so much the fashion up to the commencement of the present century, have now fallen out of use. BRITISH TURF. 141 7. The horse that has his head at the ending post first, wins the heat. 8. For the best of the plate, where three heats are run, the horse is second that wins one heat. 9. For the best of the heats, the horse is second that beats the other horses twice out of three times, though he do not win a heat. 10. When a plate is won by two heats, the pre- ference of the horses is determined by the places they get in the second heat. 11. Where a plate or subscription is given to the winner of the best of three heats, ahorse to win the prize must be the actual winner of the heats, even though no horse appear against him for both or either of the heats. 12. When three horses have each w^on a heat, they only must start for a fourth, and the preference amongst them will be determined by it, there being no difference amongst them. 13. In running of heats, if it cannot be decided which horse is first, the heat goes for nothing, and they may all start again, except it be between two horses that had each won a heat. 14. If a rider fall from his horse, and the horse be rode in by a person that is sufficient weight, he shall take his place the same, as if his rider had not fallen, provided he go back to the place wdiere the rider fell. 15. Jockies must ride their horses to the usual place for weighing the riders, and he that dismounts before, or wants weight, is distanced ; unless he be 142 HISTORY OF THE disabled by an accident which should render him incapable of riding back, in which case he may be led, or carried to the scale. 16. Horses' plates or shoes not allowed in the weight. 17. Horses running on the wTong side of a post, and not turning back, are distanced. 18. Horses drawn before the plate is won, are distanced. 19. Horses are distanced, if their riders cross or jostle. 20. All complaints of foul riding must be made before, or at the time the jockey is weighed. 21. No distance in a fourth heat. 22. A confirmed bet cannot be off but by mutual consent, except in the cases hereinafter men- tioned. 23. Either of the betters may demand stakes to be made, and on refusal, may declare the bet to be void. 24. If a better be absent on the day of running, a public declaration of the bet may be made on the course, and a demand whether any person will make stakes for the absent party, and if no person consent to do so, the bet may be declared void. 25. Bets agreed to be paid or received in Lon- don, or any other particular place, cannot be de- clared off, on the course. 26. If a match or sweepstakes be made for any particular day in any race week, 9,nd the parties agree to change the day to any other in the same BRITISH TURF. 113 week, all bets must stand ; but if the parties agree to run the race in a different week, all bets made before the alteration shall be void. 27. The person who lays the odds has a right to choose a horse or the field ; when a person has chosen a horse, the field is what starts against him, but there is no field without one horse starts against him. 28. Bets and stakes made in guineas are paid in pounds. 29. If odds are laid without mentioning the horse before the race is over, the bet must be de- termined by the state of the odds at the time of making it. 30. Bets made in running are not determined till the plate is won, if that heat be not mentioned at the time of running. 31 . A bet made after the heat is over, if the horse betted on does not start, is void. 32. Bets determined, though the horse does not start, when the words '' absolutely run or pay" or *' play or pay" are made use of in betting. 33. Where horses run a dead heat for a sweep- stakes or plate, and the parties agree to divide the stakes, such horses shall be liable to carry extra weight as winners, and all bets between such horses, or between either of them and the field, must be settled by the money betted being put together and divided between the parties, in the same pro- portion as the stakes shall have been divided. If a 144 HISTORY OF THE bet be made on one of the horses that ran the dead heat, against a horse that was beaten in the race, he who backed the horse that ran the dead heat wins half his bet. If the dead heat be the first event of a double bet, the bet shall be void. 34. Bets made on horses winning any number of races within the year, shall be understood, however the expression may be varied, as meaning the year of our Lord. 35. Money given to have a bet laid shall not be returned, though the race be not run. 36. Matches and bets are void on the decease of either party before the match or bet is determined. 37. A horse walking over, or receiving forfeit, shall not be deemed a winner. 38. An untried stallion or mare is one whose produce has never run in public. 39. A maiden horse or mare is one that has never won. 40. It being an established rule that no person can enter and run, either in his own name, or in the name of any other person, two horses of which he is wholly or in part the owner, for any plate, and doubts having arisen as to the true definition of the word plate — the Stewards of the Jockey Club have decided that where a sum of money is given to be run for, without any stake being made by the owners of the horses (the entrance money, whether given to the owner of the second horse, or applied to the racing fund, not being considered BRITISH TURF. 145 a stake) such prize shall be construed to be a plate. But where a stake is deposited by the owners of the horses which is to go to the whinner, and an addi- tional sum of mone}^ or a cup, piece of plate, or other reward is offered as a prize to the winnerj even thou2:h such addition shall be denominated a plate by the donor. — Such race shall be deemed and taken to be a sweepstakes, and not a plate. RULES AND ORDERS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB. Newmarket, Nov. 1, 1831. At a meeting of the Stewards and Members of the Jockey Club, it w^as stated that much un- certainty had prevailed wdth regard to the opera- tion of the rules and orders of the Jockey Club, and therefore it was thought proper to declare that they apply to all races run at, and engagements made for Newmarket only ; ihe Jockey Club having no authority to extend their rules and orders to any other place, although they have for the sake of greater uniformity and certainty, re- commended the adoption of the same rules to the Stewards of other races. And that the Stewards of the Jockey Club will not receive any references of disputes from any places, except those at which the rules and regLilations of Newmarket shall have been declared to be in force, in the printed articles of those races. 1 . The former rules and orders of the Jockey VOL. I. L 146 HISTORY OF THE Club were repealed from the 31st December, 1828, and the following rules and orders, with such addi- tions and alterations as may from time to time be made therein, are substituted and to be acted upon. RESPECTING THE STEWARDS. 2. The three members of the Jockey Club, now acting as Stewards, shall be continued in their office till the next annual meeting of the Jockey Club, when the senior steward (the one who has been the longest in office) shall quit his situation immediately after settling the accounts at that meeting, and shall then name a member of the Jockey Club to succeed him, subject to the ap- probation of the remaining stewards, and of the members of the Jockey Club then present ; and at every subsequent annual meeting the then senior steward shall in like manner retire and name his successor. 3. If any difference of opinion shall arise in such nomination, it shall be decided by a majority of the members present ; which majority must include one (at least) of the continuing stewards ; if both the continuing stewards are in the minority, then there shall be a fresh nomination. 4. If any of the stewards should die or resign between the periods of the annual meetings, the surviving or continuing stewards may appoint a member of the club to succeed the deceased or BRITISH TURF. 14 H declining steward, and to stand in his place in point of senioritv ; but such nomination shall be notified to the Club, at their next annual, or at any special meeting to be called for the purpose, and shall then be subject to the like approbation, as in the case of a senior steward retiring at the expiration of his stewardship. 5. All disputes relating to racing at Newmarket, or bets on racing elsewhere, if any of the parties interested should request the interference of the stewards, shall be determined by the three stewards and two referees, (who shall be members of the Jockey Club) one to be chosen by each of the par- ties concerned, if either of them shall desire to have referees. If only two stewards be present they shall fix upon a third person, being a member of the club, in lieu of the absent steward ; but the stewards if they think fit, may call in any other members of the Jockey Club to their assistance or may refer the case to a general meeting of the Jockey Club, if the importance or difficulty of the matter in dispute shall appear to them to require it. 6. If any dispute arising elsewhere than at New- market shall be referred to the stewards of the Jockey Club, and they shall think fit to take it into consideration, the matter must relate to horse racing, the facts or points of difference be reduced into writing, and be sent by, or with the sanction of the stewards, when the matter in question oc- L 2 148 HISTORY OF THE curred, and the parties must agree in writing to abide by the decisions of the stewards of the Jockey Club. 7. The three stewards, or any two of them shall have full power to make such regulations as they may think proper in regard to the course, and exercise ground. 6. The three stewards shall have the power of appointing such person or persons as they may choose, to keep the coffee-room, the match-book, receive the stakes, and collect the entrance money, and all other funds belonging to the Jockey Club, and the stewards shall be responsible to the Jockey Club, for all the money collected, as belonging to the Club. They shall also have the power to ap- point the judge of the races, clerk of the course, or any other servants of the Club. 9. The stewards shall fix the hours of starting for each race, by nine o'clock in the evening pre- ceding the day of running, and notice of the time of starting is to be fixed up in the cofifee-room im- mediately afterwards. 10. The stewards shall produce an account of the funds and disbursements of the Jockey Club, at the annual meeting in each year. RESPECTING THE ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS^, FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB. 1 1 . Ballots for the Jockey Club shall take place in the Craven, First Spring, Second October, and BRITISH TURF. 149 Houghton meetings. The candidate to be proposed in a meeting previous to the ballot, or in case the ballot take place in the Craven meeting, that notice of his being a candidate shall be stated in the sheet calendar, published next preceding that meeting, and also put up in the coffee-room on the Monday in that meeting, and notice to be given in writing, and put up in the coffee-room on what day the ballot will take place, at least one day before the time of balloting. Nine members (at the least) shall ballot, and two black balls shall exclude. FOR THE NEW ROOMS. 12. The ballot for members of the New Rooms may be in any of the seven established meetings at Newmarket. Each candidate must be proposed by a member of the Jockey Club, and his christian and surname, and usual place of abode, with the name of the member proposing him, put up in the dining and card rooms at Newmarket, (or in such other place as the stewards shall appoint) on the day preceding the ballot. The ballot shall be in the morning between the hours of eleven and one ; or in the afternoon between the hours of four and six. Members of the Jockey Club only shall be allowed to ballot. Nine members (at least) shall ballot, and two black balls shall exclude. If eighteen members ballot, there must be three black balls to exclude. 13. A member of any of the clubs in St. James's or T &»T^ r:iP utifzn smnCESL "ttMTT tiy- ■I' I rwBT sirt ritf IdT^S* 152 HISTORY OF THE Room, an immediate ballot may take place for such election. AS TO NOMINATIONS. 17. In all nominations, and entrances for stakes, subscriptions, and plates of horses, &c. which have not started before the time of naming or entering ; the sire, dam, and gran dam of the horse, &c. named or entered, must be mentioned if known, unless the dam has a name which is to be found in the Stud Book or Racing Calendar, in which case the name of the sire and dam will be sufficient. If the horse, &c. named or entered be own brother or sister to any horse, &c. having a name in the Stud Book, or Racing Calendar, it will be sufficient to name it as such. If the dam or grandam be sister (but which sister must be specified, if there be more than one) or dam or grandam of any horse, &c. having a name in the Stud Book, or Racing Calendar, it will be sufficient to mention her as such. If the dam or grandam is not known, the sire of the horse, &c. must be mentioned, together with such other particulars, as will be sufficient to identify the animal. If a horse has once appeared in the Racing Calendar by a name and his pedigree, it will be sufficient afterwards to mention him by his name only, even though he has never started. If the dam was covered by more than one stallion, the name of all of them must be mentioned. BRITISH TURF. 153 18. If any horse, &c. shall be named or entered without being identified as before directed, he shall not be allowed to start in the race, but his owner shall be Hable to pay the forfeit, or if a play or pay race, the whole stake. All bets on a horse so disqualified for starting shall be void. 19. No person who has once subscribed to a stake, shall be allowed to withdraw his name, and no nomination shall be altered, in any respect after the time of closing without the consent of all the parties in the race being first obtained. 20. In every sweepstakes in which there shall be any allowance of weight to the produce of untried horses or mares, such allowance shall be claimed on the article by each subscriber before the expi- ration of the time of naming ; and if not so claimed no allowance shall be made, even though the horse or mare should prove to have been untried at the time of naming. RESPECTING STAKES AND BETS. 21. All stakes for matches, subscriptions and sweepstakes, shall be made before the hour of starting for the first race of the day, in cash, bank bills, or banker's notes, payable on demand, and be paid into the hands of the person appointed by the stewards to receive the same, and in default thereof by any person, he shall pay the whole stake as a loser, whether his horse come in first or not, unless such person shall have previously obtained 154 HISTORY OF THE the consent of the party or parties with whom he is engaged, to his not staking. But this rule is not to extend to bets, which are to be paid and received, as if no such omission had happened. 22. A day-book shall be kept by the person ap- pointed by the stewards to receive the stakes, in which shall be entered an account of all matches, subscriptions, and sweepstakes to be run for ; and as the different stakes are made, they shall be en- tered therein as paid. 23. Five pounds per cent shall be allowed on all forfeits under £100 declared to the keeper of the match-book at or before ten o'clock the evening before running ; and if the forfeit amount to £100 upwards, £10 per cent shall be allowed. All for- feits shall be paid before twelve o'clock at night of the day iixed for the race, and on those forfeits which shall not be so paid, the deduction for the timely declaration of such forfeits shall not be allowed. And no horse shall be considered as struck out of his engagement unless the owner or some per- son authorised by him shall give notice to the keeper of the match-book, or to his clerk, or to one of the stewards present. 24. At a general meeting of the stewards and members of the Jockey Club held at Newmarket, 30th October, 1833, it was agreed upon and re- solved, that from and after the 31st December, ] 833, this rule as published in the volume of the BRITISH TURF. 155 Racing Calendar for 1832, should be rescinded, and the following substituted. No person shall start any horse, unless he shall have paid all former stakes and forfeits to the keeper of the match-book, before the time fixed for starting the first race of each day on which he intends to start his horse. That no horse shall start for any race until all forfeits due for that horse shall have been paid, provided that an objection to such last mentioned horse starting, shall have been made by eight o'clock in the evening preceding the day of running to the keeper of the match-book. That when any person has more than one nomi- nation in a stake, he shall not be allowed to start any horse for it unless the forfeits be paid for every other horse belonging to him, or standing in his name in such stake which does not run as well as the stakes for those which do. And these rules are recommended to the conside- ration of the stewards of other races. At the expiration of each meeting, a list of all stakes and forfeits due at Newmarket, shall be ex- hibited in the Cofiee-Room at Newmarket, and a similar list, and also a list of all stakes and forfeits due elsewhere which the persons claiming them shall transmit (free of postage), shall be posted at Mr. Weatherby's ofiice in Oxenden street. At a meeting of the Jockey Club held on Tuesday the 31st Oct, 1837, it was resolved, That after the 156 HISTORY OF THE 1st January, 1838, all persons whose name appear on the list of defaulters shall be warned off the course, and prohibited from training or exercising horses on any part of the ground in the occupation of the Jockey Club. Provided always, that notice shall have been given in writing by the keeper of the match-book to such persons, of the amount of forfeits due, and that they shall not have been paid within two months of such notice being served upon them. 25. If any bet shall be made from signal or in- dication, after the race has been determined, such bet shall be considered as fraudulent and void, and shall not be paid. And if any servant belonging to a member of this society, shall be found to have betted from any such signal, or shall be concerned in making any such signal, he shall be dismissed from his service, and no further employed by any memberof this society. 26. All stakes and bets whether expressed to be in guineas or pounds, shall be paid in pounds sterling. 27. All double debts shall be considered as play or pay debts. 28. All bets depending between any two horses shall be void, if those horses become the property of the same person, or of his avowed confederate, subsequently to the bets being made. 29. All bets between particular horses shall be void, if neither of them happens to be the BRITISH TURF. 157 winner, unless agreed by the parties to the con- trary. 30. If a match or sweepstakes be made for any particular day in any race week, and the parties agree to change the day to any other in the same week, all bets mast stand ; but if the parties agree to run the race in a different week, all bets made before the alteration shall be void. 31. When the riders of any horses brought out to run for any race are called upon by the person appointed to start them, to take their places for that purpose, the owner of every horse which comes up to the post shall be considered as liable to pay his whole stake, and all bets respecting such horses shall be considered as play or pay bets. TRIALS. 32. No person shall try the horse &c. of any other person than his declared confederate, without giving notice of such trial by inscribing the name or proper description of the horse &c. tried, and the name of his owner, in the trial book kept at the Coffee-Room, Newmarket, within one hour after the trial has taken place, or by nine o'clock in the morning, in case the trial shall have taken place at an earlier hour ; and the hour of running such trial, and also the hour of making the entry, shall be noted in the trial book. And in case any trial shall not be so entered, the groom having 158 HISTORY OF THE the care of the horse, running with the trial horse, and being present at the trial, or if not present, then the owner of any horse running with such trial horse shall forfeit and pay to the stewards of the Jockey Club the penalty or sum of £10 for every such offence ; but the stewards shall have the power to mitigate such penalty to not less than £5, in case it shall fall upon any groom. 33. Every bet made upon or against any horse running in a trial, between the time of such trial and the entering it in the trial book, whether it be entered within the time prescribed or not, shall be void. 34. Every engagement made with any horse &c. running in a trial between the time of such trial, and the entering it in the trial book, whether it be entered within the time prescribed or not, shall not be run, but the owner of such trial horse shall be considered as having declared forfeit, and be liable to pay the forfeit accordingly, unless his opponents or any of them shall desire to hold him to his engagement. And in case any horse so tried shall have started for, and won any race made subsequently to the trial, and before the entry of it in the trial book, his owner shall not be entitled to the stake so won ; and in case he shall actually have received it, he shall pay it back into the hands of the stake- holder, who shall pay it over to the owner of the second horse, or in case of a match, shall pay BRITISH TURF. 15i) it over to the owner of the beaten horse'; but if such horse shall have lost such race, his owner shall not be entitled to claim, or to be repaid his stake or deposit for such race ; and in those cases such disqualifications shall attach to the horse without regard to any change of the property in him ; and if, with respect to the dis- qualifications, there shall be any difficulty in ascertaining the horse or horses tried, the owner of the horse or horses so tried shall be bound, on the request of the stewards, to declare to them which of his horses ran in such trial ; and in case he shall decline to do so, the stewards shall have the power to fix the disqualification upon any one or more of the horses of such owner at their option. 35. No notice of trial shall be required, when the trial is run at a greater distance than twenty- five miles from Newmarket. 36. The day, with respect to the engaging of the ground for trial, shall be divided into two pe- riods ; that is, previously to eight o'clock in the morning, and subsequently to two in the afternoon, from the first day of the Craven meeting to the end of the Houghton meeting ; and previously to nine o'clock in the morning and subsequently to two in the afternoon during the rest of the year. No one stable-keeper shall engage the ground for both those periods on the same day, nor for more than two of those periods in the same week. 160 HISTORY OF THE 37. Notice for engaging the ground shall, at least one day before the day it is used, be entered in a book to be kept for that purpose in the CofFee- Room in Newmarket. And no notice or warning shall be deemed sufficient, unless given as before directed. 38. If any persons shall be detected in watching a trial, or shall be proved to have employed any person to watch a trial, he shall be served with notice to keep off the heath ; and if in the employ- ment of any member of the club, or of any groom or rider employed by any member of the club, he shall be dismissed from his service, and not again employed. THE CUP AND WHIP. 39. The cup may be challenged for on the Monday or Tuesday of the first Spring meeting in each year, to be run for over the race course on Tuesday in the first October meeting following, by horses &c. the property of members of the Jockey Club ; four years old carrying 7st. lllb., five years old. 8st. 81b., six years old, 8st. 131b., and aged, 9st. Each person at the time of chal- lenging is to subscribe his name to a paper to be hung up in the Cofiee-Room at Newmarket, and to deliver to the keeper of the match-book the name or description of the horse, &c. sealed up, which shall be kept till six o'clock on the Saturday even- ing of that week ; and if not accepted, or only BRITISH TURF. 161 one challenger, to be returned unopened ; but if accepted, or if more than one challenger, to be then opened, and declared a match or sweepstakes for 200 sovereigns each, play or pay. If the chal- lenge be not accepted, the cup to be delivered to the keeper of the watch-book, in the meeting ensuing the challenge, for the person who may become entitled to the same. 40. The whip may be challenged for on the Monday or Tuesday in the second Spring or se- cond October meeting in each year ; and the acceptance must be signified, or the whip resigned, before the end of the same meeting. If challenged for and accepted in the Spring, to be run for on the Tuesday in the second October meeting fol- lowing ; and if in the October, on the Thursday in the second Spring meeting following. B. C. weight 10 St. and to stake 200 sovs. each, play or pay. THE £l PER CENT PLATES. 41. The stake-holder shall deduct £1 percent upon all sums won at Newmarket, in sweepstakes or matches, where the clear sum to be received by the winner, over and above his own stake, shall amount to £100 or more (unless the winner shall object to allowing such deduction to be made) and the money so raised, shall be disposed of in the following manner, viz : Two handicap plates of £100 each for four, five, six years old, and aged horses, shall be annually VOL. I. M 162 HISTORY OF THE given to be run for ; one in the second October meeting A. F., and the other in the Houghton meeting from the D. I. And if any horse-keeper shall object to contribute to the above fund, he will not be allowed to start a horse for either of those plates. THE STAKE-HOLDER AT NEWMARKET. 42. The stake-holder at Newmarket shall be allowed to retain, out of the stakes in his hands, the following fees for his trouble, viz : For every match, one pound. For every plate, one pound. For every subscription or sweepstakes, when the whole stake exceeds £100 and does not amount to £1000, two pounds. For every sweepstakes, when the whole stake amounts to £1000 or upwards, five pounds. RELATING TO OTHER MATTERS NOT BEFORE SPECIFIED. 43. If for any plate, sweepstakes, or subscrip- tion, the first two horses shall come in so near together, that the judge shall not be able to decide which won, these two horses shall run for such prize over again, half an hour after the last race on the same day ; the other horses which started shall be deemed losers, and be entitled to their respective places as if the race had been finally determined the first time. 44. Every person who shall ride for a race at Newmarket, shall be weighed immediately after BRITISH TURF. 163 the same, and shall be allowed two pounds above the weight specified for his horse to carry, and no more, unless the weight he actually rode be de- clared as the weight he intended to ride, as herein- after mentioned. The owner of every horse which shall be intended to carry more than two pounds above his weight shall by himself, or his servant, declare to one of the stewards or to the keeper of the match-book, before ten o'clock on the morning of the day on which the race is run, what weight he intends his horse to carry, which shall be im- mediately inserted in the list in the coffee-room. And if any horse shall run a race carrying more than two pounds above his weight, without such declaration having been made, or if after the race, on weighing the jockey, he shall not prove to have ridden the weight which it was declared the horse should carrv, or shall have ridden more than two pounds above the weight declared, then such horse shall not be considered the winner of the race, even though he should come in first, but shall be placed as the last horse in the race, and his owner shall pay the stake as for a beaten horse. 45. The persons appointed by the stewards to weigh the jockies, shall immediately after each day's race, report to the keeper of the match-book how much each horse carried, where he carried more than two pounds above the specified weight, and the keeper of the match-book is, as soon M 2 164 HISTORY OF THE after as may be, to communicate such report to the stewards, or one of them. And the weight each horse actually carried, if more than two pounds above his weight, shall be published in the first list printed after the race, and also in the account published in the Racing Calendar. 46. Every groom shall have his horse at the post ready to start within five minutes of the time appointed by the stewards. And every jockey is to be there, ready to start within the same time. And every groom and jockey making default herein, shall forfeit £5, to be paid to the keeper of the match -book, and by him accounted for to the stewards. 47. The person appointed to start the horses shall mark in his list the time when the horses in each list actually started ; and if there have been any false starts, the first of them shall be consi- dered as the time of starting for that race. And he shall make a report thereof to the keeper of the match-book, in the afternoon of the day the races are run. And if any delay beyond the allowed time shall have taken place, he shall state by whom, or by what cause, the delay was occasioned. He shall regulate his watch by the coffee-room clock, which shall be considered as the true time for this purpose. New Rooms, November 2nd, 1832. At a meeting of the Jockey Club, it was re- solved that the person appointed to start the BRITISH TURF. 1(J5 horses have authority to order the jockies to draw up in a line as far behind the starting post as he may think necessary ; and that any jockey dis- obeying the order of the starter, or taking any unfair advantage, shall be liable to be fined in such sum not exceeding £5, as the stewards of the Jockey Club may think fit to inflict. 48. If any horse, &c. intended to be entered for any plate or subscription, where entrance is re- quired, shall be engaged to run on the day of entrance, he shall not be obliged to show at the time of entrance ; but if he have not before run at Newmarket, he shall show at the place of en- trance, within one hour after his engagements are over. But no horse that has before run at New- market need be shown at the time of entrance or afterw^ards. 49. When any match is made in which crossing and jostling are not mentioned, they are under- stood to be barred. 50. When any match or sweepstakes shall be made, and no weight mentioned, the horses shall carry 8st. 71b. each ; and if any weight is given, the highest weight shall be 8st. 71b. 51. When any match or sweepstakes shall be made, and no course mentioned, the course shall be that which is usually run by horses of the same age as those engaged, viz : If yearlings, the yearling course. If two years old, the two vear old course. 16G HISTORY OF THE If three years old, Borley's mile. If four years old, ditch in. And if five years old and upwards, Beacon Course. And if the horses should be of different ages, the course shall be fixed by the age of the youngest. 52. The keeper of the match-book shall charge the proprietors of such horses as receive forfeit, and shall be excused from appearing, with the same fees for weights and scales as if they had come over the course. 53. Towards defraying the expense of repairing the course and exercise ground, one guinea annu- ally shall be paid in respect of every race horse that shall be trained or exercised, or that shall run any private trial or public race thereon. And the same shall be paid by the stable keeper or servant having the care of such horse, and be charged by him to the owner of such horse. Every such stable-keeper or servant shall deliver a list to the keeper of the match-book, of the horses which have been under his care, liable to pay the said charge, on the Saturday before the Craven meeting in each year, and also on the Monday before the Houghton meeting, and shall at the last mentioned time pay to the keeper of the match-book the money due for each horse. That for the future, if any such stable-keeper or servant shall fail to BRITISH TURF. 167 make a true return of the horses which have been under his care, he will be surcharged one guinea for each horse omitted in his list. 54. If in running for any race, one horse shall jostle or cross another, such horse and every horse, belonging to the same owner, or in which he shall . have a share, running in the same race, shall be disqualified for winning the race, whether such jostle or cross happened by the swerving of the horse, or by the foul and careless riding of the jockey or otherwise ; and when one horse crosses the track of another next behind him, it shall be deemed a sufficient cause of complaint, even though he be a clear length or more before the horse whose track he crosses, it being desirable that when once the jockey has taken his ground, he should not prevent any other jockey from coming up either on his right or left hand. And if such cross or jostle shall be proved to have happened through the foul riding of the jockey, he shall be disqualified from again riding at New- market, or shall be punished by fine or suspension for a time, as the stewards shall think fit, it being absolutely necessary, as well for the safety of the jockeys themselves, as for satisfaction to the pub- lic, that foul riding should be punished by the severest penalties. 55. All complaints of foul riding must be made before or at the time the jockey complaining is weighed ; and it may be made either by the owner, 168 HISTORY OF THE jockey, or groom of the horse, to one of the stew- ards, to the keeper of the match-book, to the judge of the race, to the clerk of the course, or to the person appointed to weigh the jockies. 56. In naming or entering for any race where there shall be any particular conditions required as a qualification to start, it shall be sufficient if the horse were qualified at the expiration of the time allowed for naming or entering, and he shall not be disqualified by anything which may happen after the expiration of that time, unless so specified in the article ; and if any additional weight is to be carried by horses which have won one or more plates or races within the year, it shall be con- strued to mean the year of our Lord. 57. Where it is made a condition of any plate or subscription, that the winner shall be sold for any given sum, the owner of the second horse being first entitled, &c., no other person than one who ran a horse in the race shall be entitled to claim. The horse claimed shall not be delivered till he is paid for ; and he must be paid for on the day of the race, otherwise the party claiming shall not be entitled to demand the horse at any future period ; but nevertheless the owner of the winning horse may insist upon the claimant taking and paying for the horse claimed. 58. When the qualification of any horse is ob- jected to by ten o'clock in the morning of the day of starting, the owner must produce a certificate BRITISH TURF. 169 or other proper document to the steward or clerk of the course, or to the keeper of the match-book, if the case happen at Newmarket, before the race is run, to prove the quaUfication of the horse ; and if he shall start his horse without so doing, the prize shall be withheld for a period to be fixed upon by the stewards, on the expiration of which time, if the qualification be not proved to the satisfaction of the stewards, he shall not be. entitled to the prize, though his horse should have come in first, but it shall be given to the owner of the se- cond horse. When the qualification of a horse is objected to after that time, the person making the objection must prove the disqualification. 59. It is expected that every member of the clubs at Newmarket, and every person running or training horses at Nev/market, shall consider themselves amenable to these rules, and such others as the stewards may from time to time think fit to adopt, for the better regulationof racing at Newmarket. And all trainers, jockies, grooms and servants of such persons are strictly enjoined to observe the same. And if any trainer, jockey, groom or servant shall be proved to have been guilty of any infraction of these rules and orders, or any of them, he will be punished by the stew- ards, to such extent as they may think the case requires, and in such manner as they may have the power to enforce. 60. All disputes referred to the stewards of the 170 HISTORY OF THE Jockey Club will be adjudged according to their published rules and orders, where any of them are applicable to the case submitted to them ; and where not, according to the established rules of racing. At a meeting of the Jockey Club, held the 25th of April, 1833, it was resolved that from and after the end of the year 1833, horses shall be con- sidered at Newmarket as taking their ages from the 1 st of January instead of the 1 st of May. October 30th, 1833, it was resolved, that the second Spring meeting, the July meeting, and the first October meeting in each year, begin- ning with the year 1835, should commence on the Tuesday instead of Monday. It was resolved, at a meeting of the Jockey Club held on the 5th May, 1835, that the Newmarket, the July stakes, the October Oatlands, and all the public engagements now entered into for more than one year at Newmarket, should for the future be subscriptions for one year only. At a meeting of the Jockey Club, held on Wed- nesday in the Houghton meeting, it was resolved, that in future the stewards should have the power, in cases of urgent necessity, of putting off the races from day to day, and that all bets on such races should stand V BRITISH TURF. 171 PRESENT LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB, NEWMARKET. Earl of Chesterfield, Duke of Beaufort. Honourable Captain Rous. Stewards. Earl of Albermarle. Hon. Edward Anson. Sir D. Baird, Bart. S. Batson, Esq. Duke of Beaufort. Lord G. Bentinck. H, Biggs, Esq. J. Bowes, Esq. Hon. G. Byng. Earl of Chesterfield. Duke of Cleveland. Marquis of Conyngham. T. Cosby, Esq.- Duke of Dorset. Earl of Eglinton. R. C. Elwes, Esq. R. Etwall, Esq. Lord C. Manvers. Earl of March. J. Mills, Esq. Duke of Montrose. Marquis of Normanby. Earl of Oxford. G. Payne, Esq. Colonel Peel. Duke of Portland. Lord W. Powlett. Duke of Richmond. M. A. Roberts, Esq. Earl of Rosslyn. Hon. Captain H. Rous. Marquis of Exeter. Lord John Fitzroy. T. Gardner, Esq. A. Goddard, Esq. Duke of Grafton. Sir S. Graham. C. C. Grenville, Esq. General Grosvenor. W. Hallett, Esq. Sir Gilbert Heathcote. Marquis of Hertford. T. Houldsworth, Esq. J. Hunter, Esq. W. H. Irby, Esq. Earl of Jersey. Earl of Lichfield. Viscount Lowther. W. M. Stanley, Esq. "W. Sloare Stanley, Esq. W. Scott Stonehewer, Esq. Earl of Stradbroke. Lord SuflSeld. Col. Synge. Marquis of Tavistock, T. Thornhill, Esq. J. R. Udney, Esq. Earl of Uxbridge. H. Vansittart, Esq. Earl of Verulam. Viscount Villiers Hon. A. Villiers. 172 HISTORY OF THE G. Rush, Esq. H. S. Waddingdon, Esq. Duke of Rutland. R. Watt, Esq. Sir John Shelley. Marquis of Westminster. T. Assheton Smith, Esq. Lord Wharncliffe. Lord Southampton. C. Wilson, Esq. Lord Stanley. Earl of Wilton. Sir T. S. M. Stanley. ADJUDGED CASES. CASE 1. A, B and C run for a subscription the best of heats. A wins the first heat, B the second. C's rider, after saving his distance the second heat, dismounts between the distance-post and the end ; but remounts, rides past the ending-post, and weighs as usual ; starts, and wins the third heat, and weighs, without any objection being made. A being second the third heat, in a short time afterwards demands the subscription, not knowing till then that C's rider had dismounted, and refuses to start for the fourth heat, which B and C run for, and C wins. It was decided that, no objection having been made to C's starting for the third heat, he was entitled to the prize. CASE n. The winner of a plate whose horse had distanced all the others, applied for the stakes or entrance- money which was advertised to be paid to the BRITISH TURF. 173 second best horse that won a clear heat. One of the distanced horses had won the first heat. It was decided that the winning horse cannot be deemed the second horse, and therefore was not entitled to the stakes; and all the others being distanced, no other person could claim them. CASE HI. A gold cup &c. for horses that never won. A . . 1 — B . . 2 — C . . 3 The owner of B claimed on the ground of A's disqualification, he having, the preceding, won a clear heat at Chelmsford, to entitle him, according to their articles, to the stakes or entrance money. It was decided that A was not disqualified, the term ''winner " applying only to the horse that beats all the rest. CASE IV. Whether a horse having won a sweepstakes of 23 guineas each (three subscribers) is qualified to run for a £50 plate, expressed to be for horses that never won plate, match, or sweepstakes of that value ? It was decided that it was the practice, in esti- mating winnings, to consider the clear sum gained only, and consequently to exempt the stake of the proprietor ; the horse, therefore, which had won a sweepstakes of 46 guineas only, viz : two stakes of 23 guineas each, was not therefore disqualified for the £50 plate above mentioned. 174 HISTORY OF THE CASE V. Mr. Baird having entered two horses for the King's plate at Newmarket in 1793, and won it with Sans Culotte, (his other horse not starting) the owner of the second horse objected to his re- ceiving the plate, on the ground that he w^as dis- qualified by having entered two horses. It was decided that Mr. Baird was entitled to the plate. CASE VI. A betted B that a mare should trot a mile in five minutes, in four minutes and a half, and in four minutes ; all which, it was stated, she won with ease ; but B measuring the distance after the race was over, found it was short of a mile bv four yards. It was decided that as no objection was made to the measure of the course before starting, and the mare having performed the distance set out, and not objected to, A won all the bets. CASE VII. After the race for the Somersetshire stakes at Bath in 1829, it was discovered that the person in whose name Rasselas was entered was dead before the race was won, and Mr. Day, the owner of Liston, who came in second, claimed the stake. The matter was referred to the stewards of the Jockey Club. It was decided that Liston was entitled to the BRITISH TURF. 175 stake, because, of all the horses qualified to start for the stake, he was the first, Rasselas being dis- qualified by the death of the person in whose name he was entered. But the stewards thought that in this case, as in that of a horse disqualified to start from the stakes not having been duly made, the bets should stand according as the horses came in. CASE Vlll. At Canterbury races, 1829, for the £100 given by the noblemen and gentlemen, Mr. Pearce's Guilford won the two first heats ; but Mr. Mattam, the owner of Moore Buzzard, claimed the plate, alleging that Guilford was disqualified, his owner having run two horses for a prize, for which heats were run. It was contended on the part of Mr. Pearce, first, that this was not a plate ; secondly, that no objection was made till after the jockies were weighed, and the horse led away. The matter being submitted to the stewards of the Jockey Club, they were of opinion that Moore Buzzard was entitled to the prize ; and referred to the Rules of Racing, the last but one in page xxvii. vol. 1828 of the Racing calendar, as decisive. CASE IX. Blandford, 1829, for the gold cup, by sub- scribers of 10 sovs. each. It was a condition that the surplus should be paid to the owner of the 176 HISTORY OF THE second horse in specie. Brownlock walked over for the cup, so that there was no second horse. The opinion of the stewards of the Jockey Club was requested, as to who was entitled to the sur- plus. They gave it as their opinion that there being no second horse, the surplus must be divided amongst the original subscribers to the cup. It was determined, in a case which arose at Chelmsford, so long ago as the year 1784, where the winner distanced all the five horses, that the winner could not be deemed the second best horse, and therefore was not entitled to the stakes. CASE X. The following nomination was made for a pro- duce sweepstakes at Ascot : Lord Tavistock's Sister to Benedick, covered by Middleton. There being two sisters to Benedick, the nomi- nation was incomplete, according to the 17th clause of the Rules and Orders. Lord Tavistock ascer- tained that the other Sister to Benedick was sent abroad some time before the stake closed, and submitted that this circumstance sufficiently iden- tified his nomination. The stewards of the Jockey Club declined to go into evidence of this nature, and decided that the nomination was invalid. CASE XI. For a race in the Houghton Meeting at New- BRITISH TURF. 177 market, 1829, a filly turned round at starting, and was left behind. The start being disputed, the race was run over again, subject to an exami- nation by the stewards, with the circumstances of the first start. When this enquiry took place, it was satisfactorily proved that the starter gave the word " off"," and did not call to the riders to come back. It was therefore determined that the first race was decisive. CASE XII. For the Stand Cup at Liverpool races, in July, 1829, Velocipede was saddled, mounted, and brought out ; but on being cantered, the rider found him lame, and did not take him to the post to start. A question respecting the bets was submitted to the stewards of the Jockey Club, who decided that the case did not come within the provisions of the 31st clause of the rules and orders, and that the bets about Velocipede, were not to be considered as play or pay. CASE XIII. Two horses ran a dead heat at Newmarket, and the owners requested permission of the stewards to run the race over again, between two of the other races of the day. The stewards decided that the rule 43 was imperative, and that the horses which had VOL. I. N 178 HISTORY OF THE run the dead heat, must run again, half an hour after the last race of the day. CASE XIV. A bet of two to one was laid on Turquoise against Elinor for the Oaks — Elinor being improperly named, was not allowed to start. The question whether the bet was to stand or not, was submitted to the stewards, who agreed to refer it to a general meeting of the Jockey Club, at which it was ulti- mately decided that the bet was void. CASE XV. A admitted that he had lost £100 to B, but de- clined paying it, because he intended paying it to C, who had a claim on B for £100. The stewards decided that A must pay the £100 to B forthwith, as no transfer could take place without the consent of both parties. CASE XVI. For the Lansdowne stakes at Bath, Mrs. Day's brother to Lusher, Mr. Sadler's Achilles, and Mr. Wreford's Wilna, had each won a heat ; Wilna was then drawn ; Mrs. Day and Mr. Sadler agreed to divide the stake, and brother to Lusher walked over. Two questions were submitted to the stewards of the Jockey Club w^ho decided — 1st. That the bets should be put together and divided in the same proportion that had been agreed upon in respect of the stakes. BRITISH TURF. 179 2nd. That brother to Lusher must carry extra weight on future occasions, as the winner of this race. CASE XVII. The opinion of the stewards of the Jockey Club, was requested by the stewards of Rochester and Chatham races, on the following case : For the Chatham plate, the winner of a stake or plate in 1825, was to carry 7 lbs. extra, and the question was, whether a filly who had won a plate subsequently to the entering for the Chatham plate, but previously to the running for it, was to carry 7 lbs. extra. The stewards of the Jockey Club gave it as their opinion, that she was not obliged to carry 71bs. extra ; and they stated that they were aware, that conflicting opinions had been given on this question ; but on mature consideration, they thought the better rule was, that a horse being duly qualified at the expiration of the time of nam- ing or entering for a stake or plate, should not be affected, as to that stake or plate, by any subse- quent event. This decision has been confirmed by an opinion given on a similar case, transmitted to the stewards of the Jockey Club, in 1832, from the Royal Cale- donian Hunt Meeting. CASE XVIII. A bets B 50 to 20 that C and D do not both N 2 180 HISTORY OF THE win ; C wins, but D was disqualified from starting, as it was a maiden plate, and he had previously won. Q. Does A win the 20 ? or is B entitled to a part of the 50 ? A. If D was qualified at the time the bet was made, A wins ; but if D was disqualified at the time, then the bet is off*. CASE XIX. A bets BIO to 8 that Whale did not win either the Garden stakes or the Match with Beiram ; Whale was beaten in the Garden stakes, and the match with Beiram was off" by consent. Q. Is A entitled to receive or not ? A. The money must be put together and di- vided. In the reign of George II, the legislature deemed it wise to impose certain restrictions and regula- tions on horse-racing, and the following enact- ment was passed for this purpose. 13 Geo : 2. c. 19. — Whereas the great number of horse races for small plates, prizes, or sums of money, have con- tributed very much to the encouragement of idle- ness, to the impoverishment of many of the meaner sort of the subjects of this kingdom, and the breed of strong and useful horses hath been much preju- diced thereby ; it is enacted for remedy thereof, that no person or persons whatsoever shall enter, start or run any horse, mare, or gelding, for any BRITISH TURF. 181 plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, unless such horse, mare, or gelding shall be truly and bona fide the property of and belonging to such person so entering, starting or running the, same horse, mare or gelding, for one and the same plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing ; and in case any person or persons shall after the 24th day of June, 1740, enter, start or run any horse, mare, or gelding, not being the property and bona fide of such person so entering, starting or running the same for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, the said horse, mare or gelding, or the value thereof, shall be forfeited, to be sued for, recovered and disposed in manner as herein-after mentioned ; and in case any person or persons shall enter and start more than one horse, mare or gelding, for one and the same plate, prize, or sum of money, or other thing, every such horse, mare, or gelding, (other than the first entered horse, mare, or geld- ing), or the value thereof, shall be forfeited, to be sued for and recovered and disposed of in manner as herein-after is mentioned. 2. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the said 24th day of June, 1740, no plate, prize, sum of money or other thing, shall be run for by any horse, mare, or geld- ing, or advertised, published or proclaimed to be run for, by any horse, mare or gelding, unless such plate, prize, or sum of money shall be of the full, real and intrinsic value of £50 or upwards ; and in 182 HISTORY OF THE case any person or persons shall, from and after the 24th day of June, 1740, enter or run any horse, mare or gelding, for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, of less value than £50, or shall make, print, advertise, publish or proclaim any advertisement or notice of any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing of less value than £50 as aforesaid, to be run for by any horse, mare or geld- ing, any such person or persons so entering, start- ing or running such horse, mare, or gelding, for such plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing of less value than £50 as aforesaid, shall forfeit and lose the sum of £200, to be sued for, recovered and disposed of in such manner as hereinafter prescribed and di- rected; and every person or persons who shall make, print, publish, advertise or proclaim any advertise- ment or notice of any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing, of less value than £50 aforesaid, to be run for by any horse, mare or gelding, shall forfeit and lose the sum of £100. 3. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the 24th of June, 1740, no horse, mare or gelding, being of the age of five years, shall be entered, started or ran for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing whatsoever, unless such horse, mare or gelding shall carry ten stone weight, computing fourteen pounds to each stone weight ; and that no horse, mare or gelding being of the age of six years, shall be entered, started or run for any plate, prize, sum BRITISH TURF. 183 of money or other thing whatsoever, unless such horse, mare or gelding shall carry eleven stone weight ; computing of fourteen pounds to each stone weight, and that no horse, mare or gelding, being of the age of seven years, shall be entered, started or run for any plate, prize, sum of money, or other thing whatsoever, unless such horse, mare or geld- ing shall carry twelve stone weight, computing fourteen pounds to each stone weight ; and in case any person or persons shall enter, start or run any horse, mare or gelding of either of the ages afore- said, for any plate, prize, or sum of money, or other thing, carrying less than the weights hereinbefore directed to be carried, such horse, mare or gelding, or the value thereof, shall be forfeited, and the per- son or persons so entering, starting or running such horse, mare or gelding, shall forfeit and lose the sum of £200. 4. Provided also that every race shall be here- after run for any plate, prize or sum of money, be begun and ended the same day. 5. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the 25th day of June, 1740, no person or persons whatsoever shall start or run any match with or between any horse, mare or gelding, for any sum of money, plate, prize, or other thing whatsoever, unless such match shall be started or run at Newmarket Heath, in the counties of Cambridge or Suffolk, or Black Ham- 184 HISTORY OF THE bleton aforesaid, or for any plate, prize, sum of money or other thing of less value than £50, every such person or persons shall forfeit and lose the sum of £200. 6. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that all penalties and forfeitures incurred by any person or persons for any offence against this act, shall be sued for and recovered by any bill, plaint or information in any of his Majesty's Courts of Record at Westminster, or at the assizes, and shall be disposed of, one moiety thereof to the use of such person or persons as shall so sue for the same, and the other moiety to the use of the poor of such parish where the offence shall be committed, except such one moiety of such penal- ties and forfeitures as shall be incurred by, and recorded of any person or persons within the county of Somerset ; which said one moiety shall go and be applied to and for the use and benefit of the poor persons admitted into the hospital or in- firmary lately erected in the city of Bath, for the benefit of poor persons resorting to the said city for benefit of the mineral waters there. 7. And be it further enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that from and after the 24th dav of June, 1 740, all and every sum or sums of money to be paid for entering of any horse, mare, or gelding, to start or run for any plate, prize, or sum of mo- ney or other thing, shall go and be paid to BRITISH TURF. 185 the second best horse, mare, or gelding, which shall start or run for such plate, prize, or sum of money aforesaid. 8. Provided always that nothing herein con- tained shall extend, or be construed to extend, to prevent the starting or running any horse, mare, or gelding, for any plate, prize, or other thing or things now issuing out of, or paid for or by the rents, issues, and profits of any lands, tenements, or hereditaments, or of, or by the interest of any sum or sums of money now chargeable with the same, or appropriated for that purpose. 10. And be it further enacted by the authorities aforesaid, that in any action, bill, plaint, or infor- mation to be brought or commenced by virtue of this act, no essoine, protection, wager of law, or more than one imparlance, shall be allowed, and that over and above the penalties and forfeit- ures to be recovered by this act, the plaintiff or informer shall recover his or her double costs. The following judicious remarks on the law as applicable to bets on horse-racing, are taken from a clever little treatise on the Law of Gaming, &c, lately put forth by Frederic Edwards, Esq. an eminent barrister. This gentleman observes, that there is no parti- cular law applicable to these wagers, except that a horse-race is considered a game within the meaning of that word, as used in the 9th of Ann. c. 14. &c., and will consequently be subject to the 186 HISTORY OF THE restrictions of the provisions of that Act. It will therefore follow, as that statute prohibits any gaming, at one time, for a greater amount than £10, that no wager on a horse-race, though such race be perfectly legal, will be good if such wager exceeds this sum. For though the statutes before cited legalize the racing of horses with the restric- tions contained therein, yet they do not legalize any bets made in reference to the same. But a wager is good if under £10, and made in refer- ence to a legal race, and may be recovered at law. If the race be illegal on which the w^ager is founded, then it matters not for what sum it is made ; it will be void, since no good wager can be based on a subject matter which is in itself illegal and void. It should be noticed here, that where money, the subject matter of an illegal wager or a horse race, is deposited in the hands of a stake-holder, either party may call upon him to hand over his share of the money, although the wager has been lost, provided such stake-holder has not handed it over to the winner. If he neglect to comply with a request of this sort, an action for money had and received can be maintained against him. BRITISH TURF ISJ CHAPTER VII. The Race-courses in Great Britain and Ireland — The various Stakes run for over each annually, with many other particulars of interest to the British Sportsman. It must be a matter of sincere congratulation to every possessor of true British sentiments, and con- sequently every admirer of the field sports so peculiar to our native country, that in spite of all the cant and false religion brought to bear against the amusements of the turf by a numerous class whom, in common charity, we will call misled fanatics, racing has still gone on increasing in prosperity and in the national favour. It is indeed strange that we find these puritanical gentry willing enough to ap- propriate to themselves their fair share of the na- tional glory, the well-earned harvest of many a hard- fought battle — strange to see with what compla- cency they will sit on a fast coach, and perhaps be the very first to complain if they are not whirled along to their " place of meeting" at the rate of about twelve miles an hour. And yet almost in the same breath we find them running down that 188 ■ HISTORY OF THE national pursuit which hath given even our com^ mon horses a degree of speed unrivalled among nations, and to our nobility, gentry, and yeomanry a vigour of mind and body which has so often sheltered these discontented drones. Again, in their bigoted protests against the field sports of our nobihty and gentry, they appear to have wilfully shut their eyes to the important con- sideration of the large sums of money circulated in these pursuits, every farthing of which is spent in the country, giving employment to thousands. Were it not for these manly amusements, how, we would ask, would these large fortunes be dis- pensed ? Let us take but one glance at the frivo- lous dissipations of the effeminate nobility on the continent. '' Look on this picture and on that," and then let us ask, is there any man of proper feeling, nay, we had almost said, in his proper senses, who could wish to see those follies usurp the place of field sports at home ? A few facts connected with this subject will at once prove to these " praise-God bare-bone" saints how futile all their anathemas have been, as v/e trust they will ever be, against England's favourite national amusement — the turf. So great had been the decline of racing in England during the fifty years preceding 1798, from the wars which were carried on during that period, that we find the annual races had been discontinued at the following towns and places. BRITISH TURF. 18*^ Artillery Ground, London. Tothill Fields, AVestminster. ^orthwich, Cheshire. Hardmead, Herts. Ormskirk, Lancashire. Binbrooke, Lincolnshire. Wisbich, Norfolk. Beccles, Suflfolk, Morpeth, Northumberland. Hampstead, Middlesex. Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire. Romford, Essex. Stockton, Durham; Hownslow, Middlesex. Lamborn, Berkshire. Bishop Auckland, Durham. Stokesley, Yorkshire. Egremont, Cumberland. Swaffham, Norfolk. Bellsize, Middlesex. Crabtree, Cheshire. Spalding, Lincolnshire. Towcester, Northamptonshire. Barnstaple, Devonshire. Uppingham, Rutlandshire. Bedale, Yorkshire. Newark, Nottinghamshire. Lowth, Lincolnshire. Bishop's Burton, Yorkshire. Rugby, Warwickshire. Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Loughborough, Leicestershire. Alnwick, Northumberland. Selby, Yorkshire. Holt, Norfolk. Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Odsey, Hertfordshire. Croydon, Surrey. Follifoot, Yorkshire. Newbig Link, Northumberland. Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Ludlow, Shropshire. Wallesay, Cheshire. Lilly Hoo, Hertfordshire. Welch Pool, Wales. Bradford, Yorkshire. Hexam, Northumberland. Islip, Oxfordshire. Thus in 1800, we find that annual racing meet- ings were held at only sixty-six towns in England and Wales, five in Scotland, and four in Ireland. In 1816, after the last great peace, we already find them on the increase, the number in that year being eighty-four in England and Wales, nine in Scotland, and eight in Ireland.* But so rapid has been the increase since then, that the number * It must be always borne in mind that at the Curragh of Kildare, the Newmarket of Ireland, frequent racing meetings are held during the year, the same as at Newmarket. 190 HISTORY OF THE at the present day (1839) is no less than one hun- dred and thirty- two in England, many of which consist of two, and several, more, annual meet- ings ; nine in Wales, nine in Scotland, and three in Ireland. From these facts it may be justly in- ferred, that the decline of racing which took place previous to the commencement of the present century, was owing to the wars which so entirely engrossed the attention of the British nation at that period ; and that it was not until after that great battle in which the British arms conquered liberty for nations, that, deriving fresh vigour from peace, racing again flourished. A/Ve will now proceed to notice the towns where racingmeetings are now held; classing each under its respective county, and giving the stakes which will be run for during the present year, they being usually the same. This will form a guide to sportsmen as to where to send their horses, and give a general idea of the number and value, conditions of the stakes run for in this country. BEDFORDSHIRE. Two annual meetings. BEDFORD. The capita] town of the county of that name, stands on the river Ouse, fifty miles from London. The town is remarkably clean and well^ paved ; it is governed by a corporate body, and BRITISH TURF. 191 returns two members to parliament. In 1821 the inhabitants amounted to 5466. BEDFORD SPRING RACES, 1839. Held about the end of march. The Oakley stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. for hunters and thorough-breds, that have never won, (matches excepted) belonging to gentlemen of the Oakley Club, and bona fide the property of the subscriber at the time of naming ; to be ridden by members of a racing or fox-hunting club ; heats, from the distance post and once round ; three yrs. old 9st. 101b. four, lOst. 101b., five, list. 71b., six, list. 121b, and aged, 12st. To close and name on or before the 1st of March ; the winner to be sold for 1 50 sovs. if demanded in the usual way. No subscriber to start more than one horse. Entrance, one sov. A hunter's stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. with 20 sovs. added for horses not thorough-bred ; be- longing to gentlemen, and bona fide the property of the subscriber at the time of naming ; to be ridden by gentlemen, members of a racing or fox- hunting club ; to start from the distance-post, and go once round; four yrs. old to carry lOst. 101b. five list. 41b. six, list. 121b. and aged J2st. ; the winner of a plate or sweepstakes once to carry 51b. twice, 81b. three times or more 141b. extra. To close and name on the 25th day of March ; 192 HISTORY OF THE the winner to be sold for 1 50 sovs. if demanded in the usual way. Three horses to start, or the money will not be added. Entrance, one sov. A sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, for maiden horses that have been regularly hunted with, and bona fide the property of members of the Oakley, Lord Fitzwilliam's, the Pytchley, the Duke of Grafton's, or Mr. Barnett's Hunt. Certificates of ownership will be required from two gentlemen, members of either Hunt ; to be ridden by mem- bers of one of the above clubs ; 13st. each ; tho- rough-bred horses to carry 141b extra ; Oaklev Stakes course. To close or name on or before the 1st. of March 1839. Entrance, one sov. The Farmer's Plate of 60 sovs. given by the Oakley Club (the winner to give 10 sovs. to the second horse) for horses not thorough-bred, that have been hunted with the Oakley hounds, and are bona fide the property of the person entering or resident within the limits of the Oakley country, and have been in their possession from the 1 st day of January, 1839, and which have never won be- fore the day of naming. All disputes respecting the limits of the Oakley country, and other condi- tions above named, to be settled by reference to the stewards of the day. Certificates to be pro- duced, if required, before starting ; heats, from the distance-post and once round ; three yrs. old lOst. 101b., four list. 71b., five 12st. six and aged BRITISH TURF. 193 12st. 51b. ; to be ridden by Farmers. No licensed horse dealer will be allowed to ride or start a horse. The winner to be sold for 100 sovs. if demanded in the usual way. Three horses to start, or no race. To close or name on or before Saturday, the 9th of March, by six o'clock in the evening, to Mr. Brown, clerk of the course, Bedford. En- trance, 10s. The open stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. for horses of all denominations ; three years old 9st. 101b., four lOst. 101b., five list. 71b., six and aged 12st. m. and g. allowed 31b. ; thorough-bred horses to carry 101b. extra; a winner previous to starting 51b. extra ; once round and a distance ; the winner to be sold for £150, if demanded in the usual way ; to be ridden by gentlemen belonging to a fox-hunting or racing club. To close and name on or before the 1st of March. Entrance, one sov. A handicap of 5 sovs each, 2 ft. with 20 sovs. added; to be handicapped by the stewards, or by whom they may appoint. Nominations to close a quarter of an hour after the former races have been decided. Jockies and grooms to be excluded riding. The last three-quar- ters of a mile. Three horses to start, or no race. Entrance, lOs. VOL. I. o 194 HISTORY OF THE The Marquis of Tavistock , Stewards. I Hon. M. Ongley, W. Brown, Clerk of the Races. BERKSHIRE — ABINGDON. A market town, situated on a branch of the Thames, and which derives its name from an ancient abbey. This town is supposed, by Bishop Gibson, to be the place called in the Saxon annals Cloveshoo. The streets, which are well paved, termi- nate in a large open space, in the centre of which stands the market house, which is supported on lofty pillars, with a large hall of freestone above, in which the summer assizes for the county are held, the Lent assizes being held at Reading. The town was incorporated by Queen Mary ; it contains two churches and two hospitals, and its chief manufactures are sail cloth, sacking, and malt, large quantities of which latter article are sent to London by water. It is seven miles south of Oxford, forty-seven east of Gloucester, and fifty- five west of London. The races take place in the beginning of September, when the following stakes are run for : First Day, (1839). Sweepstakes of 60 sovs. each, h. ft. for the produce of mares covered in 1835. Colts, 8st. 71b. fillies 8st. 31b ; untried stallions or mares allowed 31b. one mile. BRITISH TURF. 195 A sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for foals of 1836. Colts 8st. 71b., fillies 8st. 41b. One mile. Untried stallions or mares allowed 31b. The Cup, by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each, to be paid in specie ; three yrs. old, 6st. 91b., four, 8st.,five, 8st. 91b., six, 9st. and aged 9st. 21b. m. and g. allowed 31b. ; twice round and a distance — about two miles and a half. The winner to be sold for 500 sovs. if demanded in the usual way ; the second horse to save his stake ; a winner of a cup, plate, or slake of 100 sovs. value in 1839, previous to starting, to carry 71b. extra. If walked over for, one half the subscriptions to be withheld, and to be added to the cup in the sub- sequent year. To close and name on or before the 1st of Au- gust, to Messrs. Weatherby, or Mr. Burden, clerk of the course, Abingdon. The Witham Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. for three yrs. old, 7st. 21b., and four, Sst, 71b. f. and g. allowed 21b. Two miles. To close and name as for the cup. The Holme Park Stakes of 25 sovs. each 15 ft. with 20 sovs. added ; heats, Abingdon Course — about one mile and a quarter ; three yrs. old, 6st, 101b., four, Sst. five, 8st. 81b., six and aged, Sst. 121b. ; the winner to be sold for 200 sovs. if de- manded in the usual way. The horses to be named to the clerk of the o2 196 HISTORY OF THE course on the Monday before the races. If walked over for, the 20 sovs. will not be paid. The Old Berkshire Hunt Stakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; for horses that have been hunted with any pack of hounds ; gentlemen riders ; three yrs. old, 9st. 21b., four lOst. 51b., five, list, six list. 51b., and aged, list. 71b.; thorough-bred horses to carry 101b extra; heats, two miles; the winner to be sold for 200 sovs. if demanded in the usual way, and the second horse to save his stake. A winner of 100 sovs. and upwards in 1839, to carry 71b. extra. To close on or before the first of September, to Messrs. Weatherby, or Mr. Burden, clerk of the course. Second Day. — The Marcham Park Stakes, of 25 sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added by T. Duffield, Esq. M.P. for the Borough, 15 sov. ft. and only 5 sovs. if declared to Mr. Weatherby, or the clerk of the races, on or before the 1st of Sep- tember. This stake to close, and the horses to be named, on or before the first of August, and be handi- capped by the 15th of August. Three horses to start, or the 50 sovs. will not be added. Two miles. The second horse to receive back his stake. The Bean Wood Stakes of 10 sovs. each; 5ft. with twenty added for all ages ; heats ; the Abing- BRITISH TURF. J 97 don Course, starting at the distance — about a mile and a half. The horses to be named to Mr. Burden on the Monday before the races, and to be handicapped on the evening of the first day, by the stewards, or by whom they may appoint ; the winner to be sold for 80 sovs. if demanded in the usual way. If walked over for, the 20 sovs. will not be added. The Wolley Park Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15ft. for three years old colts, 8st. 71b. and fillies Sst. 31b., those got by untried stallions, or out of un- tried mares, to be allowed 31b., but only one allowance ; one mile and a half. The Pusey Horn Stakes ; a sweeptakes of 5 sovs. each, with twenty added from the racing- fund, for all ages ; two miles ; three years old, 6st. 111b.; four, Sst.; five, Sst. Sib.; six, Sst. 121b., and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b., and horses having started three times in 1S39 and not won previous to the day of starting, allowed 31b. ; win- ners once in 1S39 to carry 31b., twice 51b., or of a cup or 100 sovs. in 1839, 51b., of any two 71b. previous to the day of starting, in addition to the extra weights ; the winner, if demanded in the usual way, to be sold for 200 sovs. To close and name as for the cup. If walked over for, the 20 sovs. will not be added. The Tally-ho Stakes of 5 sovs. each, for horses not thorough bred ; three years old, 9st. 121b. ; 198 HISTORY OF THE four, list. 61b.; five, 12st. ; six, 12st. 61b. ; and aged, 12st. 81b. Horses, the property of gentle- men residing within the limits of the Craven, Berk- shire, or Lord Moreton's hounds, to be allowed 5lb. ; the winner to be sold for 150 sovs., if de- manded in the usual way. Heats, the Abingdon Course, starting at the distance ; gentlemen riders allowed 21b. ; the second horse to receive 10 sovs. out of the stakes, if twenty subscribers, and if less than twenty, 5 sovs. To close and name on or before the 1st of May, 1839, to Mr. Burden, clerk of the races. The Buckland Stakes of 25 sovs. each; 10 ft. for two years old ; colts 8st. 71b., fillies, 8st. 41b. ; winners once to carry 31b., twice 51b. extra ; three quarters of a mile. ASCOT HEATH. The manor of Ascot, in the parish of Winkfield, belonged to the Abbot and Convent of Abingdon. In 1722 it was purchased by Robert Forster, Esq. of the family of Broughton, who had possessed it more than a hundred years. On Mr. Forster 's death, it was sold to Andrew Lindegreen, Esq., of whose executors it was purchased in 1787 by D. Agace, Esq., who resided in the manor house many years, and in whose family it still continues. The two mile course is a circular one. of which the BRITISH TURF. 19I> last half is called the old mile. The new mile is straight, and up hill all the way. The T. Y. C. is five furlongs and one hundred and thirty-six yards. The races at this peculiarly aristocratic course follow soon after Epsom, and are always most numerously attended by the nobility and gentry, both of the metropolis and the surrounding coun- try. This race-course is also distinguished, from being particularly patronized by royalty. The frontispiece of our second volume represents her present Most Gracious Majesty going in state on the course, which is indeed a most beautiful sight. Besides the royal stand, there are several others for the accommodation of visitors, with numerous booths for the amusement and refreshment of the more humble classes. As the nobility and gentry make a practice of attending these races with all the style, which wealth regulated by good taste can command, the finest possible efiect is produced. The kennel of Her Majesty's royal buck hounds is situated on Ascot Heath, and their master, for the time, rides before the sovereign in the procession on the course. The new Grand Stand was opened to the public this season (1839) for the first time, and a short ac- count of it will not be out of place here. The funds were raised by a hundred shares of £100 each, of which £5 is to be paid off" every year ; so that at the end of twenty years it will be free of all charge, and will be appropriated solely to the be- 200 HISTORY OF THE nefit of the races, under the trusteeship of Lord Errol, Captain Seymour, T. R. Ward, and M. Gilbertson, Esquires. In the meanwhile, the share- holders will receive five per cent, in addition to a bonus cut of the profits ; the remainder to go to the race fund. It is situated between the Queen's and the old betting stand, occupying the spot for- merly taken up by several wooden stands. Its elevation from the ground is fifty-two feet, its length ninety- seven and a half feet, or, including the balcony which extends beyond the building, a hundred and twenty-one feet. The drawing-room, or grand floor, is ninety feet in length, and is pro- vided with ten rows of benches placed above each other ; both in front and at the ends of the room the windows extend from the ceiling to the floor, and slide up and down. The ground floor wdll hold about twelve hundred persons, and the roof, which is leaded, will accommodate nearly eighteen hun- dred persons. There are several refreshment, re- tiring, and play rooms ; in fact, the conveniences are more numerous than at any other building of the kind in England. A very handsome balcony, supported by Corinthian pillars, extends the whole length of the building, and the colonade beneath it affords a sheltered promenade. The entrance is at the back of the building, under an elegant por- tico, the carriage approach to which is by the great Reading road. To prevent confusion there are distinct staircases to the grand floor and the roof. BRITISH TURF. 201 The Grand Stand is placed well back, and as the straight course in front has been carried out about thirty feet, the turn from the old mile into the straight running is greatly improved. A space of fifty-five feet from the railing to the colonade has been enclosed in front of the building, for the use of betting men and others who have paid for ad- mission to the stand ; here the ring is formed, and the betting is carried on without the least incon- venience. A spacious room on the basement floor is appropriated to their use, in case of bad weather. Judging from the attendance of company at the recent meeting, there can be no doubt that, the Grand Stand at Ascot is highly acceptable to the public, and will fully answer the objects sought by its projectors. ASCOT HEATH, 1839. Tuesday, May 28th. The Ascot Stakes of 25 so vs. each ; 15 ft., and only five if declared on the Monday in Epsom race week ; 100 sovs. added if three horses start, and if fifteen accept- ances, the owner of the second horse to receive 50 sovs. out of the stakes. To close on the 1st of March ; the horses to be named at the end of the Newmarket first spring meeting ; and the weights to be fixed on the Monday after the second spring meeting. The gold vase, given by Her Majesty, added to 202 HISTORY OF THE a sweepstakes of £20 each ; for 3 yrs. old, 7st. 31b. ; four, 9st. ; five, 9st. 71b. ; six and aged, 9st. 91b. ; two miles, to start at the winning post and go once round ; mares and geldings allowed 51b. ; horses that never won or received £100 for run- ning second before the time of starting, to be al- lowed weight in the following proportions : — three yrs. old allowed 41b. ; four, 71b. ; five, 121b. ; six and aged, 181b. ; winners of matches and handi- caps only, considered as maiden horses ; the win- ners of the Derby and St. Leger in 1838 and 1839, to carry 101b. extra; the winners in 1838 or 1839 of the Oaks, Ascot and Goodwood cups. Reddles- worth 2000gs. Stakes, Newmarket Stakes, and the second horses in the Derby and St. Leger, to carry 41b. extra. Extra weights for winning are not to be accumulative. To close and name in the second spring meeting. Ten subscribers or no race. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 31b., the last three quarters of a mile. The Ascot Derby Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 61b., and fillies, 8st. 31b. ; to start at the Swinley post and in ; the winner of the Derby or Oaks to carry 51b. extra. The St. James's Palace Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b., and filUes 8st. 41b ; old mile. Wednesday. The Swinley Stakes of 25 sovs. BRITISH TURF. 203 each ; for three yrs. old, 7st. 41b., and four, 8st. 101b. ; fillies allowed 31b. ; the last mile and a half, to start at the Swinley post. To close and name on the 1st of March. The Albany Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies 8st. 31b. ; the winner of the 2000^5. stakes, the Derby, or Oaks, to carry 51b. extra ; the new mile. To close and name on the 1st of March. Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. for the produce of mares covered in 1835 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b. ; those by untried stallions, or out of untried mares, allowed 31b. ; old mile. Thursday. The gold cup by subscriptions of 20 sovs. each, with 200 sovs. added from the fund. If five subscribers, the cup will be of 300 sovs. value ; and if twenty subscribers ; the owner of the second horse to receive 50 sovs. out of the stakes ; three yrs. old to carry 6st. 101b. ; four, 8st. 51b. ; five, 9st. ; six and aged 9st. 31b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; to start at the Cup post, on the new mile, and go once round — about two miles and a half. To close and name on the 1st of March. The Windsor Castle Stakes of 100 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b. ; the new mile ; the winner of the Derby, Oaks, or 2000^s. stakes, to carry 51b. extra. Sweepstakes of 200 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies 8st. 21b. ; un- 204 HISTORY OF THE tried stallions or mares allowed 31b. ; Swinley Course, The Buckhurst Dinner Stakes of 200 so vs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b. ; those by untried stallions or out of untried mares, allowed 31b. ; if both, 51b. ; from the Swinley post, in. Friday. The Wokingham Stakes of 5 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old and upwards, (handicap), the last three quarters of the new mile. To close on the 1st of March, and the horses to be named at the post by 5 o'clock on the Wed- nesday in the race week, and the weights to be fixed by four o'clock on the day before running ; if thirty members, to be divided into two classes, and any person taking a nomination for this stake, will be required to pay the £5. whether his horse runs or not. The Earl of Errol ^ The Earl of Chesterfield f^. . _ The Duke of Beaufort ( ^^^^^^^s- Hon. Capt. Rous 3 Mr. Hibburd, Egham, Clerk of the Course. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. This county is sadly behind the rest of England in racing ; having, now that the races at Newport Paynel have been discontinued, only one race ^ course, viz : that of BRITISH TURF. 205 GREAT MARLOW. In the Hundred of Desborough, thirty-one miles from London. This town is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Thames, over which is a fine stone bridge. In the town are some manufac- tories of lace ; and on the River Loddon, between this place and Wycombe, are several paper mills. It sends two members to Parliament, and in 1831 the population amounted to 4237. The races are held generally about the com- mencement of August, when the following stakes are run for. 1st day. — A free plate of 50 sovs. (handicap) for horses the property of persons residing within eight miles of Marlow ; heats, starting from the ditch. A silver cup, value 50 sovs. (handicap) by sub- scribers of 5 sovs. each ; heats, once round. 2nd day. — ^The ladies plate of 50 sovs. (handi- cap) added to a sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each ; gen- tlemen riders ; once round. A hurdle race of 2 sovs. each, with a purse added. CAMBRIDGESHIRE. NEWMARKET. Seven annual meetings. — Newmarket is a mar- ket town, comprising the parish of St. Mary in the 206 HISTORY OF THE county of Suffolk, and the parish of All Saints in the county of Cambridge, thirteen miles N.E. by E. from Cambridge, and sixty-one N.N.E. from Lon- don on the road to Norwich. It contains between 2000 and 3000 inhabitants. This town was first brought into notice in the year 1227,"^ when it derived its name from the removal of a newly established market from the neighbouring village of Euning, on account of the plague raging there. James I. built a house there, for the purpose of enjoying the diversion of hunting. The celebrity of Newmarket was greatly increased by Charles II., who rebuilt the king's house, which had fallen into decay during the civil wars, and frequently attended the races on Newmarket Heath, with his brother, the Duke of York (afterwards James ii).t On the 22nd of March, 1683, daring the races, at which the King, Queen, and Duke of York were present, a sudden conflagration compelled them to return hastily to London, to which event the defeat of the Rye-house plot has been attri- buted. J * Cart. II. Henry III. f Three farces are still extant which were acted before this monarch and his court at Newmarket. They are '* The merry milkmaid of Is- lington ; or, the rambling gallants defeated." " Love lost in the dark ; or, the drunken couple." " The politick w e ; or, the conceited cuckold." They were published together by D. Brown, in 1680, under the title of " The Muse pf Newmarket." X Spratt's History of the Rye-house plot. BRITISH TURF. 207 This accident destroyed a great part of the town, and the damage was estimated at £20,000 ; and in the beginning of the last century this town was again visited with a similar disaster. At the close of the civil war, on the 9th of June, 1647, Charles I. was removed from the house of Lady Cutts, of Childerley, as a prisoner to New- market, where he remained about a fortnight.^ The town consists principally of one street, the north side of which is in the county of Suffolk, and the south in that of Cambridge. It is neither lighted nor paved. The houses are modern and well built, and some erected for the occasional resi- dence of visitors are handsome. The town is supplied with water from springs. Coffee-houses, billiard-rooms, libraries, etc., abound, and furnish accommodation and amusement to the numerous visitors at the racing meetings. The race-course and training grounds are the finest in the kingdom. The former is on a grassy heath, near the town, extending in length four miles ; the training ground is more than a mile and a half long, on a very gentle declivity, admirably adapted to keep horses in wind. The annual meetings at Newmarket are as fol- lows : — the Craven meeting (a week) begins on Easter Monday. 1st Spring meeting (a week) begins on that day fortnight. 2nd Spring meet- * Life of Charles I. p. 986. 208 HISTORY OF THE ing (a week) begins on that day month. July meeting (a few days) about the 10th July. 1st October meeting (a week), on the Monday before the first Thursday in October. 2nd October meet- ing (a week) on that day fortnight. Houghton meeting (a few days) on that day month. The Queen gives two plates annually. The palace erected by James I. has been sold and converted into shops. The building added to the original structure by Charles II. is standing, and was the residence of the late Duke of York during the meetings ; belonging to it are very extensive sta- bles for the King's use. George IV., at his death, left these stables for his lifetime to Mr. Wm. Ed- wards, his training groom, who trains there the horses of the Duke of Beaufort, and Lord Albemarle. The training of race-horses is a source of ex- tensive profit, many being constantly sold for exportation at very high prices. About four hun- dred are here in training the greater part of the year, and it is computed that the weekly consump- tion of oats in the town alone, amounts to the amazing quantity of five hundred quarters. The market, which was granted or confirmed in 1227, is held on Tuesday, and there are fairs on Whit- Tuesday and November 8th, which are well sup- plied with cattle, horses, corn, hay, etc., etc. Newmarket may truly be styled the classic ground of racing, and it is here only that this delightful sport may be said to exist in perfection. BRITISH TURF. 209 No crowd, nobooths impede the view ; none of those discordant sounds which make a perfect Babel of other race-courses distract the attention. The number of spectators seldom exceeds five hundred, and they are mostly of the highest classes, the majority on horseback, with perhaps a few close carriages and barouches, for invalids and ladies. Before each race a busy group surrounds the betting post, when an animating scene takes place, and bets are offered, taken, and booked, with a regu- larity and industry that would do credit to the members of the Stock Exchange. In a moment the crowd disperses ; some gallop to the place of starting to see the horses off and follow them in ; others, again, place themselves opposite that par- ticular part of the course where they think the struggle will take place, and the race, in point of fact, be decided ; while others surround the judge's chair,* eager to know at once the issue of tlie event by which they will be either losers or gainers. The whole scene is one of great interest, and which can nowhere else be witnessed. The following Latin verses, descriptive of a race at Newmarket, are from the Britannia, in the folio of Lord Hampden, printed and published in Italy. * The judge's chair is on wheels, and is moved about, according to the different parts of the Beacon Course which may have been fixed on for the event to come off over. VOL. 1. P 210 HISTORY OF THE The merit of the Latin verses we leave to the criticism of better classic scholars than ourselves. From the EngUsh translation by Mr. George Dyer, which we subjoin, a fair guess may be made as to their sense, Hinc et almatur equi, superant qui cursibus auras I, pete planitiem, quam Ditis nomine dicta Fossa secat : curtoque viret qua cespiti campus. Ecce dato signo Sonipes, jam carcere missus, Cui nitide tunicatus eques, lere pondus, inlieeret ; Devocet et campum, regne summas atterat herbus, Ocyor accipitris, vel hirundinis ocyor ala : Ut stadio extramo, cum jam riralibus instat, Prsecipitet sese, rireaque acquiret eundo ! Tum neque pulmoni, neque nervo parcit ur ulli ! Ventre putes modo radere humum, modo la bereaura Permistus sudore cruor fluit undique costis, Labra madent spumis, et guttere captat hiante Flamina ; singultim dum naribus exit aubelis Fumces, et inflatse turgent per corpora renae. Tum magis atque magis, ferit ungular crebior herbam ; Emicat accensus palmee proprioris amorae ; Exultans que animi, nunc hunc, nunc prsetirit ilium ; Ingeminat clamorque virum, clangorque plagorum ; Metaque victorem tota corvice fatetur : Nee mora, laetus herus munus regale reportat." The following is Mr. Dyer's translatioii : Hence, we raise horses, that in speed outstrip The winds : go seek the plain, which the Devil's Ditch Divides ; a field with slender verdure green. Behold the signal given ! Forth from the goal. Starts the resounding horse, and on his back Firm sits, light load, the jockey, jerkin'd neat. BRITISH TURF. 21 1 See, he devours the plain, the verdure's top Scarce touches ; smft as hawk or swallow flies, That, when approaching nearer to the end Of the long course, then headlong he may seem To rush, and gain new vigour as he goes ! Then, neither lungs, nor any nerv^e, he spares ! His belly now appears to touch the ground. And now he seems fleet as the wind to glide. Blood, mixed with sweat, flows quickly down his sides ; His lips are wet with foam ; with open throat. He drinks the %vind ; and from his nostrils wide Issue, with sobs and pantings, curling smoke. While through his body, every vein distends. Quicker and quicker now his light hoof strikes The glebe — and now with love of nearer palm Of victory, he glows, while passing by His several rivals, how his heart exults ! Resound the shouts of men, the smack of whips. The goal the conqueror wins, but by a neck. And quick he bears away the Royal Plate Out of the race weeks, Newmarket is of course very dull, but the gaiety and bustle of the meet- ings make ample amends for the idle intervals. During the meetings crowds throng the streets till a late hour of the night ; the events of the day, or those to come off on the morrow, forming the constant theme in every mouth ; while a sudden rise or fall in the betting on any favorite for a large stake produces the greatest sensation. We are sorry to be obhged to deprecate the dis- sipation and gambling to which it is well known the Newmarket lads are addicted to an almost incredible degree. During the winter months these 212 HISTORY OF THE hopeful youths amuse themselves by cock-fighting, dog-fighting, and other such amusements ; fre- quently winning and losing what to them must be large sums on the events ; while, on the other hand, there are in this town, roulette and other chance tables kept, where halfpence are staked, and to which these youngsters resort. The head quartersof the jockies is a house called the Three Tuns, where they assemble of an even- ing to smoke their pipes and drink sherry and water. Besides these, the company consists chiefly of the doctor whose stock in trade, we imagine con- sists chiefly in purgatives ; the saddlers, and sporting boot-makers of the town, with now and thenayeoman from the neighbourhood, who fancying himself very knowing, goes there to pick up crumhs, which, in some instances, he manages so cleverly, that the result is, he finds himself without a loaf. The landlord is a very civil man, and enthusiastically devoted to the sport ; he regards it with a sort of religious reverence, and it would be a service of danger to attempt to convert him to a belief in any creed that was opposed to it. Early in the morning the true sportsman mounts his horse and rides to the fir plantations, where he sees the various studs at exercise, a sight well worthy of the trouble, while the keen air of the downs will amply compensate him with an excel- lent appetite. BRITISH TURF. 213 The following are the lengths of the Newmarket courses. In racing 1760 yards are reckoned to a mile. 220 yards „ to a furlong. 240 yards „ to a distance. t» »» The Beacon Course, is Round Course Last three miles of B. C. Ditch-in Two middle miles of B. C. Audley End Course (from the starting post of the T. Z. C, to the end of the B. C.) Clermont Course from the Ditch to Dake's stand Across the Flat .... The last mile, and a distance of B. C. Ancaster mUe Rowley mUe Abingdon mile Banbury mile Ditch mile From the turn of the lands in T^vo yrs. old course (on the flat) New ditto (part of the Bunbury mile) Yearhng course m. f. yds. 4 1 138 3 4 187 3 0 45 2 0 97 1 7 125 e 6 5 217 2 24 1 156 0 18 0 1 0 7 211 0 7 208 0 7 178 0 5 184 0 5 136 0 5 136 0 2 147 The following is a list of the principal stakes, etc., usually run for at the seven annual meetings ; in addition to which matches are frequently decid- ed at all the meetings. NEWMARKET CRAVEN MEETING^ 1839. Monday, the 1st of April. — The Craven Stakes ; 214 HISTORY OF THE a subscription of 10 sovs. each, for three yrs. old, 6st. ; four, 8st. 41b. ; five, 8st. 131b. ; six and aged, 9st. 51b. A. F, To close and name at the Coffee Room by six o'clock in the evening before running. The twenty-fifth Riddlesworth Stakes of 200 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b.; sound fillies, 8st. 41b. Ab. M. untried stalUons or mares allowed 31b., if both, 51b. Produce Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. A. F. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, for foals of 1836 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b. ; those by untried stallions, or out of untried mares, allowed 3 lb. D. M. Tuesday. — Sixth Tuesday Riddlesworth Stakes of 200 sovs. each, h. ft., for the produce of mares covered in 1835 ; colts. 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b. Ab. M. ; untried mares or stallions, allowed 31b. ; if both, 51b. Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b., and filhes, 8st. 41b. D.M. those out of mares which have produced a winner of the Derby, Oaks, St. Leger, or 2000 gs. stakes, to carry 51b. extra. Sweepstakes of 100 sov. each, h. ft. ; 8st. 71b. each ; D. M. The Oatlands stakes of 50 sov. each ; h. ft. ; and only 10 sov. ft. if declared on or before the BRITISH TURF. 215 31st of December; D. I. The 10 sov. fts. to go to the owner of the second horse. Wednesday. — The Column Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 71b., then three yrs. old; those got by untried stallions, out of untried mares, allowed 31b. if both, 51b. R.M. Thursday. — Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft., for the produce of mares covered in 1835; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b. R. M. ; untried stallions or mares allowed 31b., if both, 51b. The Vacillation Stakes of 150 sovs. each, L. ft., for foals of 1836 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b, R. M. ; each subscriber to name two foals, with option of changing such foals on Saturday in the Craven meeting, 1837, upon paying a bonus of £10, extra, to go to the owner of the second horse; one to the post ; untried stallions or mares allowed 31b., only one allowance. Friday. — Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b. Ab. ; all those got by untried stallions, or out of untried mares, allowed 31b. The Post Stakes ; a sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for four yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., fillies, 8st. 41b., not named in the Claret ;T. M. M. the owner of the second horse to withdraw his stake. 216 HISTORY OF THE FIRST SPRING MEETING. The Cup may be challenged for on the Monday or Tuesday in this meeting, to be run for over the B. C. on Tuesday in the first October meeting next, by horses, &c., the property of the members of the Jockey Club ; four years old carrying Sst. 71b., five, 9st. 21b. ; and six and aged, 9st. 61b. Each gentleman at the time of challenging is to sub- scribe his name to a paper, to be hung up in the Coffee Room at Newmarket, and deliver to the keeper of the match-book the name or description of his horse, &c., sealed up, which is here to be kept till six o'clock on Saturday evening; and if not then accepted, and only one challenger, to be returned unopened ; but if accepted, or if more than one challenger, to be opened and declared a match, or sweepstakes of 200 sovs. each, p. p. If the challenge be not accepted, the Cup is to be delivered to the keeper of the match-book, in the meeting ensuing the challenge, for the person who may become entitled to the same. Tuesday. — The 2000 gs. Stakes, a subscription of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old, colts, 8st. 7ib. ; and fillies, 8st. 41b. R. M. Sweepstakes of 300 sovs. each, 100 ft. ; for four year old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, Sst. 21b. B. C. Thursday. — The 1000 gs. Stakes, a subscription of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old fillies, Sst. 41b., D. M. BRITISH TURF. 217 The Clarendon Stakes of 200 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b, and fillies, 8st. 31b., R. M. Friday. The Newmarket Stakes, a subscription of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 21b., D. M. Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft., for three yrs. old fillies, warranted untried at the time of naming ; 8st. 71b. each, D. M. ; those out of un- tried mares allowed 31b., a winner of 200 sovs. before the day of starting to carry 71b. extra. SECOND SPRING MEETING. The whip may be challenged for on the Tuesday or Wednesday in this meeting, and the acceptance must be signified, or the Whip resigned, before the end of the same meeting. If challenged for and accepted, to be run for on the Tuesday in the second October meeting following, B. C, lOst. each, and to stake 200 sovs. each, p. p. [commences on TUESDAY THE 30TH OF APRIL.] Thursday. — Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each ; for two yrs. old colts, 8 st. 71b., and fillies 8st. 41b,. T. Y. C. To close at the end of the Craven meeting, and name on the Tuesday before running. 218 HISTORY OF THE JULY MEETING, 1839. Tuesday, July the 9th, (first race.) — Handicap Sweepstakes of iO so vs. each; for three yrs. old and upwards ; New T. Y. C. To close and name before dinner on the day before running. Four subscribers or no race. The July Stakes, a subscription of 50 sovs. each, 30 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 51b., NewT. Y. C. Thursday. — ^The Chesterfield Stakes of 30 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and filUes, 8st. 41b. ; the last half mile of B. M. ; the winner of the July stakes to carry 91b., and the second horse, 41b., extra. The Buxton Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 41b. ; untried horses or mares allowed 31b., T. Y. C. FIRST OCTOBER MEETING. Tuesday the 1st. of October. — The Buckenham Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for the produce of mares covered in 1836 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b., T. Y. C. to bring one to the post. Sweepstakes of 150 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for foals of 1837 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b., T. Y. C. ; bona fide their own property at the time of naming. The Grand Duke Michael Stakes of 50 sovs. each; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 31b., A. F. BRITISH TURF. 219 The Hopeful Stakes of 40 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 51b. ; the last half of Ab. M. the winner of the July or Chesterfield stakes to carry 61b. if both 91b. extra ; the winner of any other sweepstakes or plate, to carry 31b extra ; those got by Arabians, or out of Arabian mares, allowed 51b. ; if twenty subscribers, the owner of the second horse to receive 50 sovs. out of the stakes ; if thirty, 100 sovs., and if forty, 150 sovs. Wednesday. — The St. Leger Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fiUies, 8st. 41b., D. I. Thursday. — Post Sweepstakes of 300 sovs. each ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b., K. M. ; to bring one to the post. The Rutland Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. , for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 31b. ; from the turn of the Lands, in : the winner of the July or Chesterfield stakes to carry 71b. extra ; all other winners previously to the day of running to carry 31b. extra. SECOND OCTOBER MEETING. The Whip may be challenged for on the Monday or Tuesday in this meeting, and the acceptance must be signified, or the whip resigned, before the end of the same meeting. If challenged for, and accepted, to be run for on the Thursday in the 220 HISTORY OF THE second spring meeting following ; B. C, weight, lOst., and to stake 200 sovs. each, p. p. [commences on MONDAY THE 14TH OF OCTOBER FOR THE YEAR.] Tuesday. — ^The Clearwell Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 51b., T. Z. C, the winner of the July stakes to carry 71b. extra. Friday, — The Prendergast Stakes of 50 sovs. each. h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b, and fillies, Sst. 51b., T. Z. C. HOUGHTON MEETING. Monday the 28th of October.— The Criterion Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b, and fillies, 8st. 51b. ; from the turn of the Lands, in ; a winner of the July, Clearwell, or Prendergast stakes, to carry 71b, or of any two of these stakes, 91b extra ; all other winners pre- viously to the day of running to carry 21b. extra ; the owner of the second horse to receive back his stake. Thursday. — Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft., for foals of 1837 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b., T. Z. C. ' Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies 8st. 41b., T. Z. C. CHESHIRE. Chester, the capital of the county, is situated on BRITISH TURF. 221 the river Dee, over which is a fine bridge of twelve arches. The ancient walls still remain, and afford a pleasant promenade of nearly two miles in length. In 1 83 1 , the inhabitants amounted to 2 1 ,363. The course is flat, and one mile and a hundred yards in circumference. The races take place in the beginning of May, and continue five days. The following is a list of the stakes, &c. 1st. Day. — The Trial Stakes, of 15 sovs. each, with 50 added by the Stand Committee ; three yrs. old, 6st. 41b. ; four, 8st. 61b. ; five, 9st. 21b. ; six and aged, 9st. 61b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; once round. To close and name on the day of entry for the plates. A Produce Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. colts, 8st. 41b. ; fillies 8st. ; two miles. The Tradesmen's Plate, of 200 sovs. in specie, added to a handicap sweepstakes of zO sovs. each. 10 sovs. ft., and 5 if declared on or before the 1st of February. Three to accept, or no race ; to start at the Castle-pole, run twice round, and end at the coming-in chair. Second horse to receive 25 sovs. out of the stakes. A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added bv the Stand Committee, for horses that never won before the day of entry for the plates ; heats two miles ; three yrs. old, 6st. 121b. -, four, 8st. 21b. ; five, 8st., 81b. ; six and aged, 8st. 121b. ; 222 HISTORY OF THE m. and g. allowed 31b. Three subscribers or no race. 2nd. Day. — The Stand Cup, value 100 sovs. etc. A Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, for two yrs. colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. 21b., half a mile. 3rd. Day. — The Dee Stakes of 50 sovs. each ; h. ft., for three yrs. old ; Derby weights ; to start at the Castle-pole, go once round, and finish at the coming-in chair, etc., etc. 4th. Day. — A Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 21b ; one mile and three quarters. If six sub- scribers, the second horse to receive back his stake. To close and name on the day of entry for the plates. The Selling Stakes, of 5 sovs. each, with 30 sovs. added by the Citizens ; heats, the Grosvenor Course ; three yrs. old to carry 6st. 41b. ; four, 8st. 51b. ; five, 8st. 121b. ; six and aged, 9st. 21b.; m. and g. allowed 31b. The winner to be sold for 100 sovs. if demanded. Four subscribers or no race. To close and name on the day of entry for the plates. The second horse to save his stake. 5th day. — The Palatine Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft., for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 21b. ; to start at the Castle-pole, go once round, and finish at the coming-in chair ; those BRITISH TURF. 223 out of untried mares, or got by untried stallions allowed 31b., both, 51b. The Cheshire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added by the citizens of Chester; 15 sovs. ft., and 5 sovs. only if declared to Mr. Jackson, Chester, or Messrs. Weatherby, London, on or before the 1st of February; two miles; the win- ner of the Trade Cup to carry 51b. extra ; second horse to save his stake, and three to remain in, or no race. Any person taking a nomination for this stake, and remaining in, will have to pay the 15 sovs. should he not start, and if he start, the 25 sovs. ; and no horse will be allowed to start, whose owner, confederate, or trainer, has not paid all former arrears of stakes at these races. The Roodee Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 50 sovs. added by the Stand Committee, for three yrs. old that have run during the week ; to start at the two yrs. old post, go once round, and in. To be named before seven o'clock the preceding evening, to Mr. Jackson, Clerk of the Course, and to be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they shall appoint. The Wirral stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 to be added by the gentlemen of Wirral, for two yrs. old, 6st. 121b., and three, 9st. ; f. and g. al- lowed 21b. ; three quarters of a mile. Five sub- scribers, or no race. The money will not be paid if walked over for. 224 HISTORY OF THE Knutsford on the river Birken, in the hundred of Bucklow, 173 miles from London. In 1831 the number of inhabitants amounted to 2,823. The races here are held a week after the Wrexham Meeting, and the stakes close in September. Sandbach, 162 miles from London. — This town affords two days' racing in September, but the stakes are of a trifling nature. Wilmslow. — One day's racing in September ; but very inferior both as to the number and value of the stakes. CORNWALL. Bodmin. — One day's racing, in September. CUMBERLAND. Carlisle, the capital of the county, stands on the south side of the river Eden, 305 miles from London, and sixteen from Penrith. The races are held about the latter end of October, and af- ford three days' sport ; and on the last day, her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs., for horses of all ages, four miles, is run for. Inglewood Hunt and Penrith, 296 miles from London. Two days' racing towards the middle of October. On the second day a plate of £50 is given by the Inglewood Hunt Racing-fund, for horses of all ages ; two mile heats. DERBYSHIRE. Buxton. — A town celebrated for its medicinal BRITISH TURF. 225 waters, which attract a great niimber of visitors in the summer months. It is situated in a valley, 160 miles from London. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 1,211. The course is one mile in cir- cumference. Two days' racing take place here, towards the latter end of June. On the first day, an elegant gold cup, value lOOgs., is given by the Duke of Devonshire, added to a handicap sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 forfeit, and 5 only if declared as advertised in the calendar ; the owner of the second horse receiving back his stake. On the second day, a plate of £50 is given by the town, for horses that never won that value. Three yrs. old, 7st. 31b. ; four, 8st. 61b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six and aged, 8s t 121b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; heats, twice round. Chesterfield. — In the hundred of Scarsdale, 150 miles from London. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 10,688. Two days' racing about the commencement of October. On the first day a plate, of 60gs. is given by the Duke of Devon- shire, for horses that never won £50 before the day of naming ; weights the same as for the Duke's Cup at Buxton. Two mile heats. DEVONSHIRE. Exeter. — A large city and capital of the county. It stands on the river Ex, 170 miles from London. VOL. I. Q 226 HISTORY OF THE Exeter contains a magnificent cathedral, and its see gives name to a bishopric, which includes nearly the whole of Devonshire and Cornwall. The salubrity of the air, with the cheapness of provisions, especially fish and poultry, attract to this city numerous families with limited incomes. In 1831, the population amounted to 28,201. The old course is round, or rather oval, of two miles, two-thirds of which are nearly flat, and the remainder rather hilly ; the last half mile is in a straight line, with a little ascent, and a beautiful run home. There is a round and level course of one mile, recently made, called the New Course, and a three mile course, also nearly level, formed out of the new and old courses. The races take place towards the end of August, and continue two days. They are as follows :— The sixteenth year of the Devonshire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft., and only 5, if declared, etc. No non-subscriber to have more than one nomination given him, and no subscriber more than two. The taker of a nomination remaining in, will have to pay the 10 sovs. should he not start, and if he start, the 25 sovs. The second horse to save his stake, should there be twentv subscribers. The horses to be named to Messrs. Weatherby, in London, on or before the Monday after the Ascot Meeting, and the weights to be fixed by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Three BRITISH TURF. 227 » horses to remain ia, or no race. Once round the Old Course ; the winner of the Saltrum Stakes to carry 51b. extra. The Ladies' Purse of 25 sovs., added to a sweep- stakes of 5 sovs. each, 2 ft., for horses of all denominations, to be ridden by gentlemen ; heats, one mile. To close and name on the 1st of Au- gust, and the w^eights to be fixed the Monday before running. The piece of plate, by subscription of 10 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old, 7st. 41b. ; four, 8st. 71b. ; five, 9st.; six and aged, 9st. 41b.; m. andg. to be al- lowed 31b. ; and horses which have never won a plate or sweepstakes, or were bred in either of the four western counties, to be allowed 51b. : — the winner of any prize in this year (except handicaps and matches) to carry the following extra weights : of £50 and not exceeding £100 in value, 3lb. ; of £100 or up- wards, 51b. ; and of any two prizes of £50, or one of £50 and the other of £100, 71b., and if both of the latter valu^ 91b. ; heats, once round the old course, and a distance ; the horses to start from the distance-post. Three horses to remain in, or no race. The Home Stakes, with the County Members' Plate added, being a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft. ; three yrs. old, 9st. 51b. ; four, lOst. 91b. ; five, list. 71b. ; six, list. 121b. ; and aged, 12st. ; the horses to be bona fide the property of sub- Q 2 228 HISTORY OF THE scribers being resident in Devon and Cornwall, to have been in their possession and wholly trained in either of the before-mentioned counties, from the 1st of May next. Certificates to the above effect to be produced to the Clerk of the Course, at the time of the entry. Horses not thorough- bred to be allowed 71b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. Three horses to start, or the plate will not be given. Heats, two miles , to start from the dis- tance-post ; to be ridden by gentlemen, or by persons residing in Devon and Cornwall. To close on the 1st of July, and the horses to be named as for the Devonshire Stakes. Mr. Charles Brutton, Exeter, Treasurer and Secretary. Newton Abbot, 162 miles from London. — Two days' racing, about the latter end of July. Plymouth. About 220 miles from London, and celebrated for its vast dock-yards, naval arse- nal, &c. The course is nearly oval, being a mile and a half in circumference, quite flat, with a straight run home of a third of a mile. A Spring Meeting is held in May, but the grand meeting takes place in August, and continues two days. PLYMOUTH^ DEVONPORT AND CORNWALL RACES. Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft. with 10 added from the fund, for the produce of mares covered in 1835 ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies and geld- BRITISH TURF. 229 ings, 8st. 41b. ; one mile ; untried stallions or mares whose produce have not won, allowed 31b., if both, 51b. ^ The Saltram Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft., and 5 only if declared to Mr. Weatherby, or to Mr. Weir, Clerk of the Course, at Plymouth, by a day to be fixed when the handicap is declared. No non-subscriber to have more than one nomina- tion, and no subscriber to have more than two. The taker of a nomination remaining in, will have to pay 10 sovs. should he not start, and if he start, 25 sovs., the second horse to save his stake. The lowest weight on a thorough-bred three yrs. old, to be 7st. The horses to be named to Mr. Weatherby, in London, on or before the Monday after Epsom. The weights to be declared the Monday after Ascot ; once round and a distance. Three to remain in, or no race. Second day. — The Cornwall Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with the United Service Plate added. To close and name on the Monday after Ascot races, and the weights to be fixed on the Monday after the Cheltenham Meeting ; one mile ; if five horses start, the second to save his stake. The winner of the Saltram in 1839, to carry 101b. extra. Three horses to start, or the plate will not be given. The Welter Stakes of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft., for 230 HISTORY OF THE horses of all denominations ; to be ridden by gen- tlemen, yeomen, etc. ; heats, once round and a distance. To close and name by six o'clock, the evening before running, and the weights to be declared by ten o'clock the next morning. Tavistock, 207 miles from London. — One day's racing takes place at this city the beginning of May. The course is round, or rather oval, two miles, a little hilly, the last three quarters of a mile straight, and very nearly level. The one mile is a proportion of the above. The races held here have not obtained, as yet, any celebrity. Tiverton, 162 miles from London. — Two davs' racing about the latter end of August. On the first day, a plate of £.50 is given by the members of Parliament for the borough ; and on the second day, a plate of £20, subscribed by the tradesmen of the town is given, to be run for by half-bred horses, Totness, 196 miles from London. — The races here, commonly called the Totness and Bridge- town races, are held for two days about the latter end of August. On the first day, a plate of £50 is given by Lord Seymour, for horses that never won cup, plate, or stake of more than £100. The winner to be sold for 100 sovs. if demanded, etc. ; heats, twice round the course, which is about a mile in circumference. BRITISH TURF. 231 DORSETSHIRE. Blandforcl. — A market and borough town in the hundred of Pimperne, 103 miles from London. It is a clean and well-built town, on the river Stour, overlooking which, at the end of the town, is the fine mansion and richly ornamented grounds of Lord Portman. This town, although frequently destroyed by fire, has always risen like a Phoenix from its ashes. The principal employment is that of making shirt-buttons, which is a source of much prosperity to the place. In 1821, the in- habitants amounted to 2,643. The races take place about a week after those at Salisbury, to- wards the latter part of August, for the following stakes, etc. The Provincial Criterion Stakes of 30 sovs. 20 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b., with 20 sovs. added if three horses start ; a winner once in the same year, previous to starting, to carry 51b., twice or more, 71b. extra; three quarters of a mile over the New Course. ^ The Dorsetshire gold Cup, value 100 sovs. in specie (the surplus to the second horse) by sub- scription of 10 sovs. each; three yrs. old, 6st. 101b.; four, 8st. ilb. ; five, 8st. 101b.; six, 9st. ; and aged, 9st. 21b. ; the winner of a Queen's plate, or the value of 100 sovs., including his own stake, in the same year, previous to starting, to carry 51b. extra ; m. and g. allowed 31b. The win- 232 HISTORY OF THE ner to be sold for 500gs. Two miles and a dis- tance. The Dorsetshire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and five only if declared to the clerk of the course ; the second horse to save his stake ; two miles. To close and name to the clerk of the course on days hereafter to be mentioned. Mr. Wyatt, Clerk of the Course. Dorchester, on the river Frome, the capital of the county, 120 miles from London. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 3033. Two days' racing takes place here towards the middle of September. On the first day £50 is given by the tradesmen of the town, and on the second the ladies give a plate of the same value. Weymouth is beautifully situated on the western shore of a fine open bay in the English Channel, and is divided into two parts by the river Wey. It is eight miles from Dorchester, and 130 from London, and contains between 6 and 7000 in- habitants. It contains a theatre, which is open during the race week, besides assembly rooms, libraries, etc. The races were established in 1821, and are generally well attended. They take place about the latter end of August, and among the prizes contended for, are the Queen's plate of lOOgs,, and the member's plate of 50gs. The course, which adjoins the town, is consi- dered very good. BRITISH TURF. 233 DURHAM. Durham, the capital of the county, is situated on the river Wear, 260 miles from London. The castle and cathedral stand on an eminence, and are well worth the attention of visitors. The see of Durham is the most richly endowed of any in England. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 10,125. Three days' racing takes place here in the beginning of May, which is well attended. On the first day, a plate of £50 is given by the members for the city of Durham, for horses that never won £50 at any one time, in plate, or stakes, before the day of running ; two mile heats. On the second day, a plate of £50 is given by the members for the northern division of the county ; three yrs. old, 7st. 41b. ; four, 8st. 51b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six and aged, 9st ; m. and g. al- lowed 31b. A winner of £50 at any one time, in plate or stake, before the day of entry, to carry 31b., if two or more, 51b. extra ; two mile heats. Stockton is situated on an eminence on the northern bank of the river Tees, 20 miles from Durham, and 244 from London, and contains up- wards of 5000 inhabitants. The races are held about the end of August, a week after those of York, on the Carrs, on the opposite side of the river. On the second day, a gold cup, value £100, by subscription of 10 sovs. each; two miles and a distance. 234 HISTORY OF THE ESSEX. Chelmsford, on the junction of the riv^ers Cann and Chelmer, 29 miles from London. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 5,435. The course is oval, and being about thirty yards short of two miles in circumference, the horses start between the distance-post and the winning-chair, to make up the two miles. The races are held towards the latter end of August, and afford two days' excellent sport to a numerous and fashionable attendance. On the first day, in addition to her Majesty's plate of lOOgs., the Stewards give a plate of £50 to be run for. A town plate of £50 is generally given on the second day, although not run for at the last meeting. GLOUCESTERSHIRE. Bibury. — Races are held at this place at the close of the hunting season, when several hunters' stakes are run for, but the horses being for the most part half-bred, and ridden by gentlemen, this meeting is merely of local interest. CLIFTON AND BRISTOL. Bristol is a large commercial city, partly within the boundary of the county of Somerset, and partly in that of Gloucester, though it is a county BRITISH TURF. 235 in itself. It is situated in a valley, at the junction of the rivers Frome and Avon, distant 119 miles from London, and thirteen miles from Bath. The trade of this city with the West Indies is the most con- siderable ; and that with Spain and Portugal, with the Baltic ports, Mediterranean, etc., if in- ferior to that of London and Liverpool, is next in importance. Chfton, one of the parishes which compose the city, contains crescents, parades, and. streets, which vie with the best in the metropolis, and far exceed them in the beauty of their situation and prospects. * The hot wells, near this city, were formerly held in higher fame than at the present day, but the water is still in estimation for its purity. The present population is reckoned at upw^ards of 105,000 persons. Bristol has two days' racing, about the beginning of May. A plate of £50 is given by the members for the city of Bristol ; besides which, the following stakes afford amusement to a most numerous atten- dance. The two yrs. old Stakes, of 30 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 added ; T. Y. C, about half a mile. Four to be entered, or no race ; and three to start, or the 20 sovs. wall not be given ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st.4lb. ; half-bred allowed 31b. The Chfton Stakes of 20 sovs. each, with 20 added; 10 ft., and only 5 if declared to Messrs. Weatherby, London, or to Mr„ Robert Harris, 2S6 HISTORY OF THE Clifton, by four o'clock on the last Monday before the Bath Spring Meeting ; the second horse to save his stake. Three to remain in, or no race ; about two miles. To name and close on the 1st of March. The Kingsweston Stakes of 10 sovs. each, 2 ft., with 20 added ; the CUfton Stakes Course ; gen- tlemen riders. Forfeit to be declared at the same time as for the Clifton stakes. Four to remain in, or no race. To name and close the 1st of March. The Gold Cup of sovs. (in specie) added to a sweepstakes of 30 sovs. each, 10 ft. Three horses to start, or the cup will be withheld till next year ; if three horses start, the winner to subscribe 10 sovs. to the cup in 1840 ; three miles. Horses to be named on or before the 1st of March, and to be handicapped by the stewards, or whom they may appoint. Forfeit to be declared pn the last Monday before the Bath Spring Meet- ing. Robert Harris, Clerk of the Course, 11, Sun Row, Clifton. CHELTENHAM. A market town and parish, in the hundred of Cheltenham, eight miles (E.N.E.) from Gloucester, and ninety-five (W.N.W.) from Lon- don, containing about 22,000 inhabitants. This BRITISH TURF. 237 place takes its name from the small river Chilt, which rises at Dowdswell, in the vicinity, and runs through the town in its course to the Severn. Cheltenham derives its importance from its mineral springs, the oldest of which was first noticed in 1716 ; since which time various others have been discovered, the last in 1803 by Dr. Thomas Jameson, who has analysed the waters. In 1721, the old well or spa to the south of the town was enclosed, and in 1738, Capt. Skillicorn erected over it a brick pavilion, built a pump-room, and laid out walks for the accommodation of visitors. In 1780, the number of lodging-houses amounted only to thirty ; but since the visit of George III, in 1788, Cheltenham has been rapidly rising into note as a fashionable place of resort, and is at present famous for the elegance of its buildings, the extent and variety of its accommodations, and the rank and number of its visitors, of whom, in the course of the season, there are generally no less than 15,000. The principal street is more than a mile and a half in length, containing many handsome ranges of buildings. Besides the pa- vilion over the old well, above mentioned, and which was enlarged by the erection of a new pump- room, in 1803, there is the Montpelier Spa, the pump-room of which is a spacious and handsome rotunda, with a colonade in front, and nearer the town in the same direction, the Imperial Spa, an 238 HISTORY OF THE elegant building, in the Grecian style of architec- ture, opened in 1818. On the north side of Cheltenham is the new town of Pittville, with a handsome pump-room, the first stone of which w^as laid in 1825, and in the erection of which, upwards of £20,000 has been expended. Cheltenham con- tains a theatre, various libraries, reading-rooms, and musical repositories, etc. ; concerts and assem- blies take place regularly during the season, under the superintendence of a master of the cere- monies. Two days' racing takes place in the beginning of July, over the Improved Old Course on Cleeve Hill. The following is a list of the principal stakes, etc. The Gloucestershire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., and 5 if declared by the 1st of June ; about two miles ; the owner of the second horse to have his stake returned. Any person taking a nomina- tion for this stake, and not declaring forfeit by the 1st of June, as above, will have to pay the 25 sovs. or the forfeit of 15 sovs., as the case may be; and no horse will be allowed to start whose confede- rate, or trainer, has not paid all former arrears. No non-subscriber to receive more than one nomi- nation ; the winner of the Somersetshire stakes, to carry 51b. extra. The winner to pay 20 sovs. to the judge. The horses to be named to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary, Cheltenham, on or before the BRITISH TURF. 239 1st of May ; and the declaration of forfeit to either, and the weights to be fixed on or before the 14th of May. A Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each ; for two yrs. old, 6 St. 81b., and three, 8s t. 121b. ; f. allowed 31b. ; the last three quarters of a mile. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary, Cheltenham, on or before the IstofMav. The Cotsweld Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b. ; mile and a half. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary, Cheltenham, on or before the 1st of May. The Cheltenham Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 added from the fund, for any horse ; heats, two miles ; gentlemen riders. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary, Cheltenham, on or before the 1st of May. To be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint, and the weights declared in due tine. The Sherborne Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added from the fund, for all ages. To be handi- capped by the Stewards, or whom they may ap- point ; one mile. To close to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secre- tary Cheltenham, on the 1st of May ; and the horses to be named by six o'clock in the evening of the 240 HISTORY OF THE first day of the race, to the Secretary, and the weights to be declared by nine o'clock the same evening. The Southam Stakes, of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added from the fund, for any horse that never w^on £100 at any one time, before the day of nomina- tion ; three yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 71b. ; five, 9st. 51b, ; six, 9st. 121b. ; and aged, lOst. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the winner of £100 at any time previous to the day of starting, to carry, 51b. extra ; two miles. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary, Cheltenham, on or before the 1st of May. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 71b. ; filHes and geldings, 8st. 31b., the pro- duce of mares covered in 1835 ; those by untried stallions, or out of mares which never bred, to be allowed 31b., if both, 51b. ; the winner of the Bath produce, in the same year, to carry 3Ib. extra ; about a mile and a quarter. The Scurry Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 added, for any horse ; gentlemen riders ; heats, the last half mile. To close and name to the Secretary, by six o'clock in the evening of the first day of the races, and the weiofhts to be declared bv ten o'clock the same evening. To be handicapped by the Stewards or whom they may appoint. The Prestbury Stakes of 10 sovs, each, with 20 BRITISH TURF. 241 added from the fund. To close and name to the Secretary, by eight o'clock, the evening before running. The Victoria Stakes of 50 sovs., given by the ladies of Cheltenham, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for the beaten horses of the meeting ; the winner to receive 50 sovs., the second horse 10 sovs., and the third horse 5 sovs. ; the surplus of the sweepstakes to go to the winner ; two miles. Three subscribers or no race. To close immediately after the race preceding, at the weighing-room. To be handicapped by the Stewards, or whom they may appoint. Mr. Clark, of Newmarket, Judge. Mr. C. Wood, of Cheltenham, Secretary. GLOUCESTER. A city, inland port, and county of itself, 34 miles N.N.E. from Bristol, and 107 W.N.W. from Lon- don, on the road to South Wales, containing about 10,000 inhabitants. It is pleasantly situated in a fertile vale, on the eastern bank of the river Severn. The bridge is a handsome structure of stone, from which a causeway, half a mile in length, extends across the Isle of Alney to Orve. The cathedral is one of the most magnificent ecclesiastical structures in England. The oldest parts are the nave, the chantry chapels round the choir, and the crypt, or undercroft, which are sup- VOL. I. R 242 HISTORY OF THE posed to have belonged to the abbey-churchy founded by Aldred, Bishop of Worcester, a few- years prior to the Norman Conquest. The roof of the nave was finished in 1248, between which period and 1518, the transepts, cloisters, the chapel of Our Lady and the central tower were erected. A classically correct and appropriate screen, separating the nave from the choir, was erected in 1820, displacing one of a different cha- racter. . Among the many tombs deserving of notice may be mentioned that of Osric, King of Northumber- land, Robert Duke of Normandy, son of William the Conqueror, Edward II., etc. As an inland port, Gloucester had attained some eminence at an early period. At present, it carries on an exten- sive coasting trade, which is greatly facilitated by the advantages afforded by the river Severn, for keeping up a communication with Bristol and the coasts of Somersetshire, Devonshire, and South Wales. Many vessels are also employed in the coal trade. Gloucester is governed by a corporation, who transact the municipal affairs of the city at a build- ing called the Tolsey. To the east of the city a new mineral spring was discovered in 1814, round which an extensive tract of land has been tastefully laid out in plea- sure grounds, and an elegant pump-room has been -^erected, with other buildings for the accommoda- BRITISH TURF. 243 tion of visitors. Triennial musical festivals of the united choirs of Gloucester, Worcester, and Here- ford, are celebrated here, at which oratorios and se- lections of sacred music are performed in the cathe- dral, and miscellaneous concerts and balls are held in the spacious room at the Shire-Hall. The theatre, a neat and conveniently arranged edifice inWestgate Street, is occasionally opened for dramatic per- formances. The races take place in a meadow, on the banks of the Severn, the course being an oblong of about a mile and a half, with a straight run in of 400 yards. It is to be lamented that the inhabitants of this fine old city should allow the attraction of their races to diminish so rapidly ; for we find, that while in 1837, these races lasted two days, and that in addition to the members' plate of £50, five stakes were run for, in 1838, only two small stakes were given, in the single day's racing. Having shown the resources of this prosperous city at some length, it must appear evident that its inhabi- tants have only to use a little exertion, to raise their races to the first class among country meet- ings. HAMPSHIRE. Bibury Club Meeting. — The first public men- it 2 244 HISTORY OF THE tion of these races occurs in the Racing Calendar for 1801 ; before which time, they had been con- sidered strictly private, and only attended by the members of the Bibury Club and their friends. According to this notice, the horses were all the property of, and rode by, members of the club, no others being allowed ; and the weights for this purpose were never under lOst. In 1801, these races were run over the Burford course ; from this, they were removed to Cheltenham, and in 1831, to Stockb ridge, in Hampshire. As the rage among gentlemen for riding races began to die away, and lighter weights became the order of the day, the regular jockies were introduced at these races, but there are still several stakes left, exclusively for gentlemen riders. The races of the Bibury Club are held about the commencement of July, a week after the Bath races, and the following is a list of the stakes. First day. — The Bibury Stakes of 25 sovs. 4 each, 10 ft., and only 5 if declared by a time to be fixed when the handicap is pubUshed ; with 50 added by the club ; two miles. The Champagne Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, Bst. 41b. ; T. Y. C. The winner to give three dozen of Champagne to the club, and £50 to be added by the club if three horses start. BRITISH TURF. 245 Produce Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; last mile. Second day. — The Cup Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 100 added by the club, if three horses start ; last mile and a half. • . The Andover Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added, for all ages ; last mile. The subscription to close on the Tuesday after Epsom ; the horses to be named by Mr. Weather- by, the evening before running, and handicapped the same evening. The Racing Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with £50 added by the club ; a mile and a half. Besides the above, 100 sovs. are given in addition to the stakes, which is always advertised in due time. SOUTHAMPTON. This town is a county of itself, under the desig- nation of the town and county of Southampton. It is situated in the county of Hants, 75 miles from London, and contains nearly 14,000 inhabitants. The town is pleasantly situated on the Southamp- ton water, which is a large inlet of the sea. An annual regatta takes place here during the summer, in which prizes, given by subscription, are contended for on the Southampton river. Among its places of amusement may be numbered, besides the thea- 246 HISTORY OF THE tre, a subscription bowling green, botanic gardens, two sets of assembly rooms, libraries and reading rooms, &c. Races are held annually about the beginning of August, and continue two days ; the course, which is well adapted to the purpose, is situated on Southampton common, and was given by the corporation. The principal stakes run for, are, the Southampton stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. and only 5 if declared, &c., with £50 added from the fund ; the owner of the second horse to receive back his stake ; and two plates of £50 each, given by the members for the southern division of the county, and the members for the town, the for- mer being added to a sweepstakes of 10 sovs. and the latter 5 sovs. Stockbridge, a small town situated on the Great Western Road from London to Exeter ; 18 miles from Southampton, and 66 from London. The race course was formerly on Houghton Down, about 2 miles west of the town, but a new one has been formed, immediately adjoining it, in the parishes of Wallop and Longstock, under Dam- burg Hill, on which stands an old Roman camp, from the area and entrenchment of which the whole of it may be seen. A stand has been erected and is also used by the members of the Bibury Racing Club, which has been removed here from Gloucestershire. The races here take place about BRITISH TURF. 247 the commencement of July, and continue two days, the principal stakes being : First day. — The Produce Stakes of 50 so vs. each, h. ft. for three years old colts, 8st. 71b., fillies, 8st. 41b., untried stallions and mares, allowed 31b. 1 mile and a ^. . Second day. — A Sweepstake of 50sovs. each, h. ft. two yrs. old colts, 8st. 91b., and Fillies, 8st. 61b. T. Y. C. Winchester. — One of the most ancient cities in this kingdom, and the capital of the county. It is situated on the river Itchen, which is navigable to Southampton, and is 63 miles, (S. W. byW.) from London, containing in 1831 nearly 8000 inhabitants. It is celebrated for its cathedral, which is one of the most ancient and magnificent buildings of the kind in this country, and well worthy of the atten- tion of visitors. Winchester contains a theatre, (in Goal St.) which is open during the race week, a public subscription library, St. John's assembly rooms, hot, cold and vapour baths, &c. The races, which take place about the middle of July, are run for on Worthy Down, about 4 miles from the city, on the Oxford Road, and continue two days, The principal stakes are : — First day. — The Produce Stakes, of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old, the new mile. The Hamp- shire Stakes of 25 sovs, each, 15ft. with 50 added; 2 miles and a distance. Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. 248 HISTORY OF THE each, h. ft. with 30 added, to be ridden by mem- bers of a Racing or Fox hunting Club ; one mile and a half. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added by the county members, the new mile. The Queen's Plate of 100 gs. Second day. — The Winter Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft., T. Y. C. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each : the winner to be sold for 120 sovs., &c. The City Members' Plate, of 50 sovs., for any horse, that did not win the Queen's Plate that year, 2 mile heats. A Forced Handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added by the county members ; last three quarters of a mile. HEREFORDSHIRE. Hereford. — The capital of the county, situated on the river Wye, 130 miles from London. In 1831, the inhabitants amounted to 10,280. This city contains a theatre, which is open during the race week , public libraries, assembly and reading rooms. The course comprises a circuit of two miles. The two days' racing, about the end of August, attracts a numerous and respectable com- pany. The principal stakes run for, are as fol- lows : — BRITISH TURF. 249 First day. — The Herefordshire Stakes of 15 bovs, each, 10 ft., but only 5 if declared, &c. ; with 50 added, about 2 miles and a distance. Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, with a plate of 50 sovs., added by the citizens of Hereford ; heats, once round and a distance. The Farmers' Plate, (handicap,) 50 sovs., given by the members for the county. The Hunters' Stakes ; gentlemen riders. Second day. — The City and County Gold Cup, 50 sovs. in specie, added to a Handicap Sweep- stake of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft., and only 5 if declared, &c. Two miles and a half. Handicap Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added ; heats, about one mile and a half. A Hurdle-race, of 5 sovs. each, with 25 ad- ded. Kingston, a small town on the River Arrow, 150 miles from London. One day's inferior racing at the end of July ; the principal stakes being a Sweepstake of 3 sovs. each, with 50 sovs., and a Farmers' Stake of 2 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added. Leominster, on the River Wye, 137 miles from London ; containing about 5,250 inhabitants. The theatre is open during the races, which take place towards the end of August, and continue two days ; during which two plates of £50 are given by the members for the town, and £30 is added tto mfiOBT or to tbe Herefart! ^'* ^vwpttake, of 5 tovt. HESTTOtimilAC. R.*cc- wrrr InoiefiT be *'* -' IWockeC Hall. t»..- -^ .it < rLurd >' may be ti odiMOoe thoie bit 1> n Ok* Hon Mr. LaoibeJ wm cfaiefiN inM 9t9t ui pAtuAlBOOt foT the C' • V. The races ai -nel (1 1 aiile» Uum Looduu/ «i«; Dot \» . deUil. St. Albaii tdwn of gicirt aolaqititT. afid c U^ n beotre of ouuiy re- markable cvf ■ lory of this ooonlry. It U '^2 oocl CO! t upwanb of 5,000 inbabitai Kacea were gui u^ here at a 1^ iOsUndJ Ir. HMMBMCole. man, of the Turfiolel, and manv vemn connected vrith T *^* ' >m ibe I, ,tcd <'''r the <.. ...^at of the celebrated Si. Albaoa* le C! ace dly. ^— ini'-nt ^,; Civ^rbambury racea, this I (iorliainlmrv krk. — T\a% seat of the Eari of Vr. njlaiii i> n iu il* h. ■ ctrn " i>- M V|^ T' 251 perty anci n^: ^ - f !^c great u, and otbert oi hi- y. The (irim^M tnTi^iiy are de- toeoded from St. Sylvwtcr, ; named De GrUDilOII« a Norman knight, w\\ i^anit-d thr Conqueror to Eogtaod, and bur i at Iba Battle c stings. Har n a dciceiMiint ul ibe aborc, liu: i Liomaiuburv. Hr was created a baronet m t. the iii'L Ilialoog Uiw Ul the ••*' tvilc Luucd in ^. i liv M.^4fgt^->» it a tpacioiia at^* '^ifice of Uie Conothian • r. cwMweted It ofhnuiiiNiii- dode aiMjut oin) . . d \wiii finr t „alarl) beerb. i.^ij^ thn. The hi: iurlonga an 136 yani< 252 HISTORY OF THE The Stand Course, starting at the winning post, out and in, is about two miles. Owing to the liberality and exertions of the noble founder, these races, which were only established in 1838, are rapidly increasing in importance. In proof of this, we refer to the Gorhambury Stakes, for which in 1838 there were only 16 sub- scribers, while for 1839, we find no less a number, than 74. The Gorhambury Meeting takes place in May, in the intervening week between the last Newmarket Spring Meeting, and Epsom. The principal stakes are : — The Gorhambury Stakes, a subscription of 25 sovs. each, with 50 added from the fund, 15 ft. but only 5, if declared on or before the Friday in the first Newmarket Spring Meeting ; the winner of the 2,000 gs. stakes, and the winner of the Newmarket Stakes to carry 71b. ; the winner of the 1000 gs. stakes, 51b. extra. To name, and close on or before the Friday in the Newmarket Craven Meeting, to Messrs. Weatherby, London, or Newmarket, or to Mr. Coleman, Turf Hotel, St. Albans' ; the second horse to receive back his stake. Six to start, or no race ; Fir Clump in. The Verulam Stakes, a subscription, of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. with 50 added, for three yrs. old, 6st. 71b., and four, 1st. 31b. ; the Verulam Course, about three miles. To name and close as for the Gorhambury Stakes. New Produce Stakes are already advertised for the following years. Hertford, the chief town of the county, is BRITISH TURF. 253 pleasantly situated on the river Lea, 21 miles (N.) from London, and containing about 5,000 inhabi- tants. The races take place in the beginning of August, and occupy two days. The stakes are the Hertfordshire Stakes of 15 sovs. each, &c., with 40 added ; the Ware Plate of 15 sovs. The Manor Stake of 3 sovs. each, with 25 added ; the Cup Stakes with 50 ; the Ladies with 40, and the Tally-ho Stakes, with 25 sovs. added. The Hoo. — This seat of the Right Hon. Lord Dacre was purchased by the trustees of the grand- father of the present noble owner, of the Keates, who for several generd,tions held possession of the Manor. The mansion is spacious and built of brick, covered with stucco, and the park is w^ell wooded, and picturesque. The races at this place were commenced in 1 82 1 , by the Hertfordshire Club, and for many years afforded excellent sport to numerous and fashionable visitors ; but of late years they have lost much of their attraction. The races here take place about the end of April, but the one day's racing being now almost entirely Hunters' Stakes, ridden for by gentlemen riders, is of merely local interest. Royston, a town partly in the county of Cam- bridge, but chiefly in Hertfordshire, situated in a very bleak open country, 20 miles (N. byE.) from Hertford, and 38 (N.) from London. A house was built here by James L, who made it his occasional residence, for the enjoyment of hunting and hawk- 254 HISTORY OF THE ing, but it has long since gone to ruin, and but few vestiges of it now remain. One day's racing towards the middle of May. The stakes are nearly all for half-bred horses, and of merely local interest. HUNTINGDONSHIRE. Races are only held at one place in this county, which, however, it must be remembered, is the smallest in England, and the population of its prin- cipal towns is very inconsiderable. Huntingdon. — The capital of the county stands on the River Ouse, 64 miles from London by Buck- den, and 59 by Royston. In 1831, its inhabitants amounted to 3,267. This handsome little town contains a small theatre, which is open during the race week, public libraries and reading rooms, baths, and in the town hall, which is a fine modern building, are elegant assembly and ball rooms. Within a quarter of a mile of the town is a luxu- riant meadow, called Portholm, more than 6 miles in. circumference, and preserving one entire and beautiful level, being almost completely surrounded by the River Ouse, which is of considerable breadth, and shaded in its course by lines of stately poplars, and graceful willows. On this extensive plain is one of the finest race-courses in the kingdom, on which the races take place annually, about the com- mencement of August, and last three days. In BRITISH TURF. 255 1838, spring races were got up on this course, for the first time, in April, but only Hunters' Stakes were run for. The principal stakes at the August Meeting are: — Cup Stakes of 10 sovs. each, the winner to be sold for 400 sovs. &c. ; 2 mile heats. The Hinchinbrook Plate of £50. ; the Ladies' Plate of £50 ; the winner to be sold for 100 sovs. &c. KENT. Ashford.— On the river Stowe, 20 miles from Maidstone, and 54 from London, con- taining nearly 3000 inhabitants. Assemblies are held occasionally in the town hall, and there are two subscription libraries in the town. One day's racing about the middle of September. The town plate of £50, is the principal stake. Canterbury.— This ancient city is the metropo- litan see of all England, and is pleasantly situated on the river Stowe, 55|- miles from London. The chief object of attraction in this city is the magnificent cathedral, which contains the shrine of St. Thomas a Becket. In 1831 , the inhabitants amounted to 14,463. The races here take place towards the end of August, and continue two days. Besides several stakes liberally subscribed for by the noblemen and gentlemen of the county, on the second day, her Majesty's plate of 100 sovs. is run for. They are held on Barham Downs, within 3 miles of the city. The course, on which there is 256* HISTORY OF THE a commodious stand, has been greatly enlarged and improved. The theatre is open during the races, besides which there are balls and other gaieties. Rochester and Chatham. — Rochester is an an- cient city and port, 8 and a ^ miles from Maid- stone, and 29 from London, on the Dover road, standing on the river Medway, a handsome stone bridge over which connects this city with Stroud. Rochester contains a small theatre, assembly rooms, libraries, floating baths on the Medway &c., and in its vicinity are extensive and beautiful promenades. It is besides celebrated for its ancient cathedral and castle. Chatham is a market town and parish adjoining Rochester, and is famous for its dock-yard and fortifications. These two places together are said to contain nearly 25,000 inhabitants.— The races here take place about the beginning of Sep- tember, and continue two days. In addition to the two plates of £50 each, given by the members for the western division of the county of Kent, and the members for Rochester and Chatham, the officers of the garrison give £50 to be run for. Lee. — A small village near Eltham. Races were established at this place in 1830, but as yet they are merely of local interest. Tunbridge Wells. — A fashionable watering- place, which owes its importance to its medicinal BRITISH TURF 257 springs. It is situated 20 miles (S. W.) from Maidstone, and 36 (S. E. by S.) from London, and in the season contains about 1 0,000 inhabitants. The parade, which is handsome and spacious, is bounded on one side by the assembly rooms, libraries, &c. and on the opposite side is a row of trees, with an orchestra in the midst, where a band usually plays during a portion of each day in the season. This town contains a small theatre, and in fact every luxury and conv^enience usually found in places of this description, which are chiefly fre- quented by the rich. The races here are held about the end of August, and continue two days, being generally well attended. They take place on the common, on which a tolerable course has been found. The principal stakes are two plates of £50 each. LANCASHIRE. Burnlev. — A market town in the hundred of Blackburn, 25 miles from Manchester, 53 miles from Liverpool, and 210 miles from London. The population of this town ^mounts to about 7000. Two days' racing takes place here about the middle of August. On the first day, a stake worth £50 is given by the officers of the garrison, and on the second, a gold cup worth 100 sovs. in specie, VOL. I. s 258 HISTORY OF THE subscribed by the tradesmen of the town, and to which is added a handicap stakes of 20 sovs. each h. ft. with only five if declared, &c. ; In addition to these stakes, nearly £100 more is ge- nerally given, to be run for out of the racing fund. Clitheroe. — In the same hundred, on the river Bibble, 30 miles from Manchester, and 283 from London, and containing about 5,600 inhabitants. Races were established here in 1821. Two days very inferior racing towards the end of August. — The course is on Salt Hill moor. Heaton Park, near Bolton, the seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of Wilton. — Heaton is in the hundred of Salford, in the parish of Prestrich (4|- miles N. W. by N. from Manchester). The pre- sent mansion was erected after the design and under the direction of Samuel Wyatt, Esq. and is one of the finest seats in the county. The park is about five miles in circumference, enclosed with a wall, and adorned with abundance of fine old timber trees, and plantations. On a high spot of ground is a circular temple, from whence are views over an immense tract of country, bounded by the hills of Yorkshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Owing to the liberahty and atten- tion of the noble owner, this park is now annually the scene of three days' excellent racing, towards the end of September. In addition to the liberal donations of the Earl of Wilton, and the town of BRITISH TURF. 259 Bolton, several of the nobility, as well as some spirited tradesmen in the neighbourhood, contri- bute largely to the stakes. Lancaster. — This town is pleasantly situated on the southern bank of the river Lune, over which a stone bridge has been erected, connecting the town with the township of Herton. It is 240 miles (N. N. W.) from London, and with the township adjoining the borough, contains nearly 20,000 in- habitants. It contains a theatre, assembly rooms, public libraries, baths, &c. and the environs abound with varied and interesting scenery. — The races take place towards the end of July, and continue two days. On the first day, a £50 plate is given by his Grace the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon, and on the second, in addition to her Majesty's plate of 100 sovs. the members' plate of £70. Liverpool, a sea-port, borough, and market- town, 53 miles (S. by W.) from Lancaster, and 205 (N. W. by N.) from London. This im- portant town, which ranks first after the metro- polis, stands on the river Mersey, on the eastern bank of which river, docks have been constructed, on a scale of almost unparalleled magnitude. This town contains many handsome public build- ings, among which may be mentioned the Custom House, the Exchange, the Town-Hall, &c. The public subscription libraries are numerous and well selected; of these the best are— the Athe- naeum, the Lyceum and the Union. The new s 2 260 HISTORY OF THE baths, on the west side of St. George's Dock, form a neat range of stone buildings, and in front is a good promenade on the banks of the river. The Botanic gardens, near Edge Hill, occupy about four acres of ground ; strangers are admitted by an order from any of the proprietors. In addition to these places of recreation, Liverpool contains three theatres, a Diorama and a music hall. The race course, at Aintree, about 6 miles to north-north-east of the town, is a mile and a |^ in length, and is enclosed by a railing, with a straight run home, of 1,200 yards. The grandstand was erected in 1829: it is four stories high. The ground-floor, beneath which are spacious cellars, contains entrance hall, and vestibules, from which two spacious staircases lead to the principal rooms on the first floor, and to the various rooms for refreshment and promenade during the intervals for running. The principal rooms overlooking the race ground, is ninety-one feet in length, twenty two feet wide, and seventeen feet high, with cir- cular ends, and lighted by fifteen windows. Outside is a balcony extending the whole length of the front and round the ends of the building ; and at the back of the principal room are two with draw- ing rooms, each twenty-eight feet long, and seven- teen feet wide, one for gentlemen, and the other for ladies. Above are two similar rooms ; and the leads, commanding a view of the whole course, and a most beautiful and extensive prospect of the BRITISH TURF. 261 surrounding country, are capable of accommo- dating 2000 persons. In addition to this, there are six common stands, capable of accommodating 6000 people. Stables for fifty horses, with rooms over them for the grooms, have been built at the upper end of the Union course or training ground. We find the first mention of Liverpool in the racing calendar for 1827, when three days' racing took place, but for very inferior stakes. Such however has been the success of this national amusement at this city since that period, that we find at present no less than four meetings take place annually, at which very considerable stakes are run for, and wliich attract vast crowds from the neighbouring large manufacturing towns, as well as from Liverpool itself. All sincere friends of the Turf must rejoice at the progress this amusement has made of late years in the counties of Lanca- shire and Warwickshire. To such an extent indeed has this been the case, that almost as much and as heavy betting takes place at Liverpool, Man- chester, and Birmingham, on the leading events of the Turf, as in London itself. At present the following annual meetings are held on the Liverpool race course : — viz. The Craven meeting, about the middle of May, which continues three days ; the July meeting about the middle of July, four days ; another meeting in the middle of October, for stakes ridden for by 262 HISTORY OF THE gentlemen riders, one day ; and one of the same kind in November. This was the order of the racing for 1838, and it is to be regretted that these or other fixed days should not be appointed and continued without change ; instead of which, for the present year (1839,) we find all the principal stakes are to be run for at the July and October meetings ; the latter, instead of one day, being in- creased to three. The following list of the principal stakes, will at once show the importance of the Liverpool meet- ings. LIVERPOOL (JULY MEETING.) First day. — The Croxteth stakes of 15 sovs. each, 10ft. with 30 sovs. added; to name on the day of entry for the plates. A sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for the produce of m.ares covered in 1835 ; two miles. The Mersey stakes of 25 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts, and fillies ; T. Y. C. Second day. — The Sefton second stakes of 30 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old, fillies 8st. 4 lb. ; once round. A foal stakes of 100 sovs each, h. ft. once round and a distance. Third Day.— The two yrs. old stakes of 30 sovs. BRITISH TURF. 263 each, h. ft. with 30 added, if three start ; T. Y. C. colts, 8st. 71b. fillies 8st. 41b. ; extra horses having started twice, and not won, allowed 31b. The Hooker stakes, a sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. with 100 added for four yrs. old and upwards ; twice round ; four yrs. old, 8st. 51b. ; five 8st. 121b. six and aged, 9st. 21b ; m. and g. allowed 31b, ; maidens at the time of starting allowed, four yrs. old, 31b. ; six and aged, 81b. a winner in 1839, once 31b ; twice 51bs. extra. Fourth day. — The Knowsley dinner of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old, colts, 8st. 61b. ; and fillies 8st. 21b. ; once round. The Grosvenor stakes of 15 sovs. each, 5 ft. with 50 added for three years old, 1 7st. 41b. ; and four, 8 St. 101b. f. and g. allowed 31b. ; four yrs. old, being maiden at the time of nomination, al- lowed 31b. ; the winner of the St. Leger, to carry 31b. extra ; one mile and three quarters. The Stanley stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. with 30 added for two yrs. old. 6st. 121b. ; and three 9st, 21b. g. allowed 21b. T. Y C. To close and name the 1st. of March. LIVERPOOL AUTUMN MEETING. (The first week after Doncaster meeting.) 1st. day. — The Trial stakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. for all ages ; three yrs. old, 8st. four, 8st. 121b. ; ^ve 9st. 31b. ; six, and aged 9st. 51b. ; m. and g. al- 264 HISTORY OF THE lowed 21b. one mile, and a quarter. — To close and name, on Monday in the race -week. The Eglinton stakes of 50 so vs. each, h. ft. for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. and fillies 8st. 51b. ; T. Y. C. the winner of the July, or Chesterfield stakes at Newmarket, or the Champagne, or two yrs. old stakes at Doncaster, to carry 51b. of any other two yrs. old stakes, 31b. extra ; of more than one, 21b. extra for each winning after the first ; but none to carry more than 71b. extra; horses &c., having started, and not been placed, at Liverpool July, Goodwood or Doncaster allowed 31b. having start- ed twice, and not won, allowed 51b. in Scotland or Ireland, having started once, and not won, allowed 51b. twdce 71b. ; allowances to be deducted from extra weights, if carried. The Palatine stakes, a handicap sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 10ft. with 200 in specie added, for all ages two miles. Weights to be declared on Saturday after Doncaster races. The St. Leger Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 51b. one mile and three quarters ; the winners of the Derby or Doncaster St. Leger, to carry 121b. extra ; second for either, or winner of the oaks, or of the drawing room stakes, or cup at Goodwood, or cup or Gascoigne stakes at Doncas- ter 71b. extra; maidens allcwed 41b. and horses having started^ and never been placed, allowed 71b. The selling stakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft. with BRITISH TURF. 265 50 sovs. added ; heats one mile and a half. The winner to be sold for 200 sovs. To close and name on the Monday before the races. Second day. — The Wilton stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. with 50 sovs. added ; two yrs. old, 7st. 41b. ; three, 9st. 41b. ; f. allowed 21b. ; maiden three yrs. old, at starting 41b. ; T. Y. C. The steward's cup, value 200 sovs. the rest in specie, by subscriptions of 20 sovs. each, with 100 sovs. added ; two miles and a half; three years old 7st. four, 8st. 71b. five, 8st. 131b. six and aged 9st. 21b. m. and g. allowed 41b. the winner of the Derby, the Goodwood cup, the Doncaster St. Leger or cup in 1839, to carry 71b. extra; the second horse for the Derby or St. Leger, 1839, the winner of the Ascot cup, 1839, of the Oaks, 1839, or the Derby or St. Leger in any year, 51b. extra ; of any weight for age, cup in 1839, 31b. extra ; extra weights to be accumulative, but no horse to carry more than 121b. extra ; no horse liable to extra weight to be entitled to claim allow- ances ; but except as above, maiden four years old (except such as had been placed in the Derby or St. Leger, 1838) allowed 71b. maiden five 10 lb. and maiden six and aged, 1 41b. horses having run in Scotland or Ireland after the 1st of July, 1839, and not receiving other allowance, to be allowed 71b. If twenty subscribers, the second horse to receive £50 out of the stakes. 266 HISTORY OF THE To close and name on the Saturday in the Liver- pool July meeting. A handicap stakes of 10 sovs. each for three years old ; gentlemen riders, one mile. The Armskirk purse of £50, added to a subscrip- tion of 15 sovs. each, 5ft. three years old, 7st. 21b. four, 8st. 21b. five, 8st. 71b. six and aged, 8st. 111b. m. and g. allowed 31b. once round. The selling handicap of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. the winner to be sold for 100 sovs. heats, T. Y. C. Gentlemen riders. Third day, the Knowsley stakes of 30 sov. each, h. ft., with 50 added, for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. and fillies 8st. 41b. one mile ; the winner of the Eglinton stakes to carry 51b extra. The Heaton Park stakes, a sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, 10 ft. and only 5 if declared on or be- fore the 1st of Sept. wdth 100 added ; once round and a distance. To close and name in the July meeting week. A free handicap of 25 sovs. each, 10. ft. for all ages, except three years old ; one mile. The win- ner of the stewards' cup to carry 71b extra. Gen- tlemen riders. A handicap of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. with 20 ad- ded for the beaten horses of Wednesday and Thursday ; once round and a distance. The Option stakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft. with 30 added ; heats, one mile and a quarter ; three yrs. old 7st, 21b. four, 8st. 21b. five, 8st. 91b. six, BRITISH TURF. 26^ and aged, 8st. 121b. the winner to be sold for £150 if demanded, with the option of not being sold for less than £200, £250, or £300, carrying if for £200 5lb. for 250, 101b. and for £300, 141b. extra. To close, name, and declare the option by six o'clock on the Monday evening. To name for the above stakes to Mr. William Lynn, Liverpool ; Mr. John Etty, Manchester ; or Messrs. Weatherby of London. Mr. Wm. Lynn, Waterloo Hotel, Liverpool, Secretary. Mr. John Etty, Manchester, Clerk of the Course. Manchester. — A large manufacturing and mar- ket-town, thirty-six miles (E. by N.) from Liver- pool (but only thirty-one by the railroad). 54 (S.E.by S.) from Leicester, and 186 (N. W.by N.) from London, and contains nearly 190,000 inha- bitants. Its staple trade is the cotton manufac- ture, which, in all its various branches, is carried on to an extent almost incredible, and formes a vast source of wealth to its inhabitants. Some of the public buildings are extremely elegant, and literary and other institutions, theatres, libraries, assem- bly and concert rooms, and in fact every luxury and convenience usually met with in enlightened and wealthy communities, abound. 268 HISTORY OF THE The rail-road which connects this important town with the port of Liverpool, has been too often described to require further notice here. The races, which were established in 1730, take place towards the end of May, and continue four days. Another meeting has been lately got up in August. The course, which is enclosed with railings, and carefully secured against accidents, is on Kensal Moor, and about one mile in circumference, with a hill and a fine run in ; a grand stand and numerous buildings have been erected on various parts of it, for the accommodation of the specta- tors. First Day of the spring meeting. The Welton stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 25 added ; one mile and a quarter. A sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. with 20 added, for three years old filUes, 8st. 31b. one mile and a quarter. A free handicap stakes of JO sovs. each, with 30 added, for four yrs. old ; one mile and a quar- ter. Second day. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, with 40 added ; about three quarters of a mile. The St. Leger stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 50 added, for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 61b. and fil- lies, 8st. 31b. one mile and three quarters ; the owner of the second horse to receive back his stake. BRITISH TURF. 269 Third Day. One hundred sovereigns given by the owners of the race course, added to a subscrip- tion of 10 sovs. each, for three yrs. old, 6st. 31b. four, 8st. 21b. five, 8st. 101b. six and aged, 9st. ; maiden four yrs. old and upwards, at starting allowed 61b. ; winners of one cup or stakes of the value of 100 sovs. previous to starting to carry 31b. if two or more 61b. extra ; two miles and a dis- tance ; the owner of the second horse to receive back his stake. Three to start or the 100 sovs. will not be given. Fourth day. The Broughton stakes of 15 sovs. each, 5 ft. with 25 added ; for three yrs. old, 6st. 61b. and four, 8st. 61b. f. and g. allowed 31b. and maidens at the time of naming, allowed 31b. ; the winner of the St. Leger in that week to carry 31b. extra ; St. Leger course. A handicap stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added; one mile and a quarter, ^ve subscribers or no race. The horses, &c. to be named to the clerk of the races by five o'clock the day before^ranning ; and the weights to be declared by nine o'clock that night. Fifth day. A hurdle sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 40 added ; four yrs. old, lOst. 51b. five, list, six, list. 61b. and aged list. 81b. winner of any stakes, to carry 51b. twice or more, 71b. extra ; thorough-bred horses 51b. extra ; the hurdles to be four feet high, and to have three leaps in each round ; heats twice round. 270 HISTORY OF THE Merton. — A chaplery in the parish of Manches- ter, two miles from Poulton, and about six from St. Helens, through which place runs the road from Liverpool to the race course. The course, which is triangular and one mile in circumference, is on a rough and rugged common several miles from the town. The accommodations afforded by the stand are excellent, and owing to the vicinity of these races to the large manufacturing towns they are generally well and numerously attended. They take place about the beginning of June, and continue two days. On the first day, the trial stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 25 added ; three yrs. old, 6st. 71b. four, 8st. 41b. five, 8st. 121b. six, and aged 9st. 21b. one mile and a quarter. A sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. with 20 added ; for three yrs. old fillies, 8st. 31b. one mile, and a quarter. A Produce sweepstakes (reduced to a match) of 50 sovs, each, h. ft. one mile and a half. Second Day. The St. Leger stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 25 added ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 61b. and fillies, 8st. 21b. one mile and three quar- ters ; the owner of the second horse to have his stake returned. The Golborn stakes of 20 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts ; 8st. 51b. and fillies, 8st. 21b. the Golborne course. John Etty, of Manchester, clerk. BRITISH TURF. 2? I LEICESTERSHIRE. Croxton Park. Races are held here in the be- ginning of April, but the stakes are all ridden for by gentlemen riders, to whose amusement this meeting is exclusively devoted. Leicester. — The capital of the county is plea- santly situated on the river Soar, 97 miles (N. N. W.) from London. The theatre, a neat building, is open during the races ; and assemblies are held, in a suite of rooms in a building originally designed for an hotel, and purchased by the county for the accommodation also of the judges of the assize : the ball-room, seventy-five feet long, and thirty- five wide, is elegantly painted by Reinagle, and lighted on assembly nights by eight splendid lus- tres, and branches held by statues, after designs by Bacon. Races take place here in September, generally about a week after Warwick meeting, and continue two days, being held south east of the town, where a grand stand has been erected, and every means adopted to improve the course and keep it in proper order. Several valuable stakes are run for, among which is the gold cup of 100 so vs. value, the surplus in specie, by subscription of 10 sovs. each ; and on the second day her majesty's plate of 100 sovs. 272 HISTORY OF THE LINCOLNSHIRE. Lincoln. — The chief town of the county, is situated on the river Witham, 132 miles (N. by W.) from London, and contains 10,367 inhabitants. This town contains a theatre (open during the races) public libraries, assembly rooms, &c. The races take place at the end of September, and con- tinue two days. A handsome stand has been erected on the course. On the first day her ma- jesty's plate of 100 so vs. is run for and on the second, a gold cup by subscribers of lOsovs. each, &c. &c. and a purse of 70 sovs. raised by public subscription. Stamford. — On the river Welland, forty-six miles from Lincoln and eighty-nine from London, and containing about 5.. 500 inhabitants. It contains a theatre, assembly rooms, libraries, &c. The races take place about the middle of June and continue three days. The course which is a mile in circum- ference and kept in good order, is on Wittor- ing heath near the town. On the first day a £50 plate is given by the Marquis of Exeter ; on the second a gold cup of 100 sovs. value, by subscrip- tion of 10 sovs. each, forms the prominent feature of the day, and on the third, a plate of £50 raised by public subscription. BRITISH TURF 273 MIDDLESEX. Dove House Meeting, held near Harrow-on-the- Hill. We find this Meeting mentioned in the Racing Calendar for 1836, for the first time, Enfield and Pinner races being discontinued. This meeting is held in the middle of August, and judging from last year's sport, bids fair to attain permanent success. Hampton, situated on the north bank of the Thames, 12 miles from London. This place is celebrated for the royal palace of Hampton Court, its gardens, and Bushy Park, which adjoins it. It is also much frequented by pleasure parties to enjoy fishing in the Thames, in punts let out for the purpose. The races take place soon after the middle of June, on Moulsey Hurst, adjoining the river, and are always both numerously and fashionably attended. They continue three days, when the following stakes are run for. The London and Southampton Railway Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added by some of the direc- tors and proprietors of the Railway company. The Strawberry Hill Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added. The Ofiicers' Plate of 25 sovs. added to a sweep- stakes of 5 sovs. each ; to be ridden by officers or members of a racing or fox-hunting club. Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs. VOL. I. T 274 HISTORY OF THE The Hurst Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added. The Hampton Court Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 35 added. Third day. The Opening Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added. Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, with 40 added. The Hippodrome Race-course, Bayswater, near Kensington Gardens. — This vast estabUshment, which may, with justice, be called the Metropo- litan Race Course, was opened to the public by its founder, Mr. John Whyte, on the 3rd of June, 1837. Notwithstanding the popularity the races here immediately acquired, and the patronage they met with among our first nobility, Mr. Whyte did not at first meet with that success which his public- spirited and liberal outlay so fairly entitled him to. This was owing to a few of the lower trades- men of Kensington, led on by some fanatical opponents of all public amusements, laying claim to a footpath, (till then quite unfrequented) which intersected the new course. Finding it impossible to carry on his establish- ment with order and propriety so long as the lowest dregs of society from Kensington and its vicinity could enter by this path, the proprietor was compelled to entirely re-model it. This is now effected, and the footpath, which intersected the old ground, now runs at the outside of the park. These extensive grounds are entirely sur- rounded by a high close paling, so that none can BRITISH TURF. 275 enter without paying at the gates. Besides racing, training, and leaping, they afford ample space and every facility for cricket, archery, and other good old English sports. The racing is under the immediate direction of a committee of noblemen and gentlemen, of known influence and character in the sporting circles ; and when produce stakes shall have been es- tablished, and this race-course becomes better known, we have no doubt but that it will form an important feature among London amusements, and a most profitable concern to its proprietor. The following are the terms on which this establishment is now open to the public. TERMS Foa SUBSCRIBERS AND VISITORS ANNUAL SUBSCRIBERS. A Gentleman on Horseback, and Groom, on all days, with privilege for Two Ladies of his Family, entrance for one 4-wheeled Carriage 5 5 0 A Gentleman on Horseback, on all days, with privilege for one Lady of his Family, and entrance for one 2- wheeled Carriage ... 3 3 0 A person on foot, all days 0 10 6 T 2 276 HISTORY OF THE ENTRANCE ON PUBLIC DAYS. 4-wheeled Carriage 0 5 0 2-wheeled Carriage 0 3 0 Person on horseback 0 2 6 Ditto on Foot 0 1 0 ENTRANCE ON ALL DAYS, BUT PUBLIC DAYS. 4-\vlieeled Carriage 0 2 0 2-wheeled Carriage. 0 1 6 Person on Horseback from 1st May to 1st September. ... 006 Ditto ditto from 1st September to 1st May 0 1 0 Person on Foot 0 0 3 N.B. The above Subscriptions and Payments admit to all but the SaddHng Paddock, the Courses, and such Stands and En- closures thereof as have been or may be erected, and subject to the Rules and Regulations of the Estabhshraent. TERMS FOR THE USE OF THE RACE COURSE, &c. Use of Race Course for a Race, on private days 3 Ditto ditto, if a match only 2 Ditto Steeple Chase Course for a Race, on private days 3 Ditto ditto, if a Match only 2 Race Horse in Training for use of exercise ground, per week, or less, to be paid in advance 0 Permission to try a Horse for any purpose 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 2 0 3 0 2 6 BRITISH TURF. 277 N.B. No charge is made for the use of the Ground for either a Race or Match run on a Public Day, provided that 48 hours' no- tice before it is run be given at the Hippodrome Ground. Twenty-four hours' notice must be given at the Hippodrome Ground of either Course being required for a Race or Match, on a private day, and none such can be run without the Jockeys or Riders being dressed in Jackets, and Caps, &c., and the Horses plated. Neither Subscribers, nor Visitors, nor their Grooms, can on any account be permitted to use either the Race Course or Steeple Chase Course for riding exercise, as both courses are kept in order for Racing and Training only. Subscribers of Five Guineas have the privilege of sending a Groom with Two Horses for walking exercise, between the hours of Six and Nine in the Morning, whenever the Ground is available for that purpose. MONMOUTHSHIRE. Monmouth, the chief town of the county, is 130 miles W. N. W. from London. It is beau- tifully situated on the banks of the river Wye, near its junction with the Mownow. The races which take place about the middle of October, and continue two days, are held on Chippenham meadow, an extensive plot of ground on the bank of the Wye, and which also forms the prome- nade of the town. About £100, raised by subscription, is given awav in stakes. Pontipool. — This town is situated on a declivity, between the river Avon and the canal to Newport, 278 HISTORY OF THE 20 miles from Monmouth, and 146 from London. The races take place about the commencement of August and last two days. NORFOLK. • Yarmouth. — A sea port, borough, and market town, at the mouth of the river Yare, which here falls into the ocean ; 23 miles from Norwich, and 123 (N.E.) from London, and containing about 18,680inhabitants. The theatre, an elegant and com- modious building, was erected in 1778, and is open during the summer months, in addition to which, there are many other places of amusement. Adjoining the bathing-houses on the beach, is a pubUc room, where balls and concerts occasionally take place. The races, which take place towards the middle of September and last two days, are held on the Deves, a fine down south of the town, and where an excellent course has been formed. On the first day, the Gold Cup Stakes of 10 so vs. each, with 20 added, &c., and a Plate of £50, given by the mem- bers for the town, are run for; and on the second day, a Plate of £50 raised by subscription among the neighbouring gentry, and a Handicap Stake of 3 sovs. each, with £30 added by the tradesmen of the town. BRITISH TURF. 279 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE. Nottingham. — The chief town of the county, stands on the river Trent, 124 miles (N.N.W.) from London, and contains 40,415 inhabitants. It con- tains a theatre, assembly rooms, a public subscrip- tion library and news rooms, a mechanic's institu- tion, &c. The races take place about the middle of October, and last three days ; the race course is situ- ated to the north-east of the town, and is one of the finest and most ancient in the kingdom. It is one mile two furlongs and eleven yards in circumfe- rence. The grand stand, a handsome brick building, was erected by subscription in 1777. Besides Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs., a Plate of £60, is given by the county members, and another of £50, by the members of the town ; a Subscription Cup, value 100 sovs. &c., is also run for. NORTHA M PTON SHIRE. Northampton, the chief town of the county, on the river Neu, 30 miles (S. E.) from Coventry, and 66 (N. W.) from London. It contains a theatre (open during the races,) assembly rooms, public baths, and libraries. The course is oval, one mile and a half and 280 HISTORY OF THE eighty-two yards round, with a strong hill about half- way from home ; the run in is a straight half mile. The races take place about the end of August, and continue two days. In addition to Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs. and the Town Members' Plate of £50, about £100 raised by subscription is added to the different stakes. The Pytchley Hunt Meeting is held on the Northampton race-course about the end of March. The Tally-ho Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft. ; for horses not thorough-bred ; two miles ; gentle- men riders ; the winner to pay 2 sovs. to the clerk of the course, and to subscribe to the stakes in 1840. One sov. entrance, including scales and weights. A Trial Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with £50 added (£25 by the town and £25 from the fund) ; for horses of all ages ; one mile and a quarter. The winner to pay 3 sovs. to the clerk of the course, and to subscribe to the stakes in 1840. Each person naming or entering a horse for this race to pay lOs, for scales and weights. Three horses to start, or the public money will be withheld. An Open Stakes of 10 sovs. each, free for any horse, with 25 added from the fund ; once round and a distance. The winner to be sold for 150 sovs. if demanded in the usual way. Three horses to start, or the 25 sovs. will not be added ; BRITISH TURF. 2Sl gentlemen riders. One sov. entrance, including scales and weights, &c. A Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. each, for horses of all ages and denominations, lOst. 71b. each, m. and g. allowed 31b. ; half-bred horses allowed 71b. ; once round ; the whinner to be sold for 40 sovs. Five subscribers, or no race, gentlemen, farmers, or tradesmen riders ; 106*. entrance, in- cluding scales and weights, &c. A Farmers' Cup, value 50 sovs., for horses, &c., not thorough -bred, belonging to farmers only, which have been regularly hunted the previous season with the Duke of Grafton's or Lord Chesterfield's hounds, and which have never won up to the day of running — (matches or farmers' plates at these, or the yeomanry cup at the summer races excepted,) — heats, once round and a distance ; four yrs. old, lOst. 101b.; ^ve, list. 41b. ; six, list. 121b. and aged, 12st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; a winner of the farmers' plate and yeomanry cup in any preceding year to carry 71b.; horses bred in the country to be allowed 51b. No licensed horse-dealer will be allowed to enter or start a horse in this race. Each person entering or naming a horse for this race, to pay lO^.. en- trance, including scales and weights ; gentlemen or farmers riders. N.B. — Pedigree and qualifi- cation for this race to be produced to the clerk of the races at the time of entrance. A Hurdle-race Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, 282 HISTORY OF THE with a sum added by the innkeepers, for horses, &c., that have been regularly hunted with any esta- blished pack of hounds in the previous season ; thorough-bred horses to carry 12st. 31b. ; half- bred, list. 71b.; the winner of a hurdle-race at any time to carry 51b. extra ; gentlemen, farmers, or tradesmen riders ; two miles, six leaps. The winner to pay 3 sovs. towards the expences of the hurdles ; IO5. entrance, including scales and weights. Rules and regulations as at Newmarket. Stakes to be paid by ten o'clock on the morn- ing of the race, to the clerk of the races, or not entitled, though a winner. Objections made to any horse, &c., in either of the races, must be in waiting, to the stewards, before starting. Mr. T. H. Waters, Clerk of the Races. NORTHUMBERLA ND. Belford. — 49 miles from Newcastle, and 325^ miles from London. The races were formerly held at Beadnell (a village on the sea- shore, 10|^ miles, E. S. E. from Belford,) but have been removed here. Races of an inferior description take place here in September. The course is about a mile to the south-west of the town, on the site of what is supposed to have been a Danish camp. Morpeth. — On the northern bank of the river BRITISH TURF. 283 Wansbick, 15 miles from Newcastle, and 289 (N.) from London. The races, which take place in the beginning of September, and continue two days, are held at Cottingwood, immediately north- ward of the town. A plate of £50 is given by the borough member. Newcastle-upon-Tyne, an ancient borough, port, and market-town, 276 miles (N. N. W.) from London, and 117 (S. E.) from Edinburgh, containing, including the environs, about 60,000 inhabitants. This thriving and wealthy town contains numerous valuable institutions, among which may be named, the Literary and Philosophi- cal Society, the Antiquarian Society, the Botanic and Horticultural Society, &c., &c. The Theatre Royal is a fine building, and capable of accommo- dating 1350 persons ; and there is a circus for equestrian performances. The races take place towards the end of June, and occupy four days. The grand stand is a handsome building of stone, erected by subscrip- tion in 1800. 1st. Day. — The Craven Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added by the town, for horses, &c., of all ages ; three yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 21b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the second horse to save his stake ; one mile. Five subscribers, or no race. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for 284 HISTORY OF THE three years old colts, 8st.; 41b. ; fillies, 8st. untried stallions allowed 31b. ; two miles. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h- ft. ; for two years old colts, 8st. 41b. ; fillies, 8st. ; untried stallions or mares allowed 31b. ; T Y. C. 2nd Day. — The Tryo Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 25 added by the town ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 41b., and fillies, 8st. ; T. Y. C, three quarters of a mile. The St. Leger Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with ^00 added by the town; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. lib. Four subscribers, or no race ; if eight subscribers, the owner of the second horse to save his stake ; St. Leger Course, once round. Jn case of a walk over, the added money will not be given. Filley Stakes of 10 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old, 8st. ; one mile. Five subscribers, or no race. 3rd Day. —The Northumberland Plate of 100 sovs., for horses, &c., of all ages, added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft., and 5 only if declared before the 25th day of March to the clerk of the course at Newcastle or York. To close and name on the 1st of March, and to be handicapped by Mr. Weatherby, of London, or Mr. Etty, of Manchester, by the 14th of March ; the second to save his stake. Four to accept, or no race ; two miles. In case of a walk over, the BRITISH TURF. 285 £100 will not be given. The winner to pay 5 gs. to the judge. First year of a Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 41b. ; Mies, 8st. ; T. Y. C. ; the second to save his stake. The Corporation Plate of 60 gs. given by the corporation of Newcastle, added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for horses, &c., that never won above 100 sovs. at any one time in plate or stakes before the day of naming ; three yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 31b. ; five and upwards, 8st. 101b.; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the second to receive 20 sovs. out of the stakes ; heats, two miles. 4th Day. — The Coronation Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with £20 added by the Town, for two yrs. old, 6st. 71b. ; three, 8st. 41b.. ; four, 9st. 71b. ; five and upwards, 9st. 101b. ; m. allowed 31b. ; winners during the week to carry 3lb. extra ; the second to save his stake ; one mile. Ten sub- scribers on or before the J st of March, or no en- gagement, but the horses not to be named till the time and place of entry for the plates. A Gold Cup, or Piece of Plate, value £100, by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each, the surplus in specie; three yrs. old, 6st. 101b. ; four, 8st. 21b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. To close and name on the 1st of March. The winner is expected to sub- scribe for the cup of the following year ; the se- 286 HISTORY OF THE cond to receive £35 out of a racing-fund ; a winner during the week to carry 41b. extra. The Members' Plate of 50 sovs. Hunters' Stakes of 5 gs. each. The Selling Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 15 added, for horses, &c., of all ages; 3 yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 31b.; five, 8st. 101b.; six and aged, 9st.; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the winner to be sold for £150, if demanded within half-an-hour after the race; the second to save his stake; one-mile heats. Seven subscribers or no race. Tynemouth, 8^ miles from Newcastle, situated on the River Tyne. Two days' inferior racing takes place about the middle of April. OXFORDSHIRE. Bicester, 12|^ miles from Oxford, and 55 from London ; contains 2,544 inhabitants. One day's racing towards the end of September. The Town Plate of £50, added to a Sweepstake of 5 sovs. each, &c. &c. A Handicap of 3 sovs. each, with 20 added. Hunters' Stakes, &c. Oxford. — This city, the capital of the county, is famous for its university ; it stands on the rivers Isis and Cherwell, 55 miles from London, and con- tains by the last census, 16,364 inhabitants. The races take place towards the end of August, and BRITISH TURF. 28/ continue two days. The principal stakes are, the Oxfordshire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., and only 5 if declared, &c. ; two miles. To this stake there are generally many subscribers. The County Plate of £50. Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft., and 25 added, &c. Second day. — City Members' Plate of £50. A free Handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added ; two miles. A Handicap Plate of £50 for beaten horses. The course is an oval of two miles, all but a dis- tance, and quite flat ; the last half mile, straight. SALOP. Bishop's Castle, 19 miles from Ludlow, 20|- from Shrewsbury, and 157 from London, and con- taining 1,880 inhabitants. One day's inferior racing about the middle of July. Bridgenorth, on the river Severn, 20^ miles from Shrewsbury, and 140 from London, containing 4,096 inhabitants. This town contains a theatre, assembly rooms, library, &c. The races are held in the beginning of August, and continue two days. The course has become much damaged, from being let out to different tenants during the interval, who divide it by moveable fences. 288 HISTORY OF THE First day. — A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 15 added, &c. The Patshull Stakes of 10 sovs. each. The Members' Plate of £50. Second day.— A Gold Cup, in specie, by sub- scription of 10 sovs. each. The Members' Plate of £50. The Hunters' Stakes, &c. Ludlow. — This town is pleasantly situated on an eminence near the confluence of the rivers Teme and Corve, 29 miles from Shrewsbury, and 140 from London, and contains 4,820 inhabitants. It contains a small theatre, which is opened by the Worcester company, during the races ; a public subscription library, and two circulating libraries ; and assemblies are held in a suite of rooms in the market- house. The races, which have been established here nearly 50 years, are now held towards the middle of July, and continue two days. Tiie following are the principal stakes : — The Ludford Stakes of 20 sovs. each, with 20 added. A Sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, with 30 added. A Plate of £50 given by the members for the borough. The Borough Stakes of 5 sovs. each, wdth 10 added. The Gold Clip, in specie, by subscription of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added. The Free Handicap Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, with 20 added. Newport, 19 miles from Shrewsbury, and 139 BRITISH TURF. 289 from London, containing 2,343 inhabitants. Two days' racing at the end of July. The principal stakes are : a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 40 added. The North Shropshire Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added. A Free Handicap of 3 sovs. each, with 15 sovs. added. A Hurdle sweepstakes, &c. Oswestry, IT miles from Shrewsbury, and 180 from London, containing 3,910 inhabitants. The races here were established in 1804, and are held towards the end of September, continuing two days. First day. — A Cup value 50 sovs. (in specie) the gift of Sir W, W. Wynne, Bart., added to a Handi- cap Stake of 15 sovs. each ; one mile and a half, starting at the winning chair. The Cup will not be given unless three horses start. To close and name the 1st of August. To be handicapped by Mr. Weatherby, on the first of September, and only 5 sovs. ft. if declared, either to the clerk of the course or Messrs Weatherby, before the 14th of September. The Shropshire Stakes, with 50 added by the innkeepers of Oswestry, of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., and 5 only if declared to the clerk of the course, or Messrs Weatherby, before the 1 4th of June ; the second horse to receive back his stake. To close on the third day of Cliester races, on or before which day the horses to be named as above. To be handicapped by Mr. VOL. 1. u 290 HISTORY OF THE Weatherby, on the 1st of June ; the best of heats ; starting at the winning chair, and running the mile and a half course ; the winner of this stake to sub- scribe £10 to the fund, for the ensuing year. Any person taking a nomination for this stake, and not declaring forfeit by the 14th of June, as above, will have to pay the stake of 20 sovs., or the for- feit, as the case may be ; and no horse will be allowed to start, whose owner, confederate, or trainer, has not paid all former arrears of stakes at these races. If walked over for, the £50 will not be added. The North Shropshire County Members' Stakes, of 5 sovs. each ; h. ft., with 50 sovs. added by Sir Roland Hill, Bart., and W. Ormsby Gore Esq., heats one mile and a half. To close and name the same time as the entry for the plates. The 50 sovs. not added, if walked over for. 2nd day. — The Oswestry Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 30 added from the fund, a mile and a half ; if walked over for, the £30 will not be added. A Gold Cup, value 100 sovs. in specie, by a subscription of 10 sovs. each, the winner of any cup of the value of £100, in the same year, pre- vious to the day of running, to carry 31b. extra; m. and g. allowed 31b. Two miles and a quarter ; starting at the turnpike road. Ten subscribers, or no race. No nomination will be received unless the subscription is paid at the time ; the winner to subscribe to the cup for the ensuing year. The Handicap Stakes of 5 sovs. each, h. ft. if BRITISH TURF. 2D1 declared by nine o'clock, or the morning of run- ning, with £30 added from the fund, if not walked over for ; heats, one mile and a half. To close and name to the clerk of the course, by four o'clock on the evening of the first day's races. To be handi- capped by the Racing Committee, or whoever they may appoint. A Sweepstake of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. for two yrs. old colts ; 8st. 41b., and fillies, 8st. ; the last half mile. To close and name to Messrs Weather- by, or the clerk of the course, on or before the third day of Chester races. R. Edwards, Clerk of the Course. ShifFnal, 17|^ miles from Shrewsbury, and 1,43 from London, containing 1,463 inhabitants. Two days' inferior racing about the end of May. The members of the southern divison of the county usually add a small sum to one of the stakes. Shrewsbury, the chief town of the county, is pleasantly situated on two eminences, rising gently from the banks of the Severn, 1 54 miles (N. W.) from London, and contains about 21,000 inhabi- tants. The theatre, which was formerly part of the palace of the princes of Powysland, is open during the races. The public subscription library is well supported, besides which, a mechanic's institution was established in 1825, where lectures are occasionally delivered; assemblies are held monthly during the season, in a suite of rooms ad- u2 292 HISTORY OF THE mirably adapted for the purpose. The country round Shrewsbury is extremely picturesque. The course is on Bicton Heath, about 2 miles west of the town ; it is rather oval, and one mile and one hundred and eighty five yards in circum- ference, with a straight run in, of nearly half a mile, and a little hill between the last turn and the dis- tance. The races take place about the middle of September, and continue three or four days. First day. — The Whitehall Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added by the Race Committee ; a mile and a half. To close and name the 1st. of September. The Tankerville Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and 5 only if declared on or before the 1st. of Sep- tember, with 25 sovs. added by the Race Com- mittee. To close on the 10th of August, on or before which day the horses are to be named to Messrs. Weatherby, London, or to Mr. Clay, Shrewsbury ; weights to be declared by Messrs. Weatherby, on the 20th of August ; the second horse to save his stake. Three to remain in, or no race"; two miles. The St. Leger Stake, of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. for three yrs. old, colts 8st. 41b, and fillies 8st. 21b. a mile and a quarter. The Innkeepers' Purse added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each for all ages; mares and geldings allowed[31b ; heats, a mile and a quarter. To close and name at the time of entry for the plates. BRITISH TURF. 293 Second Day. — The Severn Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. ; the produce of untried mares or stalHons allowed 3lb. ; only one allowance ; a mile and three quarters. The Colman Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added by the Committee ; the produce of un- tried mares or stallions allowed 31b. ; only one allowance ; three quarters of a mile. The Gold cup (in specie) by subscription of 10 sovs. each ; m. and g. allowed 21b. three miles. The winner to subscribe to the cup for the ensuing year. The Shropshire Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., with 25 sovs. added by the Race Committee ; two miles. The Borough Members' plate, of 60 sovs. : heats, twice round and a distance. To close on the Saturday preceding the races. Third Day. — The Cleveland Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. with 25 sovs. added by the Race Com- mittee. The winner of the Tankerville or cup to carry 31b. if both, 51b. extra; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. To close and name the 1st of September. The Queen's Plate of 100 gs. for all ages ; three miles. To close and name the Saturday preceding the races. A sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. ad- ded by the Race Committee, for horses that have run at the last meeting ; heats, once rQund. A 294 HISTORY OF THE winner once before running to carry 31b. ; twice, 51b. ; thrice or more, 71b. extra. To close and name to Mr. Clay, by eight o'clock, the night before running. The County Members' Plate of 60 sovs. the gift of the members for the northern division of the county of Salop ; heats twice round and a distance. To name on the Saturday before the races. Where money is given, it will be withheld if walked over for. Wem. — This town is situated in a level district, on the northern banks of the river Roden, 1 1 miles from Shrewsbury, and 172 from London, and con- tains nearly 2000 inhabitants. Very inferior races about the beginning of Oe- tober„ Wenlock. — An ancient town, 12 miles from Shrewsbury and 148 from London, containing 2,400 inhabitants. One day's racing towards the end of Julv. t SOMERSETSHIRE. Bath. — This ancient and celebrated city is plea- santly situated on the banks of the river Avon, along which its buildings extend more thantwomiles, crowning the summits of that fine range of hills by which it is surrounded. It is twelve miles from Bristol, 19 from Wells, and 106 west from Lon- don, and contains nearly 40,000 inhabitants. This BRITISH TURl". 295 city has been much frequented, daring a long series of years, by invaUds, who seek the benefit of its famous mineral springs. The immense influx of fashionable and wealthy visitors daring what is called the Bath season, changes this city, at that period, into one continued scene of gaiety and lux- ury. Among the principal public places devoted to fashionable resort and amusement, the following may be enumerated : the grand pump room, the public subscription library, the magnificent assem- bly rooms, the theatre, Sydney Gardens, the Vaux- hall of Bath, the subscription club-house in York Buildings, the Bath and West of England subscrip- tion rooms, &c. besides libraries, billiard rooms, &c. too numerous to mention. The abbey church is one of the purest specimens of the later style of English architecture in this country. Two annual racing meetings are held at this city ; a spring meeting about the end of April, which continues two days, and a sammer meeting, about the end of June, both of which are well at- tended. Both are held on Lansdown Downs, where an excellent course has been formed, with every convenience for spectators. The spring meeting is held the week after the Newmarket Craven meeting. Ages from the 1st of January. The Lansdowne Trial Stakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. for horses that never won (matches excepted) ; 296' HfSTOKY OF THE m. and g. allowed 31b, ; one mile and a quar- ter. The Ladies' silver cup, value 30 sovs., added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for horses not tho- rough bred ; m. and g. allowed 31b. Horses having won the value of £50 (matches excepted) to carry 101b extra ; gentlemen riders. The second horse to save his stake. One mile and a half and a distance. The Weston Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. with 20 sovs. added, for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b, and fillies, 8st. 41b ; the produce of untried mares or horses allowed 41b. ; the straight half a mile. To close and name on the 1st of February. A sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 5 ft. for horses of all denominations ; thorough bred horses, 71b extra ; the last half mile ; gentlemen riders. The Bath Stakes (handicap) of 20 sovs. each h. ft. and only 5, if declared before the 1st of March, with 20 sovs. added ; one mile and a half and a distance. To close and name on or before the 1st. of February, and the weights to be fixed before the 20th of the same month. The Dyrham Park Handicap Stakes, of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. with 20 sovs. added, for horses of all denominations ; gentlemen riders. To close and name by 9 o'clock in the evening of the first day's race, and the weights to be fixed by the stewards, or whom they may appoint, as soon after as pos- sible. BRITISH TURF. 297 The Doddington Park Stakes, of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. for horses not thorough bred ; a winner of the Pillerton Tally-ho or Billesden Coplow before the day of starting, to carry 71b. ; of any two o^^ either twice, lOlb. extra ; two miles ; gentlemen riders. The York Stakes, a forced handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added: heats, one mile. To close and name by eight o'clock in the evening of the first day's race. A sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for the half-bred three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. fillies and geldings, 8st. 41b., one mile. Three horses to start for each race, or the public money will not be given. BATH SUMMER MEETING. (A clear week after Ascot.) The Somersetshire Stakes, of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and only 5 if declared on or before the 1st of June, with 50 sovs. added ; the winner to pay 20 sovs. to the judge ; the second horse to save his stake. Any person taking a nomination and not declaring forfeit by the 1st of June, as above, will have to pay the 25 sovs. or the forfeit of 15 sovs., as the case may be. To close and name to Mr. Margerum or Mr. Weatherby, on or before the 1st of May, and the weights to be fixed before the 20th of the same month ; two miles and a distance. 298 HISTORY OF THE The original 5 sovs. stakes, with 50 added, for horses that never won £100 at any one time be- fore the day of naming. The wdnner of £100, at any one time previous to the day of starting, to carry 51b. extra ; m. and g. allowed 31b. The Dyrham Park Stakes, of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft., with 20 added, for horses not thorough-bred ; a winner of the Pillerton Tally-ho, or Billesden Coplow Stakes, to carry 71b. extra ; maiden horses at the time of starting, allowed 71b. ; one mile and a half a d a distance. Gentlemen riders. The Kelston Park Stakes, of 30 sovs. each, 15 ft. with 20 added ; a winner once, to carry 31b., twice, 51b. extra ; the produce of untried horses or mares allowed 41b. ; the straight half mile. Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old ; the produce of untried stallions or mares allowed 31b. of both 5]b., one mile. Sweepstakes of 30 sovs. each, 10 ft. for two yrs. old ; those by stallions, or out of mares that never bred a winner, allowed 31b., if both, 61b. ; the straight half a mile. The County and City Members' Plates, of £50 each, &c. Mr. Margerum, Clerk of the Course. Taunton. — This town is situated on the river Tone, in a central part of the beautiful and luxu- riant vale of Taunton -Dean, 1 1 miles from Bridge- BRITISH TURF. 299 water and 144 (W. by S.) from London, and con- tains upwards of 10,000 inhabitants. It contains a theatre, assembly rooms, a public library, and reading rooms, with a museum attached, &c., and several charitable institutions. The races take place about the beginning of September, and continue two days. Both the members for the county and the members for the borough contribute to the Stakes. STAFFORDSHIRE. Brenwood, 10: miles from Stafford and 125 ^^ miles from London, and containing 2,763 inhabi- tants. Two days' racing towards the end of Sep- tember. The Patshull Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 20 added from the fund. The Ladies' Purse. The Chillington Stakes, of 5 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added from the fund. A hurdle race, &c. Burntwood, 3i miles (W. by S.) from Lich- field, containing about 700 inhabitants. One day's racing about the middle of October. About £40 is subscribed, and added to the stakes. Burton upon Trent, 24 miles (E.) from Staf- ford, and 124 (N. W. by N.) from London, and containing 4,114 in that part of the town situated in the county of Stafford. It is celebrated for its excellent ale, and contains a theatre, assembly- rooms, libraries, &c. 300 HISTORY OF THE Races were held here at a very early period ; at present, they take place towards the end of August, generally the week after Wolverhampton, and con- tinue two days. The Trial Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added from the fund ; once round and a distance. To close and name on the day of entry for the Angle- sea Plate (the Saturday preceding the races) be- tween the hours of four and six in the evening, at the three Queens' Inn. The two yrs. old Stakes, of 15 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b. and fillies, 8st. 21b. ; the straight half mile. To close and name on or before the 1st of May, to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the secretary of the Race Committee. The Bretby Cup, or piece of plate, value 100 sovs. given by the Earl of Chesterfield, added to a sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft., and 5 only if declared to Messrs. Weatherby, in London, or to the secretary of the Race Committee, Burton-upon- Trent, on or before the 1st of July. To close and name on the 1st of June, and the weights to be declared on or before the 20th. Five to accept, or no race ; the second horse to save his stake ; once round and a distance. The Drukelow^ Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 20 added from the fund, 10 ft., and 5 only if de- clared by the 1st. of July ; twice round and a dis- tance. To close and name on or before the 1st of BRITISH TURF. 301 June to Messrs. Weatherby, or the secretary to the Race Committee ; the weights to be declared on the 20th of June. The Anglesea Plate of 50 sovs. The three yrs. old Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. once round, and start at the two yrs. old starting post. To close and name on or before the 1st of May, to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary to the Race Committee. The Cup Stakes of 10 sovs, each, by subscrip- tion , to which will be added 30 from the fund ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; twice round and a dis- tance. To close and name on the 1st of June to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary of the Race Committee. A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added by the fund ; m. and g. allowed 21b. To close at the time of naming for the Anglesea plate ; horses that have won once in the present year, up to the time of starting, 31b., twice, 5lb., thrice, 71b. extra ; horses having started twice and not won, to be allowed 81b., thrice, 51b. ; heats, once round and a distance. A Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. each, for horses, &c., not thorough-bred ; a winner of one plate or stake in the present year, 51b., of two, 71b., and of three, 101b. extra ; two-mile heats. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby, or to the Secretary to the Race Committee, on or before the 1st. of July. 302 HISTOaY OF THE J. D. Bedford, Secretary to the Kace Com- mittee. Cheadle, 14 miles from Stafford, and 147 (N. W. by N.) from London, containing 3,862 inhabi- tants. One day's inferior racing about the be- ginning of September. Hednesford, a joint township with Leacroft, in the parish of Cannock, 4 miles (S. W. by S.) from Rudgeby, and about 12 miles from Lichfield, and containing 442 inhabitants. The heathy downs called Cannock Chase, which lie between Brenwood, Burntwood, Hednesford, Rudgeby and Lichfield, contain about 25,000 acres, have been long celebrated for the number of race-horses bred and trained on them, chiefly about Hednesford. One day's racing takes place here about the be- ginning of July, when about £70, raised by sub- scription, is given away in stakes. Lichfield, 16|- miles from Stafford, and 118 (N. W. by N.) from London, containing 6,075 in- habitants. At the theatre, which is open during the races, the celebrated Mrs. Siddons made her first appearance on the stage. The course is on the road to Tamworth, about two miles from the city. In addition to the races which take place towards the middle of September, and which continue two days, a Spring Meeting is now held about the end of March, for Hunters' Stakes. BRITISH TURF. 303 Lichfield Summer Meeting. — The Staffordshire Stakes, of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., and 5 only if declared to Messrs. Weatherbv, or to Mr. F. Webb, on or before the 24th of August, two miles; 50 sovs. will be added from the race fund. Three to accept, or no race ; the second horse to save his stake. To close and name on the 1st. of Au- gust. The weight to be declared on or before the 14th of August. Nominations to be taken in this stake, and remaining in, to pay 15 sovs., and on starting, 25 sovs. The tjvo yrs. old Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 41b. ; T. Y. C. A Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 41b. To close and name on the 1st. of May. The Gold Cup, by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each, to be paid in specie ; three miles ; m. and g. allowed 21b. ; a winner of a queen's plate, cup, or cup stakes, in the same year, to carry 31b., twice, 51b., thrice, 71b. extra. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. &c. A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added from the fund, for horses that never won more than £50 at any one time ; m. and g. allowed 21b. ; winners in the same year, once, 31b., twice, 51b., thrice, 71b. extra; half-bred horses allowed 71b. ; horses that have started three times in the same year and not won, allowed 3lb. ; ^^04 HISTORY OF THE one-mile heat. To close and name on the Satur- day before running. F. Webb, Secretary. Newcastle-under-Lyme, 16 miles from Stafford, and 149 from London, on the great road from Bir- mingham and London to Liverpool and PMan- chester, and containing 7031 inhabitants. There is' a small theatre, concert and assembly rooms. The races, which are held about the beginning of August, and continue two days, three days interven- ing between them, take place on an excellent course near the town. In addition to what is generally given by the members for the borough, upwards of £100 raised by subscription is given away in stakes. The Potteries. — A district in the north-western part of the county, consisting of numerous scat- tered villages occupying an extent of upwards of 10 square miles, and containing more than 20,000 inhabitants. In this district is manufactured the famous Staffordshire crockery-ware, from which it takes its name. The races here take place about the beginning of August, and continue two days. First Day. — The Trial Stakes of 15 sovs. each, with 20 sovs. added ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; one round and a distance. Four subscribers, or no race. The Borough Stakes of 1.5 sovs. each, 10 ft., with 100 sovs. added; m. and g. allowed 31b.; BRITISH TURF. 305 a winner of a queen's plate, cup, or stakes of 100 sovs. value in the same year, to carry 51b. extra ; twice round and a distance ; the second horse to receive back his stake. Not less than three horses to start, unless by the consent of the stewards. The Stewards' Plate of 100 sovs. in specie, added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 2.5 sovs. each, 15 ft., and 5 only if declared, &c. ; three times round the course, about three miles. To close on the 1st. of May, and the weights to be fixed by the 14th, and to declare by the 1st of June. 2nd. Day. — A Handicap Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and 5 only if declared on or before the 1st of May, with 100 sovs. added by William Taylor Copeland, Esq. M.P. ; for all ages ; twice round, about two miles. To close and name on the 1st of March, and the weights to be fixed by the 1st of April. The Champagne Stakes of 20 sovs. each h. ft. with 50 sovs. added, for tw^o yrs. old colts, 8st. 7lb. and fillies, 8st. 31b, The winner to give two dozen of champagne to the Club ; T. Y. C. half a mile. To close and name on or before the 1st of March. The Maiden Plate of 70 sovs. added to a sub- scription of 3 sovs. each, for horses &c. of all ages, m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the winner of any of the preceding races to carry 51b. extra; the second VOL. I. X SOG HISTORY OF THE horse to receive the subscription ; heats, twice round and a distance. The horses for the Trial Stakes, the Borough Stakes, and the Maiden Plate, to be named at the George Inn, Burslem, on Saturday, the 3rd of August, between the hours of six and seven o'clock. All communications to be addressed to the se- cretary of the Pottery Race Committee, Burslem. The entries for the Stew^ard's Plate, the handicap of 25 sovs. each, and the Champagne Stakes, to be made either to Mr. Weatherby, in London, or the secretary of the Race Committee, Burslem.. Stafford. — The chief town of the county, on the river Low; 136 miles (N. W. by N.) from Lon- don, containing nearly 6000 inhabitants. The course, which is one mile, would be a complete oval, but for a straight run in of about a quarter of a mile. The races, which take place in the begin- ning of October, are of a very inferior description. Stone. — Seven miles from Stafford and 141 from London, containing 2,855 inhabitants. Two days' racing about the beginning of October. About £100 raised by public subscription, is given away in stakes. Uttoxeter. — On the river Dore, 13 miles from Stafford, and 135 (N.W. by N.) from London, con- taining 4,658 inhabitants. Two days' racing about the end of September. About £80 raised by sub- scription, is given away in stakes. BRITISH TURF. 307 Walsall. — 18 miles from Stafford, and 118 from London, containing nearly 6000 inhabitants. Assemblies are held at the principal hotels during the races, which take place towards the end of September, and continue two days. In addition to a plate of £50, given by the Borough Members, nearly £100 is raised by subscription, and given away in stakes. Wolverhampton. — 16 miles (S.) from Stafford, and 123 (N.W.) from London, containing nearly 20,000 inhabitants. This town contanis a theatre, open during the races, assembly rooms, public subscription library, &c. The races take place about the middle of August, and continue three days. The course is of an oval shape, a mile and a quarter, the run in straight ; and the T. Y. C. is a straight half mile ; it is situated near the town, and contains an elegant stand. 1st. Day. — The Trial Stakes, of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added, &c. A Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, for three yrs. old; the produce of untried mares and horses allowed 31b. &c. The Wolverhampton Stakes of 25 sovs. (handicap each) 15 ft. and 5 if declared, &c., to which is added 100 sovs. 2nd Day. — The St. Leger Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 50 added from the fund, for three yrs. old colts and fiUies, &c. ; one mile and three quarters. The Chillington Stakes of 25 sovs. each, for two X 2 308 HISTORY OF THE yrs. old colts and fillies, &c. ; three quarters of a mile. The Cleveland Cup, of 100 sovs. by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each, the surplus in money, to which is added 50 sovs. from the fund. The Borough Members' Plate of 60 sovs. 3rd Day. — The Wrottesley Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added from the fund, &c. A Sweepstakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. for two yrs. old colts and filhes. The Holyoake Stakes, of 20 sovs. each (handi- cap) 10 ft. and 5 only if declared, &c. on or before the 1st of August. The second horse to save his stake, and the winner to pay 10 sovs. towards the expenses of the course. The Himley Park Stakes, of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added, for beaten horses. A half-bred Stake, &c. Mr. F. Marshall, Clerk of the Course. SUFFOLK. Beccles. — On the river Wareney, 44 miles from Bury St. Edmond's, and 110 (N.E. by N.) from London, containing 3.493 inhabitants. The environs abound with pleasing scenery ; and the theatre, an elegant building, open during the races, is sometimes used as an assembly room. The course, on which there are two handsome and com- modious stands, is situated near the town, and is ^. BRITISH TURF. 309 extensive and well kept. Two clays' ^^acing to- wards the end of September. From £80 to £100, raised by subscription, is given away in stakes. Ipswich, on the river Orwell, 25 miles (S.E. by E.) from Bmy St. Edmond's, and 69 (N.E.) from London, containing 17,186 inhabitants. This town contains a public subscription library, three subscription news-rooms, a mechanic's institution, with a good library and museum, and also a horti- cultural society. The theatre is opened twice a year by the Norwich company of comedians. It w^as at Ipswich that Garrick made his first appear- ance on the stage, in 1739. The assembly rooms are large and elegantly fitted up. The races take place in the beginning of July, and continue two days. 1st Day.— Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs. The County Member's Plate of 50. Hunter's Sw^eep- stakes. 2nd Day.— The Town Members' plate of 50 sovs. The Town Pur^ of 50 sovs. A Sweepstakes for horses the property of farmers, &c. Newmarket. — See Cambridgeshire. SURREY. Egham, on the banks of the Thames, 20 miles from London, containing 3,616 inhabitants. Runnymede, on which the races take place, is ce- lebrated in history as the place appointed by King John for holding a conference with his revolted 310 HISTORY OF THE barons, wjio had confederated for the preservation of their rights and Hberties. On this plain, after a debate which continued a few days, during which each party encamped as open enemies, the king consented to grant the privileges and exemptions contained in " Magna Charta," which he after- wards signed in a small island near the opposite banks of the Thames, still called Magna Charta Island. During former reigns, Egham races were always honoured by a visit from royalty. The course, which is rather oval, is short of two miles by 66 yards, and nearly flat. First Day. — ^The Gold Cup ; the winner to be paid in specie by subscriptions of ] 0 sovs. each ; if more than ten subscribers, the owner of the second horse to receive back his stake ; m. and g. allowed 3lb. ; the winner to be sold for 600 sovs. if demanded, &c. ; two miles. To close and name on the Monday after Ascot. A Sweepstakes of 20 soTvs. each, h. ft. for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 7lb., and filhes 8st. 3lb. ; half a mile. Second day. — The Surrey and Middlesex Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and 5 only if declared on or before the 20th of July. Three to remain in or no race , two miles and a distance. To close and name on the Monday after Ascot ; the weights to be fixed on or before the 1st of Julv. The winner of the Goodwood or Brighton Stakes to carry 71b. BRITISH TURF. 311 of both, 101b. extra; the winner to pay 15 sovs. to the Judge. The Magna Charta Stakes, of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 4lb. ; the win- ner of the Riddlesworth, 2000gs., Derby, or Oaks, to carry 71b. extra ; the new mile. To close and name on the 1st of March. Third Day. — A Sweepstakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. 21b. ; winners to carry 31b. extra ; three quarters of a mile. To close and name the Monday after Ascot. Epsom, a parish in the 1st. division of the hundred of Copthorne, 16 miles (E.N.E.) from Guilford, and 15 (S.W. by S.) from London, on the road to Worthing, containing, with the hamlet of Horton, about 3000 inhabitants. This place was by the Saxons called Ebbisham, from which its present name is derived. It is delightfully situ- ated on the western verge of Banstead Downs, and from the salubrity of the air, the estimation in which its medicinal waters were formerly held, and the celebrity of its races, it became the resort of many families, and rapidly increased in the num- ber of its buildings, and the extent of its popula- tion. In the centre of the town is a large sheet of water. The houses are, in general, handsome and well-built. The environs, which are exceedingly pleasant, abound with handsome seats and villas, and on the downs, which command an extensive 312 HISTORY OF THE and interesting view of the surrounding country, is the far-famed Epsom race-course, where the Derby and Oaks are annually run for. Towards the conclusion of the 17th and in the beginning of the 18th centuries, the mineral waters at this place were in great use. The spring, situ- ated on the common, half a mile out of the village, was the first of the kind discovered in England, with the exception of the hot well at Bath. It was found by accident, in 1618, or, according to another account, about the end of Queen Eliza- beth's reign. Its beneficial properties soon became generally known, and began to attract visitors, for whose accommodation the lord of the manor erect- ed a shed, and enclosed the pond formed by the spring. About 1640, the fame of these waters had spread into France, Germany, and other countries, and from them salts were prepared, for which, though sold at five shillings an ounce, the demand was greater than could be supplied. About 1649, the concourse of families and foreigners resorting to the well was so great, that Mr. Packhurst, then lord of the manor, enlarged the first building, by erecting a ball-room, planted a long walk of elms from the London road, and avenues leading in dif- ferent directions. The village continued increas- ing, and rivalled even Bath and Tunbridge in the number of its distinguished visitors. About the beginning of the last century, these waters gradually lost their reputation, through the BRITISH TURF. 313 knavery of one Lerington, an apothecary, who, having purchased a piece of land here, built a large house, with an assembly room, and sunk a well. By means of balls, concerts, and other amusements, this person contrived to lure the company from the old well, till at length, getting the lease of the latter into his own hands, he shut it up. This designing and unprincipled conduct met its proper reward. The new water was found not to possess the virtues of the old, and Epsom began to be deserted. At the expiration of the lease, Mr. Parkhurst repaired the buildings of the old well ; and although the place was no longer so much visited by strangers, it was still frequented by the neighbouring gentry, who had a public breakfast here every Monday, during the summer months. This practice was, at length, wholly su- perseded by the new fashion of sea-bathing, and in 1804, the old building was pulled down, and a dwelling house erected on its site. The well is still preserved. The manor of Ebbisham belonged, at the time of the Doomsday survey, to the abbey of Chertsey, the monks of which were licensed to have a park here, shut up whenever they pleased. This is supposed to be what is now called Woodcote Park, about a mile southward of the village. Woodcote Park was long the residence of the proprietors of the manor, till given, towards the conclusion of the 17th century, by Mrs. Evelyn to Lord Baltimore. 314 HISTORY OF THE The last possessor of that family led a dissolute life, and in March, 1768, was tried at Guildford assizes for a rape on Sarah Woodcock, a milliner, whom he sent to his house here. He narrowly escaped being convicted. Soon afterwards he sold his estate, at this place, went abroad, and died at Naples, in 1771. The following anecdotes of this nobleman are taken from a German periodical publication, entitled 011a Podrida for 1785, (Part IV. p. 45.) ** Lord Baltimore, who published ' Remarks on Constantinople and the Turks,' in 1768, and a ' Tour in the Levant,' in 1769, determined to keep constantly travelling, that, as he said, he might not know where he should be buried. In 1769 he travelled with eight women, a physician, and two black eunuchs, who were entrusted with the superintendence of his little seraglio. With the assistance of his doctor, he made many singular experiments upon the ladies of his harem, feeding such as were inclined to be fat, on acid aliments alone, and those of a contrary nature with milk, soups, and nutritious diet. On his arrival with this retinue at Vienna, the inspector of police begged to be informed which of the eight ladies was his wife. He returned this message, that " he was an Eng- lishman, and whenever he was called to account about his marriage, he immediately left that place, unless an opportunity was afforded him of boxing it out.'^ BRITISH TURF. 315 The mansion and park of Woodcote were pur- chased by the late Lewis Tessier, Esq. His son, the Baron de Tessier, to whom they now belong, is a perpetual steward of Epsom races — an office he fills to the entire satisfaction of the sporting world, and the public in general. The disputes about the manor of Epsom, which not long since occasioned much anxiety with the public, as threatening to put a stop to these favou- rite races, are, at length, happily terminated. While this alarm was at its height, it happened that a general election took place. As if to show how dear the national amusement of racing is to our rural population, a gentleman of high cha- racter and great wealth, but who was suspected on account of his well-known antipathy to field sports (arising from overstrained religious feelings) , of designing to put down Epsom races, is generally supposed to have lost his election for the county on this account only. Horton Park, which was also the property of Lord Baltimore, is now the residence of James Trotter, Esq. Durdans is said by Aubrey to have been built by the Earl of Berkeley with the materials of Nonsuch Palace, when it was demolished by the Duchess of Cleveland. This fine structure, which was once inhabited by the father of George III, being des- troyed by fire, a new mansion was erected by Mr. 3 I 6 HISTORY OF THE Dalbiac, and is now the residence of Charles Blackman, Esq. On Banstead Downs is the Oaks, originally an ale-house, which was purchased by General Bur- goyne, who built an elegant dining-room, and fitted up the place for a hunting seat. It was sold by the general to the Earl of Derby, one of the most accomplished sportsmen of his day, who greatly enlarged the house and enclosed much of the adjoining common, so that it is now sur- rounded by plantations two miles in circumference. Here was given the celebrated *' Fete champetre," in celebration of the Earl's first marriage, which furnished General Burgoyne with the subject of a musical entertainment, entitled the " Maid of the Oaks." In 1779 the Earl of Derby originated the famous stakes, called the Oaks, after this seat, and in the following year, the Derby, so named out of com- pliment to its founder, both of which stakes have been run for annually at Epsom ever since, and with the great St. Leger stakes at Doncaster, may with justice be denominated the most popular and at- tractive races in this country. A Spring meeting has been established at Ep- som which takes place in the beginning of April, but is very thinly attended, and the sport is very indifferent. The grand racing meeting commences on the BRITISH TURF. 317 Tuesday, and continues till the end, of the week jDreceding Whitsuntide, and until 1838, the Derby was run on the Thursday, and the Oaks on the Friday. Now however the Derby is run for on Wednesday, which is a most judicious change in several respects. By this alteration, the public have a day given them to recover from the turmoil and excitement of the Derby, and are thus enabled to enter with greater relish into the more quiet but not less pleasurable amusements of the Oaks' day. As a proof that this change is appreciated, it is only necessary to refer to the attendance on the second Friday, since it has taken place, it being well known and generally remarked at the time, that the company, both in 1838, and the past season, very considerably exceeded the average of former years. A day's interval is also of service, to those who may happen to have fillies in both races — which occurred at the last meeting, with Deception (backed to a considerable amount for each) the second for the Derby, and the winner of the Oaks. The old course, now seldom used except for the cup, is two miles, of an irregular circular form ; the first mile up hill. The new Derby course is exactly a mile and a half, and somewhat in the form of a horse shoe. The first three quarters of a mile may be consi- dered as straight running, the bend in the course being very trifling, and the width very great ; the next quarter of a mile is in a gradual turn, and 318 HISTORY OF THE is called Tattenhain corner ; the last half mile from this is straight. The first half mile is on the ascent, the next third of a mile level ; and the re- mainder is on the descent, till within the distance, where the ground again rises. The newT. Y. C. is 6 furlongs ; the old T. Y. C. or Woodcote course, is rather under 4 The Craven course is one mile and a quarter. The Grand Stand, a handsome and commodious building, was erected in 1829 — 30, the expense being estimated at £13,890, which sum was raised by means of shares. The interior comprises se- veral rooms for refreshment, and a saloon, 101 feet in length, and 38 wide. The whole length of the building is 126 feet, arranged for the accommoda- tion of 5000 persons, with seats on the roof for 2,500 more. Besides this, there are numerous other stands, which, with booths and shows of every description, line each side of the course, for a considerable distance. The appearance of the course, just previous to the start for the Derby, with its innumerable booths, and the vast multitude which cover it as far as the eye can reach, in every direction, is a sight of thrilling interest, and one only to be beheld in this country. The horses are saddled, and led about for some little time previous to starting, in the warren, a paddock near the course, to which the public are admitted on foot, upon payment of a shilling, and which attracts vast crowds, some from curiosity to BRITISH TURF. 319 see the condition &c. of their favourite horses, but the greater number to stare at the nobility, as nearly- half the male portion of the peerage may be met with on this spot. The crowded state of the roads, both on ap- proaching and returning from Epsom races, has been often described, and it is only to be wondered at that a greater number of accidents do not occur, particularly as many brave cocknies select this occasion for their first attempt at coachman- ship or riding. Baron de Tessier and Sir Gilbert Heathcote are the perpetual stewards of these races, — in which situation, they have given universal satisfaction. Mr. J. Farrall, the trainer of Epsom, is the clerk of the course, and is very efficient and attentive. Tiie ground for the erection of booths, &c. is put up to auction previous to each meeting, of which due notice is given by public advertisements. EPSOM SPRING MEETING. A sweepstakes of 5 so vs. each, with £50 added by Sir Gilbert Heathcote, three yrs. old to carry 7st. 21b. ; and four, 8st. 101b. ; one mile. A sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added, for horses of all ages ; the Craven stakes weights ; the winner to be sold for 250 sovs. if de- manded in the usual way ; one mile heats. 320 HISTORY OF THE EPSOM, GRAND MEETING, IN MAY. Tuesday. — The Craven stakes of 10 sovs. each, for three yrs old, 8st., four, 8st. 91b. ; six, 9st. 21b. ; and aged, 9st. 51b. ; the last mile and a quarter. To close on the entrance night. The Shirley stakes of 25 sovs. each; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies 8st. 41b. ; then three yrs. old ; one mile. The Woodcote stakes of 30 sovs. each, h. ft., for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 61b. ; and fillies, Sst. 31b ; new T. Y. C. three quarters of a mile. Wednesday. — Renewal of the Derby stakes, of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, Sst. 21b. ; last mile and half; the owner of the second horse to receive 100 sovs. out of the stakes ; and the winner to pay 100 sovs. towards the expense of additional police officers ; stakes to be made to Messrs. Weatherby in London. Thursday. — Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 61b. ; fillies, 8st. 31b. ; new T. Y. C, the winner to be sold for 200 sovs. To close on the entrance day. Friday. — A renewal of the Oaks stakes, 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old, fillies 8st. 41b. ; all other conditions as for the Derby. Sweepstakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. colts, Sst. 71b. ; filUes Sst. 41b. ; then two yrs. old ; BRITISH TURF. .321 new T. Y. C. those got by untried stallions, or cut of untried mares to be allowed 3lb. ; but only one allowance. To close and name to Messrs. Weath- erby, or Mr. Farrall, or before the 25th. of March 1839. Guilford.— On the river Wey, 30 miles (S. W.) from London, and containing 3,1()1 inhabitants. The races at this place have fallen into insignifi- cance, the only stake mentioned in the racing calender, run for here annually during the last two years, being her Majesty's plate of 100 gs. Reigate. — This town is beautifully situated on a branch of the river Mole, on the high road, from London to Brighton; 19 miles (E.) from Guilford, and 21 (S. by W.) from London. The races here take place about the first week in June, and con- tinue two days, daring w^hich the following plates and stakes are run for, viz : — The Gold cup, value 100 gs. — The Surrey plate, value 100 gs. ; the Reigate Gold cup, 100 gs. ; the Reigate hunting Gold cup, of the same value. SUSSEX. Brighton, or Brighthelmstone. — A town on the sea-coast, in the hundred of Whalesbone and cape Lewis, 52 miles from London. This town was a small fishing place till 1784 ; but since that period, by the mere force of fashion and royal patronage, it has grown up to be a populous and luxurious VOL. I. y ^» I-' ; *» H > -f> > - ' ^ 0 f^At» -dMi tin: 4A^.*«•o«^ A4 v(hich our ncvciU to jVk:^2S ^Ht\c jvart of "Oiwlaitior^ -^^^ thi$ f^- wfimxktxA In .:4,- but it !> : at iiiiiv - .: of 54-^ "^» « A- i> t 'tZi' 3i wdl kept, a: :»pdUe c - MO kdsht dbofne the >.^ is 3S4 k BOLT l« >eai the I^ of Wi^t, msD& mamf «tlier llw iliifal bbirr^ On White BnEk^ Ui, iMBT ike ract oobtk, oa wmch a iwiiji las keea eirgggd, are tke remains of XBi. iundiiiLTju'L . 2.0. OQ HoDing^biuy hUl, tbvB Hifci mmA ai tke towB, aie vestises ^FT .T^nc- Hi t r~n 3ra^ luitfifii ^;:i. 324 HISTORY OF THE towers, with hemispherical roofs. From each of these a front of 106 feet, towards the east and south, stands upon an angle of 45 degrees. This elevation is imposing in its effect, from the large space it occupies. The building is composed of squarred flint-stones, of the neatest masonry, and the whole architectural design originated with the noble founder, who superintended the execution. At his death in 1806 much of the interior remained to be completed. This spacious structure has great advantage of situation, at the base of rich woodland, and a range of downs, and is surrounded by the Park, where forest trees of remarkable dimensions and beautv are abundantly scattered. From different parts of the park, the general aspect of the country is very beautiful ; an effect arising from the inequality of the surface, the diversity of the scenery (of which the leading features are the English channel, Chi- chester spire and the Isle of Wight,) and the varie- ty of the verdure in the foreground. Towards the north, the surface becomes irregular, and partakes of the pleasing character of landscape, peculiar to the neighbouring chalk downs, with their wooded acclivities. The whole circuit of the park, which contains 2000 acres, is enclosed by a lofty flint wall. Many of the knolls and bays into which the downs are broken, are clothed with plantations of fir and beech, to the extent of some hundreds of acres. BRITISH TURF. 325 Of the interior of Goodwood house, the most striking object is a colonnade in the vestibule, or entrance hall. This room is divided by six pillars of Guernsey granite, of a light grey colour, the shafts being 13 feet high, with a diameter of one foot 7 inches. Tbe dining room and library are splendidly fitted up with designs from the antique. The picture gallery, which is 86 by 24 feet, among others, contains valuable paintings by Vandyke, Leley, Battoni, Gainsborough, &c. &c., besides several landscapes with portraits of celebrated horses, by Stubbs. The stables and offices, west- ward of the house, and perhaps rather too near to it, form a handsome quadrangular building, in- ferior to few, if any in the kingdom. The stables were began 1757, and finished in six years, from a design of Sir William Chambers. The dog kennel, which is said to have cost £25,000, is both for ex- tent, and singular arrangment, unequalled by any other in England ; it was designed, and built by James Watts. Among the curiosities of Goodwood, is the lion carved in wood, which adorned the head of Commodore Anson's ship the Centurian, during his circumnavigation of the globe. It is set up on a stone pedestal, with the following hues in- scribed on it. Stay, traveller, awhile and view One who has travelled more than you ; Quite round the globe, in each degree, Anson, and I, have ptoughed the sea f 32(j HISTORY OF THE Torid and frigid zones have past, And safe ashore arrive J at last. In ease and dignity appear ; He in the House of Lords, I here. Every year seems to add to the consequence, and increase the popularity, of Goodwood races ;* for the four days' sport of the present season, 1839, contained a succession of stakes of greater intrinsic value, and producing greater excitement in the sporting world, than those of any preceding year. These races take place about the end of July, or the beginning of August, and continue four days. In addition to the grand stand, several others are pro- vided for the accommodation of the numerous visi- tors, among whom is included a long hst of nobili- ty, many of whom partake of the hospitality of the Noble Duke, during the race week. The following are the length of the different courses. C. C. — Cup Course, horses run out to the WTst of the clump, and return to the east ; two miles and three quarters. D. S. C. — Drawing Room Stakes Course. Once round, to the west of the clump ; about two miles and a quarter. T. Y. C— Is the straight three quarters of a mile. * Goodwood races were estabhshed in 1S03, upon the Earl of Egve- mont giving up the races in his park, at Petv/orth BRITISH TURF. 32? Half a mile.— Is the last half mile of T. Y. C. The Queen's Plate course. — The horses start on the Charlton Down, to the north-west of the stand ; run over to the east of the clump, go the outside circle of the hill, and return to the east of the clump : about three miles, and five furlongs. Two miles, one mile and three quarters, one mile and a half, and one mile, is, unless specified to the contrary, run on theD. S. C. The following regulations, which are strictly en- forced at these races, are well worthy of general adoption, viz : — No trainers or jockies will be permitted to ride their hacks upon the race course during the race ; and every jockey or trainer so offending, will be fined £5 for each offence. All horses to be saddled in front of the grand stand, or else to be rode past the grand stand, at least once before going to the starting post. In order that there may be no contest among the jockeys, for places at starting, they are required to take their places numbering from the right, and will draw lots for their numbers out of a bag, to be provided by Mr. Clarke,^ at the time of weighing. Mr Clarke will write down the name of each jockey opposite the number, on a list kept for the purpose, and the list will be given to the starter, who will tell off the jockeys in their proper places, before calling them up to start. Any joc- * The Judge of Newmarket. 328 HISTORY OF THE key taking a wrong place to be fined £5. The starter to have authority to order any jockey riding a restive or vicious horse, to drop out of his place, and start at the extreme left of the line. First Day, 1839. —The Craven Stakes of 10 sovs. each ; three yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 41b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six and aged, 8st. 12lb, ; one mile and a quarter. To close and name at the Good- wood House Stables before dinner the day before running. The Levant Stakes of 50 sovs. each, 30 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 31b. ;, the winner of the July or Chesterfield stakes, or either of the two yrs. old stakes at Ascot, to carry 51b. extra ; half a mile. The Drawing-room Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with a bonus by an independent subscription of 10 sovs. each ; non-subscribers to the bonus can- not be members of the sweepstakes ; but a sub- scriber to one bonus is entitled to name one horse to the sweepstakes not his own property, or any number of horses bona fide his own property ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b. ; and fillies, 8st. 21b. ; the whinner of the Derby or Oaks to carry 81b. extra ; the second horse for either, 41b. extra ; once round. Drawing-room Stakes Course ; the second horse to receive 100 sovs. out of the stakes. The whinner to pay 25 sovs. to the judge. Sweepstakes of 300 sovs. each, h. ft. ; colts, 8st. 71b. ; fillies, 8st. 21b. ; to run at four yrs. old ; BRITISH TURF. 329 the King's plate course, about three miles and three quarters. Second Day. — The Goodwood Stakes of 25 sovs. each. 15 ft. and only 5 if declared on or before the second Tuesday after the Ascot Meeting ; the winner of any class of the Gloucestershire, Somer- setshn^e, or Tradesmen's cup at Liverpool July Meeting, to carry 51b. extra ; of any two of these stakes 71b. extra ; the second horse to receive 50 sovs. from the stakes ; cup course. Three to ac- cept or no race. To close and name to Messrs. Weatherby on the Tuesday after Epsom. The weights to be declared the Monday after Ascot. The Cowdray Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; for two yrs. old, 7st., and three, 9st. 21b. ; f. allowed 31b. ; the winner to be sold for 150 sovs. if demanded, &c., T. Y. C. Third Day. — The Racing Stakes of 50 sovs. each, for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b. ; the winner of the July, Clearwell, Cri- terion, or Prendergast stakes, to carry 31b. extra ; of either the Riddlesworth, Column, Newmarket^ 2000 gs., lOOOgs., or Drawing-room Stakes, and the winner of the St. James's Palace stakes, and 100 sovs. produce stakes at Ascot, to carry 61b. extra ; a winner of both Derby and drawing-room stakes to carry 121b. extra; the new mile. The Molecomb Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 41b.; T. Y. C. ; a winner before starting (matches and 330 HISTORY OF TPIE handicaps excepted) to carry 51b. extra ; the wmner of the Levant stakes to carry 71b. extra ; no horse to carry more than 71b. extra. The Goodwood Cup, value 300 sovs., the rest in specie, by subscriptions of 20 sovs. each, with 100 added by the racing fund ; cup course ; three yrs. old, 7st. 4ib. ; four, 9st. lib. ; five, 9st. 91b. ; six and aged, 9st. 121b. ; m. allowed 41b., g. 71b., horses, &c., got by Arabian, Turkish, or Persian stallions, or out of Arabian, Turkish, or Persian mares, allowed 181b, both 361b. Horses, &c., bred in America, or upon the continent of Europe, allowed 141b. ; horses having run at the York Spring, Liverpool §^ring, Chester, Manchester, or Newton races, 1839, allowed 31b. ; ditto at Liverpool July races, 1839, allowed 51b. ; and ditto in Scotland or in Ireland, in 1839, 71b. deduction of weight from what they would have otherwise to carry ; (those hereinunder specified as carrying extra weight excepted,) never having w^on £100 in- cluding their own stake, at any one time in 1839, previous to the day of starting, and not having been placed in the Derby or Oaks of 1839, allowed 51b. Four yrs. old and upwards, never having won or received as second horse £100 including their own stakes, at any one time in 1838 or 1839, previous to the day of starting, and not having been placed in the Derby or St. Leger of 1838 (those hereinunder specified as carrying extra weight excepted) allowed 101b, Five yrs. old and BRITISH TURF. 331 upwards, never having won or received as second liorse £100 including their own stake at any one time in 1837-38, or 39, previous to the day of starting (those hereinunder specified as carrying extra weight excepted) allowed 1 61b. Maiden three yrs. old, not having been placed in the Derby or Oaks of 1839, allowed 81b. : maiden four vrs. old, not having been placed in the Derby or St. Leger, 1838, (those hereinunder specified as carrying extra weight excepted) allowed 181b. ; maiden six yrs. old (those hereinunder specified as carrying extra weight excepted) allowed 281b. The second horse in any stake having received £100 including his own stake, not to be considered maiden. The winner of the gold cup at Ascot in 1839, to carry 51b. ; the second, 21b. extra. The winner of the Port Stakes, or Eclipse foot in 1839, to carry 31b. extra. The winner of the Ascot, Goodwood, or Doncaster cups, or of the Derby, or Doncaster St. Leger in 1838, to carry 21b. extra. The winner of the Derby in 1839, to carry 81b. extra; the second, 31b. extra. The winner of the Derby in 1839 to carry 81b. extra ; the second, 31b. extra. The winner of the Oaks in 1839 to carry 71b. ; the second, 21b. extra. The winner of the Drawing-room Stakes in 1839 to carry 51b extra. Neither the al- lowances of weight for not winning, nor the penalties of extra wxight for winning and for running second, are to be accumulative. The second horse to re- ceive £100 out of the stakes. Horses having v. on 332 HISTORY OF THE abroad not to be considered winners in this stake. To close to Messrs. Weatherby on Tuesday in the Craven Meeting, and to name on the Tuesday after Epsom. The Duke of Richmond's Plate of 100 sovs. ; last mile. The Queen's Plate of 100 sovs. ; plate course. The Anglesea Stakes of 15 sovs. each, for three yrs. old and upwards. Friday. — The March Stakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft. if declared by nine o'clock the preceding evening ; a handicap for horses of all ages ; to be ridden by members of the Goodwood Club. Horses to be named on the second day, and the weights declared by four o'clock the day before running ; heats, the last three quarters of a mile of the Draw- ing-room Stakes Course. If twelve acceptances, to be divided into two classes, and to run only one heat ; the winner of the two classes to run for the £5 fts., staking £10 each, and carrying 61b extra; and any horse who has started, to be allowed to challenge for the fts., carrying the original weights. If only one class, the £5 fts. to be divided between the first and second horses. East Sussex Hunt, over Lewes race-course. — These races for Farmers' and Hunters' Stakes, take place about the middle of April, and occupy one day. Hastings and St. Leonards. — Hastings, the principal of the cinque-ports, is pleasantly situated BRITISH TURF. 333 in a vale, open to the sea on the south, 69 miles (E.) from Chichester, and 64^ (S. E.) from London, and contains about 6000 inhabitants. At the dis- tance of eight miles from the town, on a spot on which he subsequently built the Abbey of Battel, William the Conqueror defeated Harold in that battle which decided the fate of England. The mildness and salubrity of the air render this town a favourite resort of invalids, for whose amusement there are many places of public resort. The races, which were established in 1827, take place about the end of September, and continue two days. In addition to the Town Plate of .50 so vs., and the St. Leonards' Plate of the same amount, about 100 sovs. is given aw^ay in stakes from the fund. Lewes. — The chief town of the county, is si- tuated on the river Ouse, 7 miles from Brighton, 38 from Chichester, and 50 (S. by E.) from Lon- don, and contains 7083 inhabitants. This town contains concert and subscription rooms, public libraries, &c., and a small theatre which is open dur- ing the race week. The race-course is one of the finest four-mile courses in the kingdom, and has a commodious stand, erected in 1772. It is situated on the downs in the neighbourhood of the tow^n, which are of a chalky soil, and covered with the rich herbage which gives to the famous South- Down mutton its admired flavour. The races take place about the middle of August, and con- 334 HISTORY OF THE tirme two days, for the following principal plates and stakes, viz. : — The Lewes' Stakes of 20 sovs. each, with 50 added. The Members' Plate of £50. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. A Plate of £50, for all ages. A Handicap Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, with 40 added. WARWICKSHIRE. Birmingham. — A large town in the hundred of Hemlingford, 109 miles from London. It stands on the verge of the two counties of Worcester and Salop ; so that some of the villages, which may be fairly considered as suburbs to Birmingham, are in reality in those counties. This town has a dirty and gloomy appearance, from the nature of the extensive manufacturies, mostly carried on by machinery, kept in motion by steam. Most of the streets are narrow, and crooked, and the houses are in general small, and mean looking. Every article of gold, . silver, iron, steel, copper, brass-mined metals; glass, wood, horn, ivory and stone — from the smallest trinket to the ponderous anchor, cannon or chain-cable — are manufactured here. Notwith- standing the smoke and steam of the numerous engines, this town is said to be remarkably healthy The places of worship are numerous, more particu- larly those of dissenters 3 while the places of amuse- BRITISH TURF. 335 menf are few. The inhabitants at different periods have been as follows, viz :— in 1801, 73,670 ; in 1811, 85,753 ; in 1821, 106,722. Two days' racing takes place here in the be- ginning of October, but the stakes being few and of trifling value for so large and wealthy a town, they attract a poor attendance both of company and horses. The principal stakes run for in 1838 were the Birmingham Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added ; and a silver cup, value 40 sovs. added to a Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, for all ages. Coventry. — An ancient city, and a county of it- self; 10 miles from Warwick, 18 from Bir- mingham, and 91 (N.N.W.) from London. The river Shirburn and the Radford brook unite within the town, which contains 21,242 inhabitants. The weaving of ribbands forms the staple trade of the town. The theatre is open during the races, which take place in the middle of March, and continue two days. In addition to a silver cup, about £100 raised by subscription, is given away in stakes. Warwick. — The capital of the county, pleasant- ly situated on the river Avon, 90 miles (N.W.) from London, and containing 8,235 inhabitants* The castle is one of the most splendid and entire specimens of feudal grandeur in the kingdom. Many of the public buildings of this ancient town are handsomely constructed, and it contains several valuable institutions. The theatre is opened during the race week, by the Cheltenham company ; there 336 HISTORY OF THK are also news, and other public rooms ; assemblies are held in the town-hall, and for larger meetings, and during the races, in the county hall. The races are held twice in the year ; the spring races generally take place about the middle of March, and last one day; they are much patronized by the visitors and inhabitants of Leamington, the ladies of which place give a plate of £25 ; and 50 sovs. are added to the Trial Stakes by the town of Warwick, and 30 more by the stand proprietors. The autumnal races take place in the first week of September, and continue for three days ; at this meeting, the Queen's Plate of lOOgs. the Town Plate of £50, the Members' Plate of £50, the War- wick cup of £100, the Guy, Leamington, and other stakes are run for. The course is a fine level, with a little rising ground in one part, and has lately undergone such improvements, that it may now justly rank as one of the best in the kingdom ; the grand stand, which is handsome and commodious, affords every accom- modation to the numerous visitors. WILTSHIRE, Salisbury. — ^This city is pleasantly situated near the confluence of the rivers Nadder and Willey, with the Avon, 82 miles (S.W. by W.) from Lon- don, and contains 8,763 inhabitants. Its magni- ficent cathedral, the highest in England, being 400 BRITISH TURF. 337 feet from the pavement to the summit of its spire, is visible at a great distance from the plain in the centre of which the city is situated. This town contains a small theatre, subscription rooms, and public hbraries, &c. The races take place about the middle of August, and continue two days, the list of sport being generally excellent on both days. The following are the principal plates and stakes : the Wiltshire Stakes of 25 so vs., &c., with 50 ad- ded ; the Produce Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each ; Her Majesty's Plate, value 100 gs. ; a Silver Cup, to be run for by the yeomanry ; the City Members* Plate of 50 sovs., and the gold cup by subscription of 10 sovs. each. Staverton. — A small town 2^ miles from Trow- bridge, and about 120 miles from London. Races are held here about the end of April, but they are merely of local interest. WORCESTERSHIRE. Bromyard. — On the river Brome, 14 miles from Hereford, and 126 from London, and containing 2,767 inhabitants. One day's racing about the middle of August. The Broxash Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 30 added, for half-bred horses. The All-aged Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added. VOL. I. z 338 HISTORY OF THE Dudley. — Twenty-six miles from Worcester, and 127 (N.W. byN.) fromLondon; containing 18,211 inhabitants. Two days' racing about the end of June. The Dudley Castle Stakes, 5 sovs. each, with 30 added. The Worcestershire Stakes, 5 sovs. each, with 25 added. The West Bromwich Stakes, with 20 sovs. added; and the Tradesmen's Purse of 50 sovs. Stowebridge. — On the river Stow, 21 miles from Worcester, and 124 (N.W.) from London ; con- taining 5090 inhabitants. It contains a small theatre, assembly rooms, library, &c. Two days' racing about the end of August. A purse of 50 sovs. given by the county members'. The stand purse of 50 sovs. The Town Plate of 50 sovs. The Cup Stakes, about 100 sovs. value. Tenbury. — On the river Teme, 22 miles from Worcester, and 134 (N.W. by W,) from London. Races are held about the middle of June, on a good course, about a mile south of the town, and continue two days. The sport is very inferior ; the principal race being for the plate of £50 given by the Members for West Worcestershire. Upton upon Severn. — Ten miles from Worcester, and 109 (N.W. by W.) from London, containing 2,319 inhabitants. It contains a subscription library, and assembly rooms, &c. The races take place about the end of August. The principal stakes are, the Ham Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with BRITISH TURF. 339 25 added ; the Upton Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added, and the Selhng Stakes, same amount, &c. Worcester. — The capital of the county ; plea- santly situated on the banks of the Severn, 111 miles (N.W. by W.) from London, and contains about 17,000 inhabitants. This fine old town con- tains many splendid edifices, and several valuable institutions. The theatre is a neat and appro- priate building, open during the races. The town contains concert and assembly rooms, subscription libraries, public baths, &c. The principal races take place about the begin- ning of August, and continue two days. Another meeting is held the first week in November. The course is on Pitchcroft m^eadow, near the city, where a grand stand has been erected on the mar- gin of the Severn, by which the course is bounded on one side. The stakes &c., run for at Worcester August meeting, are : — , The Worcestershire Stakes of 20 sovs. h. ft., and only 5 if declared, &c., with 20 added ; two miles. The Malvern Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added ; for two and three yrs. old ; three quarters of a mile. — The winner of the value of £100 at any time previous to starting, to carry 41b. extra. The Severn Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 ad- ded ; one mile and a quarter. z2 340 HISTORY OF THE The Gold Cup, by subscription of 10 sovs. each, the amount of the subscription to be paid to the winner in specie ; three miles. A Sweepstake of 25 sovs. each, with 25 added ; for two yrs. old colts, and fillies. T. Y. C. A Sweepstake of 10 sovs. each, with 10 added ; for horses not thorough-bred. The City Members' Plate. The Hunters' Stakes. These races are subject to the established rules and regulations of Newmarket. Mr. Wm. Tolley, of Worcester, Clerk of the course. Another meeting is held in November, but chiefly for Hunters' Stakes, and ridden for by gentlemen. YORKSHIRE. The North and East Ridings of this county have long been celebrated for the breeding and rearing of coach and saddle horses ; and if not inferior, they are at all events not surpassed by any other part of England, in the excellency of their horses for the field, the road and the armv. The principal fairs for horses of every descrip- tion are at Beverly, Howden, Malton, Hull, and York ; and these fairs are the places to which the principal London dealers resort, to purchase their BRITISH TURF. 341 stocks. At the fair held at Hull, great numbers of colts and fillies are purchased by the farmers and graziers of Lincolnshire and Leicestershire &c., who keep them until they are four years old, when they are sold to the London dealers at Horncastle fair. This county has also long been celebrated in the annals of racing, many of our most famous race horses having been bred and trained here ; in ad- dition to which, it contains two of the principal race courses in England, Doncaster and York. Beverly. — Nine miles from Kingston upon Hull, 29 from York, and 183 (N.) from London, contain- ing 6,728 inhabitants. The theatre, built in 1805, is open during the races, in addition to which place of amusement, this town contains assembly rooms, libraries, &c. : the environs abound with rich and diversified scenery. The races, which take place in the beginning of June, and continue three days, are held about a mile from the town, on Hurn-rmeadow, one of the four common pastures belonging to the corpo- ration, on which an elegant and commodious stand has been erected. The principal stakes, &c. are as follows : Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. for colts and fillies not thorough bred ; one mile and a half. The Gold Cup stakes of 10 sovs. each, and only 5 ft. if declared bv the 21st. of March, with 50 sovs. added by the town -, once round and a dis- tance. 342 HISTORY OF THE The Hotham stakes of 15 sovs. each, 5ft. with 20 added. The Members' plate of £50. The Kingston stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added, for horses that never won £100 before naming; f. and g. allowed 31b. A winner before starting, to carry 31b. extra ; the owner of the second horse to receive back his stakes. King- ston course. The Handicap stakes of 10 sovs. each with 25 added. Burton-Constable. — A small hamlet four and a half miles from Middleham, and about 238 from London. — (See Middleham). Races take place here early in spring for hunters' stakes only. Catterick Bridge. — The township of Catterick is situated five miles, (S. E.) from Richmond, and eight miles from Northallerton ; and about a mile north from the town is Catterick bridge, over the river Swale, on which was formerly a chapel ; op- posite this is a race course, where races have here been held annually for many years. The races take place in Easter w^eek, and con- tinue two days. First dav. — The Craven stakes of 10 sovs. each, m. and g. allowed 51b ; Craven course. Two yrs. old sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. for colts, 8st. 31b ; and fillies 8st. one mile. The Claret stakes of 18 sovs. each, with 15 added from the club fund ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two BRITISH TURF. 343 miles ; the winner to give 2 gs. to Mr. Orton the judge. Second Day. — The Champagne stakes of 20 sovs. each, with 15 added from the club fund ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 31b. ; and fillies 8st. three quarters of a mile ; the winners to give 2 gs. to Mr. Orton the judge. Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft. for three old fillies 8st. each ; a mile and a half. The three yrs. old produce stakes. The Gold Cup, or specie, at the option of the winner, by subscription of 10 sovs. each; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. The Borough handicap of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. and 5 only if declared to the clerk of the course, by the 1st. of March ; the weights to be published on the 1st. of January ; mile and a half. Mr. G. Wade, Clerk of the course. Doncaster. — This place, the Donum of Antoni- nus, a Roman station on the river Don, was called by the Saxons, Bona Ceaster, from which its pre- sent name is derived. The town of Doncaster is pleasantly situated on the southern bank of the river Don, in the wapentake of Strafforth and Tickhill, West Rid- ing of the county, and is 37 miles (S. by W.) from York, and 162 (N. N. W.) from London. It contains about 10,000 inhabitants, and consists of 344 HISTORY OF THE several streets, of which the high street, about a mile in length, is the principal, and is considered to be the best for width, length and the elegance of the houses, on the road from London to Edinburgh. The town is well paved and lighted by gas, and the inhabitants are supplied with water, by means of water- works, near the Friar's bridge, from a reservoir at the top of the High street. An elegant cross, in the later style of English ar- chitecture, has been erected on Hall-cross-hill, in place of a rude and ancient structure of a similar kind. The town-hall, and the mansion house, are hand- some and commodious buildings, and in the latter, assemblies and concerts are held during the race week, during which the theatre, a fine building erected by the corporation, is also opened. A line of railroad is now open from London to Derby ; but on arriving at this town, so great is the confusion and difficulty in obtaining speedy and convenient conveyance on to Doncaster, as proved at the races for the present season (1839), that the long coaches still obtain the preference. The best of these, the Rockingham, which starts from Mountain's Yard, at the Saracen's Head, Snow Hill, (the oldest coaching establishment in Lon- don,) has long been a favourite conveyance with the northern sportsmen, and is generally admitted to be one of the best instances which can be produced, BRITISH TURF. 345 of the superiority of British over continental travel- ling. The races, which are annually held in Septem- ber, a fortnight previous to the first Newmarket October meeting, and continue a week, are pro- ductive of much benefit to the visitors, not only from London, but even the most distant parts of the kingdom, and who expend large sums. The all-attractive feature of these races, the Gt. St. Leger stakes, have increased in popularity and importance, from the first moment of their estab- lishment to the present day. These celebrated stakes had their origin in 1776, when we find, on reference to the Racing Calendar for that year, that a sweepstakes of 25 gs. each, for three year old colts, 8st., fillies 7st. 121bs. one two mile heat, was run for on the 24th. of September ; 6 subscribers. This stake was won by a brown bay filly of Lord Rockingham's, by Sampson beating five others.* Old Singleton, the jockey who rode her, died about 1801. But it was not until 1778, that this race was announced in the Racing Calendar, as the St. Leger stakes. Col. St. Leger, who lived at that period, at Park Hill, near Doncaster, suggested the idea * In this race, she beat Col. St. Leger's bay filly, by Surley, Mr. Wentworth's Oretus by Dodge, Lord Scarborough's chest-colt, by Remus, and Mr. Foljambes' bay filly, by a son of Black Sky. She started several times afterwards, but was unsuccessful. 346 HISTORY OF THE of running annually for a sweepstakes, on the terms and conditions we have given above. At a dinner on the entry day, in 1777 at the Red Lion inn, Doncaster, the Marquis of Rockingham being in the chair, this race was named by that noble- man the St. Leger in compliment to its founder the colonel. In 1832, the stakes were altered to 50 sovs. each, h. ft. the present weights being for colts, 8st. 61bs. ; and fillies 8st. 31bs. ; and the owner of the second horse receives 100 sovs. out of the stakes. Doncaster race course is nearly flat, and about one mile, seven furlongs, and seventy yards in cir- cumference. The other courses are portions of this circle, viz : Four mile courses (twice round) Two mile course. St. Leger course. Fitzwilliam course. Two yrs. old course. Red house in Cup course. m. f. y- . 3 7 219 . 2 0 52 . 1 6 132 1 4 10 . 0 7 189 . 0 5 164 . 2 5 Between 2 and 3000 spectators can be accom- modated in the grand stand, in addition to which are numerous permanent erections devoted to the pleasure and convenience of the public. ■ The following is a list of the principal stakes and plates run for at this meeting. BRITISH TURF. 347 Monday. — The Fitzwilliam stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 30 added by the corporation ; three yrs. old 7st. 51b. ; four, 8st. 51b. ; five, 8st. 121b ; six, and aged 9st. a mile and a half. To close and name on the day of entering for the plates, be- tween the hours of two and four in the afternoon, to the clerk of the course. The Champagne stakes of 50 sovs each, h. ft. for two year old colts, 8st. 51b. ; and fillies Sst. 31b. ; the winner to give six dozen of champagne to the Doncaster racing club. Red house inn. Free handicap of 10 sovs. each, with 30 added by the corporation. Her Majesty's plate of 100 gs. Tuesday. — The St. Leger stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft., for three years old colts, Sst. 7lb. ; and fillies, Sst. 21b. ; the owner of the second horse to receive 100 sovs. out of the stakes ; St. Leger's course. The Cleveland Stakes, of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. if declared &c., with 50 added by the Duke of Cleve- land, and 50 by the corporation ; one mile. Produce Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h, ft., for two yrs. old colts, Sst. 51b., and fillies, Sst. 31b. Red- house inn. Wednesday. — The Foal Stakes, of 100 sovs. each, h. ft. for three yrs. old colts ; one mile and a half. The Selling Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 30 added by the corporation ; the winner to be sold 348 HISTORY OF THE for 200 sovs. if demanded, &c. St. Leger course. The Corporation Plate of £50 ; mares allowed 31b.; two mile heats. Thursday.— The Three years old Stakes, of 200 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for colts, 8st. 61b. and fillies 8st. 31b. ; St. Leger course. The Gold Cup, value 150 gs. given by the Stew- ards, with 50 sovs. added by the corporation ; three yrs. old, 7st. ; four, 8st. 31b. ; five, Sst. 101b. ; six, and aged, 9st. ; the winner of the St. Leger to carry 31b. extra ; to start at the Eed House, and run once round to the ending post. The Two years old Stakes of 20 sovs. each, for colts, Sst. 51b., and fillies, Sst. 21b. T. Y. C. The Gascoigne Stakes of 100 sovs. each, 30 ft. for three yrs. old colts, Sst. 61b., and fillies, Sst. 31b. ; the winner of the St. Leger to carry 71b. extra ; one mile. Friday. — The Scarborough Stakes, of 30 sovs. each, 10 ft. for three yrs. old colts, Sst. 61b., and fillies, Sst. 31b. ; the winner of the St. Leger to carry 71b. extra ; one mile. The Filly Stakes, of 20 sovs. each, for three yrs. old. Sst. 41b. each. St. Leger course. The Hornby Castle Stakes, of 20 sovs. each ; 50 added by the corporation ; for three yrs. old and upwards ; two miles. The Victoria Handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added for beaten horses, &c. The Town Plate of £100 for three yrs. old, BRITISH TURF. 349 7st. 5lb., and four, 8st. 71b., &c. ; two mile heats. J. Lock wood, Clerk of the Course. Holderness Hunt. — Several stakes got up by the gentlemen of this hunt, are run for, at the end of the hunting season, over Beverley race-course. They are, for the most part, hunters' stakes. Middleham. — On the river Ure ; 44 miles from York, and 234 fN.N.W.) from London, containing between 8 and 900 inhabitants. About half a mile from the town is Middleham moor, a noted place for training horses, and on which races are held annually, about the commencement of No- vember ; they are, however, of little interest. Northallerton, or AUerton (North). — Thirty-tw^o miles from York, and 224 (N.N.W.) from London, containing 2,626 inhabitants. At Cow^ton Moor, about three miles from the town, was fought, in 1138, the celebrated battle of the Standard. The races take place towards the middle of October, and continue two days. 1st. Day. — Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added, for two yrs. old colts and fillies. T. Y. C. The Town Plate of £50, for maiden horses ; heats, 2 miles. 2nd Day. — The gold cup, value lOOgs, by a sub- scription of 10 sovs. each, for all ages ; two miles. Silver Cup, value £50, by a subscription of 5 350 HISTORY OF THE sovs. each, for maiden horses, &c. ; heats, 2 miles. 3rd Day.— Plate of £50, for all ages ; 2 mile heats. These races, like many others, are most unne- cessarily protracted to three days, — the list of sport being barely sufficient for two. Richmond. — This town is beautifully situated on the banks of the river Swale, 44 miles from York, and 234 (N.N.W.) from London, containing 2,546 inhabitants. Richmond gives the title of Duke to the noble family of Lennox. The races take place in the beginning of September, and continue two days ; they are held on Whitcliffe pasture, which is a common meadow belonging to the town, and which affords an excellent course. The principal stakes are. The Borough Member's Plate, of £70. The Dundas Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added by the Earl of Zetland. The Gold Cup, by subscription of 10 gs. each, for horses of all ages. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts and fillies. Ripon. — Rivers Ure and Skill, 23 miles from York, and 212 (N.N.W.) from London, containing 4,563 inhabitants. The races take place towards the end of August, and continue two days. The course has been much improved lately, and is now in excellent order. The following is a list of the principal stakes : BRITISH TURF. 851 1st Day. — Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, for three yrs. old, 8st. 51b. ; f. and g. allowed 31b. ; one mile and a half. The Two' yrs. old Stakes, of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. for colts, 8st. 51b. ; fillies and geldings, 8st. 21b. ; half a mile. A Silver Cup, value 20 sovs. by subscriptions of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added by the Race Com- mittee, for horses that never won 100 sovs. at any one time before starting; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. Fifty pounds given by the Right Hon. Sir Ed- ward Sugden, and Thomas Pemberton, Esq. mem- bers for the city of Ripon, for horses that never won that value ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two mile heats. Entrance, 3 sovs. each, to go to the owner of the second horse. Second Day. — City Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., f. and g. allowed 31b. ; half a mile. The Selling Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added by the Race Committee ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; the winner to be sold for 150 sovs. if demand- ed in the usual way ; one mile and a half. The St. Winifred's Gold Cup, value 100 sovs. by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added by the Race Committee ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. Fifty pounds given by the members of the cor- poration of Ripon and the inhabitants ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; a winner once before starting in the 352 HISTORY OF THE same year to carry 31b., twice, 51b. extra ; and horses having run three times in the same year, be- fore starting, and not having won, allowed 31b. ; two mile heats. Entrance, 3 sovs. each, to go to the owner of the second horse. Mr. Plews, Clerk of the Course. York. — A city and county of itself, 198 miles fN.N.W.) from London. This city is pleasantly situated on the banks of the Ouse, and is about three miles in circumference, containing 20,787 in- habitants. There are six bridges ; the principal of which, over the Ouse, was begun in 1810, and completed in 1820, at an expense of £80,000. This ancient and wealthy city contains one of the finest cathedrals in England, in which the York musical festivals (instituted in 1823,) are held. The theatre is open during the races ; in addition to which place of amusement, are various subscription and concert rooms, public baths, &c. &c. and various pubhc institutions dedicated to art and science. Races were instituted at this city, in the reign of Queen Anne, in 1709, eighteen years previous to the appearance of John Cheny's Racing Calender, in which the races are recorded from that period. These races were first held on Clifton and Rawclifl^e Ings, about one mile and a half (N.W.) of the city. In 1 71 1 , Her Majesty, Queen Anne, gave a gold cup value 100 gs. to be run for; which she continued BRITISH TURF. 353 to give annually until her demise in 1714. George I. gave a cup of the same value until 1720, since which period the Royal Plates have been paid in specie. At York Au^gust races, 1730, in consequence of heavy rains, the river Ouse was so much swelled as to overflow a great part of the race course ; which made it necessary to postpone the racing for that day's Royal Plate, until the Saturday following, after which it was agreed that for the future the races should be run for over Knavesmire. Knavesmire is situated rather more than a mile south of York, on the road to Tadcaster, on a large plain, which is a dead flat, and in many parts moist ; but great pains have been taken by building arches, &c. in draining it, and it is now one of the finest race courses in the kingdom. The first race ran over Knavesmire, was for the King's guineas ia 1731, and although the course laid down by Mr. Telford, (an alderman of the city of York,) gave much satisfaction on that occasion, it was afterwards found that a round course would be preferable ; the turn in running round, what is called the basin, being found exceedingly awk- ward, and even dangerous. In 1753 a subscription was opened by the nobili- ty and gentry of York, under the patronage of the Marquis of Rockingham, for erecting a grand stand. A considerable sum having been subscribed, a lease for 99 years was granted by the corporation VOL. I. A A 354 HISTORY OF THE of the city of York, and a suitable building was designed and erected by Mr. Carr the architect, and which was completed in 1754. On the ground floor of the stand are convenient offices, and rooms for general accommodation ; on the second floor is a large handsome room, with a projecting ba- lustrade, the front of which is upwards of 90 feet in length, supported by a rustic arcade, 15 feet high, from which the company enjoy a fine view of the races, and the surrounding scenery. The triers- stand or round house, is situated at some distance from the grand stand, and nearly opposite the win- ning post, and on the left of this building is placed the judge's chair. The four mile course is three miles seven fur- longs twenty-four yards, or 196 yards short of four miles. The following is a list of the meetings, and the principal stakes and plates run for at each. YORK SPRING MEETING. (held about the end of APRIL.) First day. — The Craven Stakes of lOsovs. each, m. and g. allowed 31b. ; one mile and a quarter. To close on the last dav of Catterick races, and name on the dav of entrance. The York Derby Stakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft., with 50 added ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st 71b., and fillies 8st. 21b. ; one mile and a half. BRITISH TURF. 355 Produce Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 31b., and fillies, 8st. ; those got by untried stallions, or out of mares whose produce never won, allowed 31b. T. Y. C. The two yrs. old stakes of 30 sovs. each, h. ft. for colts 8st. 51b., and fillies 8st. 21b. T. Y. C. Second day. — The Shorts, of 50 sovs. each,h. ft. for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies 8st. 21b. ; one mile. The York Oaks Stakes, of 50 sovs. each, h. ft., with 50 added, for three yrs. old fillies, 8st. 41b. ; one mile and a half. The Raby Castle Stakes, (handicap) of 25 sovs. each; 15 ft. and only 5 if declared on or before the last day of Catterick races ; two miles. Sweepstakes of ten sovs. each, for two jts. old, 6st. 31b., and three, 8st. 31b. T. Y. C. THE AUGUST MEETING. (ABOUT THE END OF THE MONTH.) First day. — The Hornley Stakes of 100 sovs. each, h. ft., for tw^o yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. 2ib. T. Y. C. Sw^eepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft., for three yrs. old colts, and fillies ; one mile and a half. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs., &c. Second, day. — The Wilton Stakes of 30 sovs. each, h. ft., for two yrs. old colts, and fillies. T. Y. C. A A 2 356 HISTORY OF THE Produce Sweepstakes of 100 so vs. each, h. ft. for three years old ; two miles. The Filly Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; 10 ft., for three yrs. old fillies, &c. ; a mile and a half. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs., &c. Third day.— Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts, andfilUes. T. Y. C. Handicap Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added. T. Y. C. The City Members' Plate of £50. THE OCTOBER MEETING. (in the beginning of the month.) First day. — Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added, for two yrs. old. T. Y. C. The Ladies' Plate. Second day. — The All-aged Stakes of 5 sovs., with 20 added by the inhabitants of the city of York ; one mile and a quarter. Handicap Stakes of 7 sovs. each ; 3 ft., with 20 added. In addition to the above, the Yorkshire Union Hunt Club meeting is held here in October, when several stakes and plates subscribed by the club, are raced for by the members. WALES. BRECKNOCKSHIRE. Brecknock. — This town is beautifully situated at the conriuence of the rivers Houddu and Tarrell with BRITISH TURF. 357 the Usk; 171 miles (W. by N.) from London, containing 5026 inhabitants. The races are held about the end of September, and continue two days. On the course, which is near the town, a com- modious stand has been erected. The principal stakes are : — The Brecknockshire Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 added ; two miles. The Usk Stakes of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft., with 20 added ; for horses not thoroudi-bred ; heats, a mile and three quarters. The Ladies' Plate, value £50, for all ages ; two mile heats. A Hurdle race. The Members' Plate of £50. The County Stakes of 2 sovs. each, with a cup added by the stewards, for horses bred in the county of Brecknockshire ; one mile heats. The Welter Stakes of 5 sovs. each ; 3 ft., wdth 10 added ; one mile heats. CARDIGANSHIRE. Aberystwyth.— A sea port, &c. ; 38 miles from Cardigan, and 208 (W.N.W.) from London, con- taining 4128 inhabitants. Being much frequented for the benefit of sea bathing, this town offers to its visiters every amusement, luxury and accom- modation, usually found at watering places. 358 HISTORY OF THE The races here take place abont the middle of August, and continue two days, being gene- rally well and fashionably attended. They are held in a meadow near Gogerddan, about three miles from the town, wdiich affords an excellent course. The Johnny Raw Stakes of 50 sovs. each ; 3 ft. with 20 added, for horses that have never started before ; once round, and a distance. The Cardiganshire Stakes of 20 sovs. each, 10 ft., and only 5 if declared to Messrs Weatherby, or Mr. Rathill, Aberystwyth, on or before the 1st of July ; two miles. Horses to be handicapped and Tveights declared by Messrs Weatherby, on or before the 1st of June. The Members' Plate of £50. The Ladies' Plate. The Hunters' Stakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft.; for horses that have been regularly hunted in the counties of Hereford, Monmouth, Salop, and the principality of Wales ; four miles ; 12st. each; 20 sovs. added from the fund, if three horses, the property of different persons, start ; gentlemen riders. Nominations to close on the Tuesday preceding the races. DENBIGHSHIRE. Wrexham. — 24 miles from Denbigh; 16 from Ruthin, and 187 (N.W.) from London. The races BRITISH TURF. 359 here take place in the beginning of October, and continue two days. The principal stakes, &c. are as follows : — The Bj^n-y-Pys Stakes of 25 sovs. each, for three yrs. old ; once round and a distance. A Gold Cup, value 100 sovs., by subscriptions of 10 sovs. each; the remainder to be paid to the winner; the winner of the value of £100 in the same year, before the day of starting to carry 31b. extra ; twice, 51b. extra ; thrice round ; m. and g. allowed 21b. The winner of the gold cup to sub- scribe next year. The PrincipaUty Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. ; f. and g. allowed 21b. ; T. Y. C, rather more than half-a-mile ; a winner of any stakes or plate of the value of 100 sovs. in that year, previous to the day of starting, to carry 31b. extra. The Wynnstay Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft., and 5 onlv if declared to the Clerk of the Course, or Mr. Weatherbv, on or before the 1st dav of August ; twice round and a distance, starting at the distance chair; the second horse to receive £15 out of the stakes. Three horses to remain in, or no race. Any person taking a nomination for this stakes, and remaining in, will have to pay the 10 sovs. should he not start, and if he start, the 25 sovs. A Handicap Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 20 added by the fund, 5 ft. if declared by nine o'clock the morning of running. To be handicapped by 360 HISTORY OF THE the stewards, or by any gentleman they may ap- point. A Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, for horses, &c., not thorough-bred, to be bona fide the property of subscribers ; m. and g. allowed 3lb. ; a winner of any stakes, plate, cup, or match, in the same year, to carry 31b. extra, of two or more, 51b. extra ; two-mile heats. The winner of the gold cup, the Wynnstay stakes, or handicap, to pay one sov, to the judge ; and the subscribers to the cup, and each of the stakes, to pay 5^. entrance to the Clerk of the Course. J. V. Mitchell, Clerk of the Course. KOLYWELL HUNT. —COUNTY OF FLINT. Holywell. — Five miles from Flint, and 207 (N. W.), from London, containing 8,969 inhabitants. Holywell Hunt races take place about the middle of October, and continue two days, for the follow- ing list of stakes, &c. First Day. — The Mostyn Stakes of 10 sovs. each ; the Mostyn mile. The Champagne Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 20 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. 31b. ; the last half mile. Any horse having started once without winning allowed 21b., twice or more, 31b. BRITISH TURF. 361 The Pengwern Stakes of 30 sovs. each, 10 ft. ; one mile and three quarters. The St. Winifred Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; for three yrs. old fillies, to carry 8s t. 31b. each ; one mile and a quarter. A Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft.j for three years old colts, 8st. 51b.; fillies, Sst. 31b.; two m.iles ; those by untried stallions, or out of mares whose produce never won, allowed 31b. A Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for three yrs. old colts, Sst. 71b., and fillies, Sst. 51b. ; one mile and a half. The Mostyn Handicap Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, 10 ft. and 5 only if declared to the secretary on or before the Saturday previous to the Meeting ; added to 100 sovs. given by the Hon. E. M. L. Mostyn ; two miles. The Hokee Pokee Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added by the club, for horses of all ages ; T. Y. C. ; the winner to be sold for 70 sovs. ; the last horse to pay 5 sovs. over and above his stake to the second. To close and name before eight o'clock 5 the night before running. The 20 sovs. from the club ^wdll not be given if walked over for. A Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft. ; for two yrs. old, 7st., and three 9st. ; f. allowed 2lb. -^ T. Y. C. 36*2 HISTORY OF THE GLAMORGANSHIRE. The Glamorganshire races ard held at Cardiff, a town on the river Taaf, 160 miles from London. These races take place about the middle of July, and continue two days, when the following stakes are run for. The Glamorganshire Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., and 5 only if declared, &c. ; with 30 added ; two miles. The Coronation Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 30 added ; heats, two miles and a distance. The Cardiff Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 20 added by the Mayor of Cardiff; heats, two miles and a distance. The Welter Handicap of 5 sovs. each ; with 25 added ; heats, two miles and a distance. Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, with 30 added ; heats, two miles and a distance. A Forced Handicap of 3 sovs. each, with 20 added ; heats, two miles and a distance. Swansea. — Forty-four miles from Cardiff, 68 from Milford, and 209 (W.) from London. The races, commonly called Swansea and Neath races, take place about the end of August, and continue during two days, when the following stakes, &c., are run for on the Cremlyn Burrows, a large tract of waste land on the Neath road. viz. : — The Glamorganshire Stakes of 20 sovs. each, BRITISH TURF. 36*3 h. ft., and 5 only if declared, &c. ; once round, two miles. A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added, for all ages ; two-mile heats. A Welter Stakes, gentlemen riders. A Free Handicap of 3 sovs. each, with 25 added ; three-mile heats. The Scurry Stakes of 3 sovs. each, w^ith 15 added. The Members' Cup, value 50 gs. The Swansea Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 given by the tradespeople of Swansea. A Handicap Stakes of 3 sovs. each, with 15 added ; for beaten horses. MONTGOMERYSHIRE. Welshpooh — Seven-and-a-half miles from Mont- gomery, and 175 (N. W. by. W.) from London, Two days' racing towards the middle of October, principal stakes, &c., run for, are as follows : — The Borough Plate, value 25 sovs., added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each. The Tradesmen's Purse of 20 sovs. added to a Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each ; for half-bred horses, bred in the county ; heats, about one mile and a half. The Tally-ho of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added ; heats, twice round. The Innkeepers' Purse of 25 sovs. added to a Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for all ages. 364 HISTORY OF THE A Handicap Stakes for beaten horses. PEMBROKESHIRE. Haverfordwest. —A sea-port, 10|^ miles from Pembroke, and 250 (W. by N.) from London, con- taining 4,328 inhabitants. Two days' racing in the beginning of August, on Poorfield or Portfield, a large common near the town. The following are the principal stakes, &c. The Pembrokeshire Stakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft., only 5 if declared, &c. A Handicap Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, 2 ft., with 20 added, for half-bred horses. The Town Plate of 50 sovs. added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, 3 ft. ; two-mile heats. A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added ; to start at the top of the hill, go once round and in ; about two miles and a half. RADNORSHIRE. Knighton. — Nine and three-quarter miles from New Radnor, and 158 (W. N. W.) from London, Two days' racing about the middle of June. — The following are the principal stakes, &c. : — The Radnorshire Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added by the county member ; heats, once round and a distance. The Borough Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 BRITISH TURF. S65 added by the borough member ; once round and the long length. A Handicap Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, 2 ft. ; with 20 added ; heats. The Town Subscription Purse of 15 sovs. added to a Sweepstakes of 3 sovs. each, for horses that never won more than £20, &c. Upon the whole, racing may be said to be in a flourishing condition in the principality of Wales ; whether considered with regard to the number and value of the stakes run for, the quality and blood of the horses that run for them, or the respecta- bility and number of the spectators. SCOTLAND. THE CALEDONIAN HUNT AND WESTERN MEETING. These races are held alternately at Ayr or Air, the principal town in Ayrshire, 76 miles (W. S. W.) from Edinburgh, Dumfries and Mussel- burgh. The principal stakes are as follows : — Produce Sweepstakes of 50 sovs. each, 20 ft. ; for three yrs. old ; two miles. The Ayr Gold Cup of 100 gs. value, the surplus in specie by subscription of 10 gs. each, for all ages ; the winner to pay 10 sovs. to the Judge ; two miles. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added, 366 HISTORY OF THE for hunters ; I3st. each ; owners to ride ; one mile and a half. The Caledonian St. Leger of 25 sovs. each, with 100 added by the hunt, for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 21b., and fillies, 8st.; one mile and a half. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs., with 20 added by the Western Meeting, for horses not thorough-bred ; one mile and a half. A Plate of 50 sovs. given by the Western Meet- ing, for all ages ; two-mile heats. The Caledonian Cup, value 100 gs., for Scotch bred horses ; three miles. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 gs. added by the Western Meeting, for regular hunters, 12st. 71b. each , gentlemen riders ; heats, once round and a distance. A Plate of £50 given by the Western Meeting, for all ages ; heats, a mile and a half. A Maiden Plate of £50 given by the Caledonian Hunt, for all ages ; heats, a mile and a half. The Caledonian Coplow of 20 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; for horses not thorough-bred ; one mile and a half. The Whip given by the Duke of Buccleugh, with 50 sovs. added to a subbcription of 15 each ; two miles. The Eglintoun Gold Cup, by subscriptions of 20 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; two miles. BRITISH TURF. 367 Fifty Pounds given by the Caledonian Hunt, for all ages ; two mile-heats. Two yrs. old Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; 10 ft. ; with 50 added by the Western Meeting ; colts, 8st. 31b. ; fillies, 8st. ; three quarters of a mile. Fifty Pounds given by the Caledonian Hunt, for all ages ; the winner to be sold for 200 gs. ; one- mile heats. Harrier Stakes of 50 sovs. each, for horses not thorough-bred ; 13st. heats ; once round and a distance. Dumfries. — Seventy-one miles from Edinburgh, 79 from Glasgow, and 341 from London. Fifty Pounds given by the Southern Meeting, for horses of all ages ; heats one mile and a half. Gold Cup, value 100 sovs., by subscribers of 10 sovs. each, the surplus in specie i two miles. Fifty Pounds given by his Grace the Duke of Buccleugh, for all ages ; tw^o miles. Fifty Pounds given by the Southern Meeting, for horses of all ages. Edinburgh. — The capital of Scotland ; 57 miles from Berwick-upon-Tweed, 100 from Carlisle, 71 from Dumfries, 76 from Ayr, and 392 from London. In the Gazetteer of Scotland, by Robert Chambers, we find the following, in reference to these races : ** For a long period, Leith was famed for its horse races. They were held during the recess of the tide, upon a flat expanse of sand, in front of the 368 HISTORY OF THE town ; and although a course of this nature was much inferior to that on the regular turf, yet these races were persevered in with a spirit and satis- faction rarely witnessed in other places. Leith races were as ancient as the period of the Resto- ration, when out-of-door amusements came much into fashion ; and for fifty years after tliat event, this pastime seems to have divided the attention of the boisterous young men of the country with cock-fighting, and still more brutal amusements. From the Restoration till the year 1816, these races appear to have been continued annually, with very little intermission. ** They generally occurred in the last week of July, or the first week in August, and lasted for four or five days. The race-week was then reckoned the carnival of the metropolis, which was crowded with persons of fashion from all parts of the country, who came to enjoy the sports of the race- ground, as well as the balls and assemblies which took place in Edinburgh in the evenings. During the whole week, but principally on Saturday, the sands were the scene of the most boisterous revels, and of not a few skirmishes and battles betwixt the town-guard and the lower classes from the city. The outer edge of the shore was lined with booths, or taverns, and places of theatrical amusements, and the pier served on the occasion as a most excellent stand for the spectators. Latterly it was felt by those BRITISH TURF. 369 concerned in supporting the Edinburgh races held here, that the soft wet sands were too heav\^ for the generaUty of mettled racers, and in conse- quence, they were removed to the Links of Mussel- burgh in 1816, much to the satisfaction of the town. Musselburgh is an ancient town, 5 miles from Edinburgh, and on Musselburgh Links, which is an extensive plain ; in addition to the Edinburgh autumn meeting, the races of the Caledonian Hunt are run every third year. An excellent stand has been erected at the western extremity of the course. The following stakes are run for : — Fifty pounds given by the Duke of Buccleugh two miles. The Omniparity subscription plate, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each, with 30 sovs. added by the winner in the previous year, for horses, the property of farmers in Scotland, or non-com- missioned officers or privates of any Yeomanry corps, also in Scotland, which existed previous to the 31st. of March last ; — heats once round, and a distance. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. two miles. The gold cup (in specie) by subscription of 10 sovs. each, two miles. Fifty pounds given by the Duke of Buccleugh, for horses the property of farmers residing within the limits of his Grace's hunt. Heats once round and a distance. VOL. I. B B 370 HISTORY OF THE The Liberal Plate for horses of all denomination, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each ; heats once round. EGLINTOUN PARK — AYRSHIRE. The Trial stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added by the club for hunters five yrs. old, 11 st. 111b. ; six, 12st. 31b. ; and aged 12st 61b. ; half a mile. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, for three yrs. old, colts 8st. 31b. ; and filHes 8st. one mile and a half. ^ The Irvine cup by subscription of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added by the Earl of Eglintoun for four yrs. old, list. 31b.; five. list. 121b.; six, 12st. 41b. and aged 12st. 71b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. once round, and a distance. The Welter stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. with 30 added by the club, 13st. each, one mile. The Hunters' Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50. added by Lord Kelbourn, five yrs. old 12st. six, 12st. 51b. ; and aged 12st. 81b. ; two miles. The Cragnullar stakes of 10 sovs. each, with £50 added by W. J. Gilmour Esq. three yrs. old, lOst. 51b.; four, list, 71b.; five 12st. 51b.; and aged 13st. one mile and a half. A handicap stakes of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft. and 5 only if declared &c.; with £50 by Lord Archi- bald Seymour, for hunters ; one mile and a half. The Pebble stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 50 ad- BRITISH TURF. 37 1 ded by Sir F. Johnstone, for horses not thorough bred; four yrs.old, 1161b. ; five st. 12st. 21b. ; six, 12st 71b. ; and aged 12st. 101b. ; once round. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 31b. ; and fillies 8st. half a mile. The Atlanta challenge w^hip, added to a handi- cap of 5 sovs. each, for horses the property of ladies, or that have been constantly in the habit of carrying ladies ; quarter of a mile. The Luidon stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 35 added by Mr. Grant Macdowall, for hunters; 13st. 71b. ; one mile. First class of a handicap sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 55 added by the visitors at the meet- ing ; one mile and a half. The Amdilly stakes, a handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added by Mr. Grant Macdowall, for horses that ran in the Trial stakes ; half a mile. The Eglintoun stakes, a free handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 50 added by the Earl of Eglintoun ; one mile and a half. Second class of the handicap sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 45 added by the visitors of the meeting, and 10 by J. Maxwell, Esq., the younger, of Pollock ; one mile. A forced handicap of 7 sovs. each, with 20 added by the club, for the winners of each race ; one mile and a half. A free handicap of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added by the club, for the beaten horses ; one mile. B B 2 372 HISTORY OF THE Kelso.— On the river Tweed, 42 miles (S. E.) from Edinburgh, and 60 from CarUsle. The Kelso Gold Cup, or piece of plate value 150 gs. 100 gs. given by David Robertson Esq. the rest by subscription of 10 sovs. each, the surplus in specie ; for three yrs. old 7st 41b. ; four, 8st. 91b. ; five, 9st. six, and aged 9st. 31b. ; m. and g. al- lowed 31b. the winner to be sold for £600 if de- manded &c. two mile heats. The Omniparity plate, added to a sweepstake of 3 sovs. each, for horses, the property of a far- mer, or member of any yeomanry corps, and to have been their property for six weeks previous to the day of nomination : the winner to be sold for 120 sovs. if demanded, &c. Ridden by farmers or members of any yeomanry corps or their sons ; heats a mile and a half. The Duke ofBuccleugh's Plate of £50 for horses the property of farmers residing within the limits of his hunt. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, for horses that have been regularly hunted during the preceding season ; 12st. each ; gentlemen riders ; two mile heats. The Oats' Stakes 5 bolls of oats each ; for horses of all ages, which have never started except for matches ; hunters' stakes, cocktail stakes, oats' stakes or farmers' plates ; gentlemen riders ; heats, a mile and a half. Duke of Roxburgh's Plate, or Cup, value 50gs., for horses of all ages ; the winner to be sold for BRITISH TURF. 373 500 sovs. if demanded, &c. ; heats, a mile and a half. The Caledonian Hunters' Cup in specie, or piece of plate ; by subscription of 5 sovs. each, with 15 added from the fund for horses that never won any other than a hunter's or farmer's stakes, and which have been regularly hunted this season with any estabhshed pack of hounds ; heats, one mile and a half. Lord John Scott's Plate or Cup, value 50 sovs. added to a handicap sweepstakes of 9 sovs. each, 2 ft., for horses of all ages; heats, a mile and a half. The Kelso Plate of £50, given by the inhabitants of the town, and Sir W. Scott, and Mr. Baillie, for horses of all ages ; the winner to be sold for £250> if demanded, &c. ; heats, a mile and a half. Perth. — Forty-three miles north from Edinburgh, and 61 from Glasgow. — Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each with 20 added, fbr hunters ; gentlemen riders ; once round, and a distance. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, with 20 added ; gentlemen riders ; heats, once round, and a dis- tance. The County Members' Plate of £50 ; twice round. Plate of £50 given by the Perth hunt, for horses of all ages ; heats, one mile and a half. Paisley.— The St. Leger Stakes with 25 sovs. ad- ded from the fund, for three yrs. old colts. 8st. 161b. 374 HISTORY OF THE fillies, 8st. 31b. ; g, allowed 31b. ; one mile and three quarters. The Members' Plate of 50 gs. given by Archibald Hastie, Esq. M.P. for the borough ; three yrs. old, 7st. 21b. ; four. 8st. 21b. ; five, 8st. 101b. ; six, and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two mile heats. The Glasgow Cup, (in specie) value 200 sovs. added to a handicap sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and 5 only if declared, &c. ; two miles ; the winner to pay 10 sovs. to the judge. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, with 30 from the fund ; two yrs. old colts ; 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. 21b. ; three quarters of a mile. The Paisley Cup, in specie, value 100 sovs. ad- ded to a sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each; three yrs. old 7st. 51b. ; four, 8st. 71b. ; five, 9st. 61b., and aged, 9st. 41b,. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; heats, starting at the north east corner, and going once round. The Silver Bells, given by the town council of Paisley, with 100 sovs. added by the noblemen and gentlemen of the county ; twice round, and a distance. The Glasgow Plate of £50 ; three yrs. old, four, 8st. 61b. ; five, 8st. 131b. ; six, and aged, 9st. 21b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; heats, once round, and a distance. Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each; h. ft., with 30 added from the fund ; for three yrs. old, 7st. 21b. ; BRITISH TURF. 375 four, 8st. 51b. ; five, 8st, 131b. ; six, and aged, 9st. 51b. ; m. allowed 21b. ; the winner to be sold for 150 if demanded, &c. ; two miles. The After shots, a handicap of 5 so vs. each ; 3 ft., with 20 added ; once round, and a distance. Glasgow. — On the river Clyde, the largest and most populous city in Scotland, 34 miles north from Ayr, 44 west from Edinburgh, and 406 from London. The Glasgow subscription cup, (in specie) value 50 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 5 so vs. each ; heats, once round, and a distance. A plate of £50 added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each ; heats, twice round. A purse of 20 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 30 sovs. each ; twice round. The Pollock Plate of 50 sovs. ; heats, twice round. Purse of 20 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each ; the second horse to receive 5 sovs. out of the stakes ; heats, twice round. Stirhng.— On the river Forth, 28 miles (N.E.) of Glasgow, 35 (N.W.) of Edinburgh. The Forth stakes of 20 sovs. each, with 20 ad- ded ; for two and three yrs. old. T. Y. C. Members' Plate of £50, the gift of the Hon. G. R. Abercromby ; heats, once round, and a distance. The Glasgow Cup, value 50 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each ; heats, one mile and a half. 376* HISTORY OF THE . The Burgh Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 added by Lord Dalmeny, M.P. ; two mile heats. The StirUng Plate, of £50 ; heats, one mile and a half. The Callandar Stakes of 3 sovs. each ; h. ft.; with 50 added by Wm. Forbes Esq.; heats, once round. The Tradesmen's Cup, added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each ; heats, once round. Farmers' Plate of 30 sovs., given by W. K. Ramsey Esq., added to a sweepstakes of 2 sovs. each ; heats, once round. IRELAND. Bellewstown. — A small village in the county of Meath. The Drogheda Tradesmen's Plate of 100 sovs. added to a sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; the second horse saves his stake ; one mile and a half heats. The Stewards' Plate of 40 sovs, added to a sweep- stakes of 5 sovs. each ; one mile and a half heats. Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs. for Irish bred horses ; three yrs. old, 6st. 41b. ; four, 8st. ; five, 8st. 91b. ; six, 8st. 131b. ; and aged, 9st. ; three mile heats. THE CURRAGH OF KILDARE. $ The Curragh is a fine undulating down, six miles BRITISH TURF. 377 long, and two broad. It lies in a direction from north-east to south, having the town of Kildare near its western extremity, and being crossed by the great road from DubHn to Limerick, and is, in fact, an extensive sheepwalk of about 6,000 acres, form- ing a more beautiful lawn than the hand of art ever made. Nothing can exceed the extreme soft- ness and elasticity of the turf, which is of a ver- dure that charms the eye, and is still further set off by the gentle inequality of the surface. The soil is a fine dry loam, on a substratum of lime- stone. Numerous large flocks are turned on it by the occupiers of the adjacent farms, who, alone, have the right of pasture, which greatly enhances the value of these farms. This plain has long been celebrated as the principal race-course in Ireland, and is equal, and by many even deemed superior, to that of Newmarket, in all the requisites for racing. CURRAGH APRU. MEETING. A Free Handicap of 15 sovs. each, 10 ft., with 25 sovs. added ; for two yrs. old ; Rathbride post. The Rossmore Free Handicap of 20 sovs. each, with 100 added by Lord Rossmore, and 100 sovs. by the club ; start at the Mulgrave post, turn at the red post, and run home ; about two miles and a quarter. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. for mares three 378 HISTORY OF THE yrs. old, 7st. 71b. ; four, 8st. 71b. ; five. 9st. lib. ; six and aged, 9st. 41b. ; four miles. The Madrid Stakes of 25 sovs. each, ; 5 ft. if declared, &c. ; for two yrs. old ; Rathbride post ; (same distance as two yrs. old course,) the second horse saves his stake. The Wellington Stakes of 30 sovs. each ; h. ft., and only 5 if declared, &c. ; T. Y. C. ; the second horse saves his stake. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft., with 25 sovs. added ; for hunters ; (racers admitted) ; the second horse saves his stake ; Conolly's mile. Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs. ; three yrs. old, 8st. 41b. ; five, 9st. 101b. ; six and aged, lOst. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; four miles. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft. with 25 sovs. added, for two yrs. old ; the second horse saves his stake ; Mulgrave mile. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs., for three yrs. old, colts, 8st.; fillies and geldings, 7st. 111b.; three miles. Second class of the Madrid Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., only 5 if declared, &c., for two yrs. old ; the second horse saves his stake ; Rathbride Post. The Doric Stakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 50 sovs. added, for hunters ; (race-horses admitted) ; the second horse saves his stake ; the Peel course. CURRAGH JUNE MEETING. Renewal of the Kirwan Stakes of 50 sovs. each. BRITISH TURF. 379 h. ft., and 5 only if declared &c., for horses the property of members of the Turf Club or Coffee Room, or named by consent of the stewards ; post on the flat ; the second horse saves his stake. Her Majesty's Plate of lOOgs., for three yrs. old, 9st. 21b.; four, list.; five, list. 121b.; six and aged, 12st. ; m. and g. allowed 51b. ; four miles. The Halverston Stakes (second class) of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies, 8st. 21b.; Anglesea post; the winners of this race not to be considered as carrying ad- ditional weight for any other race. The O'Darby Stakes (renewed) of 25 sovs. each, for three yrs. old ; colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies, 8st. ; one mile and a half. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, 5 ft., with 25 sovs. added ; for hunters ; (racers admitted) ; one mile and a quarter on the Peel course. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs., for three yrs. old, 6st. 71b. ; four, 8st, 31b. ; five, 8st. 121b. ; six, and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; three miles. CURRAGH, MULGRAVE MEETING. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. ; h. ft., with 25 added; the second horse saves his stake ; Mulgrave mile. First Class of the Normanby Lodge Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; 10 ft. ; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 41b., 380 HISTORY OF THE and fillies, 8st. ; 31b. allowed to untried stallions or mares, 51b. to both ; half a mile on the Mulgrave Course ; started at the present starting post ; 25 sovs. added. A Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft., wdth 25 sovs. added ; for two yrs. old ; the second horse saves his stake ; Ditch in. The Mulgrave Cup, presented by his Excellency the Marquis of Normanby, added to a sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; red post ; three yrs. old, 6st. 121b. ; four, 8st. 101b. ; six, and aged, 9st. ; 31b. allowed to mares ; any horse having ever won to carry 31b. ; twice, 51b. ; three times, 101b. extra ; (handicaps excepted,) 51b. allowed to any horse not in Ireland one month before running ; the second horse to save his stake ; the winner to be sold for 500 soy's. A Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft., with 30 added ; one mile and a quarter on the Peel course ; the second horse saves his stake. The Constantine Stakes of 20 sovs. each, wdth 30 sovs. added ; the second horse saves his stake ; Mulgrave mile. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. for three yrs. old; 6st. 31b. ; four, 8st. ; five, 8st. 121b. ; six, and aged, 9st. ; m. and g. allowed 51b ; four miles. Renewal of the Normanby Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with 25 sovs. added ; heats, half a mile on the Mulgrave course. The Corinthian Stakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft., BRITISH TURF. 331 with 30 sovs. added ; the second horse saves his stake ; heats one mile and a quarter on the Peel course ; gentlemen riders. CURRAGH SEPTEMBER MEETING. The Anglesea Stakes of 10 sovs. each; for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 41b., and fillies. 8st. ; Anglesea post ; 50 sovs. added by the club ; the second horse to save his stake ; the winner to give three dozen of champagne to the club. A Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft., with 25 sovs. added ; Anglesea post. The Wellington Stakes of 30 sovs. each ; h. ft., and only 5 if declared, &c. Three Y. C. ; the second horse to save his stake. The Mul grave Stakes of 25 sovs. each ; 15 ft. for two yrs. old colts, 8st. 41b., and fillies 8st. with allowance ; Anglesea post. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. ; for three yrs. old, 9st. 91b.; four, list.; five, list. 101b.; six, and aged, 12st. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; four miles. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. ; for three yrs. old colts, 8st. 51b., and fillies 8st. 21b. ; two miles. The Steward stakes of 25 sovs. each; 15 ft., with 25 sovs. added ; for two yrs. old ; Anglesea post. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. ; for mares three yrs. old, 8st. ; four, 9st. 41b. ; five, 9st. 121b. ; six, and aged, lOst. ; four miles. 382 HISTORY OF THE Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft., with 25 sovs. added ; the second horse saves his stake ; Anglesea post. His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant's Plate of 100 gs. ; three yrs. old, 6st. ; four, 7st. 111b.; five, 8st. 81b. ; six, Sst. 131b., and aged, 9st. ; four miles. Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, 10 ft., with 50 sovs. added, for two yrs. old filUes ; Anglesea post. CURRAGH OCTOBER MEETING. The Sligo Stakes of 50 sovs. each ; h. ft., for two yrs. old. T. Y. C. (6 subscribers.) Sweepstakes of 20 sovs. each, h. ft.; for two yrs. old colts, Sst. 41b. and fillies, Sst. ; Conolly's mile. Kirwan Stakes of 50 sovs. each ; h. ft. ; red post ; second horse saves his stake. Sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each ; 10 ft. with 50 added ; for two yrs. old ; Conolly's mile. The renewal of the Rossmore handicap of 20 sovs. each ; 5 ft.; with 100 added by the club. 90 sovs. bonus, and 50 sovs. by Lord Rossmore. Challenge of the Kirwan Stakes, of 50 sovs. each, and the 5 sovs. ft. Red post. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft., with 25 sovs. added ; Conolly's mile. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs. ; two yrs. old ; a BRITISH TURF. 383 feather ; three, 7st. 91b. ; four, 8st. 101b. ; five, 9st. 31b. ; six, and aged, Qst., 41b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; two miles. Sweepstakes 25 sovs. each; 15 ft. with 25 added ; for two yrs. old. Anglesea post. The Royal whip, presented by his late Majesty to the Turf club ; with 100 gs. added annually by her Majesty; three yrs. old, 10 st. four, list. 41b.; five, list. 121b.; six, and aged, 12st. m. and g. allowed 31b. ; four miles. Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each ; 5 ft., with 25 sovs. added, for two yrs. old ; second horse to save his stake. Anglesea post. Paget Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 sovs. added ; for two yrs. old ; the winner to give three dozen of champagne ; Anglesea post. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each, h. ft., with 20 added ; for two yrs. old ; second horse saves his stake ; Conolly's mile. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each ; h. ft., with 30 ad- ded ; second horse to save his stake ; Peel course. DOWN ROYAL CORPORATION. (downpatrick course.) James II. granted a patent of incorporation to a society called the Royal Horse-breeders of the county of Down, by whom these races were estabhshed. They are held at Downpatrick, the capital of the county, about one mile south of which town is an excellent course. 384 HISTORY OF THE A Sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each ; 10 ft., with 40 added ; race horses admitted. Second horse saves his stake, and receives £10 out of the other stakes ; two mile heats. Sweepstakes of 15 sovs. each; 10 ft. ; one mile heats. Queen's Plate of £100, (late Irish currency,) four yrs. old, 7st. 1 lib. ; five, 8st. 71b. ; six, 8st. ; and aged, 8st. 131b. ; m. and g. allowed 31b. ; four mile heats. The Castlereagh Cup, a Hunters' Sweepstakes of 10 sovs. each; h. ft., and the Challengeable Cup, given by Viscount Castlereagh ; one mile and a half heats. BRITISH TURF. 385 CHAPTER VTIL Earliest Racing Calendar — Tregonwell Frampton, Es£[., Father of the British Turf — Amusing Anecdote of— Origin of the different meet- ings at Newmarket — Royal Plates, &c. — Extract from a curious work on racing published in the reign of Charles 11. The earliest historical records on which de- pendance can be placed of the performances of the English race horse, and published in an au- thentic form, was a work by John Cheney, en- titled an " Historical list of all the Horse Matches run, and all plates and prizes run for in England and Wales (of the value of Ten Pounds or up- wards,) in 1727, &c. &c. ; and to which is added a List of all Cock Matches of the same Year." This book was published by subscription, the con- dition being for half-a-crown to be paid at subscrib- ing, and five shillings annually for 7 years, (the term of the first subscription ;) and we find the number of subscribers amounted to six hundred and sixty, among whom were at least one hundred and nineteen people of rank, including fifteen VOL. 1. c c 386 HISTORY OF THE dukes ; a proof of the progress the taste for racing had already made in England. From this book it would appear that the cities and towns in England where races were then held, amounted to one hundred and twelve, and in Wales to five ; while at the present day they amount to one hundred and forty-three, including Scotland and Ireland ; it being always remembered that at many of these places races are held twice annually, and in some cases even oftener. The most correct set of racing records of the early history of the British Turf are in the pos- session of Messrs. Weatherbv, of Oxendon Street, the proprietors of the Racing Calendar, the nephews of James Weatherby, many years keeper of the match book at Newmarket. This is a work which succeeded Cheny's, and which boasts of 1371 subscribers, including 174 persons of rank. This useful work is to be found in almost every country in Europe. These gentlemen, the Weatherbys, who are generally esteemed for their urbanity and un- blemished character, have likewise in their library an old work published at York, in 1748, entitled an '' Historical List of all the Plates and Prizes run for on Clifton and RawclifFe Ings ; also since they have been removed to Knaresmire, near the city of York ; likewise how the mares came in every year at Black Hambleton, &c., &c." The earliest race mentioned in these works, is BRITISH TURF. 387 one for a gold cup of £50 run on Clifton and Raw- clifFe Ings, near the city of York, by horses 6 years old, in September, 1709. But as this work contains few details worthy of particular attention, w^e will content ourselves wdth merely noticing such of its contents as tend to throw a light on the most remarkable characteristics of racing in those days. Racing was distinguished, or more correctly speaking, brought into public notice, by Charles II, wdio besides the gifts of several annual plates, himself kept horses for the turf; and the sport continued to receive the patronage of his suc- cessors ; but with the exception of their adding in each successive reign to the number of royal plates, no exact particulars remain. So much, however, had this great national amuse- ment increased in favour with royalty towards the latter end of the reign of Queen Anne, that we find that sovereign not only still increasing the number of royal plates, but actually running them in her own name. For example, we find that at York in 1712, her majesty's grey gelding, Pepper, ran for the royal gold cup, value £1 00; and again, Mustard, described as a nutmeg grey horse, another of her Majesty's racing stud, ran for the same stake in 1713. The last mention made of any race-horse belonging to the Queen, we find is for a sweep- stakes, or as it was called in those days, stakes of 10 guineas, with a plate of £40 added, run for c c 2 388 HISTORY OF THE over the same course near York, on Friday the 30th July, 1714, the weight being 11 stone, and which was won by the Queen's bay horse, Star, in 4 heats: — for according to the rules of racing at this time, the horse which had won the first and second heats, was obliged to start for a third, and to save his distance in order to entitle him to the prizes."^ On the Monday following, during the race for a gold cup, value £60, with a sweepstakes of 16 guineas, an express arrived with advice of the death of her Majesty, Queen Anne ; when it is related that most of the nobility and gentry left the course, and attended the Lord Mayor of York and Archbishop Dawes, who proclaimed his Ma- jesty, King George I. The fact of the non-existence of any authentic information as to the running of race-horses previous to the commencement of the year 1727, is further established by the following note in Mr. Cheney's work: — " During the six preceding years," the author writes, ''there was no regular account kept how the horses, &c., came in ; but as I have taken pains to inform myself, in the best manner I could, I hope that what is pub- lished may be depended upon. In the year * In tbe year 1710, the first gold cup given by her Majesty, Queen Anne, was of 60 guineas value, afterwards increased to 100 guineas value, and run for by six year old horses, carrying 12st. each, the best of three four mile heats. In 1721, his Majesty, George I gave 100 guineas in specie in lieu of the gold cup. BRITISH TURF. 380 1714/' he goes on to remark, "such was the concourse of nobiUty and gentry that attended York races, that one hundred and fifty coaches were at one time on the course." Among the names worthy of notice that we find mentioned in this work as owners of race-horses, are those of Mr. Childers, better known as the breeder of Flying or Devonshire Childers ; Mr. Curwin, who imported the barbs known by the names of the Curwin Bay barb, and the Thoulouse barb ; Mr. Darley, the importer of the Arabian called by his name, the sire of Childers ; Mr. Darcy, who brought over the horses known in the stud book by the names of Darcy's White and Yellow Turks and the well-known Tregonwell Frampton. Of these patriarchs of the turf httle is known beyond the benefit they conferred upon this country by the importation of eastern horses, and testing the value of their produce by public racing. Tregonwell Frampton, Esq., of Moreton, Dor- setshire, was keeper of the running horses at New- market, to their Majesties, WiUiam the Third, Queen Anne, George the First and George the Second. He was styled, for a great number of years, *' the Father of the Turf," and died on the 12th of March, 1727, aged 86, and was buried at Newmarket. This extraordinary character was born in the reign of King Charles the First, when the sports of horse-racing commenced at Newmarket. He 390 HISTORY OF THE was owner of the celebrated horse, Dragon, who ran several times there with great success ; but the account of it, and also that cf his pedigree, have been for many years lost. The most remarkable event supposed to have occurred in the lives of this gentleman and his horse. Dragon, is most pathetically depicted by Dr. John Hawkesworth, in No. 37 of the Adven- turer, in the following words, supposed to be spoken by the horse, in the Elysium of beasts and birds. *' It is true," replied the steed, *' I v/as a fa- vorite ', but what avails it to be a favorite of caprice, avarice and barbarity ? My tyrant was a wretch who had gained a considerable fortune by play, but more particularly by racing. I had won him many large sums ; but being at length excepted out of every match, as having no equal, he regarded even my excellence with malignity, when it was no longer subservient to his interest. Yet I still lived in ease and plenty ; and as he was able to sell even my pleasures, though my labour was become useless, I had a seraglio, in which there was a perpetual succession of new beauties. At last, however, another competitor appeared. T enjoyed a new triumph by anticipation ; I rushed into the field panting for conquest ; and the first heat 1 put my master in possession of the stakes, which amounted to ten thousand pounds. The proprietor of the mare that I had distanced. BRITISH TURF. 891 notwithstanding the disgrace, declared with great zeal, that she should run the next day against any- gelding in the world, for double the sum. My master immediately accepted the challenge, and told him that he would the next day produce a gelding that should teat him : but what was my astonishment and indignation when I discovered that he most cruelly and fraudulently intended to qualify me for this match upon the spot ; and to sacrifice my life at the very moment in which every nerve should be strained in his service ! '' As I knew it would be in vain to resist, I suiFered myself to be bound ; the operation was performed ; and I was instantly mounted and spurred to the goal. Injured as I was, the love of glory was still superior to the desire of revenge. 1 determined to die as I had lived, without an equal ; and having again won the race, I sunk down at a post in an agony, which soon after put an end to m ,^ life." The following is the opinion of Mr. John Law- rence, as given in his Philosophical and Practical Treatise on Horses, as to the credit which ought to be attached to this cruel anecdote. " Every sportsman, I hope, (writes that author), holds in equal detestation with myself the memory of the brutal and callous-hearted Frampton, who, dead to the soft feelings of compassion, and urged by the sordid motives of gain, cut his favourite horse. Dragon, and instantly ran him to death in his 392 HISTORY OF THE streaming blood ! Was there not one single atom of the sweet but furious and vindictive enthusiasm in the hearts of the spectators ? Was there no in- strument of vengeance at hand to ? I never view the portrait of that savage sportsman without discovering in the hard Unes of his face, and the knowing leer of his eye, all the treachery, cunning, and inhuman profligacy of the lowest blackguard retainer of the stable. *' A labouring smith of Yorkshire assured me last year (but I will not warrant the goodness of his thority) that certain irons, whicii had the appear- ance of being instruments of torture, were found in the house of old Frampton after his de- cease. *' But common justice will not suffer me to re- fuse insertion to the following extract from a letter which I have lately received from Mr. Sandern, of Newmarket, a gentleman to whose kindness I also stand obliged for various points of interesting information. ' ' ' The abominable story which is told of Mr. Fram.pton having castrated Dragon, that he might immediately after run him as a gelding, and of the poor horse having instantly expired after the race, is entirely without foundation ; for I had an uncle who was wxU acquainted with Mr. Framptftn, and who frequently assured me that no such circum- stance ever happened ; and therefore, sir, I think you would do an act of justice to contradict it BRITISH TURF. 393 in your publication, as cruelty was no part of the old gentleman's character.' '* Thus far my respectable correspondent, whose opinion simply, situated and connected as he is, must have considerable weight. Sir Charles Bun- bury also assured me that he w^as inclined to sus- pect the old anecdote of Mr. Frampton as a fabrication. There is at present no other authority for it, public or private, of which T am aware, than No. 37 of the Adventurer, and Dr. Hawksworth in all probability received it, as we do at this day, merely upon public tradition. With respect to my own sentiments or prejudices, excited by a view of the lineaments of Frampton's face, let me say im- partially, fronti nulla fides ; and on the same view let me add that the observations or opinions of an ignorant smith do not so well go to the proof of a naturally cruel disposition in Frampton, as to that of a fit of enthusiastic weakness in mvself, which alone could urge me to the repetition of such a tale. Farther, it may be fair to suspect the cruel anecdote of the father of the turf and his horse Dragon, as a pious fraud, invented by those who might think it a great merit in a religious way to cast a slander that would stick well upon the unholy exercise of horse-racing. On the per con- tra side (for I love to reason in all cases arith- metically, and whenever I suspect the omission of a fraction on either side, I am never satisfied with 394 HISTORY OF THE the truth of my account) thus much may and ought to be said : the anecdote, however barbarous and inhuman, is strictly probable, and may be matched in too great a multitude of melancholy instances. The object in view was a very large sum of money, and perhaps the moral dialectics of that day differed not very greatly from that of a later period, in which present profit is supposed to constitute the essence of justice — to ourselves — and that ourselves are our nearest relatives. I really cannot conceive but that some such fact per- petrated must have been the ground of that universal tradition, whether or not the eminent person named were the perpetrator. ** Supposing the affirmative, the circumstance might have occurred in the thoughtless season of youth and dissipation, and the manners of Mr. Frampton's latter life might have presented far different and far softer aspects. *' Treagonwell Frampton, Esq., keeper of the run- ning horses at Newmarket to William III., Queei Anne, George I. and II., died in the year 1 727, aged eighty-six years ; he might therefore have been a proprietor of racers in the reign of Charles II.; and the famous Dragon, who precedes our oldest racing annals, and of v/hom we know nothing but by oral tradition, may have flourished about that time. It is yet possible that the origin of this story may be traced in some of the old periodical publications, BRITISH TURF. 395 and with that remark I must leave it to those who have leisure for such researches." The opinion of all the eminent veterinary sur- geons we have consulted, is in favor of the possi- bility of a horse being able to run a race imme- diately after castration ; and from the frequent occurrence of acts of cruelty to horses and other animals at the period in which Mr. Frampton lived, we think it highly probable such a race may have taken place. Whether or not Mr. Frampton was guilty of this cruel act, we have no means of deciding ; but the universal belief which appears to have existed from the early part of the eighteenth century upwards, that he was the indi- vidual alluded to by the benevolent Dr. Hawks- worth, inclines us strongly to believe so. Another story is told of this remarkable charac- ter, from which we may perceive that the black legs may justly lay claim to be considered part of the family of the father of the turf. Merlin^ was matched for a considerable sum of money to run against a favorite horse of Mr. Frampton 's at Newmarket. Immediately on its being closed there was great betting between the * Old Merlin was bred by Sir Matthew Pierson, Bart., and sold ta Mr. Acklam for a stallion. He was got by Bustler (son of the Helms- ley Turk). Merlin won several plates and great matches ; he was in very high form for racing, and allowed to be the best horse that had ever ran in the kingdom. He was sire of Mr. Betthell's AVoodcock and Castaway, Mr. Richardson's Merlin, and several others. 396 HISTORY OF THE north and south country gentlemen. After Mer- Im had been some Httle time at Newmarket, under the care of one Hesletme, Mr. Frampton's groom endeavoured to bring him over to run the two horses a private trial, at the stated weights and distance agreed upon in the match, — observing that by that means they might both make their fortunes. Hesletine refused, but in such a manner as to give the other hopes of bringing him over. Jn the meanwhile, Hesletine took the opportunity of communicating by letter into Yorkshire, the pro- posed offer to Sir WilUam Strickland, Bart., who was principally concerned in making the match. Sir William returned for answer that he might accept of it ; and instructed Hesletine to be sure to deceive his competitor, by letting Merlin carry seven pounds more weight than that agreed upon, and at the same time laying a particular injunction on secrecy. Soon after Hesletine received this hint, he con- sented to the proposal ; but previous thereto Mr. Frampton had given his groom similar instruc- tions. The two horses were prepared, started, and run over the course agreed to m the articles of the match, when Merlin beat his antagonist some- thing more than a length of excellent running. This being communicated to each party by their secret and faithful grooms, who both rode the trial, flattered each with certain success. Merlin's BRITISH TURK. 397 friends observed that as he had beat the other with some pounds more weight, he would win his race easy. On the other side, says Mr. Framp- ton, as my horse ran Merlin so near with seven pounds extra weight, he will win to a certainty. Immediately after, proposals were made on both sides to a very enormous amount, and accepted ; and it has been asserted that there was more money betted upon this event than was ever before known ; some gentlemen not only staking all the cash they were able to advance, but their other property also. At length the important hour arrived for the determination of this great event, and each party was flushed with success ; the south country gen- tlemen observing to those of the north, that " they would bet them gold whilst gold they had, and then they would sell their land." The horses started, and the race was won by Merlin, about the same distance as in the secret trial. In a short time after, the truth became known. Merlin was rode by Jerome Hare of Cold Kirby, near Hambleton. In consequence of several gentlemen having been entirely ruined by the above event, a law was soon afterwards passed by the legislature, against the recovery of any sum of money exceeding ten pounds, betted or laid between any parties for the future. 398 HISTORY OF THE A gentlemen who visited Newmarket in the reign of Queen Anne, and afterwards pabUshed his remarks, gives the following account of the doings there in his day. *' Being there in October, I had the opportunity to see the horse races, and a great concourse of the nobility and gentry, as well from London, as all parts of England ; but they were all so intent, so eager, so busy upon the sharping part of the sport, their wagers, their bets, that to me they seemed just as so many horse coursers inSmithfield ; descending, the greatest of them, from their high dignity and quality, to the picking one another's pockets, and biting one another as much as possible, and that with so much eagerness, as it might be said, they acted without respect to faith, honour, or good manners. '* There was Mr. Frampton, the oldest, and as they say, the cunningest jockey in England ; one day he lost 1000 gs. the next he won 2000, and so alternately. He made as light of throwing away £500 or £1000 at a time, as other men do of their pocket money, and was perfectly calm, cheerful and unconcerned when he had lost a thousand pounds, as when he won it. On the other side, there was Sir F. Ragg of Sussex, of whom fame says, he has the most in him and the least to shew for it, relat- ing to jockey ship, of any man there ; yet he often carried off the prize. His horses they say were all BRITISH TURF. 399 cheats, how honest soever their master was, for he scarcely ever produced a horse, but he looked Hke what he was not, and was what nobody could ex- pect him to be. ** If he was as light as the wind, and could fly like a meteor, he was sure to look as clumsy and as dirty, and as much like a cart horse, as all the cunning of his master and the grooms could make him ; and just in this manner, he hit some of the greatest gamesters in the field. ** I was so sick of the jockeying part, that I left the crowd about the posts, and pleased myself with observing the horses, how the creatures yielded to all the arts and management of their masters ; how they took their airings in sport, and played with the daily heats, which they ran over the course before the grand day, but how as knowing the difference equally with their riders, they would there exert their utmost strength, as much as at the time of the race itself, and that to such an extremity, that one or two of them died in the stable, when they came to be rubbed after the first heat. *^ Here I fancied myself in the Circus Maximus at Rome, seeing the ancient games, and under this deception was more pleased than I possibly could have been among the crowds of gentlemen at the weighing and starting posts, or at their meetings at the coffee houses and gaming tables, after the races were over. Pray take it with you, as you go, that 400 HISTORY OF THE you see no ladies at Newmarket, except a few of the neighbouring gentlemen's families, who come in their carriages to see a race, and then go home again." During the early periods of racing, the best horses seldom ran more than five or six times, and some not so often, there being scarcely any plates of note except royal ones ; and very few sweepstakes or matches were made, except at Newmarket, till about the year 1760. The great subscriptions at York did not com- mence till the year 1751, and were run for by ^ve year olds, lOst., four miles on the Wednes- days ; 9st., two-mile heats, on the Fridays. Each subscriber paid £10 yearly, for w^hich he was allowed two silver tickets, viz. : one for each stakes, and the tickets were transferable. Non- subscribers were admitted on paying 20 gs. for each horse entered, and the city of York gave £50 to each day's race. The same was continued for seven years, when they were renewed, with Thursday's subscriptions for six years old and a2:ed horses, &c. One four-mile heats and matches were also begun at York about the year 1750, and after that time they became general. At Newmarket, till the year 1744, there were only two plates run for in October, viz. : the King's plate and the tow^n plate ; but in 1744 the trading inhabitants ofNew^market raised two plates BRITISH TURF. 401 of 50 gs. each; one for five years old, 9st., and the other free for any horse, &c., 9st., four mile heats ; there was also 50 gs. raised hy the con- tributions of persons of property, for four-year olds, 8st. 71b. each, four miles. At this period there were only two meetings at Newmarket, viz. : the first in April, and the other in October; but in 1 753 there was a second spring meeting added, in which two Jockey Club plates, and several matches, were run for. In 1759, the weights and scales plate was begun ; in 1 762 a second October meeting com- menced of sweepstakes and matches ; in 1 765, the July meeting; in 1770, the Houghton Meet- ing; and in 1771, the Craven meeting, with a subscription of 5 gs. each, 21 subscribers, called the Craven stakes, for all ages, from the ditch to the turn of the lands, which stakes were won by Mr. Vernon's Pantaloon, beating thirteen others. All the above meetings are still continued, and several plates and sweepstakes added to each. In 1727, there were only eleven royal plates run for in England, viz. : one at Newmarket in April, for 6 yrs. old horses, &c., 12st. heats, the Round Course,^ (first called the King's Plate Course ;J one for 5 yrs. old mares, lOst., one heat over the Round Course ; one in October, for 6 yrs. old horses, 12st,, heats, the Round Course ; * The length of the Round Course is three miles, six furlongs, and ninety-three yards. VOL. I. D D 402 HISTORY OF THE one at York (which commenced in 1711,) for 6 yrs. old horses, 12st., 4 mile heats; one at Black Hambleton, Yorkshire, (this was a very ancient plate, ^ but of which no regular account was kept until the year 1715), for 5 yrs. old mares, lOst., 4 miles, and which was run for on the Saturday preceding the York August meet- ings ; one at each of the following places, viz. : Nottingham, Lincoln, Guilford, Winchester, and Lewes, for 6 yrs. old horses, 12st., 4 mile heats ; and one at Ipswich, for 5 yrs. old horses, lOst., 2 mile heats; but in 1744, they were altered to two mile and quarter heats, and in 1750, for 4 yrs. old, 9st. two mile and quarter heats. In 1723, his Majesty was pleased to give a plate to Salisbury, for 6 yrs. old horses, 12st., 4 mile heats; in 1729, one to Canterbury, for 6 yrs., old horses, 12st., 4 mile heats ; in 1748, one to Lich- field, for 5 yrs. old horses, lOst., 2 mile heats ; in 1753, one to Newcastle, for 5 yrs. old horses, lOst., 3 mile heats ; in 1755, one to Burford, for 5 yrs. old horses, 9 st., 3 mile heats; (in 1767, * The Hambleton Royal Gold Cup, at its first comrDencement, was free for either horse, mare, or gelding, provided they were no more than 5 yrs. old, weight lOst., four miles. The first that was run for, was won by Sir Wm. Strickland's Syphax, sire of the Hampton mare, that was the dam of Mr. Elstob's (of Yorkshire) Shadowby Almanzor. At Mr. Elstob's decease (1733) she was sold to Sir E. O'Brien, and was afterwards called Dairymaid. In the reign of Queen Anne, the Royal Cup at Hambleton was altered, and run for by mares only. BRITISH TURF. 403 the latter was altered to lOst., 3 mile heats;) and in 1763, one to Carlisle, for 5 yrs. old horses, 8st. 71bs., 3 mile heats. The first account of the royal plate at Edin- burgh was published in 1728, when it w^as ran for by 6 yrs. old horses, 12st. 4 mile heats ; but as very few horses of any note ran at Leith, it was not regularly inserted in the racing calendars, as those run for in England. In 1752, it was altered, and ordered to be run for by 4 yrs. old, 8st. 41bs. 5 yrs., 9st. ; 6 yrs., 9st. lOlbs., and aged, lOst. 31bs., 4 mile heats; except in the years 1756, 1757, 1758, and 1760, when his Majesty's plate of 100 gs. w^as divided into two plates, 50 gs. each, and run for as such. Before we proceed to give the pedigrees and performances of the most celebrated race-horses, beginning with the immediate descendants of the eastern horses, given in our fourth chapter, and carried up to the present day, we think the fol- lowing extract may prove both interesting and curious. It is from an old work published in 1680, in the reign of Charles II, entitled, The Compleat Gamester ; or Instructions how to play at Billiards^ 8fc., ^c. ; together with all manner of usual and most Gentile Games, either on Cards or Dice, to which is added the Arts and Mysteries of Riding, Racing, Archery, and Cock-Fighting , " For the compleating a gentleman's delight in D D 2 404 HISTORY OF THE the art of racing, he is to take special cognizance of these subsequent rules and orders. *' First, he is to consider what is the most con- venient time to take his horse up from grass, which is about Bartholomew tide, the day being dry, fair and pleasant. As soon as he is taken up, let him stand all that night in some convenient dry place to empty his body ; the next day put him into a stable, and feed him with wheat straw, but no longer ; for though the rule be good in taking up horses' bellies after this manner, yet if you exceed your time in so doing, this straw will straighten his guts, heat his liver, and hurt his blood. Therefore what you want in straw, let it be supplied by riding him to water, morning and evening airings, and other moderate exercise. And for his food, let it be good old sweet hay, and clothe him according to the weather and the temper of his body ; for as the year grows colder, and thereby you find his hair rise and stare about his neck, flanks, or other parts, then add a woollen cloth, or more if need require, till his hair fall smooth. Here note, that a rough coat shews want of cloth, and a smooth coat, cloth enough. ** A race-horse ought to be drest in his resting days twice a-day, before his morning and evening waterings ; and must be done after this manner. Curry him from the tips of his ears to the setting on of his tail, all his body entirely over with an iron comb, his legs under the knees and gambuls BRITISH TURF. 405 excepted ; then dust him and curry him high again all over with a round brush of bristles ; then dust him a second time, and rub all the loose hair off with your hand dipt in fair water, and continue rubbing till he is as dry as at first. Then rub every part of him with a hair-cloth ; and lastly, rub him all over with a white linen cloth. Then pick his eyes, nostrils, feet, etc., very clean. Then cloath and stop him round with wisps. ** There is no better water for a race-horse than a running river of clear spring, about a mile and a half from the stable, near some level ground, where you may gallop him afterwards. Having scoped him a little, bring him to the water again, so often till he refuse to drink more for that time. After this, walk him home, clothe and stop him up round with great soft wisps, and having stood an hour upon the bridle, feed him with sweet sound oats, either dried by age or art. If your horse be low of flesh, or hath a bad stomach, add one third of beans to two thirds of oats, and that will recover both. '' The next food vou shall 2:ive him shall be better and stronger, and it is bread, which you must make after this manner : — Take two bushels of beans and one of wheat, and grind them toge- ther, then boult through a fine range, add the quantity of half a bushel of fine meal, and bake it into three loaves, and the rest sift through a meal sieve, and knead it with water and good store of 406 HISTORY OF THE barm, and bake it in great loaves. With the coarser bread feed your runner in his resting days, and with the finer against the days of his exercise and greatest labour. *' The times of his feeding, upon the days of his rest, must be after his coming from water in the morning ; an hour after mid-day ; after his evening watering ; and at ten o'clock at night. But upon his labouring days, two hours after he is thoroughly cold, outwardly and inwardly ; afterwards as afore- said. *' Let his hay be dry and short ; if it be sweet no matter how coarse it is, for if it be ro^agh it will scour his teeth. As for the proportion of his food, I need not prescribe a quantity, since you must allow him according to the goodness or bad- ness of his stomach. " His exercise ought to be thrice a week, and it must be more or less according to the condition of his body ; for if it be foul, exercise him mode- rately to break his grease ; if clean, you may do as you think fit, having a care that you discourage him not, nor abate his mettle ; and after every exercise give him that night, or the next morning, a scouring. The best I know of to purge a horse from all grease, glut, or filth whatever, is this : take three ounces of aniseeds, a dram and a half of carthamus, two drams of fenugreek-seed, and of brimstone an ounce and a half; beat all these to a fine powder, and searse them ; then take of salad BRITISH TURF. 407 oil somewhat more than a pint, a pound and a half of honey, and a pottle of white wine ; then with fine white meal, knead it well into a strong paste, and keep it by you ; it will last a long time. When you use it, dissolve a ball thereof in a pail of fair water, and give it him to drink after exercise, in the dark, lest discolouring the water, the horse refuse to drink. '' This is an excellent scouring, and a cure for all internal distempers. '' Now, after exercise, cool him a little abroad before you bring him home ; then house him and litter him well, rubbing him with dry clothes till there be never a wxt hair about him ; then clothe and wisp him round. " Here note, before you air your horse, it will be requisite to break a new egg into his mouth, for it will add to his wind. If he be fat, air him before sunrise and after sunset; but if lean, let him have as much comfort of the sun as you can. Coursing in his clothes sometimes to make him sweat is not irrequisite, so it be moderately done ; but when without his clothes, let it be sharp and swift. Let his body be empty before he course ; and to wash his tongue and nostrils with vinegar, ere you back him, is wdiolesome. Having coursed him, clothe him, after he hath taken breath, and ride him home gently. *' To be short, what is here defective in the right ordering of a race-horse, your own judgments may 408 HISTORY OF THE easily supply. All that yoa have to do, is to be careful when you take him up, how to clothe hiua and dress him, when and how to feed and water, what and how much exercise is requisite, either by airing or by coursing, and his ordering after exercise, and what scourings are most requisite ; and that I may add a little more to your know- ledge, and conclude this subject, take these ge- neral rules and instructions : — *' 1. Course not your horse hard at least four or five days before you run your match, lest the sore- ness of his limbs abate his speed. *' 2. Except your horse be a foul feeder, muzzle him not above two or three nights before his match, and the night before his bloody courses. *' 3. As you give your horse gentle courses, give him sharp ones too, that he may as well find com- fort as displeasure therein. '^ 4. Upon the match day let your horse be empty, and that he take his rest undisturbed till you lead him out. "5. Shoe your horse ever a day before you run him, that the pain of the hammers' knocks may be out of his feet. *' 6. Saddle your horse on the race-day in the stable before you lead him forth, and Hx both the pummel and the girths to his back and sides with shoemaker's wax, to prevent all dangers. *' 7. Lead your horse to his coarse with all gen- tleness, and give him leave to smell of other BRITISH TURF. 40^ horses' dung, that thereby he may be enticed to stale, and empty his belly as he goes. *' 8. Lastly, when you come to the place where you must start, first rub his limbs well, then un- cloathe him, then take his back, and the word given, start him with all gentleness that may be, lest doing anything rashly, you choak him in his own wind. *' A race- horse ought to have all the finest shapes that may be, but above all things, he must be nimble, quick, and fiery, apt to fly with the least motion. Long shapes are tolerably good; for though they shew weakness, yet they assure speed. The best horse for this use, is the Arabian Barbary, or his bastard, not but Jennets are good, but the Turks much better. ** Having laid you down all these advantages for the ordering of your racer, from his taking up, to the day of his running, I hope you will make such good use of them, that if upon an equal match, you should lay your money on the heels of your horse so ordered, he shall be so far from kicking away his master's stake, that the nimbleness of his feet shall make it double. "• I might here insert the many subtleties and tricks there are used in making a match ; the craft of the betters, with the knavery of the riders ; but that they are now too generally known, by the woful experience of too many racing-losers," 410 HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER IX. Pedigrees and Performances of the most celebrated race-liorses from Basto in 1703 up to Marske, (sire of Eclipse) in 1750, &c. &c. — Basto — Old Scar — Bay Bolton — Lamprie — Brocklesby Betty — Molley — Buck-hunter — Fox — Flying Childers — Bonny Black — Bartlett's Childers — Squirrel — Miss Neesham — Old Cartouch — Mr. Calvert's wager — Bald Charlotte — Crab — Hobgoblin — Fearnought — Starling — Partner — Young Cartouch — Little Partner — Miss Layton — Lath — Spanking Roger — Second Volunteer — All the horses *' distanced/* in a race at Mai don in 1738 — Torismond — Moorcock — Babram — Little Driver — Silver Leg — Othello — Sampson — Mr. Cooper Thorn- hill's match against time, 213 miles in 11 hours, 33 minutes and 52 seconds — Match' em — BriUiant — Forester. Basto. — A brown horse, foaled in 1 703, bred by Sir William Ramsden, Bart, of Byram, near Ferrybridge, Yorkshire ; and sold, when young, to the Duke of Devonshire. He was got by the Byerley Turk ; his dam was called Bay Peg, a daughter of Leedes's Arabian, sire of Leedes and of the grandam of Childers. Basto's grandam was out of a daughter of Mr. Leedes's Bald Peg, and got by old Spanker. Bald Peg, Basto's great grandam was bred by Lord General Fairfax, out of a mare of the same name, and got by his Lord- ship's Morocco barb. BRITISH TURF. 41 1 Basto won several matches at Newmarket, but the accounts are deficient for several years, in men- tioning the sums that he, as well as many other horses, ran for at that place. The horses Basto beat are as follows, viz: in October 1708, at 8st. 31b. he beat the Lord Treasurer's Squirrel, 7st. 121b., four miles ; and in November following, at 8 St. 51b. he beat the Lord Treasurer's Billy, 8st. 31b. ; five miles. In March 1709 Basto at 8st. 51b. beat Lord Ravlton's Chance, 7st. four miles ; and in October following, at 8st. 51b. he beat Mr. Pulleine's Tantivy, 8st. 51b. five miles. In 1710, Basto carrying 8st. 71b. beat the Marquis of Dorchester's Brisk, 8st. 31b. ; four miles. He then became a stallion in the Duke of Devonshire's stud, and died about the year 1723. Basto was looked upon, when in keeping at New- market, to be in a very high form for running ; he had an appearance of pride and spirit, which added greatly to his figure ; he was remarkably strong, and was allowed to be one of the most beautiful horses of his colour that ever appeared in this kingdom. Basto was sire of the Duke of Devonshire's Old Coquette, Gimcrack, Soreheels, and little Lear ; of the Duke of Rutland's Black-eyed Susan, Dimple and brown Betty, dam of Mr. Cole's Foxhunter ; he also got the dam of Bay Motte, Old Crab, Blacklegs, Hip, Puff, Snip, &c. and the grandam of Mr. Vernon's Milliner, the Duke of Grafton's 412 HISTORY OF THE Magnet, Madam, &c. He covered very few mares besides the Dukes of Devonshire's and Rut- land's. Old Scar, bred by WilHam Crofts Esq., of Barforth, Yorkshire, and sold to the Duke of De- vonshire. Old Scar was got by Makeless, his dam by Lord d'Arcy's Councillor ; grandam by Brimmer, a daughter of Place's white Turk, out of Mr. Layton's Violet barb mare. At Newmarket in 1710, Old Scar, at 8st. 71b. beat Lord Porchester's Bay Wanton, 9st. four miles. At Newmarket in April 1712, he beat Lord Harvey's Lady thigh, 8st. each, four miles. In April 1713, he beat Ladythigh a second time, 8st. each, three miles. He also in the same month, beat Ladythigh a third time, 7st. 31b. ; each three miles. After which he became a stallion in his Grace's stud and was sire of some first rate running horses, and brood mares. Makeless was got by Sir Thomas Oglethorp's Arabian, and greatly esteemed for running, as also for a stallion. He was sire of Sir Ralph Milbank's famous black mare, who was the dam of Mr. Hartley's noted blind stallion. He also got the dam of Bay Bolton and Lamprie, the dam of Mr. Egerton's Counsellor, the dam of Mr. Croft's Bus- tard, and grandam of his Flintshire Lady ; the grandam of Old Carton ch, &c. Bay Bolton, first called brown Lusty, a brown bay horse, foaled in 1705, bred by Sir Matthew BRITISH TURF. 4] 3 Peirson, Bart., of Yorkshire, and sold to the Duke of Bolton. Bay Bolton, was got by Grey Hunt- ley, bred by Sir William Strickland ; his dam was a black mare of Sir Matthew Peirson's, got by Makeless, grandam by Brimmer, a daughter of Diamond out of a full sister to the dam of old Merlin. At York in 1710, Bay Bolton, then five years old, and the first time of his running, won Queen Ann's gold cup, for six years old horses, ]2st. four mile heats, beating eight six years old horses — a case very rare, especially at a place so eminent, and in a county at that time renowned above all others in the kingdom, for producing the greatest number of high bred horses. Bay Bolton also won the subscription purse at Middleham Moor, and the rich prize at Quainton-Meadow. He was then sold to the Duke of Bolton, who sent him to New- market, where he won a match againt the Duke of Somerset's Wyndham, one against Sir Matthew Peirson's Merlin, and two against Mr. Frampton's Dragon. Bay Bolton was eminent both for his figure and running, and likewise as an excellent stallion, — as will be found in the various pedigrees. He died in the Duke of Bolton's stud at Bolton Hall, Yorkshire, about the year 1736, being upwards of thirty years of age. Lamprie, a grey horse, foaled in 1715, bred by Sir Matthew Peirson, Bart, of Yorkshire, and sold 414 HISTORY OF THE to Thomas Panton, Esq., of Newmarket. — Lam- prie was own brother to Bay Bolton, and their dam was also dam of Sir Matthew Peirson Lugg's mare, a daughter of Darley's Arabian, the sire of Childers. In 1721, Lamprie won a match at Newmarket, beating a mare of the Duke of Somerset's ; he also won the King's Plate at Lewes. He then became the property of Mr. Neal, in whose possession, he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, in October 1 72 1 ; after which he was sold to Sir William Mor- gan, Bart, in whose hands he won the King's Plate at Newmarket, in April 1722, and beat Lord Milsintoune's Rake, a match for 200 gs. and on the same day, received 150 gs. forfeit from Rake. He also won a match of 200 gs. from Lord Tan- kerville's famous Sophonisba ; one of 40 gs. from Mr. Goreswood's Puzzle ; and received 100 gs. from the Carlisle gelding. Lamprie w^as sire of some excellent horses ; but was unfortunately killed at the time of his becom- ing a favo rite stallion. Brocklesby Betty, a dark chestnut mare, foaled in 1711, bred by Charles Pelham, Esq., of Brock- lesby, Lincolnshire. Betty was got by the Curwin bay barb, sire of the dam of Mr. Croft's Partner ; her dam was called the Hobby, bred by Mr. Leedes, got by Lister's Turk. At Newmarket in April 1716 Betty, then rising BRITISH TURF. 415 five years old, beat a mare of the Duke of Devon- shire's for 100 gs. and in August following, she beat ten mares for the Royal Cup at Hambleton. In April 1717, Betty beat eight mares for the Royal Cup at Newmarket. In August, she won the silver tea board at Lincoln ; and the gold cup, value £60, for six yrs. old, lOst. four mile heats, at York, beating at three heats, Leedes's roan mare, Sophonisba by old Spanker, and Colonel Frankland's Squirrel. Betty was rode by John South, Sophonisba by Stephen Jefferson, and Squirrell by Thomas Errett. In October follow- ing, she beat four horses for the Royal Cup at Newmarket. In April 1718, Betty beat six horses for the Royal Cup at Newmarket, and in May fol- lowing, she beat the Duke of Wharton's Snail for 200 gs. Betty afterwards won a match of 900 gs. aside, against the Duke of Bridgewater's Os- tridge-Ball, son of Leedes ; who was, at that time, supposed to be the best horse in the king- dom. Brocklesby Betty, as a runner, was thought to be superior to any horse or mare of her time, not- withstanding she was a brood mare before she was trained. Betty subsequently became a favourite brood mare, in Mr. Croft's stud, and will be frequently met with in the following pedigrees. Brocklesby, foaled in 1723, bred by Mr. 416 HISTORY OF THE Crofts, and got by Greyhand, out of Brocklesby Betty. Brocklesby won the contribution stakes at New- market, in October 1728, beating Lord Halifax's Stroxtongrey, Lord W. Manners's Archer, Duke of Devonshire's Blue-cap, Duke of Somerset's Patch- Buttocks, Mr. Coke's Bald Ovington, Lord Mil- sintoune's Surly, Dake of Bolton's Shapeless, and the Duke of Rutland's, Squirrel. In 1730, he won £40 at Peterborough, beating Miss Pert, &c., and 40 gs. at Epsom. He afterwards won 20 gs. at Newmarket, £20 at Spalding, £30 at Bolton, &c., and £20 again at Spalding. Bonny Black, a black mare, foaled in 1715; was bred by, and the property of, the Duke of Rutland. She was got by a stalhon of his Graces's own breed, called Black-Hearty, a son of the Byerley Turk. Bonny Black was a mare of great eminence, having a very considerable share of speed, and also possessed of goodness to support her running. At Newmarket in April 1719, Bonny Black, then rising four years old, beat a horse of Mr. Frampton's, rising seven, at lOst. each. In Au- gust following she won the King's Plate at Ham- bleton, beating thirty five years old mares ; there were five more entered, but drawn at the time of starting ; which was the greatest number that ever entered for that plate. In August 1720, she BRITISH TURF. 41? again won the King's Plate at Hambleton, beating seventeenothers. In April 1721, she won the King's Plate for mares at Newmarket. When six years old, she beat Lord Harvey's Merryman, aged, and allowed him 3st. ; she also beat the noted Hack- wood, at 8st. each ; after which the Duke chal- lenged to run her against any horse or mare in the kingdom, for 1000 gs. four times round the King's Plate course without rubbing ; which challenge was not accepted. Bonny Black was the only mare that won the Royal Plate at Hambleton twice ; a remarkable circumstance, when it is considered that she had travelled from Newmarket, and then had to start against such a great number of mares, in a country famed for its breed of racers, and that she gave away her year at lOst. weights. She afterwards became a brood mare in his Grace's stud, and from her sprang a number of fine horses, as will appear in many of these pedigrees. Mr. Panton's Molly. Bred bv — Thurland, Esq., of the county of Surrey, and sold to Thomas Panton, Esq., of Newmarket. Molly was got by Sir John Parson's Thoulouse barb. It was reported that her dam was bought in a fair, for a trifling sum of money, and therefore it was imagined that she was a mare of little es- teem, and not well bred; but several sportsmen at that time insisted on the contrary ; asserting VOL. I. E E 418 HISTORY OF THE that she was a daughter of a full sister to Quiet. Molly was not a mare of great size, nor had she so considerahle a share of speed as some others have had ; but was of such durable last in run- ning, that she was never beat at Newmarket till in a match, which cost her her life. At Newmarket in J 720, Molly beat Mr. Framp- ton's Potatoe, for 200 gs. ; Lord Drogheda's Pickle-Herring, for 150 gs. ; Lord Milsintowne's mare, two matches of 100 gs. each ; and received 50 gs. from a mare of Mr. Cumberland's. In 1721 she beat Lord Milsintowne's Skipling, for 200 gs. ; and received the following forfeits, viz : 100 gs. from Mr. Proby's Chimney-sweeper; 150 gs., from Mr. Frampton's Dun ; and three of 100 gs. each, from Lord Drogheda's Tickle-pitcher ; these three were made to be run in one day. In 1722, she beat Sir William Morgan's Bean for 300 gs. ; and Mr. Frampton's Miss Worksop for 150 gs. In 1723, she beat Lord Drogheda's Snip for 300 gs. and his Lordship's Witty gelding for 200 gs. ; and re- ceived 1000 gs. forfeit from Lord Tankerville's Sophonisba. Molly was further matched against the Duke of Bolton's Terror, and was to have run two hours after against his Grace's Badger ; but in running the first, she was suddenly seized with an illness,, and died in great agony between the stand and the rubbing-house. The sums she won and received in forfeits, were very rarely paralleled. BRITISH TURF. 419 and perhaps never exceeded by any horse of her time. BucKHUNTER, commonly called the Carlisle geld- ing. Bred by the Earl of Carlisle of Castle Howard Yorkshire. Buckhunter was got by that noted stallion the Bald Galloway; his dam, called the Wharton mare, by Lord Carlisle's Turk, out of a daughter of the said Bald Galloway, which was out of a Byerly Turk mare. A curious old portrait of this horse hangs in the rooms of Mr. Truefit, the well known hair dresser, in the Burlington Arcade. Buck- hunter was own brother to Old Lady, who was like- wise bred by Lord Carlisle ; and his dam w^as also the dam of Colonel Howard's Squirrel, and of his Chesnut mare, that won the Royal Plate for mares, at Newmarket, in April 1728. At York, in July 1719, Buckhunter^ (the first time of his running,) won her Majesty Queen * In the year 1714, in running for her Majesty's Gold Cup, over Clifton and Rawcliff Ings, near York, the third heat was most severely contested between Mr. Childers's, Duchess (who had won the first heat) and Mr. Peirson's Fox-hunter, who had won the second heat. Robert Hesletine, who rode Duchess, ran Fox- hunter so near the cords, that his rider Stephen Jefferson was obliged to whip over the horse's shoulder. The heat was given by the Tryers to Fox-hunter, but as both the riders had shown foul-play, and fought on horse-back, many disputes arose amongst the sportsmen ; and it was agreed that the heat should be run over again by Duchess and Fox-hunter, which the former won by a clear length. In consequence of Mr. Childers and Mr. Peirson both claiming the cup, a law-suit ensued, and all E E 2 420 HISTORY OF THE Ann's Gold Cup, value 100 gs.; and in August following, he won the King's Gold Cup of the same value, 12st. four mile heats ; beating Sober John, Almanzor, Fox-hunter, &c. He also won the King's Plate at Lincoln ; and the King's Plate at Newmarket in October. In 1720, Buckhunter won the King's Plate at Newmarket in April ; after which he won several plates and matches there, and supported the severity of running trials at Newmarket for many years. When sold from thence, though fourteen years old, he won the following plates, viz : 50 gs. at Huntingdon, £50 at War- wick, £50 at Bath, twice £40 at Peterborough, £40 at Litchfield, £30 at Stratford, £30 at Rothwell, £30 at Rugby, £30 at Boston, £25 at Welsh-Pool, Wales, £25 at Newmarket, £20 at Litchfield, £20 at Leicester, £20 at Newcastle under Lynne, bets were agreed to be withdrawn. In the meantime, her Majesty's Gold Cup was invested in trust with Wilham Redman, Esq., Lord Mayor of the city of York. It being settled by the court, (before which the cause was heard) that all such horses, &c. as were not dis- tanced, had an equal right to the cup, Mr Childers and Mr. Peirson, as likewise Mr. Young and Mr. Moore (who each of them started a horse for the first, second, and third heats,) sold their shares for 25 gs. each ; two of which were purchased by the Duke of Rutland, one by the Earl of Carlisle, and the other by Sir William Lowther, Bart, who agreed that it should be run for over again in the year 1719 ; — when it was won by Buckhunter ; beating at three heats, the Duke of Rutland's bay mares, and Sir W. Lowther's Whitefoot. Buck- hunter was rode by Match'ein Tims, who was then in great esteem as a jockey. BRITISH TURF. 421 £20 at Melton, £20 at Spalding, and £15 at Nor- thampton. When running for a plate at Salterly common, Buckhmiter broke a leg, (after running the first heat,) which deprived him of his life, and he was buried near to the pales of Stilton church- yard, where his misfortune happened, in the year 1731. Though Buckhunter was in a very high form, yet there were horses of his time that would beat him ; but he had rarely an equal, and hardly ever a superior, with relation to those principal points of being capable of running with all degrees of weight, of supporting repeated heats, of travelling and running after, and of continuing to run on for so great a number of years, and to the age that he did. The excessive spirits of his youth rendered him almost ungovernable, and caused him to be castrated, which lost to breeders a promising English stallion. The Bald Galloway, (sire of Buckhunter), was bred by Captain Rider of Whittlebury Forest, Northamptonshire. He was got by a barb of Monsieur St. Victor, of France, well known to sportsmen by the name of St. Victor's barb ; his dam was a mare of Captain Rider's, got by Mr. Fenwick's Whynot, (son of his barb) ; his gran dam was a royal mare. The Bald Galloway was also sire of Lord Portmore's Snake and Daftbdil ; Mr. Elstob's Cartouch ; Mr. Duncombe's Dart, (that 422 HISTORY OF THE won the King's Plate at York in 1722 ;) he also got Mr. Howe's Foxhunter, and Grey Avington ; Bald Avington, Roxana, (Cade and Lath's dam,) Silverlocks, (Brilliant's grandam) and several others that won plates in the north ; which brought him into great repute as a stallion. He covered at the Oak-tree, Leeming-lane, Yorkshire, where he died. Fox, commonly called Old Fox. A bay horse, foaled in 1714. Bred by Sir Ralph Ashton, Bart., and sold to Matthew Liston, Esq. Sir Ralph Ashton purchased two mares of Mr. Leedes, and had them both covered in one season, (1713) by Clumsy, (son of Mr. Wilkes's Haut- boy ;) one of which produced Fox, the other Fox- Cub or Squirrel. The dam of Fox was called Bay Peg, got by Leedes's Arabian ; grandam, young Bald Peg, by the same Arabian, (sire of Leedes,) out of Spanker's dam. At York, in 1719, Fox won the ladies' plate for five year olds, 8st. four mile, beating Lord Lons- dale's Bay Jack, Duke of Ancaster's Blacklegs, and nine others. He was then sold to the Duke of Rutland, in whose possession he beat the Duke of Wharton's Stripling, at Newmarket, for a consi- derable sum. He won two King's plates at New- market ; the King's Plate at Lewes ; and received 250 gs. from the Duke of Wharton's Swallows. Fox then became the property of Mr. Cotton of BRITISH TURF. 423 Sussex, in whose hands he won the 300 gs. stakes at Quainton Meadow ; he afterwards beat Lord Hilsborough's Witty, gelding, for 2000 gs. from whom he also received a forfeit of 100 gs. ; he like- wise beat Lord Drogheda's Snip, three matches for considerable sums ; and Mr. Frampton's Miss Worksop, for 200 gs. Fox was a stallion in Lord Portmore's stud, and died in his Lordship's possession, in the spring of 1738, aged 23. He was sire of Captain Ap- pleyard's Cuddy and Conqueror ; of the Duke of Bolton's Gohah and Merry Andrew ; of Lord Portmore's Victorious and Slipby ; of Mr. Witty's Mehora, (dam of the famous Tarter, sire of King Herod ;) of the dam of the Duke of Cumberland's Crab, Sir William Middleton's Childerkin, Mr. Shafto's Snap, Northumberland, Swiss, Legacy, &c. &c. Spanker w^as bred by Charles Pelham, Esq., of Brocklesby, Lincolnshire. He was got by the d'Arcy, Yellow Turk ; his dam was called the Old Morocco mare, by Lord Fairfax's Morocco barb ; his grandam, called Old Bald Peg, bred by the said Lord Fairfax, and got by an Arabian, out of a barb mare. Spanker was sire of Mr. Leedes' Old Careless ; Mr. Curwen's Young Spanker, &c. He got the dam of old Leedes ; the grandam of Mr. Dyer's Dimple; the grandam of Basto; the grandam of Spanking Roger ; the great gran- 424 HISTORY OF THE dam of Flying Childers ; the great grandam of the Bolton Fearnought ; and several others. CniLnERS, also called Flying Childers. A chesnut horse with part white on his nose, and four white legs, foaled in 1715. Bred by Leonard Chil- ders, Esq., of Carr-House near Doncaster, and was purchased when young by the Duke of Devon- shire. Childers was got by the Darley Arabian ; his dam called Betty Leedes, by Old Careless ; his grandam (own sister to Leedes) by Leedes's Ara- bian ; his great grandam by Spanker, out of the Old Morocco mare, that was the dam of Spanker. Childers started several times at Newmarket, against the best horses of his time, and was never beat. In April 1721, he beat the Duke of Bol- ton's Speedwell, 8st. 71b. ; each, four miles, 500 gs. and in October following, he received of Speedwell 500 gs. forfeit. In October 1722, Childers beat the Earl of Drogheda's Chaunter, lOst. each, six miles for a 1000 gs. In April 1723, he received of the Duke of Bridgewater's Lonsdale mare, and Lord Milsintowne's Stripling, 50 gs. forfeit, each, and in November following, he received 100 gs. from Lord Godolphin's Bobsey. About the year 1 72 1 , Childers ran a trial against Almanzor and the Duke of Rutland's Brown Betty, carrying 9st. 21b. over the Round Course^ * The Round Course is 3 miles 4 furlongs, and 93 yards in length. BRITISH TURF. 425 at Newmarket in six minutes, and 40 seconds ; and it was thought that he moved 82 feet and a half in one second of time, which is nearly at the rate of one mile in a minute, a degree of velocity, which no horse has been known to exceed. He likewise ran over the Beacon Course* in seven minutes, and 30 seconds ; and it was supposed that he covered at every bound, a space of 25 feet. He also leaped ten yards on level ground with his rider. He was allowed by sportsmen to be the fleetest horse that ever ran at Newmarket, or, as generally believed, that was ever bred in the world. He was not only eminent as a racer, but allowed by breeders to be a very valuable stallion, though he covered only a few mares, except the Duke of Devonshire's. He died in his Grace's stud in the year 1741, aged 26 ; and the last of his get that was trained, was Velters Cromwall, Esq's., Nestgul, foaled in the year 1740. ]n the plate, page 102, we have given a portrait of this celebrated race horse. Bartlett's Childers, bred by Leonard Childers, Esq., and sold by Mr. Bartlett of Nuttle Court, near Masham, Yorkshire. He was own brother to Flying Childers ; and was first distinguished by the name of Bleeding Childers, (on account of his bleeding frequently at the nose,) and afterwards as young Childers ; but * The Beacon Course 4 miles 1 furlong, and 138 yards in length. 426 HISTORY OF THE the Childers multiplying, he took the name of Bart- lett's Childers. There was formerly an opinion, that Betty Leedes never produced any other than Flying Childers, except one that was choaked when very young, by eating chaif or hulls at Mr. Childers's barn door ; but Mr. Cheney observes that he has heard the contrary from so many gentlemen of wealth and honour, that he cannot but be of opi- nion, that the Bartlett's Childers was own brother to him. Be that as it may, he got so many good horses, that he is justly ranked with the first rate stallions. He was never trained for racing, but kept as a stallion in Yorkshire, and was sire of Mr. Smales's Childers, of Lord Portmore's CEdipus, Grey Childers, and Squirt, (sire of Marsk and Syphon) ; Mr. Selby's Coughing Polly, and of Mr. Hartley's little mare, the dam of James, Blank, Old England, Trimmer, Shakspeare, Slouch, Miss Meredith, &c. He also got the dam of Sir Mar- maduke Wyvill's, Volunteer ; the dam of Sir William Middleton's Squirrel, Midge, Thwackem, Camilla, and Miss Belse ; the dam of Belford, Panglos, Boreas, and Eloisa ; and the grandam of Tribble, Snapdragon, Curiosity, Angelica, Che- quino, Fair Rosamond, and Cypher, (Tride's dam); besides a great many others, as will appear in the following pedigrees. Squirrel. A bay, horse, foaled in 1719, bred BRITISH TURF. 427 by Mr. Smith near Middleliara, Yorkshire, and sold to Richard Williams, Esq., of Cheshire. Squirrel was got by Mr. Lister's Snake ; his dam by the Ancaster Turk, (sire of Chaunter, and the dam of Roxana,) grandam by a son of the Pul- leine Arabian, out of a daughter of Brimmer. In 1724, Squirrel won a match of 300 gs. against Mr. Creswell's Tatney at Bridgeworth ; and won the £40 plate at Chesterfield. In 1725, he won the King's Plates at York, Lincoln, and at New- market in October ; at the latter place he also won the King's Plate, in April following. He was soon afterwards sold for 500 gs. to Ambrose Cowly, Esq., at whose demise he became again the property of Mr. Williams, in whose possession he died. It appeared that Squirrel was considerably su- perior, especially at high weights, to any horse of his age in the kingdom. He was sire of Lord Gower's Fair Helen, =^ &c. and own brother to the sire of the grandam of Eclipse, Proserpine, -and Garrick. Miss Neesham. a bay mare, foaled in 1720, bred by Mr. Thompson, of Neesham, Cumberland ; and sold to John Brewster Darley, Esq., of Aldby Park, Yorkshire. * Fair Helen won the Wallasey stakes of 600 gs. for five year olds, 9st. at Newmarket, in April 1734, beating the Duke of Devonshire's Blacklegs, the Duke of Somerset's Quibble, and Lord Lonsdale's Ugly. 428 HISTORY OF THE Miss Neesliam was got by Captain Hartley's Blind Horse (son of the Holderness Turk ;) her dam (Mr. Jackson's Favourite's dam) by Mr. Crofts's Commoner, son of Place's White Turk. In 1726, Miss Neesham, (then called Cripple,) started for the King's Plate at York, and though second to Sir Michael Newton's Bald Jack, owing to her being lame, Mr. Stephen Jefferson, who rode her, liked her performance so well, that Mr. Darley, at his particular request, purchased her of Mr. Thompson. She was then called Miss Neesham, and, in that and the following year, won several platestand prizes. In 1728, she won the annual plate at Kipling Coates, beating six others ; 40 gs. at Preston, lOst., beating Lord Moly- neux's Paria, Sir Richard Grosvenor's White-foot, Lord Tankerville's Swallow, and Lord Derby's Belinda; 40 gs. at Leicester, beating four others; and 40 gs. at Litchfield, beating Mr. Fleetwood's Fair-Play, and Lord Halifax's Sampson. In 1729, she won the annual plate at Kipling Coates, beat- ing Mr. Wharton's Smiling Tom, Mr. Bacchus's England, Mr. Groeme's Stradler, Mr. Boyes's Dimple, &c.; and 40 gs., 12st., at Leicester, beating Lord Essex's Smiling Ball. In 1730, she again won the annual plate at Kipling Coates, beating Mr. Wharton's Smiling Tom ; £30 at Nottingham ; £20 at Bakewell, Derbyshire; and 40 gs., 12 st., at Leicester, beating Mr. Bertie's Ladythigh. In BRITISH TURF. 429 1731, she won the annual plate at Kipling Coates, a fourth time, beating Mr. Taylor's Polly Peachem ; also £30 at York, (the first year the races were run for at Knaresmire,) beating Mr. Bathurst's Merry Quaker, and Sir M. Wyvill's Scarborough colt ; and 50 gs. at Barnard Castle, beating Mr. Bright's Emma, Mr. Barten's Favourite, Mr. Hodgson's Fairplay, Mr. Smith's Snake, &c. ; all of which races she won in excellent style. Miss Neesham was covered in the year 1731, by Mr. Barley's Skipjack, and in the following spring she produced a filly, which was afterwards well known by the name of Miss Patty. ^ In 1733 she was called Mother Neesham, and was again trained for York, where she won the £30 plate, weight, list, beating easy Mr. Denton's Modest Molly. In 1734, she won the annual plate at Kiphng Coates, beating Captain Apple- yard's Quiet Cuddy, and three others ; also the £30 plate, weight, list, at York, beating, at three heats, Lord Weymouth's Whittington, and distanced two * Miss Patty was grandam of Captain Hebden's celebrated Mac- heath, whose performances in the summer of 1778 are not equalled in the annals of the turf, for he swept that year, all the four years old plates in the countries of Lancashire and Cheshire ; he travelled and raced upwards of 500 miles in the space of seven weeks, in which time he won six plates of £50 each, at the following places ; viz : Manchester, Preston, Lancaster, Nantwich, Liverpool and Knutsford. He was got by Mr. Warren's Camillus, out of a daughter of Regulus, which mare was out of Miss Patty. Macheath's dam, was also the dam of Mr. Wentworth's Fearnought. 430 HISTORY OF THE others. She was afterwards a brood mare in Mr. Darley's stud. Mother Neesham was a mare of great endurance, and out of the uncommon number of horses rode by Mr. Stephen Jefferson, was his greatest favourite, for she out-rivalled his favourite Aleppo. Old Cartouch . The property of Sir William Mor- gan, of Tredegar. She was bred by — Elstob, Esq. of Yorkshire, and got by the Bald Galloway, who was bred by Captain Rider of Northamptonshire, out of a Whynot royal mare, and the St. Victor barb. Cartouch's dam was bred in the Royal stud at Hampton Court, and got by the Cripple barb ; his grandam was sister to Brown Farewell (which mare was presented by Mr. Crofts to Queen Anne,) by Makeless, son to the Oglethorpe Arabian ; his great grandam was got by Place's White Turk, his great great grandam by Dods- w^orth ; his great great great grandam was a Lay ton barb mare. Though this excellent horse did not exceed 14 hands, it has been asserted by many gentlemen, that there was no horse in the kingdom able to ran with him, at any weight, from 8st. to I2st. He never run but one match, which was against Jonquil at New- market, and he won easily. He was sent into Wales as a stallion, was afterwards in possession of Dr. Chambers, of Rippon in Yorkshire, and was sire of young Cartouch, Hag, King Pippin, &c. and of the BRITISH TURF. 431 grandam of Trentham and Bourdeaux, Floribel, &c. &c. In July 1820, a Mr. Barnard Calvert, of Ando- ver, started on horseback to decide a wager, at three o'clock in the morning, from St. George's Church South wark, and rode to Dover ; then crossed the channel to Calais, returned to Dover ; and thence back to St. George's Church, where he arrived about 8 o'clock the same evening, not being the least fatigued with his journey. Bald Charlotte, or Lady Legs. The property of the Earl of Portmore. Bald Charlotte was thought to be the best mare in the kingdom in her time ; she was bred by Cap- tain Appleyard of Yorkshire, in 1721, and got by Old Royal, son of Blunderbuss, royal mare, and the Holderness Turk ; Blunderbuss was got by Bustler, son of the Helmsley Turk. Charlotte's dam was daughter to the Bethell Castaway ; her grandam was a grey mare of Captain Appleyard's father, got by Brimmer. Castaway was got by Old Merlin, and Bustler got Merlin. Brimmer was bred by the Darcy family, out of a royal mare ; her sire was the Yellow Turk that got Spanker. Bald Charlotte, when 5 years old, 1726, beat twenty three mares for the King's 100 gs. at Black Hambleton. The same year, she won the October stakes at Newmarket, beating seven horses ; and in April 1727, at the same place, she won the King's 432 HISTORY OF THE 100 gs. for 5 yrs. old mares, carrying lOst. one heat ; the 18th. April, carrying 18st. she beat Mr. Ashby Swinger's horse, I7st. 4 miles 200 gs ; the same year, she won the King's 100 gs. for 6 yrs. old at Winchester, weight 12st. ; April 20, 1729, carrying 9st., shebeat Sir Robert Fagg's Fanny, 8st. 71b., 4 miles, 300 gs. When 20 yrs. old, 1741, she was a brood mare in the Duke pf Somerset's stud. Crab. The property of the Earl of Portmore. Crab was got by the Alcock Arabian, and bred by Mr. Cotton in J 722 ; his dam was got by Basto, who was bred by Sir W. Ramsden, out of a daughter of the sire of Leeds, and the Byerley Turk. Crab's grandam was full sister to Mixberry, both being got by the Curwen long barb, out of a daughter of Spot, son to the Selaby Turk ; his great grandam was got by the chestnut white- legged Louther barb, out of the Vintner mare. On April 1st. 1728, Crab received 150 gs., being half forfeit, from Lord Milsingtowne's Heaver, 8st. 71b. ; 4 miles. October 23rd following, he beat the Duke of Bolton's Cleopatra, 500 gs. 8st. 71b. 4 miles. April 4th, 1729 he received 100 gs. half forfeit of the Duke of Bolton's chesnut colt, 8st. 4 miles ; — 10th. of same month he won the King's 100 gs. for 6 yrs. old, beating the Duke of Hamilton's Victorious, and Mr. Wilhams's Spot ; — the 25th. he received 50 gs. forfeit of Lord Halifax's BRITISH TURF. 433 Favourite, of a match, for 200 gs. 8st. 51b., 4 miles. In the May following, running for 80 gs. at Stamford he fell lame. Yet though a cripple, he was in the highest esteem as a stallion, and sire of several horses. He died on Christmas day, 1750, aged 28. Hobgoblin. A brown horse, foaled in 1724. Bred by the Rev. Mr. S. Goodall, and sold to Mr. Coke of Norfolk. Hobgoblin was got by Aleppo;* his dam by Careless,! (sire of the dam of Childers), grandam by old Smithson,! out of a daughter of Argyle's Wanton WiUv. At Newmarket, in April, 1729, Hobgoblin won a match against a grey colt of Lord Halifax's, 9st. each, four miles, 160 gs. ; and in the same month he beat Lord Halifax's Conqueror, 9st. each, four miles, 100 gs. On the 25th of October, at 8st. lib., he beat Mr. Vane's Miss Pert,|| 8st. 101b., * Aleppo, a bay horse, foaled in 1711, was bred by Darley, of Aid- by Park, near York, and got by his Arabian (sire of Childers, &c.) At York, in 1716, Aleppo won the ladies' plate for five year olds, lOst., four miles, beating Lord Chesterfield's King Fisher, (stakes, 13 gs.) Lord Lonsdale's Brisk, Mr. Curwen's Ladylegs, and six others ; he also won several other plates and prizes. He was then a stalhon, the property of Mr. Bantry, and was sire of Mr. Hasseld's Scrutineer, etc. but covered very few well-bred mares. t Careless was got by Spanker, out of a barb mare (see page 13). X Old Smithson was got by Coles' barb. He ran seven or eight times, and was never beat. II Miss Pert, a bay mare, foaled in 1723, was bred by Mr. Hudson, and sold to Mr. Newstead ; got by the Thoulouse bay barb. In 1728, VOL. I. F F 434 HISTORY OF THE four miles, 300 gs. ; and on the following day he won the 180 gs. stakes, for five yrs. olds, 8st. 51b. each, four miles ; beating Lord Halifax's Miss Halifax, the Duke of Bolton's Foxhunter, the Duke of Rutland's Skyrocket, the Duke of Hamilton's Salisbury Steeple, the Duke of Somerset's Well- beck, and Lord W. Manners's Jenny. In 1730 and 1731, Hobgoblin covered in Lord Godolphin's stud, at Hogmagog, in which years the Godolphin Arabian was teazer for him. He was again trained, and at Newmarket, in April, 1732, at 9st. 71b., he beat Mr. Fleetwood's Eaton, 8st. 31b., four miles, 500 gs. ; and in October following, at 9st., he beat the Duke of Somerset's Greylegs, 8st. 41b., four miles, 300 gs. Hobgoblin became again a stallion at Hogma- gog, and w^as sire of Shakspeare, Trimmer, Phan- tom, and many others. Bay Childers. A bay horse, foaled in 1726, bred by, and the property of, Mr. Smales, Yorkshire. she won the King's plate at Hambleton, beating Captain Appleyard*s ches. raare, by Darley's Arabian, Mr. Vane's ches. mare, by Hack- wood, Mr. Cradock's M}Ta, and ten others. She was then sold to the Hon. Mr. Vane ; and at Newmarket, in April, 1729, won the King's plate for mares, beating the Duke of Bolton's Cleopatra, the Duke of Somerset's Miss Belgrade, Mr. Cradock's Myra, Mr. Sin- claire's Modesty, Sir Robert Fagg's Polly, Colonel Meyser's Miss Dimple, Mr. Setheron's Stay-till-I-come, and Captain Appleyard's ches. mare, by Darley's Arabian, who came in first, but her rider being charged with crossing Miss Pert, was deemed last. At New- market, in April, 1730, Miss Pert, 8st. 5lb., beat the Duke of Bol- ton's Cleopatra, 8st. 2lb., four miles, 200 gs. BRITISH TURF. 435 Bay Childers was got by Bartlett's Childers ; dam by the Byerley Turk, out of a daughter of Mr. Wilkinson's Whynot. At York, in 1732, Bay Childers won £40, for six year olds, lOst., beating Mr. Greenwood's Marplot, and Mr. Routh's Chloe ; Bay Childers was rode by Robert Parkinson, Marplot by James Maskhill, and Chloe by Thomas Jackson. He also won the £90 plate at Lincoln. Fearnought. The property of his Grace the Duke of Bolton. This excellent horse was got by Bay Bol- ton, and bred by Wm. Ramsden, 1725. Bay Bolton was bred by Sir Matthew Pearson, out of a daughter of Makeless, son of Hautboy, son of the Darcy White Turk ; his grandam was got by Trimmer, son of the Darcy Yellow Turk. Fearnought's dam was got by the Lexington Arabian, his grandam by the Curwen Spot, his great grandam by Spanker, his great great grandam was dam of Grey Ramsden, got by the Byerley Turk, his great great great grandam by the TafFolet barb, her dam by the Place White Turk, out of a barb mare. March 31st, 1732, he beat Mr. Cook's Hobgob- lin, 8st. 101b., four miles, 500 gs. h. ft. April 2 1st, carrying 9st., he beat Mr. Panton's Mouse, carrying 7s t. 51b., four miles, 500 gs. November 11th, he also beat Mouse, at the same weight, 500 gs., one mile, play or pay. February 23rd, carrying 9st., he again beat Mouse, carrying 8st., 300 gs. April 9th, 1733, he received 150 gs., F F 2 43G HISTORY CF THE beins: half forfeit of Lord Portmore's Grev Chil- ders on a match, 8st. each, four miles. October 5th, weight 9st, he beat ^Ir. Panton's Smart, 7st., four miles, 500 gs. Starling. The property of his Grace the Duke of Bolton. He was bred by the Duke of Bolton, in 1727, and got by that excellent stallion, Bay Bolton, who was bred by Sir ^latthew Pearson, out of a daaditer of Makeless and Grev Hautboy, son of Old Hautboy, who was out of a royal mare, and the White Darcy Turk. Stai'nn2:'s dam was j^ot by a son of the Brownlow Turk, who irot the Rutland Grey Grantham : his 2:randam was dau2:h- ter of the Pulleine Arabian, his 2:reat 2:randam was got by Rookwood, son of the Lonsdale Tre- £:onwell mare, his 2:reat 2:reat 2:randam was 2:ot by the Helmsley Turk. 1731, he won the purse of guineas for four yrs. olds, at Black Hambleton. April, 1732, he won the great stakes, 700 gs., for four yrs. old, at New- market. April, 1733, he beat !Mr. Panton's blouse a four miles' match, 300 gs. at Newmarket. He won the Kin2:'s 100 2:s. at Lewes and IJncoln, and in October at Newmarket, and April, 1734 at the same place. He then became the property of — Leeds, Esq., and was in yery high es- teem as a stallion. He was sire of the Ancaster Starling, Skim, Torrismond, Griswood's Teazer, !Moro, Jason, the grandam of Soldier, etc. Young Cartouch. The property of the Right Hon. BRITISH TURF. 437 the Earl of Portmore. He was got by Old Cartouch, son of the Bald Galloway, got by the St. Victor's barb ; the dam of Old Cartouch was got by the Hampton Court Cripple barb, his grandam by Make- less, his great grandam by Place's White Turk. The dam of Young Cartouch was bred by his Grace the Duke of Somerset ; she was full sister to Red Rose, being both out of the same mare, and got by the Hampton Court chesnut Arabian. This horse, though a galloway, won several prizes against sized horses. 1736, he won a £20 plate at Hounslow, weight lOst. ; £30 plate at Reading, weight lOst.; 1737, £15 Galloway plate at Sahsbury ; £20 Galloway plate at Winchester ; 1738, £20 Galloway plate at Guildford; £40 at Winchester, weight list.; £15 Galloway purse at Huntingdon ; 50 gs. purse at Lewes, weight lOst. ; 1739, £20 give and take stakes at Monmouth ; £20 galloway prize at Hereford ; after which, he served as a stallion in his Lordship's stud. Partner. A grey horse, foaled in 1731, bred by Lord Portmore, and sold to Mr. Grisewood. Partner was got by Mr. Croft's Partner ; his dam by Hutton's Grey Barb, grandam (Bay Wil- kinson's dam) by Whynot, great grandam by Wilkinson's Turk, out of a mare of Mr. Wilkin- son's, called Old Woodcock, by the Darcy Wood- cock. In 1730, Partner won the 20 gs. stake at Win- 438 HISTORY OF THE Chester, beating Mr. Bradley's Chance ; also 30 gs. Salisbury, 50 gs. at Lewes, beating Lord Gower's Blueskin and two others, and 60 gs. at Canter- bury, beating Mr. Hatcher's Plain-dealer, Mr. Crosier's Fox, Mr. Hony wood's Greylegs, &c. He w^as sold to Mr. Grisewood ; and in 1737, Part- ner won 30 gs. at Epsom, beating Mr. Thomp- son's Grasshopper, Mr. Dodd's Merry Tom, and Mr. Cole's Foxhunter ; £40 at Uppingham, beat- ing Lord Gower's Csesar, Mr. Fleetwood's White- foot, and Mr. Tuting's Rosinante ; and 20 gs. at Broomsgrove, 12st., beating Mr. Cole's Foxhunter, and Mr. Weybourn's Bumper. In 1738, he won 30 gs. at Epsom, beating Mr. Craven's Cupid, Mr. Pitt's Little Csesar, and Mr. Bradley's Camil- lus ; 25 gs. at Salisbury, beating Lord Wey- mouth's Mouse, Mr. Figg's Bath Lady, &c. ; £40 at Uppingham; and received a £10 premium at Chipping Norton. Li 1739, he won 50 gs. at Ludlow, beating Lord Portmore's Young Cartouch, and Mr. Barlow's Persella. In 1740, he won 30 gs. at Epsom, beating Mr. Cornwall's Spotted Lady, and four others ; £50 at Norwich, beating Mr. Turner's Spot ; and £30 at Farringdon, beat- ing the Duke of Beaufort's Careless. In 1741, he won £50 at Epsom, and £50 at Norwich, beating Mr. Bingham's Blacklegs and two others. In 1742, he won £50 at Epsom, beating Mr. Bing- ham's Merry Cupid, Mr. Fugger's Squirt, and BRITISH TURF. 439 five others ; he also won the first heat from Lord Portmore's Tom Tinker, and Mr. Bingham's Merry Cupid, at Winchester, hut fell lame when running for the second, and was obliged to be drawn. In 1743, he won £50 at Epsom, beating Lord Port- more's Crab, Mr. Parson's Bristol mare, and Sir M. Wyvill's Sportsman ; £50 at Salisbury, beating Lord W. Manners' Black Jack, and the Duke of Beaufort's Madcap ; £50 at Winchester, beating Mr. Wood's Long Meg, and Mr. Parson's Bristol mare ; £50 at Reading ; and £50 at Stockbridge. In 1744, he won £50 at Canterbury; and £50 at Windsor, beating Mr. Dent's Blacklegs, and four others. Partner was in high form, and would, undoubt- edly, have won several other prizes, if he had not unfortunately fallen lame at the early time of his racing, and which frequently happened to him when running. He became a stallion, and was sire of the dam of the famous Grimcrack, Trinket, Slipslop, &c. Little Partner. A bay mare, foaled in 1731, bred by, and the property of, the Hon. Mr. Vane. Little Partner was got by Mr. Croft's Partner, her dam (Mr. Evelyn Chadrick's Redrose's dam) by Old Greyhound ; grandam (Changeling and Match'em's grandam) by Makeless ; great gran- dam by Brimmer ; who was by the Yellow Turk, out of Mr. Layton's Violet barb mare. 440 HISTORY OF THE At Newmarket, in April, 1736, Little Partner beat Lord W. Manners' Crab, 8st. 21b., four miles, 150 gs. This was one of the finest races that was known to be run at Newmarket. She also won the King's plate at Hambleton, beating Mr. Bartlett's Country-wench, Captain Hartley's Clina, Mr. Lodge's Miss Layton, and three others. At Newmarket, in April, 1737, she won the King's plate for mares, beating Mr. Bartlett's Country- wench, the Duke of Bridgewater's Bradamante, the Duke of Ancaster's Look-at-me-lads, and four others. Miss Layton, commonly called Mr. Lodge's Roan Mare. A roan mare, foaled in 1731, bred by, and the property of, Mr. Lodge, of Richmond, Yorkshire. Miss Layton was got by Mr. Crofts' Partner ; her dam by Mr. Dale's horse ; grandam by Why- not ; great grandam by Mr. Wilkinson's bay Ara- bian, out of a natural barb mare. In 1736, Miss Layton won the 25 gs. plate, for five yrs. olds, 9st. 71b., at Sunderland, beating Mr. Ibbetson's Delia, Mr. Lister's Jack-a-Latin, &c. In 1737, she won the 40 gs. plate, lOst., four mile heats, at Newcastle, beating Mr. Horsley's Sloven, and Mr. Richardson's Red Robin; and the 50 gs. plate, for six yrs. olds, lOst. four mile heats, at Durham, beating, at three heats, Mr. Shafto's Miss Denton, and Mr. Routh's Whitefoot. BRITISH TURF. 441 Miss Lay ton was the dam of Mr. Shuttleworth's Miss Wilkinson, Mr. Martindale's Brutus, Sappho, and Adolphus. Lath. The property of his Grace the Duke of De- vonshire. He was a particularly fine horse, and thought by many to be the best horse that had ap- peared at Newmarket for several years,Childers only excepted. He was bred by the Earl of Godolphin, in 1732, and got by his Lordship's Arabian ; his dam was Roxana, bred by Sir William Strickland, out of sister to Chaunter, the son of the Ancaster Turk, and the Bald Galloway, which last was bred by Captain Ryder, of Northamptonshire, out of Whynot, royal mare, and the St. Victor barb. April 23rd, 1737, he won the great stakes of 1000 gs. for 4 yr. olds, at Newmarket. 26th Oc- tober, being then 5 yrs. old, he beat, 8st. 41b., the Hon. Mr. Vane's Little Partner, 6 yrs. old, 8st. 71b., four miles, 200 gs. October, 1738, he beat, 8st. 121b., the Earl of Portmore's Squirt, 8st. 21b., four miles, 200 gs. ; and he won 50 gs. at Marlbo- rough. Soon afterwards he was sold to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, and sent to his Grace's stud for a stallion. He was sire of his Grace's Hector, Miss Redcap, Duchess, &c. Spanking Roger. The property of Sir Ed- mund Bacon, Bart., of Norfolk. He was a horse of high blood, size and beauty, got by Childers, and bred by the Earl of Essex, in 1732, who disposed of him, when 3 yrs. old, to Sir Ed- 442 HISTORY OF THE mund Bacon. His dam was got by the Duke of Eutland's Cyprus Arabian ; his grandam was daughter to the old bay Arabian, called Spanker, the property of — Pelham, Esq., of Lincoln- shire. 1737, he won £20 at Epsom. 1738, he won £30 at Norwich, £40 plate at Stamford, 40 gs. at Ches- terfield, £40 at York, the ladies £90 at Lincoln. April, 1739, being then the property of Mr. Grise- wood, he won the King's 100 gs. at Newmarket ; after which, he was disposed of to Lord Wey- mouth, in whose possession, in the same year, he won £50 at Wells, 30 gs. at Denbigh, 50 gs. at Bridgenorth, and £40 at Winchester, when he was again disposed of. In 1741, he died in run- ning a trial. Second. The property of — Neales, Esq., of War- wickshire. Second was of size, beauty, and fashion, and judged to be the best in his time ; he had in him a tincture of as high blood as any horse in the kingdom. He was bred by his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, in 1732, and got by Childers, whose sire was the Darley Arabian, whose dam was a daughter of Careless, son of Spanker, got by the Darcy Yellow Turk, whose grandam was got by the Leedes' Arabian, sire of Leedes. Second's dam was full sister to Soreheels, both got by Basto, and bred by Sir Wilham Ramsden, Bart., out of a daughter of the sire of Leedes and the Byerley Turk; his grandam was full sister to the Misbury gallo- BRITISH TUHF. 443 way, both got by the Curwen bay barb out of a daughter of Spot, son of the Selaby Turk ; his great grandam was got by the Chesnut White- legged Lowther barb, out of the Vintner mare. April, 1737, Second, beat Lord Lonsdale's Sul- tan, a match, 200 gs. each, weight 8st. 51b. June following, he won the King's 100 gs. at Ips- wich. April, 1738, he won the Wallasey stake of 600 gs. at Newmarket ; the same month, he beat Mr. Grisewood's Partner, 50 gs., and won the King's 100 gs. in October following. He was afterwards kept for a stallion, and was sire of many fine horses. Volunteer. The property of Sir Marmaduke Wyvill, Bart. Volunteer was bred by Sir Marma- duke Wyvill, in 1735, and got by Young Belgrade, son of a Turkish horse taken from the Bashaw by General Mercie, at the siege of Belgrade and sent to the Prince of Craon, who presented him to the Duke of Loraine, whose minister, Baron Chagne, at London, sold him and certified as aforesaid. Young Belgrade's dam was daughter to the Scarborough mare. Volunteer's dam was got by the Bartlett Childers ; his grandam was daughter to the Devonshire chesnut Arabian ; his great grandam was got by the Curwen bay barb, and was full sister to the Duke of Somerset's Westbury. April 22nd, 1742, he won the King's 100 gs. for six yrs. olds at Newmarket ; May 19th, he won 444 HISTORY OF THE £50 at Epsom; June 10th, £50 at Guilford; July 10th, £50 at Nottingham. He was sent to Ireland, where he won several plates ; he then became the property of Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart., in w^hose possession he was accidentally killed. 1738. — At the races of Maldon, in Essex, three horses (and only three) started for a ten pound plate, and were all distanced the first heat, accord- ing to the common rules in horse-racing, without any quibble or equivocation. The first ran on the inside of the post, the second wanted weight, and the tliird fell, and broke a fore leg. ToRiSMOND. Got by the Bolton Starling, and bred by lAlr. Crofts in 1739 ; his dam by Old Part- ner, his grandam by Makeless, which mare was the grandam of Mr. Vane's Little Partner ; his great grandam by Brimmer, his great great grandam by Place's \Yhite Turk, his great great great grandam by Dods worth, out of a Lay ton barb mare. 1743, when 4 yrs. old, he won £50 at Morpeth, after which he was sold to Mr. Mortindale. 1744, he won £50 at Epsom, £50 at Huntingdon, £50 at ^Yarwick. 1745, he won 100 gs. at Newmar- ket, for horses rising 6 yrs. old ; £50, at Oxford, £50 at Lincoln. 1746, £50 at Winchester, £50 at Leicester ; after which he was purchased for a stallion in the north. Moorcock. The property of the Earl of Port- more. Moorcock w^as bred by — Hutton, Esq., BRITISH TURF. 445 in 1740, and got by Blacklegs, who was bred by the former Mr. Hutton, out of a daughter of Coneyskins, and got by a barb, son of the Leicester Turk. Moorcock's dam was out of a daughter of the Byerley Turk, and got by Hutton's grey barb, his grandam by a son of the Hemsley Turk, his grandam by Blunderbuss, out of a daughter of Place's White Turk. August 10th 1744, he won the £50 prize for 4 yrs. olds at York, carrying 9st.; June 18, 1745, £50 at Grantham, carrying lOst.; July 4th £50 at Not- tingham ; 23rd £50 at Huntingdon ; Aug. 20, £50 at Oxford; September 2nd, £50 at Windsor; on the 20th, 50 gs. at Odsey's ; May 10, 1746, £50 at Epsom; on the 21st of Aug., he won the ladies' purse of 80 gs. at Oxford ; Sep. 4, the ladies' purse of 90 gs. at Lincoln ; Oct. 4, he won a match of 300 gs. at Newmarket, carrying 9st. 31b. 4 miles ; September 30, 1748, the town plate at Salisbury, and July 19, £50 at Wells. Babram. a bay horse, foaled in 1740 ; bred by the Earl of Godolphin, and sold to Mr. Benjamin Rogers of Mickleham, near Epsom, Surrey. Babram was got by Lord Godolphin's Arabian ; his dam was Captain Hartley's large mare, by his blind stallion, out of Mr. Avington's Flying Whig. In 1746, Babram won £50 at Reading; in 1747, (in the midst of his covering season,) he won £50 at Guildford, and in the same year he won £50 at Windsor. In 1748 he won the ladies £80 at Ox- 446 HISTORY OF THE ford ; in 1749, lie won £50 at Lambourn, and £50 at Burford ; notwithstanding he covered 53 mares the same season. Babram was a horse of fine form and goodness, and during the time of his running he beat the famous horses, Wafer, Bustard, Old England, Sutton, Little Drover, &c. &c. Babram covered at Mr. Rogers at 5 gs. and a crown, and afterwards in Mr.Leedes's stud at North- Milforth, Yorkshire, at 10 gs. and a crown. He was sire of several eminent running horses, and brood mares, as will be found in the following pedigrees. Brabram died at North-Milforth in the year 1760, aged 20 years. Little Driver. The property of Mr. Josiah Marshal. This excellent horse was allowed to be the strongest and best of his size that ever was bred in this kingdom. He was got by Mr. Bea- ver's Driver, son of Old Snake, out of Thwaites' dun mare ; she was got by the Yorkshire An caster Turk, which was sire of Old Chaunter and several others. Little Driver's dam was bred by his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, and got by Chil- ders out of a famous mare, called Cabbage A — e, daughter of Grantham. In 1748, when five years old, he won £50 at Ips- wich, and £50 at Leicester. 1749, £50 at Ascot Heath, £50 at Aylesbury, and the Town Plate at Newmarket. 1 750, £50 at Guilford, £50 at Read- ing, £50 at Stockbridge, £50 at Burford, £50 at BRITISH TURF. 44/ Chipping Norton, £50 at Ne^^Txiarket, weight for height, and the Town Plate, weight 12st., at New- market. 1751, £50 at Epsom, £50 at Winchester ; he received 20 gs. at Guilford for his not starting, and the premium at Ascot Heath, there being no horse entered against him ; he also won £50 at Hounslow, and £50 at Reading. 1752, when nine years old, he received forfeit of Mr. Grevill's Swift- sure at Newmarket, and won £50 at Epsom, £50 at Winchester, £50 at Blandford, £50 at Ascot Heath, and £50 at Burford. 1753, he received forfeit of Mr. Panton's Slipby, and won £50 at Epsom, £50 at Lichfield, and £50 at Warwick. 1754, he won £50 at Rumford, £50 at Reading, £50 at Maiden- head, and £50 at Maldon. 1755, when twelve years old, he won £50 at Guilford, £50 at Hull, £50 at Durham, and £50 at Maidenhead. Silver Leg. The property of Nathaniel Curzon, Esq. This excellent horse was bred by the Earl of Portmore, in 1743, at Weyb ridge in Surrey, and was got by Young Cartouch, son of Old Cartouch, who was got by the Bald Galloway, whose dam was got by the Cripple barb, his grandam by Makeless ; she was out of the dam of Trumpet, who was out of a Darley Yellow mare, got by Place's White Turk that got Commoner, the Ran- ter gelding, and many others. Silver Leg's dam was got by Old Cartouch, his grandam by Darley's Arabian, sire of Childers, his great grandam was the dam of Bay Bolton, Lamprie, etc. 448 HISTORY OF THE In 1748, June 1st, when five years old, he won £50 at Guilford. 1749, May 5th, £50 at Epsom, and £50 at Winchester. 1750, May 16th, £50 at Epsom; May 17th, £50 at Epsom ; August 16th, £50 at Derby ; August 18th, £50 at Chesterfield ; 28th, £50 at Lichfield ; October 23rd, a match of 100 gs., the last two miles of the Beacon Course at Newmarket, beating Lord March's horse, Chance, carrying lOst. 41b., Silver Leg, 9st. 111b, 1752. July 4th, he won £50 at Ipswich ; Septem- ber 2nd, he started alone at Burford ; October 2nd, he won £50 at Newmarket. Othello, or Black and All Black. The pro- perty of Sir Ralph Gore, Bart. He was a horse of size, fashion, and beauty ; and his performances de- note him to have been the best horse of his time. He was bred by Wilham Crofts, Esq. in 1743, and got by Crab out of Miss Slamerkin, got by True Blue, her dam by Lord Oxford's dun Arabian out of a mare of the Duke of Newcastle's, bought of Lord Darcy, of Sedbury, which mare was in high esteem. In 1748, Othello won 50 gs. prize for five years old at Lewes, and £50 at Stockbridge. 1749, the King's 100 gs. for six year olds at SaUsbury, Can- terbury, Lewes, and Newmarket. April, 1750, at the Curragh of Kildare in Ireland, he won the 100 gs. given by the Society of Sportsmen, and 50 gs. at the Great Heath, near Maryborough, and the King's 100 gs. in September, 1751. Septem- BRITISH TURF. 449 "ber 5th. he won a match of 1000 gs. at theCurragh of Kildare, beating the Earl of March's Bajazet ; he afterwards became the property of Mr. Fryer. In 1752, he won the Sportsmen's subscription purse of 50 gs., and the King's 100 gs. at the Curragh, beating the Earl of Antrim's famous horse, Gus- tavus, and Mr. Keating's gelding, Trimmer. Sampson. The property of Mr. Robinson. This excellent horse was bred by — . Preston, Esq., in 1745, and trained by Mr. Robinson, of Malton, in Yorkshire, and was esteemed by most gentle- men sportsmen to be superior in strength to any horse that has appeared in his high form. He was got by Blaze ; his dam by Hip, son of the bay barb ; his grandam by Spark, son of Honeycomb ; his great grandam by Snake, son of the Stradling Turk. In 1750, when five years old, he won a £50 prize at Malton, £60 at Hambleton, and 100 gs. at Litchfield. 1752, he won a prize at Newmarket of £100, list. The same year, he won the follow- ing King's plates : — Winchester, Salisbury, Can- terbury, Lewes, and Newmarket. He was after- wards in high esteem as a stallion, and was sire of Engineer, Bay Malton, &c. 1745. — ^We are informed bv the Count de BufFon, on the authority of a letter from the Earl of Mor- ton, that Mr. Cooper Thornhill, in the April of this year, rode three times between Stilton and VOL. I. G G 450 HISTORY OF THE London, distance 213 miles, in llh. 33m. 52sec. Mr. Thornhill used eight different horses in the first heat, six in the second, and in the third he made use of the same horses which had already served him, riding only seven of the fourteen. h. m. sec. From Stilton to London (71 miles) .3 52 59 From London to Stilton . . . 3 50 57 From Stilton to London . . . 3 49 56 The match was made for a considerable sum of money. He was allowed as many horses as he pleased, and fifteen hours to perform the task in. " 1 question," adds Bufibn, *' whether any race at the Olympic games ever equalled the rapidity of Mr. Thornhill's performance." Match'em. a bay horse, foaled in 1748, bred by John Holme, Esq., of Carlisle, and sold to Wil- liam Fenwick, Esq., of By well, Northumber- land. Match'em, own brother to Changeling, was got by Cade ; his dam by Partner ; grandam (Mr. Vane's Little Partner's grandam) by Makeless ; great grandam by Brimmer ; great great grandam (Trumpet's dam, and great grandam of Carton ch) by Mr. Place's White Turk, a daughter of Dods- worth, out of Mr. Layton's Violet barb mare. In 1753, Match'em won the subscription purse of £160. 55. for five years olds, lOst., four miles, at York ; beating Mr. Shafto's Barforth Billy, by BRITISH TURF. 451 Forrester, and Mr. Watson's Bold, by Cade ; two to one on Match'em, who was rode by Christo- pher Jackson, Barforth's Billy by Thomas Jack- son, and Bold by John Singleton, He also won £50 for five years olds at Norfolk, beating Mr. Shafto's Blameless, by Forrester. In 1754, Match'em received a £20 premium, and won the ladies' plate of 126 gs. for five years olds, 9st., and six years olds, lOst., four mile heats at York. He also won the ladies' plate £80 at Lincoln, and walked over for £50 at Norfolk. At Newmarket, in April, 1755, Match'em won the £50 B. C, beating Mr. Bowles's Trajan and twp others. He won this race exceedingly easy ; but it was said that Trajan ran faster than Match'em up the Choak Jade, but could not maintain the pace. They ran the heat in seven minutes and twenty seconds, carrying 8st. 71b. each ; the odds were five and six to four on Match'em, and large sums were lost on the contest. The friends of Trajan were not satisfied that Match'em was the best horse, from the very indifferent condition of Trajan, who was only taken from grass the December before, had had but one sweat during the whole winter, and when he came to Newmarket, was injudiciously hurried with the strongest exercise to prepare him for running. After this, Mr. Fen wick offered to run Match'em against any horse in England for the whip, which G G 2 452 HISTORY OF THE was accepted by Mr. Bowles to run Trajan against him, at Newmarket following Spring Meeting. In August, Match'em received a £20 premium, no horse entering against him at York. At Newmarket, in April, 1756, Match'em and Trajan met, according to agreement, at lOst. each, for 200 gs. each, and the whip, B. C, when Match'em proved the winning horse. The odds at starting, two to one on Match'em ; over the flat, five to one on Trajan ; but at the turn of the lands, a hundred to one on Match'em, who then made running ; it was observed that Mr. John Singleton, who rode him, judged perfectly right in keeping behind, and fretting the fiery Trajan till he had got him out ; and although Trajan had the lead upon the flat, to maintain it, he was obliged to be whipped. In the Second Spring Meeting, Match'em started for the Jockey Club Plate, and was beat by Spectator and Brilliant ; Match'em being only three times third ; Sweepstakes, Whistlejacket, and Crab also started. (For a particular account, see the performances of Mr. Burdon's Duchess.) The odds at starting for the first heat, (which was run in seven minutes, fifty-two seconds and a half) were two to one against Match'em, three to one against Whistlejacket, and four to one against BriUiant. The odds for the second heat, which was run in seven minutes and forty seconds, two BRITISH TURF. 453 and three to one against Brilliant, four to one against Spectator, and Match'em scarcely named. The odds for the third heat, which was run in eight minutes and five seconds, were two to one on Spectator, and six to one against Whistlejacket, who made good ranning for the last heat. After which, Match'em won 60 gs. at Newcastle, beating easy Mr. Swinburn's Drawcansir, and Mr. Parker's Full-Moon. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1758, Match'em started again for the Jockey Club Plate, ^ and was second to Mr. Greville's Mirza; Sir James Lowther's Jason, third ; Mr. Panton's Fea- ther, fourth ; and Mr. Vernon's Forrester, fifth. At starting, even money against Feather, six to four against Jason, six to one against Mirza, and ten to one against Match'em. Though Mirza gained advantage at starting, which he kept above three miles, yet Match'em ran an excellent honest horse, and was beat with great difficulty ; and, as large sums were depending between Match'em, Jason, and Feather, it was observed, " that the friends of poor old Match'em not only combed the golden fleece, but dressed the feathers very handsomely." In September following, Match'em won £50, • * On account of the disputes respecting the posting of the horses, etc., for the Jockey Club Plate, in the preceding year, it was agreed by the noblemen and gentlemen of the said Club, that the horses that ran for the same, in future, should only run one heat. 454 HISTORY OF THE weight 9st., at Scarborough, beating easy Mr. JolUff's Foxhunter, and Mr. Harvey's Sweetlips. At starting, ten to one, and after the heat, twenty to one on Match'em. The above were the only times of his running. Match'em then became the leading stallion in the North of England, where he covered with un- common success, till death put a period to his existence, which happened in the thirty-third year of his age, at Bywell, in Northumberland, on Wednesday, the 21st of February, 1781. A few days previous to his death, he covered a mare, which proved in foal. Match'em first covered at 5 gs. ; in 1765, he was advanced to 10 gs. ; in 1770, to 20 gs. ; in 1775, he was stinted to twenty-five mares, with those of his owner, at 50 gs. each, exclusive of the groom's fee. It has been said, and there can be little or no doubt of the truth, that Mr. Fenwick cleared by Match'em, as a stallion, upwards of £17,000, which was about £16,000 more than Mr. Martindale, of St. James's Street, London, gained by the celebrated Regulus. The first of Match'em's get that started, was the Duke of Northumberland's Caesario, that won the Jockey Club Plate for four years olds, at New- market, on the 15th of May, 1764. Mr. Tuting's Turf ran in the year, and won a match of 140 gs., and a £50 plate. BRITISH TURF. 455 The produce by Match'em, won as follows, viz. : — In 1764 2 Winners won 1765 3 1766 6 1767 8 1768 3 1769 8 1770 15 1771 20 1772 30 1773 40 1774 30 1775 26 1776 35 1777 29 1778 19 1779 15 1780 22 1781 18 1782 14 1783 5 1784 3 1785 2 1786 1 £. s. 302 0 2,650 5 2,113 10 1,979 0 680 0 3,025 0 7,267 10 9,185 0 25,;i6 10 16,397 10 20,200 0 16,907 10 11,207 10 8,992 15 6,903 10 3,463 15 62,81 5 4,807 10 2,901 0 1,060 0 360 0 194 4 105 0 In 23 yrs. 354 Winners won 151,097 4 Besides the above sums, there were several cups and subscriptions won by the get of Match'em ; but the value and amount cannot now be ascertained. The Partner mare (dam of Match'em and ChangeUng) was also the dam of Mr. Holme's Young Starhng, and of the Duke of Northumber- land's chesnut filly, Primrose, by Mr. Wilson's Arabian. The said Partner mare was own sister 456 HISTORY OF THE to the dam of Mr. Croft's Toy, Madam (Twig's dam), Drowsy, Young Cade, Mr. Martindale's Torismond, the Duke of Ancaster's Villager, grandam of Alcides, Annium, Herald, Miss Bar- forth, Thistle by Syphon, etc., and great grandam of Privateer and Fitzherod. She was also own sister to the dam of Lord Godolphin's Mulatto, Mr. Dutton's Rat, Lord Gower's Sweepstakes, and Clio. She was likewise own sister to the dam of Lord Godolphin's Dormouse, Mr. Meredith's Mercury, Merryman, and Bolton, Mr. Swinburn's Cadarmus , and grandam of Mr. Latham's Snap, &c. The four Partner mares were all bred by Mr. Crofts, of Barforth. The dam of Toy, &c., was foaled in 1730 ; the dam of Mulatto, &c., in 1731; the dam of Dormouse, &c , in 1732 , and the dam of Match'em, &c., 1733. Brilliant. A dun horse, foaled in 1750, bred by the Earl of Portmore, and sold to William Crofts, Esq., of West Harding, Norfolk. Brilliant was got by Mr. Panton's Crab ; his dam (own sister to Lord Godolphin's BufFerat) by Lord Godolphin's Arabian, out of Mr. Coke's Sil- verlocks. In 1754, Brilliant won the King's plate for four years olds, 9st., two miles and a quarter heats, at Ipswich, beating Lord Godolphin's dun gelding by Buffcoat, Mr. Keek's Ruby, and the Duke of Ancaster's Lizard ; also £50 for four years olds, 8st. 71b, at Huntingdon, beating Lord March's BRITISH TURF. 457 Smart, who was drawn after the first heat. At Newmarket, in October, he won £50 for four years olds, 8st. 71b., four miles, B. C, beating Mr. Panton's Pytho, Lord Portmore's Stately, Sir John Moore's South, the Duke of Cumber- land's Shock, and three others. At Newmarket, in April, 1755, he won £50 for horses, etc., rising five years old, 8st. 71b., R. C, beating Mr. Fen- wick's Syphon, the Duke of Cumberland's Marsk, Mr. Keek's Ruby, and four others. In July, he won the King's plate for fiye years olds, 9st., three mile heats, at Burford, (being the first at that place) beating Mr. Martindale's Adolphus, and Mr. Dutton's Boreas. At Newmarket, in Octo- ber, he won £50 for five years olds, 9st., four mile heats, beating easy Mr. Swinburn's Regulus, and Sir Charles Sedley's Sylph. And at New- market, in April, 1756, he won the 100 gs. and upwards, for horses rising six years old, lOst., four mile heats, distancing Mr. Panton's Pytho. Brilliant was a stallion at Epsom, Surrey, in 1758-60, at 3 gs. and 5^. ; in 1761, in the neigh- bourhood of Richmond, Yorkshire, at 5 gs. and 55. ; in 1762-63, at Epsom, at 3 gs. and 5^. ; in 1764, at West Haiiing, Norfolk, at 5 gs. and 5s.; in 1766-67, at 3 gs. and 5s; and in 1768-72, at 10 gs. and 5s. Brilliant was sire of Mr. Crofts' mouse-coloured filly, that ran three heats against Antinous for the King's plate, at Ipswich, in 1762, beating five 458 HISTORY OF THE others ; after which, she won £50 for four years olds, at SwafFham, beating at three heats, Lord Portmore's Sylph, by Babram, and Sir James Lowther's Phceby by Dormouse. He was also sire of the following, viz. : Lord Baltimore's Anthony, Mr. Everett's Ante- lope, Sir Charles Bunbury's Belario and Catarina, Mr. Shafto's Ariel and Caliban, Mr. Conolly's (of Ireland) Richmond, Lord Bolingbroke's Lais and Dorilas, Lord Clermont's Brilliant, Mr. Went- worth's Spangle, Mr. Ogilvy's Bijou, Lord Os- sory's Fish, Sir R. Phillips's Macaroni, Duke of Cumberland's Orthodox, Mr. Strode's Gudgeon, Mr. Carlisle's Don Dun, Mr. Mai's Juniper, Mr. Burlton's Darius, Mr. Dymock's Sparkler, Mr, Adams's Dunny, and several others. He likewise got the dam of Sir Charles Bam- lide's Custard, Mr. Douglas' Crookshanks, &c., and the grandam of Mr. Hutchinson's Weasel, Mr. Garforth's Eliza, &c. Forrester. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1750, bred by Richard Williams, of Penbedower, near Holywell, Flintshire. Forrester was got by Mr. Crofts' Forrester, his dam by the Duke of Bolton's Looby, out of Margery, the dam of Cricket. In April, 1755, Forester beat Mr. Slaughter's grey filly, by Sloe, dam by Wynn's Little Ball, 9st. each, over the Wallasey Course, for 200 gs. ; and in the same month he won £50 for horses rising five years old, 9st., four mile heats, at Chester, BRITISH TURF. 459 beating Mr. Egerton's Attilus, by Regulus, and Mr. Farrington's Harmless. In 1756, he won £50 for six years olds lOst., and aged lOsl. 101b., four mile heats, at Chester, beating Sir Richard Gros- venor's Trajan, aged, and distanced Mr. White's Trial, six years ; walked over for the King's plate at Nottingham ; won the King's plate at York, beating Mr. Hutton's Stately, Mr. Hunt's Poor Farmer, and Mr. Swinburn's Drawcansir : at starting, two to one on Forrester. He also won the King's plate at Lincoln, and walked over for the King's plate at Newmarket, in October. At Newmarket, in April, 1757, he won the King's plate, beating at three heats, the same, Adolphus. The first heat, which was won by Adolphus, was run in 8 minutes and 34 seconds , the second heat, in 8 minutes and 34| seconds ; and the third heat, in 8 minutes and 524 seconds. Forrester was sold on the day before running to Mr. Vernon of Newmarket. In April, 1759, Forrester, 8st. 101b., received 40 gs. from Mr. Blake's Pompey, 8st. 71b., B. C. Forrester was rode by Mr. Jenison Shafto, in the time match, at Newmarket, June 27th, 1759. 460 HISTORY OF THE CHAPTER X. 1750 to 1754. Marsk (sire of Eclipse)— Snap — Syphon — Cruel match between Crop and Mr. Harrison's roan-horse — The Earl of March's celebrated chaise match at Newmarket — Careless — Dainty Davy — Lottery — Spider — Match between Skew Ball and Miss Sportly on the Curragh of Kildare. — Extraordinary performance of Mr. Spelding's mare on the Curragh. — Sir Charles Turner's match against time. — 300 miles in 64 hours, and 20 minutes, by Mr. Croker's mare. Marsk. Sire of Eclipse, a brown horse, foaled in 1750, bred by John Hutton, Esq., of Marsh, near Richmond, Yorkshire ; who disposed of him to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland. Marsk was got by Squirt, out of the Ruby mare ; she was from a daughter of Bay Bolton and Mr. Hutton's Blacklegs, grandam by Fox- Club ; great grandam by Coneyskins ; great great grandam, by Mr. Hutton's grey barb, a daughter of Mr. Hutton's royal colt , a daughter of the Byerley Turk, from a Bustler mare. " In the year 1750, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland gave me — John Hutton — a chestnut Arabian in exchange for a brown colt, got BRITISH TURF. 4GI by Squirt, bred from the Ruby mare, and which his Royal Highness afterwards called Marsk. ** My Blacklegs was got by the Mulco Bay Turk ; his dam by Coney skins, his grandam was the Old Club-foot mare, got by Mr. Welkes's Huntboy.*' " The above are true copies from Mr. Hutton's stud book. Marsh, Oct. 1801. E. Geldart.'' At Newmarket in April, 1754, Marsk received 40 gs. forfeit from Mr. Cornwall's grey colt, by his Arabian ; on the 8th of May, he won the jockey club plate of 100 gs. and upwards, for four years olds, 8st. one heat over the round course, beating Mr. Panton's Pythos, Mr. Crofts's BriUiant, Lord Gower's Ginger, and Mr. Vernon's Bear ; and in October following, Marsk at 9st. beat Lord Tren- tham's Ginger, by Shock, 8st. 91b. ; B. C. 300 gs. Marsk only started three times besides the above, viz : — In April, 1755, when he was beat by Bril- liant and Syphon; in April, and May 1756, when he was beat in two matches by Snap ; and in Oc- tober following, he paid forfeit to Spectator. Marsk was a private staUion till the death of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, which happened in the year 1765. He was sold at his Royal Highness's sale at Mr. Tattersall's to a far- mer, for a trifling sum, being considered a very in- different stallion ; and in 1766, he covered country mares in Dorsetshire, at half a guinea. He was 462 HISTORY OF THE afterwards purchased by Mr. Wildman for 20 gs. ; the seller being highly pleased that he had quitted, as he thought, a bad bargain. In 1707, he covered at Bistern near Ringwood, Hants, at 3 gs. and 5s, In 1769, at Gibbons' Grove, near Leatherhead, Surrey, at 5. gs. and 55. and in 1770 at 10 gs. and 5s ; after which he was advanced to 30 gs. and 5^. Marsk soon became, by the unparalleled perform- ances of the famed Eclipse, the first stallion in the kingdom ; and was in consequence thereof purchased by the Earl of Abingdon for 1000 gs. and sent to his Lordship's stud at Rycot, in Ox- fordshire, where he covered, previous to his death, which happened in July 1779, at 100 gs. and one guinea the groom. The first of Marsk's get that started was his Eoyal Highness's chesnut filly, (out of Lord Pom- fret's Saracen's dam) that beat Lord Bolingbroke's bay filly, by Lord Gower's stallion, (out of Ma- rotte's dam) 8st. 71b. each, over the Duke's course, for 300 gs. at Newmarket, in April 1765. Marsk was sire of many excellent racers and stallions, which are given in the following list, with the year in which each was foaled : Owners. 1762. Marsk, Mr Fettyplace. 1764. Eclipse, Mr. Wildman. Grand Diavolo, Mr. Shafto. Woodcock, Duke of Grafton. 1765. Grig, Lord Bolingbroke. BRITISH TURF. 463 1766. iEnigma, Carina, ', Doraitian, Proserpine, Sertorius, Stripling, Transit, 1770. Bell's dam, Coalheaver, Desdemona, Eagle's dam. Lioness, Mignone, Temperance, Topgallant, 1771- Adelaide, Folly, Hephestion, Honest Kitt, Jack of Hilton, Juno, Leviathan, Magnolia, Masquerade, Matron's dam. Narcissus, Pontifex, Pretender, Revenge, Salopian, Shark, Signora Bacelli, Sphynx, Vizard, Young Marsk, 1772. Caesar, Clay HaU Marsk, Garrick, Owners . Mr. Pigott. Duke of Grafton. Mr. March. Duke of Ancaster. Duke of Grafton. Lord Bohngbroke. Lord Abingdon. Mr. Douglas. Sir E. Bunbury. Lord Milsintoune. Mr. Wyndham. Mr. Blake. Sir F. Evelyn. Mr. Wildman. Lord Abingdon. Mr WaUer. Mr. King. D uke of Ancaster. Mr. Pigott. Mr. H. Vernon. Mr. O'Kelly. Lord Abingdon. Lord Abingdon. Lord Clermont. Lord Egremont. Mr. Codrington. Lord Abingdon. Lord Abingdon. Mr. Vernon. Mr. Pigott. Mr. Pigott. Mr. H. Vernon. Lord Ossory. Duke of Bolton. Mr. Hutton. Duke of Cumberland. Mr. Dawson. Lord Abingdon, 464 HISTORY OF THE Owners. 1772. Looby, Mr. Wildman. Pontac, Sir L, Dundas. Zara, Mr. H. Vernon. 1773. Eloisa, Sir S. Stuart. Teucer's dam. Duke of Bedford. 1774. Calphurnia, Mr. O'Kelly. Ceres, Mr. Gascoyne. Pompey, Duke of Cumberland. Punch's dam. Mr. Dutton. 1775. Cardinal York, Lord Abingdon. Inamorato, Mr. Dymock. Lexicon, Lord Craven. Paul Jones, Mr. Dymock. Pisistratur, Mr. Bertie. Rodney, Mr. Meadows. TuUiola, Lord Abingdon. 1776. America, Lord Abingdon. Coq du Village, Lord Abingdon. Fierifacias, Lord Abingdon. Flying Gib, Mr. Bertie. Grasshopper, Mr. Dutton. Je ne sais quoi. Mr. Ways. 1777. Congressa, afterwards Sane. - ta Maria, Lord Craven. Jocunda, Mr. Bertie. John-a-Nokes, Mr. Bertie. Miss Duncomb, Duke of Northumberland. Pubhcola, Lord Abingdon. 1778. Rowena, Mr. O'Kelly. Shag, Mr. Bertie. Stiletto, Lord Abingdon. 1779. Haphazard, Mr. Bertie, Tick-tack, Lord Abingdon. 1780. Gass's dam. Mr. Churchill, (supposed to be the last get). There were several others of Marsk's get, but BRITISH TURF. 465 which were not distinguished by any particular name. The produce by Marsk, won as follows ; 1765 1 Winner won 1766 1 »> 1767 1 »> 1768 2 Winners won 1769 3 j» 1770 6 >» 1771 2 >» 1772 1 Winner won 1773 3 Winners won 1774 16 » 1775 24 » 1776 23 >» 1777 15 »» 1778 7 » 1779 14 it 1780 12 >» 1781 8 *y 1782 5 »» 17S3 4 »* 1784 3 t> 1785 2 »* 1786 1 W inner won £. s, 315 0 50 0 260 0 300 0 945 1 4,512 10 310 0 995 0 312 10 5,507 15 18,500 15 19,235 13 6,201 3 2,754 5 4,637 4 2,727 10 1,856 0 707 5 252 10 512 10 268 0 50 0 71,205 10 In 22yrs.l54 Besides the above stated sums In 1769, at Salisbury, the City Silver Bowl was won by Mr. Wild- man's Eclipse. 1773, at Epsom, the Cup, by Lord S. Hamilton's Stripling. 1775, at Newmarket, thirteen hogsheads of claret, by Shark. 1776, at Newmarket, fifteen hogsheads of claret, by Pontac ; „ at Ipswich, the Gold Cup, by Hephestion. 1778, at Newmarket, the WTiip, by Shark. VOL. 1. H H 466 HISTORY OF THE Exclusive of the above, it is probable there may have been several other winners of Marsk's get, but they are unknown. ON THE DEATH OF OLD MARSK, WHICH HAPPENED IN JULY, 1779, IN HIS 29TH YEAR. Ye sportsmen, for a while refrain your mirth ; Old Marsk is dead ! consigned to peaceful earth ; The king of horses now, alas ! is gone. Sire of Eclipse, who ne'er was beat by one. Yet tho' your cheeks you may bedew, 'tis vain. Since Marsk must cease to trip it o'er the plain. His brilliant feats the noblemen record. For high in favour was he with each lord. His well-descended blood the sportsmen trace. And sound his fame in each contested race. The stock of Marsk we circumspectly view. Announce that they were runners swift and true. Say, shall I mention Shark and Masquerade, Whose great pre-eminence was oft displayed ? Or shall Hephestion crown my humble lays ? Or shall I tell of Sphynx, or Pontac's praise ? Salopian and Pretender, shall I name ? Or speak of Honest Kitt and Transit's fame ? Shall brave Leviathan adorn my theme ? For he was justly held in high esteem. Revenge and Caesar, both occur to mind. And Flying Jib went briskly as the wind; There's Jack of Hilton, too, and John-a-Nokes, Have often pleas'd, but seldom grieved the folks. Let me not pass Young Marsk in silence o'er, Tho' once he started, only, and no more ; Misfortune check'd him in his swift career. Or from competitors he'd nought to fear. Fain would I now attempt the whole detail. But well I know my numbers soon would fail ; With Temp'rance, therefore, I shall pass the rest. And briefly say that Stripling stood the test. BRITISH TURF. 467 Here, should my muse presume to moralise, What scope for deep reflection would arise ! Might she not say that life is but a race. And that 'tis finished in a little space ? Thousands, no doubt, will one day wish to lie. As safe as Marsk beneath an angry sky. Snap. A brown horse, foaled in 1750, bred by Cuthbert Ruth, Esq., and sold to Jenison Shafto, Esq. Snap was got by Snip, his dam (sister to Mr. Panton's Slipby) by Lord Portmore's Fox, out of the Duke of Bolton's Gipsey. Snap raced in the Earl of Sandwich's name. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1756, Snap beat the Duke of Cumberland's Marsk, lOst. each, B. C, 1000 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he beat Marsk a second time, at the same weight, B. C, 1000 gs. The odds at starting were ten to one on Snap, and over the flat, thirty to one, Marsk being all abroad, and was beat by half a distance, at the Ditch-half-mile. Snap also won the Free plate of £100 for six years olds, lOst., and 'aged, lOst. 71b., four mile heats, at York, beating Mr. Eastby's Farmer, aged, and Mr. Robinson's Music, six years old, who was second and drawn. At starting, six and seven to four on Snap ; after the heat, twenty to one. He also received 50 gs. not to start for the Free Plate of £100, at Stockton. At Newmarket, in April, 1757, Snap beat Lord Gower's Sweepstakes, 9st. each, B. C., 1000 gs. The above were the only times of his running. H h2 468 HISTORY OF THE Snap was a very fine horse, of a beautiful shape, justness of proportion, great power of sinew, which was strong, firm, and vigorous, and was allowed to be as good a runner, if not better, than any horse of his time. Immediately after running his last race, he was sent to succeed his sire at Kenton, in Northum- berland, but was afterwards removed to West Wratting, the seat of Mr. Shafto, where he died in the year 1777. The following paragraph was published at his death : — '^In the beginning of July, died, at his seat, at West Wratting, Cambridgeshire, aged twenty- seven years, Cuthbert Snap, Esq., who has left a numerous progeny, which have shone with lustre in their generations. He had many favourite sons, the most distinguished of which, is Gold- finder, who most inherits his father's blood. His eldest son. Omnium, was unfortunate in his youth, by getting lame, otherwise he would have been his father's darling ; nevertheless, he has not dis- graced his great progenitor, and has improved the family estate. Mr. Snap had many favourite daughters ; among whom, Angelica married early to Tartar Herod, Esq. ; by whom she had Charles Evergreen, Esq., a gentleman of great merit, now residing at Leverington, near Wisbeach ; also Snapdragon, who produced the hero that won the 5,500 gs. at Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1777. There was also another daughter, who BRITISH TURF. 469 was mother of the famous Pantaloon. The mo- ther of Shark was Hkewise of this family, as was the mother of the celebrated Alfred. He has left many valuable legacies to his different relations ; but the bulk of his fortune, amounting to upwards of £30,000, he generously distributed in his life- time to his patrons, the Shafto family. His seat, at West Wratting, he has bequeathed to his fa- vourite daughter, Angelica (Assassin's dam), for life, where she is now resident." In 1758, Snap covered at Kenton; in 1759, at Mr. Robert Wilkinson's, the Oak-tree, in Leem- ing Lane, Yorkshire ; in 1760 and 1761, at Smea- ton, near Northallerton ; in 1762-65, at Mr. Sell's, at Thurlow, nine miles from Newmarket ; in 1776, at Babram, near Newmarket ; after which, he was removed to West Wratting. He covered at 10 gs. a mare, and 5s. the groom. Snap was sire of a great many excellent racers, stallions, and brood mares, as will appear in the various pedigrees. The produce by Snap, won as follows, viz : — £. s In 1763 7 Winners won 2,438 10 1764 11 »> 5,350 0 1765 14 » 6,050 0 1766 6 if 1,843 5 1767 13 9* 5,432 15 1768 21 » 8,127 5 1769 19 Winners won 10,403 5 470 HISTORY OF THE £. s^ 1770 22 Winners won. 7,525 5 1771 25 8,813 10 1772 20 6,517 11 1773 22 5,771 15 1774 20 7,103 10 1775 20 4,578 10 1776 15 4,522 10 1777 10 3,069 15 1778 6 835 0 1779 3 3,635 15 1780 2 102 10 1781 2 155 0 1782 no winners 1783 2 >f 257 10 1786 1 Winner won 99 15 In 21 yrs. 261 Winners won 92,537 16 Syphon. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1750, bred by the Duke of Bolton, and sold to WiUiam Fen- wick, Esq., of By well, Northumberland. Syphon was got by Squirt, (sire of Marsk,) his dam by Patriot, grandam by Mr. Panton's Crab, out of an own sister to the Duke of Bolton's Sloven. In 1754, Syphon won the great subscription of £160. 5s, for four years olds, 9st. at York, beating at three two mile heats, Mr. Shafto's Snip, Mr. Els- leg's Wittington, Mr. Ann's Diana, Lord Rocking- ham's Negro, Mr. Read's Grandison, and Mr. Dun- comb's Lisander; also £50 for four years olds, 9st. at Morpeth, beating Mr. Wilson's Flora, Mr. Carter's Chance, and distanced Mr. Bullock's Spot. At New- market in April 1755, Syphon started for £50, and BRITISH TURF. 4?! was second to Brilliant, beating Marsk and five others. He only started once after, but broke down in running. Syphon first covered at Gid- dens, between Canterbury and Dover, at one guinea and 25. In 1765, he covered at Ellerton near Catterick, Yorkshire, at 3 gs. and 2s. 6d. and in 1771, he was advanced to 5 gs. and 5s. The first winner of his get was Mr. Shafto's Daisy, that won the £50 for three years olds, at New- market, in October 1770, beating Lord Boling- broke 's Gracchus, and nine others. He was also sire of Mr. Bower's Anna Maria, Sir John Moore's Tipsy, Mr. Pratt's Tosspot, Lord Stanley's Pros- pero, Sir Charles Bunbury's Margaretta, Mr. Shaf- to's Tandem, Lord Grosvenor's Sweet-William, Mr. Smith's Auction, Lord Grosvenor's Sweet- briar, Mr. Bethel's Mackerel, Lord Abingdon's Tycho, Mr. Parker's Thistle, (that won the Queen's guineas at Chelmsford in 1775), Mr. Ayrton's Lucy, (that won the Port stakes at Pickering, in 1779), Mr. Foley's Enterprise and Pastor, Mr. Hutchinson's Hermit, and several others. Syphon was sire of the dam of Miss Blanchard, Cowslip, Young Highflyer, Maid of all work, &c., of the dam of Mr. Stapleton's Tommy, Sir Tho- mas Gascoigne's Violet, (dam of Symmetry, Slap- bang, Lennox, &c. ;) of the dam of Mr. Cradock's Pencil, Guide, Tiptoe, &c. of Mr. Pratt's Meretrix, Privateer, &c. It has been generally supposed that Syphon 472 HISTORY OF THE would have got as many good horses as any stallion of his time, if he had only served proper mares, when he first began to cover in 1757 ; for it ap- pears that until he came to Ellerton, there had not been any mares of note sent to him. Daisy's dam, (a Cadermus mare out of Childerkin) was put to Syphon in 1766 ; Sweet-William's dam, (a sister to Twig) in 1767; and Sweetbriar's dam (a Shakspeare mare, out of Miss Meredith) in 1768. Therefore, as Daisy in October 1770, was the first winner ; Mr. Bower's Anna-Maria, (which won £50 for four years olds at York, in 1771,) the second ; and as Sweet-William did not start until the 11th of May 1774, and Sweetbriar not till the Newmarket first October Meeting, 1773, Syphon might then be justly considered to be too far ad- vanced in years to get many racers of note. Tan- dem was got in 1772, and Mr. Hutchinson's Her- mit not till 1775 ; Syphon being then in his 25th. year. Patriot, sire of the dam of Syphon, was a brown horse, foaled in 1729, and bred by the Duke of Bolton. He was got by Bay Bolton ; his dam by Jigg, sire of Partner, out of Old Lady, the grandam of his Grace's Starling. At New- market, in October 1734, Patriot beat the Duke of Devonshire's chesnut horse, by Childers, out of Old Ebony, 8st. 71b. each; four miles for 300 gs. 1750. — On the 1st. of September of this year, the following absurd and cruel race took place at BRITISH TURF. 473 Epsom, between Mr. Girdwood's horse Crop, and a roan horse of Mr. Harris's. Crop was to go 100 miles before the roan went 80; the match being for 100 gs. Much betting was made on the result. The horses started about half past six in the morning. Crop ran ten times round the course, making 20 miles in about an hour, and w^as already almost beat in going round the eleventh time. The other horse was also so knocked up, as not to be able to make even a trot, so that they walked the course with their riders on their backs, people going before them with sieves of oats, to entice them on, which had a most ridiculous effect. By the time the roan horse had gone 80 miles. Crop had gone 94, so that he lost the race by six miles. Crop was sold immediately after the race for 5 gs. to a Mr. Skinner, it not being thought that he would live. He, however, lived to win for that gentleman upwards of £500 in various matches ; and died about eight years after the above men- tioned event. 1750. — On the 29th. of August, of this year, was decided the remarkable chaise match, made by the Earl of March, (afterwards Duke of Queens- bury) and the Earl of Eglintoun, with Count Theo- bald Taafe, and Andrew^ Sprowle, Esq., for 1000 gs. The conditions of this wager were, to get a car- riage with four running wheels, and a person in or upon it, drawn by four horses, nineteen miles in one hour. Their Lordships were to give two 474 HISTORY OF THE months' notice, what week it should be done in, and had the liberty of choosing any day in that week. The match was performed on Newmarket heath, in 53 minutes and 27 seconds, as appeared by three stop watches the umpires held, which did not vary one second. The machine, with a postillion of Lord March's fixed thereon, weighed about 24 stone. The horses, three of which had won plates, were all trained for racing ; the two leaders, including rider, saddles and harness, carried about 8st. each, and the wheel horses, about 7st. each. Tawney (formerly Mr. Greville's) the near leader, was rode by W. Everatt, Mr. Panton's groom, who had the conducting the rate to go at. The ofF-leader, Roderick Random, (bought from Mr. Hamford for this occasion,) the near wheeler Chance, (formerly the Duke of Hamilton's) and the ofF-wheeler, Little Dan, (Mr. Thompson's of Beverley, Yorkshire,) were rode by three boys, who had bolsters to preserve their shoulders. A groom dressed in crimson velvet rode before to clear the way ; the postillion, (a boy) was dressed in a white satin jacket, black velvet cap, and red silk stock- ings ; and Mr. Everett, and the three boys, that rode the horses, were in blue satin waiscoats, buckskin breeches, with white silk stockings, and black velvet caps. The traces of the machine, by an ingenuous con- BRITISH TURF. 475 trivance, were made to run into bones with springs, in order that, incase any of the horses hung back, to prevent the traces from getting under their legs ; and a rope went from the further end of the carriage to the pole, and was brought back from under it, to keep the pole steady. By the side of the wheel, there were tin cases with oil dropping on the axle-tree, to prevent its taking fire. The postiUion placed thereon was only to fulfil the conditions. It started about seven in the morning, near the six mile house, and ran between the warren and rubbing houses, came through at the ditch, called the running gap, then turned to the right, and went three times round a corded piece of ground, of four miles, and then back to the place it started 476 HISTORY OF THE from. The horses ran away the first four miles with their riders and carriage, doing them in nine minutes ; the odds were then two to one. A vast crowd of spectators assembled to witness this cele- brated match, and large sums depended on it. Mr. George Tanting, and a groom of Lord March's, were the only persons permitted to ride with it, and thev were to assist in case of accident. Careless. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1751, bred by John Borlace Warren, Esq., of Stapleford, Not- tinghamshire. Careless was got by Regulus, out of Silvertail, the dam of Shortsman, Fearnought, &c. In 1751, Careless won £50, for four years olds, 9st., at Derby, beating at three heats, Mr. Eger- ton's Rocket, by Regulus, Mr. Curzon's Worm- wood, and two others ; also 50 gs., for four years olds, 9st., at Litchfield, beating Mr. Parker's Chance, Mr. Barry's Bonny-lass, and Mr. Smith's Star. At Newmarket, in October, he won the 80 gs., for four years olds, 8st. 71b., four miles of B. C, beating Mr. Swinburn's Judgment, and Sir John Moore's Glutton. At Newmarket, in April, 1756, he won £50, for horses, &c., rising five years old, 8st. 71b., one heat over the R. C, beating the Duke of Ancaster's Myrtle, Mr. Mere- dith's Eastby Miller, Lord Chedworth's Bauble, and Mr. Blake's Fanny ; he walked over for the King's plate at Burford ; won £50, for five years olds, lOst., two mile heats, at Nottingham, beating Mr. Larkins' Eastby Miller, and Mr. WilHams' Rib; BRITISH TURF. 477 walked over for £50, for five years olds, at Hun- tingdon ; also for the King's plate, at Litchfield. In 1757, Careless won the King's plate, at Guild- ford, beating Mr. Rogers' Newcastle Jack, who was drawn after the first heat ; the King's plate, at Winchester, beating Mr. Swymmer's Monock, who also ran but one heat ; w^alked over for the King's plate, at Salisbury, and Canterbury ; won the King's plate, at Lewes, beating at one heat Mr. Rogers' Newcastle Jack ; walked over for the King's plate at Lincoln, and won the King's plate, at Newmarket, in October, beating the Duke of Kingston's Prince T. Quassaw. They ran the first heat in 8 minutes and 45 seconds, and the second heat in 8 minutes and 40 seconds. He also walked over for the King's plate, at New- market, in April, 1758, which was the tenth of his winning, and the only ones he ever started for. He won £50 weight for age, at Nottingham, beat- ing easy. Sir Richard Grosvenor's Stately, aged, allowing her 81b. He was beat (for the first time,) at three heats, by Atlas, at Huntingdon ; but ten days after he won the £100 plate, lOst. 71b., each at York, beating the Duke of Kingston's Prince T. Quassaw, who was drawn after the first heat ; at starting seven and eight to one, on Careless. In 1759, he walked over for £50, at Stamford, and won though lame, the great subscription of £234 105.,forsix years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., four miles at York, beating Mr. Fenwick's Ma- 478 HISTORY OF THE tilda, by Cade, 6 years old, and Lord Rocking- ham's Scrub, aged ; at starting four and five to one on Careless ; the heat was run in 8 minutes and 8 seconds, and won by a length. In ] 760, he won the great subscription of £255, weight 9st., four miles at York, beating the Duke of Devon- shire's Atlas, on whom the odds were five to one. Careless only started once after, when he was beat bv Scrub and Maria, at York, in 1761 : he also was beat by Atlas, at Newmarket, in April, 1759, which, with the above, were his only engagements. Careless was afterwards a stallion, in the Duke of Kingston's stud, at Holme Pierrepoint, Not- tinghamshire, where he served mares at 10 gs., and 05. He was sire of the Duke of Kingston's Christopass, Catch'em, Cossack, Crony, Chrysis, Antonio, &c. ; of Sir Charles Sedley's Regulator and Rattletrap ; of Mr. Bailey's Lydia, Mr. Pat- terson's Silvertail, Mr. Vernon's Petit-Gris, Lord Abingdon's Impostor, Mr. Powell's Prodigal, Mr. Wentworth's Mousetrap, Mr. H. Vernon's Va- ranes, Mr. Douglas's Alderman, and several others. He also got the dam of Lord Abingdon's Magna Charta, Lord Melsintoune's Catalpha, Sir John Lade's Plutus, Mr. Lade's Plutitia, Mr. Douglas' Spider, Competitor and Grantham, Mr. Gas- coigne's Ceres, &c. ; and the grand am s of Mr. Preston's Silverlocks, Mr. Clifton's Geranium Lord Darlington's Ruby, Mr. Bullock's Alarm, Lord Barrymore's Musquito, &c. BRITISH TURF. 479 Crispin. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1751, bred by the Duke of Ancaster, and sold to Mr. Adams. Crispin was got by the Duke of Ancaster 's Starling, his dam by Whitefoot, grandam by Mr. Alcock's Arabian, (sire of Crab), great grandam by Mr. Pelham's bay barb, out of a natural barb mare. Crispin was own brother to his grace's Slave, (afterwards Mr. Boothby's Grantham), and his dam was also the dam of Mr. Panton's Cocker, &c. At Newmarket, in October, 1755, Crispin re- ceived a forfeit from Lord Northumberland's grey filly, by Starling, dam by Cade. He was sold to Mr. Adams ; and in the same month he won £50, at Chipping-Norton, beating at three heats Mr. Hitchman's Young Marksman, and Lord Port- more's Gay. In 1756, he won £50, at Wisbeach, beating at three heats, Mr. Leeson's Young Squirt, Mr. Cross's (late Mr. Hunt's) Fox, Mr. Boyce's Young Driver, and Mr. Pelton's Freeholder ; also £50 at Rumford, beating at three heats, Mr. Cham- berlane's Ruby, Lord Craven's Anthony, and Mr. Scott's Ajax, (late Terrible). In 1757, Crispin, (8st. 14oz.), won £50, give and take, at Epsom, beating at four heats, Mr. Wentworth's Little Da- vid, aged, 8st. 71b., Mr. Storey's Cleveland Betty, five years old, 6st. 121b. 4oz., Sir Richard Gros- venor's Camilla, aged, 8st. 51b. 4oz., and four others ; £50 give and take, at Knutsford, beating at four heats, Mr. Smith's Aaron, Mr. Eastby's 480 HISTORY OF THE Farmer, and Mr. Edward's Flora ; also £50 for six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., beating at three three mile heats, Mr. Swymmer's Tantivy, Mr. Stamford's Crab, Mr. Lincoln's Emma, Sir H. Pettus's Pickpocket, and the Duke of Cum- berland's Ranger. In 1758, Crispin (9st.) won £50, give and take, at Hull, beating Mr. Hudson's Blacklegs, 8st., Mr. Stanhope's Shorthose, 7st. 101b. 8oz., &c. ; also £50 give and take, at Knuts- ford, beating Mr. Maltas's Slug, and Mr. Lever's Neptune. At Newmarket, in April 1759, Crispin 8st. 101b., beat Mr. Robinson's black gelding, carrying a feather, B. C. 100 gs., and received a forfeit from the same gelding. He also won £50, give and take, at Ascot Heath, beating Sir James Lowther's Whitelegs, and £50 give and take, at Knutsford, beating at three heats, Mr. Barry's Kitty Fisher, Mr. Button's Creeping Kate, Mr. Egerton's Pig, and Mr. Clifton's Hermit, who won the first heat, but was distanced in running for the second along with Mr. Swinburn's Judgment and two others. In 1760, he beat Mr. Hud- son's Bald Stag, at two four mile heats for 200 gs. at Barnet. Dainty Davy. A bay horse, foaled in 1752, the property of the Duke of Cleveland. Dainty Davy was got by Traveller, out of the noted mare called Slighted-by-all. In 1756, Dainty Davy walked over for the Maiden plate of £50, for four years olds, at Alnwick ; and BRITISH TURF. 481 won £50, four years olds, 9st., three mile heats at Stockton, beating at three heats. Sir Wil- liam Pennyman's Cleveland, Mr. Robinson's Ma- riner, and Mr. Kaye's Sportsman ; at starting two to one on Mariner, after the first heat the same, but after the second heat three to one on Dainty Davy ; the first heat Dainty Davy and Mariner waited on each other, which gave Cleveland an opportunity of winning the heat easy ; for the se- cond and third heats. Dainty Davy went off at a score, and won them both, probably easy, by which the friends of Mariner were deeply taken in. In 1757, Dainty Davy won £50, give and take at Newcastle, carrying 8st. 31b. 12oz., beating at three heats, Mr. Shafto's Ripon, aged, 9st. lib, 12oz., Mr. Harrison's Merry-Brown-Thing, five years old 8st. 21b., Mr. Charlton's Creeping Kate, aged, 8st. lO^lb., and Mr. Hunter's Smiling Molly, five years old, 8st. 21b. The first heat was won by Ripon from Smiling Molly ; Dainty Davy and Ripon distanced the other three the last heat. He won £50, for five years olds, 9st., three mile heats at Durham, beating Mr. Smith's Careless by Traveller, Mr. Dealty's Cream of Tartar, and Mr. Smith's Royal, by Tartar; the £100 plate, for five years olds, 8st. 71b., at Stockton, beating Mr. Holme's Wildair, by Old Starling ; and re- ceived a premium not to start for the £50 give and take there. On the 24th September, Dainty Davy, 8st. 101b., beat Mr. Shafto's Ripon, six VOL. I, II 482 HISTORY OF THE years old, 9st., four miles for 500 gs., at Stockton. This was one of the hollowest matches ever run, for had Dainty Davy continued his own rate, he would have beat Ripon half a mile. So various were the opinions of the sportsmen on this race, that ^ve to four were betted on both horses ; but when they had run about a mile, the odds were ten to one against Ripon. In October, he w^on £50, for five years olds, 9st., three mile heats at Mor- peth, beating Mr. Mann's Britons-strike-home, by Tartar, and Mr. Dacre's Princess Zama. In 1758, Dainty Davy won £50 give and take, at Newcastle, beating Mr. Henderson's Dainty Dolly, who was second and drawn ; he also at the same meeting won the £80 plate, for six years olds, 8st. 121b., and aged 9st. 81b., four mile heats, beating Mr. Swinburn's Judgment, and Mr. Holme's Wildair, six years old, and walked over for £50, give and take, at Durham. In 1759, Dainty Davy, 9st. lib. 12 oz., won £50 give and take, at Newcastle, beating Mr. Swin- burn's Sprightly, ^ve years old, 7st. 121b. 8oz., and Mr. Fenwick's Pigeon, five years, 8st. 21b. lOoz. ; he also won the £70 plate there for six years olds, 8st. 121b., and aged 9st. 61b., four mile heats, beating Mr. Swinburn's Cadermus, six years old, and Mr. Smith's Views of Pleasure, who was distanced the second heat ; he walked over for £50, give and take at York, won the Gold cup, value £70, for aged horses, 9st., all under 8st. 71b., BRITISH TURF. 483 four miles, being the first, at Richmond, beating Mr. Wentworth's Charmer, six years old, Mr. Buston's Brisk, five years old, Mr. Turner's Bru- tus, aged. Lord Byron's Osmar, aged, Mr. Weigh- ill's Young Sedbury, and Mr. Fenwick's Matilda, six years old. At starting Hve to four against Dainty Davy, four to one against Brutus, and seven to one against Charmer. Dainty Davy was rode by Thomas Jackson, Charmer by Charles Dawson, and Brisk by Joseph Rose. He also at the same meeting, won the £50, give and take, beating M/. Osbaldeston's Miss Patty, five years old, the Countess of Northumberland's Irene, six years old, and Mr. Hutton's Juggler, four years old ; at starting four and five to one on Dainty Davy. In 1760, Dainty Davy won £50, give and take at Newcastle, beating Mr. Turner's Serpent* who was second and drawn ; he also won the £60 plate there for six years olds, 8st. 1 21b., and aged, 9st. 61b., four mile heats, beating Mr. Swinburn's Nabob, aged, and Mr. Turner's Bru- tus, aged ; and £50 give and take, at York, carry- ing 9st. 61b. 2oz., beating Lord Rockingham's Scrub, aged, 9st. 7lb. 14oz. ; at starting six and seven to four on Dainty Davy. He also won the Gold cup value £70, for aged, 9st., all under 8st. 71b., four miles at Richmond, beating Mr. Hutton's Silvio, six years old, and Mr. Brandling's Encore, six years old, two to one on Dainty Davy. I I 2 484 HISTORY OF THE In 1761, Dainty Davy walked over for £50 give and take, at York, and won the Gold cup, value £80 for aged, 9st., four miles, at Richmond, beating Mr. Mutton's Silvio, aged ; at starting five and six to one on Dainty Davy. In 1762, Dainty Davy won £50, give and take, at Hull, beating Mr. Swinburn's Sprightly and Mr. JollifF's Newland ; received a £5 premium not to start at Scarborough ; he won the Gold cup, value £80, for five years olds 8st. 7lb., and aged, 9st., four miles at Richmond, beating Mr. Hut- ton's Silvio, aged, Mr. Dalton's Syren, six years old, Mr. Aislabie's Pompey, five years old, and Mr. Warren's Fearnought, aged ; at starting seven to four on the field, and six to four on Silvio against Dainty Davy ; in running gold to silver, Silvio against Dainty Davy, and even betting in the field. Silvio's jockey, (Charles Dawson) lost his stirrups in running, occasioned by rubbing against a man on horseback ; in the first half mile. Fearnought was thrown down by a man riding against him ; and in the second mile, Pompey met with the same misfortune. Dainty Davy won by about a length and a half. In 1763, Dainty Davy received a £5 premium not to start at Hull, and won the Gold cup, value £80, for five years olds, 7st. 1 lib., six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., four miles, at Richmond, beating Mr. Mutton's Silvio, aged, Mr. Carr's Negro, five years old, Mr. Stanhope's Blackeyes, five years old, and Sir William Penny man's bay BRITISH TURF. 485 mare, by Young Cade, five years old ; at starting, five to four on Dainty Davy. This was the only time of his starting that year, and the last of his running. The different prizes won by Dainty Davy, amounted to the sum of £2,920. Dainty Davy was only beat three times, viz. — in 1756, the first time of his starting, by Mr. Shafto's Tiger, at four heats, at Newcastle; in 1758, by the Duke of Kingston's Miner, &c., at Newmar- ket, in April; and in 1761, by Mr. Mutton's Silvio, at Newcastle. Dainty Davy was a stallion, at Raby Castle, in the county of Durham, where he first served mares at 5 gs. and 5s., and afterwards at 10 gs. He was sire of Mr. Brown's Hambletonian, Mr. Yeates's David, Lord Ferrer's Active, Lord Cler- mont's Hercules, Lord Grosvenor's Gilkicker, Mr. Best's Mary Davy, Sir Harry Harper's Pilot, Mr. Duncombe's Pineapple, Mr. Wentworth's Prince William, Mr. Pratt's Privateer, &c. He also got the dam of the Duke of Norfolk's Cumberland and Temperance, the dam of Mr. Baird's Louisa, and the grandam of Mr. Bullock's Toby. Lottery. A bay mare, foaled in 1752, bred by the Duke of Ancaster, and sold to Sir Edward O'Brien, Bart., of Ireland. Lottery was got by Blank out of Look-at-me-lads ; she was the first of Blank's get that ever started. At Newmarket, in April, 1757, Lottery was second to Lord Godolphin's Weasle for the 486' HISTORY OF THE 1200 gs., beating six others. At York, in August, she vv^on a sweepstakes of 500 gs., for five years olds, 9st., four miles, beating Mr. Fen wick's Os- mar, Mr. Shafto's Tiger, Mr. Hutton's Bustler, Mr. Curzon's Hyperion, the Duke of Cumberland's Blacklegs, Lord Northumberland's Phaeton, and Mr. Leedes' Whitefoot ; at starting, seven to four and two to one, against Lottery, four to one against Osmar, and the same against Tiger, At Newmar- ket, in April, 1758, she won the King's plate, beating Lord Rockingham's chesnut mare, by Re- gulus ; the Duke of Bridgewater's Miss Lester, by Regulus ; and Mr. Martindale's Miss Layton, by Regulus. They ran the round course in eight minutes and twelve seconds. Lotterv was then sold to Sir Edward O'Brien, who raced her in Ire- land. In September, 1758, Lottery started for the King's plate of 100 gs. for mares, at the Cur- ragh, against Mr. Dogherty's Munster-lass, and Mr. O 'Neil's Rednose. Lottery won the first heat from Rednose ; Munster-lass, the second from Lot- tery ; the third was deemed a dead one between Lottery and Munster-lass, owing to a dispute between the jockies. Lottery was then drawn, and Rednose won the fourth heat, and Munster- lass the fifth. The plate w^as for some time held in dispute, but afterwards given to Mr. Dogherty. In October, Lottery walked over for £50 at Rath- keal. In September, 1759, she won the King's plate for mares, lOst., four mile heats, at the Cur- BRITISH TURF. 48? ragh of Kildare, beating Mr. Knox's Juliet, by Spinner, Mr. Blashford's Nagtail, and Mr. O'Neil's Silverheels. In September, 1760, she won the King's plate for mares, lOst., four mile heats, at the Curragh, beating, at three heats, Mr. For- tesque's Bajazetta, by Bajazet, Mr. Dogherty's Munster-lass, by Hip, &c. ; and in October, at the same place, she won the Freemason's plate of 100 gs., four mile heats, beating Mr. Dogherty's Munster-lass, and Mr. Fortesque's Bajazetta. In 1761, she won the King's plate for mares, lOst., four mile heats, at the Curragh, beating Mr. For- tesque's Lady Caroline, by Coalition, Colonel Archdale's Mother Jones, and distanced two others. At the same meeting, "she won £50, weight, 8st. lOlb., four mile heats, beating Mr. Mylon's Blos- som, by Young Regulus, Lord Belvedere's Duchess, by Bajazet, and distanced two others ; also £50 at Athlone, beating Mr. Fitzgerald's Jenny Jessamy, and distanced three others. In April, 1762, she won the Jockey Club plate of 50 gs., 9st., four mile heats, at the Curragh, beat- ing Mr. ConoUy's Snarley, by Trifle, and distanced Sir Ralph Gore's Spot. In July, she started for the 60 gs. plate at Kilkenny, and won the first heat from Mr. Lambert's Freechaser, and Mr. Bagnell's Babram, but fell lame in running for the second heat, and was obliged to be drawn. In September, she won the King's plate of 100 gs. for mares, lOst., four mile heats, at the Curragh, 488 HISTORY or THE beating Colonel Archdale's Mother Jones, Mr. Donnelan's Modesty, Mr. Knox's Diana, &c. In September, 1763, Lottery won the King's plate of 100 gs. for mares, lOst., four mile heats, at the Curragh, beating Mr. O'Neil's Lady Catherine — late Mr. Pearson's Flashing Molly — who won the first heat ; but Lottery winning the second, oc- casioned Lady Catherine to be drawn without starting for the third. In April, 1764, she won the annual plate of 30 gs. for mares and geldings, ]Ost. four miles, at the Curragh, beating Mr. Rum- ney's Roger. In May, she started for £50, at Eniiis, county of Clare, against Mr. Hewson's Ranger, when she met with an accident in run- ning and was obliged to be put out of training. Lottery only started tvvice besides the above, viz : at the Curragh, in April, 1759, when she was beat at three heats, by Mr. French's Nabob, by Bustard, for a 50 gs. plate ; and at Ennis, in Oc- tober, 1763, by Mr. Lambert's Freemason, by Old England, for a £50 plate. The latter she lost, owing to her falling lame when running for the first heat. Lottery became a brood mare in Sir Edward O'Brien's stud. Spider. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1752, bred by the Earl of Portmore, and sold to the Duke of Cumberland. Spider was got by Young Cartouch out of Miss Langley. At Newmarket, in May, 1756, Spider won the Jockey Club plate of 100 gs. and upwards, for BRITISH TURF. 489 four years olds, 8st., R. C, beating the Duke of Ancaster's Villager, by Cade, Lord Oxford's Lu- cifer, by Tartar, and some others ; the great sweepstakes for four years olds, 8st. 71b., four miles, at Huntingdon, beating the Duke of Ancas- ter's Villager, Mr. Curzon's Young Jason, Sir John Moore's Hazard, Mr. Dutton's Nisus, &c. Spider was beat for the King's plate, at Ipswich, by Mr. Meredith's Whittington, owing to his running restive ; but afterwards won £50, for four years olds, 8st. 71b., two mile heats, at Swaffham, beat- ing the same Whittington, &c. In 1757, he won the King's plate for five years olds, 9st., three mile heats, at Burford, beating the Duke of Kingston's Miner, Sir John Moore's Hazard, and Mr. Shirlev's Honesty; £50, for five years olds, 9st., at Hun- tingdon, beating Mr. Meredith's Whittington ;. a sweepstakes for five years olds 8st. 41b., six years olds, 9st. 41b., and aged, lOst., four miles, at Bed- ford, beating Lord Gower's Spectator, aged, and Mr. Vernon's Myrtle, six years old ; the King's plate for five years olds, lOst., two mile heats, at Litchfield, beating Mr. Swinburn's Hambleton, by Snip, Mr. Grisewood's Dumplin, and distanced three others. Also £50 for four years olds, 8st. 71b., and five years olds, 9st. 91b., two mile heats, Swaffham, beating the Duke of Cumberland's Beauty, four years old, Mr. Boothby's Partridge, five years old, &c. Spider was sold to the Duke of Cumberland, and at Newmarket, in October, 490 HISTORY OF THE 1758, he received 500 gs. from Lord Rockingham's Weasel. At Newmarket, in April, 1760, he beat the Duke of Kingston's Miner, 9st. each, B. C, 500 gs. In 1761, Spider, then Lord Portmore's, won £50, give and take, at Bedford, beating at three heats, Mr. Matthews' Trinissimi, by Car- touch, Mr. Bigland's Sourface, by the Cullen Arabian, Mr. Quick's Esop, by Cade,|and two others. 1752. March 30th, Mr. Arthur Morrin's bay gelding, Skewball, got by the Godolphin barb, with a weight of 8st. 71b., beat Sir Ralph Gore's grey mare. Miss Sportly, got by Victorious, with a weight of 9st., for 300 gs., four miles, over the Curragh of Kildare, which is celebrated for the elasticity and firmness of its turf, being also the Newmarket of Ireland. Skewball is said to have run the four miles in 7 minutes and 51 seconds. 1752. April 4th, a little mare, supposed to have been well bred, although her pedigree has not been preserved, belonging to a Mr. Spedding, ran twenty times round the five mile course, at the Curragh, in 124 hours, for 100 gs., h. ft. The time allowed to do it in was 13 hours. The next morning, for a wager of 100 gs., she ran the same ground over again to a minute. She was ridden both days by a boy of Lord Antrim's. Mr. Spedding is said to have purchased this mare at the rate of 2d. per lb. weight. 1752. Sir Charles Turner's leaping match with BRITISH TURF. 491 the Earl of March, for 1000 gs., came off towards the end of this year, on Fell, near Richmond, Yorkshire. The conditions of the match were that Sir C. Turner should ride ten miles, within three quarters of an hour, in which he was to take forty leaps, each leap to be one yard, one quarter, and seven inches high. Sir Charles performed it on a galloway, with great ease, in thirty-six minutes. The Earl and Countess of Northumber- land, with many other persons of rank and dis- tinction, are said to have been present on this occasion. April 1754, a brown mare, only 13 hands 3 inches high, the property of Mr. Daniel Croker, was backed to do 300 miles on Newmarket Heath, in seven tv- two successive hours, which she com- pleted in 64 hours, and 20 minutes. The match was for 100 gs. P. P. The mare was rode by one boy, all the way, weight, 4st. lib., exclusively of saddle and bridle. She w^ent backwards and forwards, from the six mile house to the ending post of the B.C. It was performed as follows : Monday, April 22nd, twenty- four miles, and baited ; twenty- four, and baited ; forty- eight, without baiting. . . . 9(> Tuesday, twenty-four miles, and baited ; twenty-four, and baited ; twenty-four, and baited : thirty-six, without bait- ing. lOS Wednesday, twenty-four miles, and baited; twenty-four, and baited ; and forty-eight, without baiting 96 Total 300 492 HISTORY OF THK CHAPTER XI. 1754 to 1764. — Squirrel — Engineer— Miss Pond's match at New- market, 1000 miles, in 1000 successive hours — King Herod — Mr. Jenison Shafto's match at Newmarket, 50 miles in two hours — Gimcrack — Bay Malton — Mr. John Woodcock's extraordinary per- formance at Newmarket, 100 miles a day, (on any one horse each day,) for 29 successive days, for 2000 gs. Squirrel. A bay horse, foaled iQl754, bred by William Cornforth, Esq., of Barforth, Yorkshire, and sold to Jenison Shafto, Esq. Squirrel was got by Traveller, out of Dairymaid. At Newmarket, in October 1758, Squirrel won a sweepstakes of 1400 gs. for four years olds colts, 8st. 71b. and fillies, 8st. 41b. B. C, beating Lord Northumberland's Primrose, Mr. Panton's Posthumous, &c. ; and at the same meeting he won a subscription of 120 gs., for four years olds, 8st. 71b. B. C, beating Mr. Curron's Kiddleston, by AVhite-nose, the Duke of Ancaster's Handby, by Shepherd's Crab, Lord Gower's Shock, by Shock, Lord Chedworth's Bosphorus, Basset's Dormouse, Lord Northumberland's Perseus, and J^ord Port- more's Rake. At Newmarket in May 1759, BRITISH TURF. 493 Squirrel, 8st. 71b., beat Mr. Panton's Mystery, six years olds, 9st. B. C. 300 gs. At Hambleton, in August following, he received forfeit from a horse of Mr. Turner's of the same age, to whom he was to have allowed a stone. He also in Octo- ber, beat the Duke of Cumberland's Spider, aged 8st. 71b. each, R. M., 200 gs. At Newmarket in April 1760, Squirrel 9st. 71b. beat the Duke of Cumberland's Dapper, 8st. 71b. B, C. 500 gs. ; and in July, he won the Ladies' plate of £90 for six years olds 8st. 101b. ; and aged 9st. 71b. ; four mile heats, at Huntingdon, beating Mr. George's Juniper, aged, and Mr. Panton's Posthumous, six years old, who was second and drawn. At Newmarket in March 1761, he beat easy Sir James Lowther's Jason, 8st. 71b. each B. C. 1000 gs.; he also, in the Second Spring Meeting, stood matched against Sir James Lowther's Ba- bram, at the same weight and course, and for the same sum, but was lamed in the fet-lock joint, be- fore the time of starting, which rendered him in- capable of racing any more. The first time of Squirrel's starting was at Huntingdon, where he was second to Mr. Swinburn's Belford, which was the only time of his being beat, except when he was second to Silvio, at York in 1759; he never paid a forfeit but that to Babram. Squirrel then became a favourite stallion, and was the sire of a great many good racers at New- market. He was also sire of an uncommon num- 494 HISTORY OF THE ber of valuable brood mares, the two most cele- brated of which will appear in the following pages. The produce of Squirrel won as follows : — £ s. 735 0 2,189 15 3,166 0 5,257 15 6,535 5 8,640 0 3,876 10 5,552 0 5,999 5 4,380 16 3,949 17 454 10 50 0 210 0 In 1769 2 Winners won 1770 7 «> 1771 17 >» 1772 13 >> 1773 21 »* 177^ 20 M 1775 16 »> 1776 17 »> 1777 21 »9 1778 28 »> 1779 15 ** 1780 4 »* 1781 1 »* 1782 1 »* In 14 yrs. 183 winners won, £56,036 13 Engineer. A brown horse, foaled in 1755, bred by, and the property of, William Fenton, Esq., of Glass House near Leeds. Engineer was got by Sampson, out of Miner's dam. In 1760 Engineer won the maiden plate of £50 for ^Ye years olds, 9st. three mile heats at Malton, beating at three heats, Mr. Wentworth's Maid, Mr. Wetty's Skiddy, by Changeling, Mr. Foster's Whisk by Sampson, and Mr. Brandling's Nothing, by Whitenose ; Engineer was rode by William Waugh. He also won the subscription purse of £255 for five years olds, 9st. four miles at York, beating BRITISH TURF. 495 Mr. Dixon's Panglos, Mr. Naylor's Sally, Mr. War- ren's Fearnought and Sir Richard Grosvenor's Ra- phael ; at starting five to four against Panglos, the same against SaUy,five to one against Engineer, and six to one against Fearnought ; Engineer was rode by W. Waugh. At Newmarket, in March 1761 , he won £50 and upwards, for ^ve years olds, 9st. B. C. beating Mr. Stamford's Chicken by Whittington, and Mr. Duggin's Starling by Whitenose. At Newmarket in October, he won a sweepstakes of £500 each ; h. ft. 8st. 71b. ; B. C. beating Lord Grosvenor's Panglos ; the Duke of Cumberland's Dapper paid forfeit ; Engineer was rode by John Singleton. He also in the same meeting won the King's Plate, beating at three heats Mr. Shafto's Apollo, who got the first heat. At York, in August 1762, Engineer started for the subscription purse for six years olds, and aged horses, where he was beat (for the first time) by Mr. Wentworth's Skipjack, but beat in the same race Mr. Lister's Se- cond, and Mr. Turner's Bachelor; five to one on En- gineer, and seven to one against Skipjack, who was rode by Leonard Jenison, and Engineer by John Lazenby, who was ordered to go away with him, which he did in such a manner, that he tired in the last distance, and gave Skipjack an opportunity of winning, though with difficulty. At York, in 1763, he won the subscription purse of £350 for six years olds 8st 71b., and aged 9st. four miles, beating Mr. Shafto's Crimp, 6 years old, Mr. 496 HISTORY OF THE Hutton's Silvio, aged, Mr. Chaplin's Dizzy, six years old, Mr. Wentworth's Patriot, six years old, Mr. Stanhope's Freeholder, six years old, Mr. Bethell's Babram, aged, the Duke of Cleveland's Miss Lincoln, six years old, Mr. Cunningham's Figure, six years old, Mr. Turner's Bachelor, aged, and Lord Northumberland's Perseus, aged ; two to one against Crimp, four to one against Engineer, and five to one against Silvio. Engineer was rode by John Lazenby ; Crimp by Peter Jackson, and Silvio by Charles Dawson. In 1765, Engineer won £50 weight for age and qualifications, at Scar- borough ; beating at four heats, Mr. Stanhope's Freehold by Regulus, aged, Mr. Hall's Nimrod by Tartar, aged, Mr. Pearson's Smallhopes by Spank- ing Roger, five years old, and Mr. Stapleton's Carl- ton by Regulus, six years old. Freeholder won the first heat from Smallhopes' Nimrod, the second from Smallhopes, Engineer the third from Carlton, and the fourth from Freeholder. He was then put out of training. Engineer was only beat five times, viz : — by Skipjack, as stated above ; at Newmarket, in April 1763 for the Jockey Club plate, by Mr. Greviile's Dorimond, and Sir John Moore's Well-done bv South, beating Lord Bolingbroke's Horatius, the Duke of Kingston's Trapling, Lord Portmore's Bosphorus, and Mr. Warren's Fearnought; at York, in August 1764, by Beaufremont and Yorkshire Jenny, beating Dorimond, and the Duke's Dumplin; BRITISH TURF. 497 (in this race, the Judge could not determine whether Engineer or Elephant was third ;) at New- market, in May 1765, for the Jockey Club plate by Narcissus and Flyfax ; and at York in August fol- lowing, by Antinous, Le Sang, and Tar, beating Rouser and Beaufremont. Engineer was a stallion for several years at Mr. Ayrton's farm nearMalton, and afterwards in Lord Rockingham's stud. He was sire of Lord Gros- venor's Mambrino, Mr. Wentworth's Black Tom, Pericus, Royal Oak, and Fearnought, Sir J. L. Kaye's Fireworker, Mr. Ayrton's Archimedes and Spartacus, Mr. Hebden's Perseus, Mr. Robinson's Mars, Mr. Earl's Fortune, Mr. Gee's Chastity, Lord Craven's Mechanic, and several others. He got the dam of Mr. Ayrton's Elfrida, Columbus, Co- lumba, Norah, Patrick, Blemish, Kathleen, Ostrich, Grenadier, &c. Columba was the dam of Mr. Hutchinson's William, Mr. Robinson's Palm- flower, Mark and Blacklegs ; also of Mr. Richard- son's Boxer, Lilly of the Valley, Goliah, &c., and Palm-flower was the dam of Sir H. T. Vane's Cockfighter, and Mr. Richardson's Abraham New- land. He got the dam of Sir John Lister Kaye's Frenzy, Reaper, Zodiac, Gleaner, &c. Frenzy was the dam of Phenomenon, Astonishment, Sir J. L. Kaye's Lucy, and several others. He got the dam of Mr. Vever's Young Moorcock, &c. ; he also got the grandam of Sir F. Standish's Spread Eagle, Didelot, Split Pigeon, Eagle, &c. VOL. I. K K 598 HISTORY OF THE Engineer died the latter end of the year 1782, aged 27. In April and May 1758, at Newmarket, Miss Pond, daughter of Mr. Pond, the compiler and pubhsher of the Racing Calendar, bearing his name, rode on horseback 1000 miles in 1000 suc- cessive hours, for a wager of 200 gs. Many have said that this feat was performed on one horse ; and that in a few weeks afterw^ards Mr. Pond rode the same horse 1 000 miles in two thirds of the time ; but we are not inclined to place much reliance on these authorities, King Herod. A bay horse foaled in 1758, bred by his Royal Highness WiUiam, Duke of Cumber- land, and sold to Sir John Moore, Bart. King Herod was got by Tartar, out of Cypron. At Newmarket, in October 1763, King Herod beat the Duke of Ancaster's Roman by Blank, 8st. 71b. B. C. 500 gs. at Newmarket. In April 1764, he won a sweepstakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft. (9 sub- scribers,) 10 St. B. C. beating Sir John Moore's, (afterwards Mr. Wildman's) Tartar by Tartar, out of Miss Meredith ; at starting, two to one on King Herod. At Ascot Heath in June, King Herod, 8st. 131b. beat Lord Rockingham's Tom Tinker by Sampson 8st. 71b. four miles 1000 gs.; four to one on King Herod. At Newmarket in October, King Herod, 8st. lUb. Beat the Duke of Grafton's Antinous, 8st. 81b. B. C. 500 gs. ; six to four on Antinous. At Newmarket in May 1765, King BRITISH TURF. 599 Herod 9st. beat the Duke of Grafton's Antinous 8st. 51b.; B. C. 1000 gs. seven to five on Antinous. In October, at 9st. he was beat by Sir James Low- ther's Ascham, six years old, 8st. B. C. 1000 gs. three to one on King Herod. At the decease of his Royal Highness, King Herod was purchased by Sir John Moore, and in April 1766 at 9st. he was beat by Lord Bolingbroke's Turf, five years old, 8st. 81b.; B. C. 1000 gs. ; at starting, seven to four on King Herod. At York, in August, he started for the subscription purse against Bay Mal- ton. Jerkin Royal, George Fly fax, and Beaufre- mont ; but a blood vessel burst in King Herod's head when running the last mile, which caused him to be taken dangerously ill, and prevented his coming in a better place than last. At New- market, in April 1767, King Herod ran second to Bay Malton, beating Turf and Ascham ; and in May at 5st. 71b. he beat Mr. Shafto's Ascham 6st., B. C. 1000 gs. ; six to four on Ascham. The above were the only times of King Herod's running. King Herod was a remarkably fine horse, with uncommon power, and allowed to be one of the best bred horses this kingdom ever produced, and as a stallion, inferior to none, being sire of a larger number of racers, stallions and brood mares, than any other horse, either before or since his time. The produce by King Herod won as follows, viz : — K K 2 500 HISTORY OF THE £. s- In 1771 1 winner won 525 8 1772 4 winners won 3,890 10 1773 17 » 6,680 10 1774 23 j> 10,206 6 1775 17 >» 7,744 0 1776 19 , 9,172 6 1777 35 « 15,773 14 1778 45 »* 23,046 5 1779 50 > 21, 396 2 1780 55 >* 20,008 15 1781 53 »> 21,087 10 1782 50 18,605 18 1783 47 $» 15,629 1 1784 34 » 15,998 2 1785 27 9* 9,224 5 1786 11 i» 1,777 5 1787 6 » 514 0 1788 1 »» 105 0 1789 2 » 121 0 In 19 years. 497, £201,505 9 Besides the above sums : — In 1774 at Newmarket, six hogsheads of claret by Telemachus. 1778 at Newmarket, 14 hogsheads of claret by Bordeaux, and 2 by Laburnum, the second horse. 1779 at Newmarket, 6 hogsheads of claret by Sting. 1780 at Newmarket, 9 hogsheads of Claret by Buccaneer. 1781 at Ne^vmarket, the Clermont Cup by Wood-pecker. 1782 at Newmarket, the whip by Anvil. 1784 at Newmarket, 5 hogsheads of claret by Gonzales, and 2 by Balance the second horse. 1786 at Salisbury, the city Silver bowl by Challenger. The following, besides a great many others, were got by King Herod, viz : — Adamant. Fortitude. Postmaster. Adrastus. Frigate. Posthumous. BRITISH TURF. Aladin. Glancer. Prince. Alamahataraaha Gnatcatcher. Prince Ferdinand Alexis. Golden Dun. Prince Herod. Antagonist. Greylegs. Prospects. Antipas. Guido. Punch. Anvil. Guilford. Quicksand, Argos. Hammer. Ranger. Ascot, Herodotus Rammer. Ashton. Heron. Rantipole. Athenais. Highflyer. Rebel. Balance. Hudibras RoseUa. Bosto, Ilmio. Rosemary. Bordeaux. Justice. Robe. Boxer. King William. Signor. Budget. Langham. Slender. Brimstone. Latona. Snake. Buccaneer. Laburnum, Spectre. Calash. Uncham. Spider. Cashkeeper. Maid of the Oaks. Sting. Cecilia. Maria. Suffolk. Chalkstone. Minion. Telemachus. Challenger. Mistly, Thonville, Chequino. Mark. Torrent, Claudon. Mortonia. Trinidado. Dancer. Orange. Trotter. Drone. Peggy. True-blue. Epaminondas. Perdita, Tuberose. Epsom. Peru. Vengeance. Evergreen. Phenomenon. Weasel. Faith Lord Grosvenor's Philodor. Wickham. Flash. Plunder. Whipcord. Florizel. Pomona. Woodpecker. 501 King Herod also got the dams of the following, VIZ. : Acasa. Garland. Sandhopper, Adonis, Garswood. Scota Amator. Gohanna. Sergeant. Aimwell. Grey Trentham. Shipton. 502 HISTORY OF THE Ambush. Grey Pantaloon. Silver. Aston. Gustavus. Sir Edward. Augusta. Halbert. Smoker. Benningborough, Hardwick. Sober Robin. Calomel, Imperator. Spear. Caustic. Jemima. Storace. Chaunter. Jonah. Symmetry, Mr. Cinnabar. Kareunhappuck. Dodsworths. Confederate. Knowsley. Ticket. Contessina. Miseltoe. Tickle Toby. Coriander. Old Gold. Waxy. Dandelion. Overton. "Whiskey. .Deceit. Paragon. Worthy. Dolphin. Precipitate Yellow Mare. Dungannon. Recovery. Young Tuberose Fox. Rosemond. Zachariah, &c. King Herod was a stallion, at Neather Hall, near Bury, Suffolk, and in 1768 he covered at 10 gs. and 55., but in 1774 he was advanced to 25 gs. and lOs., at which price he continued till his death, which happened on the 12th of May, 1780, in the 22nd year of his age. Jane 27, 1759, Jenison Shafto, Esq., performed a match against time on Newmarket heath ; the conditions of which were, he was to ride fifty miles, — having as many horses as he pleased — in two suc- cessive hours. This he accomplished in Ih. 49m. 17sec., with ten horses, viz : — 1. Merry Bachelor, by Tartar. 2. Wildair, by Cade.damby Steady. 3. Juggler, by Rib, dam, sister to Regulus. 4. Forrester, by Croft's Forrester, dam by Lusby. 5. Rover, by Bolton's brother. 4 4 4 3 4 BRITISH TURF. 503 6. Jack O'Newbury, by Babraham, dam by Lord Halifax's Justice. . . . . . . ' . 4 7. Adolphus, by Regulus, out of Miss Layton, Lodge's roan mare. . . .... 3 8. Jessamy, by Hutton's Spot, out of Bay Brocklesby, . 3 9. Prince T. Quassaw, by Snip out of Dairy Maid. . . 3 Merry Bachelor, Second time. . . , .3 Wildair, « . . . . .3 Juggler, „ . . . . .3 Rover, „ .... 3 10. Hambleton, by Swiss. . . , . ,3 Adolphus, second time. . . . . . 3^ Total. 50^ GiMCRACK. A grey horse bred by Gideon Elliott, Esq., of Murrell Green, Hampshire, in 1760, sold to Mr. Green, and was afterwards the various pro- perty of Mr. Wildman, Lord Bolingbroke, Count Lauraguais, Sir G. Bunbury and Lord Grosvenor. Gimcrack was got by Cripple, his dam by Mr. Grisewood's Partner, grandam, (bred by Mr. Crofts) , by Partner, great grandam by the stallion Bloody Buttocks, out of a daughter of Old Grey- hound, out of Brokesby Betty. At Epsom, May 31, 1764, Gimcrack won £50, for four years olds, 8st. 71b., beating Mr. Everett's Antelope, Mr. Aldridge's Britannicus, and dis- tancing three others ; at starting, Britannicus the favourite. At Guildford, June i5th, he won £50, weight for age, four mile heats, beating Mr. Blake's Hazard by Oronooko, five years old, Mr. Tate's Punch, by Snap, six years old, and Mr. Hawes' Lass of the Mill, four years old. At Winchester, 504 HISTORY OF THE July 12, he won £50, for four years old, 8st. 71b., beating Lord Castlehaven's Sappho, who was drawn after the first heat. At Bedford, August 7, he won £50, give and take, beating Mr. Vernon's Rose, by South, four years old ; Rose won the first heat and Gimcrack the second, after which Rose was drawn. At Barnet, August 14, he won £50, give and take, carrying 6st. 71b. 4oz., beating Mr. Stoke's Lily, by Dormouse, six years old, 8st. 121b., and Mr. Castle's Ladies Pad, aged 8st. 81b. 4oz., Sir C. Eversfeld's Matilda, five years old, 8st. 51b. 14oz. and Mr. Carter's Young Driver, six years old, 9st. 4oz. At Reading, August 28, he won £50, for four years old colts, 8st. 71b., and fillies 8st. 41b., beating Mr. Hawes' Ladythigh, by Merlin, Lord Castlehaven's Sappho and Lord Port- more's Brown Surrey ; and at Burford, September 5, he won £50 for four years olds, 8st. 111b. beat- ing Sir. J. Dashwood's Merlitina, by Merlin, &c., which was the seventh time of his winning, and only times of his starting that year. Gimcrack was now sold to Mr. Wildman, and at Newmarket First Spring Meeting 1765, he won £50 for horses rising, five years old, 8st. 71b., R. C, beating Mr. Ver- non's Prophet, Sir J. Lowther's Treasurer, and Sir John Moore's South West. Gimcrack was then sold to Lord Bolingbroke, and in the same meeting at 8st., he received 250 gs. forfeit from the Duke of Cumberland's Selim, 7st, 21b., B. C. In the Second Spring Meeting, Gim- BRITISH TURF. 505 crack 7st. 41b., beat Mr. Panton's Rocket, aged 8st. 71b., B. C, 1000 gs. ; at starting six to four on Rocket. At Newmarket, in July, he beat Sir J. Lowther's Ascham, six years old, 7st. 101b. each B. C. 1000 gs.; at starting five to four on Gim crack. At Newmarket, he w^as beat (for the first time), by Bay Malton, allowing him 71b. In the Second October Meeting Gimcrack, 8st., beat the Duke of Cumberland's Drone, four years old, 6st., 71b., B. C., 500 gs.; at starting three to one on Gimcrack. He was sold to Count Lauraguais, and in 1766 Gimcrack ran a match in France of twenty two miles and a half, within the hour, for a very con- siderable sum ; after which he was brought into England. At Newmarket, in April 1767, Gim- crack was second to the Duke of Kingston's Ty- rant, for £50, beating Commodore, Bean, Virago, Flyfax, Fop, South East, Bounce, and Cripple. At Wisbeach, June 5, he won £50, give and take, carrying 9st. lib. 12oz., beating at three heats, Mr. Wensley's Cub, six years old, 9st., lib. 12oz., and Mr. Blank's Trifle. At Ascot Heath, June 25, he won £50, give and take, beating at three heats, Mr. Croscer's Scrip, aged, Lord Orford's Mile, five years old, and two others. At Marlborough, July 1, he won £50, for aged horses, 8st. 71b., beating Mr. Bell's Sehm, by Bajazet, and Mr. Quick's General ; six to four on Gimcrack. At Wells, July 30, he won £50, give and take, beat- ing Mr. Beckford's Damon, and distanced two 506 HISTORY OF THE Others. At Epsom, May 13, 1768, he won £50, give and take, beating Mr. Merrot's Sloven, aged, Mr. Quick's Droll, six years old, and Mr. Strode's Ladythigh. At Ascot Heath, June 7, he won £50, for six years olds, beating Mr. Meadley's Nabob, six years old, and Mr. Larkins' Sloven, six years old ; at starting five to four on Nabob. At Salis- bury, June 30, he won the City Silver bowl, with 30 gs. added, lOst., beating Mr. Bevis's Selim, by Bajazet, aged, Mr. Strode's Leopardess, aged, and Mr. Adam's Gift, aged. Gimcrack was next sold to Sir Charles Bunbury, and at Odsey, November 1 , he won £50, for five years olds, 8st., six years olds, 8st. 101b., and aged 9st. 41b., beating at three heats, Mr. EUis's Spot, aged, Mr. Merrot's Juliet, five years old, Lord Farn- ham's Amazon, five years old, Mr. Strode's Lady- thigh, five years old, Mr. M'Anella's Barleycorn, five years old, &c. At Newmarket, March 13, 1769, Gimcrack, 9st., won a sweepstakes of 50 gs. each, D. C, beating Mr. Vernon's Hermione, five years old, 7st. 91b., and Lord Farnham's Amazon, five years old, 7st. 61b. March 27, he won £50, for six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., R. C, beating Lord Grosvenor's Cardinal Puff, aged. Lord Rockingham's Bay Malton, aged, Mr. Shaf- to's Hemp, six years old, Mr. Pratt's Phoenix, six years old, the Duke of Grafton's Bashful, six years old. Lord Farnham's Admiral, aged, Mr. Blake's Presto, five years old, Mr. Vernon's Chal- font, five years old, and Mr. Cross's Toper, aged. BRITISH TURF. 507 After this, Gimcrack was sold to Lord Gros- venor for 1200 gs., and it was said that a pre- mium of 500 gs. was immediately offered for him. March 29th, Gimcrack, 9st., beat Mr. Vernon's Baber, four years old, 7st. 41b., B. C., 300 gs. ; April 17th, Gimcrack, 9st., beat Lord Rocking- ham's Jack-0 !, 4 years old, 7st., B. C., 300 gs.; seven to four, on Gimcrack, At Newmarket, in April, 1770, he beat Lord Rockingham's Pil- grim, lOst. each, B. C., for 200 gs. and the whip ; at starting, five to two on Gimcrack. At New- market, in April, 1771, he won £50, for six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., R. C., beating Sir C. Bunbury's Bellario, aged, Lord March's Sports- man, five years old. Lord Bolingbroke's Chalfont, aged, Lord Oxford's Hemp, aged, Mr. Went- worth's Myrmidon, six years old. Lord Farnham's Guardian, six years old, Mr. Cox's Tetotum, six years old, and Lord Rockingham's Tantrum, aged ; at starting, two to one against Bellario, and six and seven to one against Gimcrack. This was the last time of his running. Gimcrack was beaten ten times, viz : at New- market, in 1765, by Bay Malton ; at Newmarket, in 1767, by Tyrant ; at Wantage, same year, by Mr. Brenton's Otterley, &c. ; and at Odsey, by Tortoise, beating Favorite, Coriolanus, &c. ; at York, in 1768, by Pilgrim, Chatsworth, Tortoise, and Beaufremont ; and at Newmarket, in October following, by Guardian and Icarius ; at Newmar- 508 HISTORY OK THE kct, in April, 1769, by Cosmo; at York, in Au- gust, by Chatsworth and Tortoise, beating Mor- wick Ball, Bay Malton, and Allfours ; at New- market, in May, 1770, by Bellario, Nabob, Bashful, and Snipe ; also at Newmarket, in October follow- ing, by Bellario and Petruchio, beating Chalfont, Fabius, and Pactolus. Gimcrack measured about 14 hands J of an inch. He was a stallion at Oxcroft Farm, near Newmarket, in 1772, at 25 gs. and 5^. ; in 1773, he was stinted to thirty mares, at 30 gs. each, and 55. ; in 1775-76, at 30 gs. and 5s. ; in 1777, at 25 gs. and 5^. ; in 1778, at 20 gs. and 5s. ; and in 1779, at 10 gs. and 7s. 6d. He was sire of Lord Grosvenor's Little Jim, Grey Robin, Scram- ble, and Jemima ; of Sir C. Bunbury's Knick- knack and Comedy; of Lord E. Bentinck's Vestris; of Mr. Peerse's Phaeton, Sir. H. Harper's Maiden, Sir J. Lade's Medley, Sir H. Featherstone's Sur- prise, &c. He served but few mares. / Bay Malton. A bay horse, foaled in 1760, bred by Mrs. Ayrton, of Malton, and sold to the Marquis of Rockingham. Bay Malton was got by Sampson, his dam, own sister to Leonida, Cade,=^ out of the Lass of the Mill. Bay Mai- * The Cade mare, dam of Bay Malton, was lent by Mr. Fenton to his daughter, Mrs. Ayrton, at the wedding dinner, for one year; when she was at the same time requested by Mr. Preston, who was one of the company at dinner, to send the mare to his horse, Sampson, the produce of which was Bay Malton, her first foal, and who was the only horse of note that could race, except Treasurer, although she BRITISH TURF. 509 ton was own brother to Mr. Fenton's, (afterwards Mr. Vernon's) Treasurer. At Ma] ton, in May, 1764, Bay Malton, in Mr. Fenton's name, won a sw^eepstakes of 160 gs., for four years olds, 8st. 71b., three miles, beating Mr. Thompson's grey colt, Snap, by Snap, who threw his rider. He w^as sold to Lord Rockingham, and at Newmarket, in April, 1765, he won a sweep- stakes of 500 gs. each, 8st. 71b., B. C, beating Mr. Shafto's dies, colt, by Shepherd's Crab, and the Duke of Cumberland's Selim ; at starting, five to four on Bay Malton. He also received a forfeit from the Duke of Cumberland's Admiral. At Newmarket, in October, Bay Malton, 7st., beat, very easy. Lord Bolingbroke's Gimcrack, 7st. 71b., B. C, 500 gs. At starting, four to five on Gimcrack, who was thought at that time to be the best racer at Newmarket, and it was said that Lord Rockingham won 9000 gs. on the event of the race. He also received a forfeit from the Dake of Cumberland's Gift. At Newmarket, in April, 1766, he beat Mr. Vernon's Otho, 8st. 71b., B. C, 1000 gs. ; at starting, eleven to ten on Bay Malton ; over the flat, three to one on Otho ; notwithstanding, Bay Malton won easy. At York, in August, he won the subscription bred several others to Sampson, Shakspeare, Engineer, &c. Bay Malton's dam was also the grandam of Sir J. L. Kaye's Princess by Match'em, and grandam of his Engineer mare, that bred Frenzy by Eclipse, the dam of Phenomenon, Astonishment, &c. 510 HISTORY OF THE purse of £281, for six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, four miles, beating Mr. Vernon's Jerkin, six years old ; Mr. Coulson's Royal George, six years old, Mr. Shafto's Flyfax, six years old, Mr. Stapleton's Beaufremont, aged, and Sir John Moore's King Herod, aged ; at starting, seven to four, and two to one, against Bay Malton, seven to two against Jerkin, three to one against Royal George, the same against King Herod, and ten to one against Beaufremont and Flyfax ; an ex- ceeding fine heat, and most severely contested by the first three for the whole four miles, and won by about a length. Bay Malton ran the four miles in 7 minutes and 43 1 seconds, which was 7^^ seconds less time than ever the course was run before. "^ Bay Malton was rode by John Singleton, * At the York August Meeting, 1766, the North country gentle- men beat those of the South, which showed the superiority of the breed of horses of the north. There was excellent sport each day, fine weather, and a numerous and brilliant appearance of nobility and gentry, viz : — H.R.H. the Duke of York, the Marquis and Mar- chioness of Rockingham, the Earls of Albemarle, Carlisle, Courte- ney, Elgin, Fitzwilliam, Fingal, and Countesses Hereford, March, Mexborough, Ossory and Scarborough, Lords Viscount Bolingbroke and Downe, Lord Farnham, Baron Perrot, Hon. L S. Barry, Hon. A. Barry, Hon. Miss Bowery, Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Dawney, Hon. Mr. Egerton, Hon. Mr. and Lady Bridget Lane, Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Langdale, Hon. Messrs. and Miss Robinsons, Hon. Mr. Vane, Sir George and Lady Armytage, Sir William and Lady Anderson, Sir Griffith and Lady Boynton, Sir Charles Bunbury, Lady C. Bellasyse, Lady Binglej'', Lady Buncombe, Sir Lawrence and Lady Dundas, Mr. T and Lady C. Dundas, Sir John Eden, Sir Thomas Gascoigne, Sir Billingham Graham, Lord Archibald and Lady Hamilton, Sir BRITISH TURK. 511 Jerkin by John Watson, and Royal George by John Kirton. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, in April, 1767, Bay Malton won a sweepstakes of 500 gs. each, 8st. 71b. each, B. C, beating Sir John Moore's King Herod, Lord Bolingbroke's Turf, and Mr. Shafto's Ascham , at starting, six to four against Turf, seven to four against Bay Malton, four to one against Ascham, and five to one against King Herod. Very large sums were depending, and Lord Rockingham posted them, and won 500 gs. to 20. This race brought to- gether a greater number of noblemen, gentlemen, Robert Hildyard, Sir John Lister Kaye, Sir Henry Lawson, Sir John Lindsey, Sir Francis MoUineux, Sir Wilham and Lady Milner, Sir George Montgomery Metham, Sir Frank Standish, Sir Edward and Lady Swinburn, Lady Stanhope, Lady Steward, Lady Ehzabeth Stew- ard, Lady Ann Saltmarsh, Sir Walter Vavasour, Sir Rowland and Lady Winn, Sir W. W. Wynn, Sir John \\Tiitford, Sir Cecil and Lady Wray, Lady dowager Wray, Lady Webb, General and Lady Honey- wood, General Lascelles, General Standford, Colonel St. John, Colo- nel Beckwith, Major Mordaunt, Major Conway, Messrs. Ayrton, Barlow, Bertie, Cholmley, Constable, Cornforth, Craddock, Crofts, Crowle, Buncombe, Dixon, Dodsworth, Earl, Errington, Fane, Far- rar, Fenton, Fenwick, Hanger, Hartley, Harvey, Hassell, Hebden, Hussey, Hutton, Lascelles, Leedes, Mariott, Maynard, Metcalf, Mey- nell, Milbanke, Ottey, Pratt, Panton, Parker, Pelham, Pennyman Pigott, Presston, RadclifF, Ramsden, Riddell, Scroope, J. Shafto, Sotheron, Stapleton, Swinburn, Temple, L. Thompson, R. Thompson, Thourton, C. Turner, Vernon, P. Wentworth, Wastel, Weddel, Wed- derburn, Willoughby, Wrightson, &c. There were 569 subscribers to the assembly rooms, which was the largest number either before or since that time. This brilliant list of rank and fashion shows how racing flourished at this period. 512 HISTORY OF THE sportsmen, and more people of all ranks, from every part of the kingdom, than were ever seen before at Newmarket ; and those from Yorkshire backed Bay Malton freely, and won thousands.^ At Newmarket First Spring Meeting 1768, Bay Malton beat easv Lord Grosvenor's Cardinal Puff, lOst. each, B. C, 200 gs. each, and the whip; at starting, five to one on Bay Malton. In the Second Spring Meeting, he won the Jockey Club plate of 100 gs. and upwards, 9st., B. C, beating Sir James Lowther's Ascham, who made the play over the flat, and as far as the Duke's stand, and was, till then, thought the winning horse, but Bay Malton took the lead, and won by a length and a half. It was the opinion of some that Bay Mal- ton won easily, and of others, with difficulty ; but it is to be observed that Ascham was much whipped, and Bay Malton scarcely threatened. At starting, five to one on Bay Malton. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1769, Bay Malton was beat for a £50 plate by Gimcrack and Car- dinal PufF, but beat, in the same race. Hemp, Phoenix, Bashful, Admiral Presto, Chalfont, and Toper. This was the last time of his running, ex- cept at York, in August following, when he was * The Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1767, was a golden har- vest for the Yorkshire gentlemen, as the following horses proved suc- cessful, viz : Lord Rockingham's Pilgrim, Steady, Godolphin, Hun- ter colt, against Otho, Mr. Pratt's A-la-Grecque, Mr. Wentworth's Chatsworth, Mr. Shafto's, late Mr. Pratt's, Petruchio, and Mr. Ver- non's, late Mr. Fenwick's, Dux. BRITISH TURF. 513 beat by Chatsworth, Tortoise, Gimcrack, and Morwick Ball. These were the only times of his proving unsuccessful. Bay Malton was ridden for all the above engage- ments by Mr. John Singleton, except at Malton, and the match against Gimcrack, at Newmarket, in October, 1765. Bay Malton was a private stallion in Lord Rockingham's stud, and was sire of Mr. Preston's Flaunter, &c. He died at Wentworth, in the year 1786, aged twenty-six. In 1761, a match was made between Jenison Shafto and HugoMeynell, Esqs., for 2000 gs., Mr. Shafto to find a person to ride 100 miles a-day, on any one horse each day, for twenty-nine suc- cessive days, to have any number of horses not exceeding twenty-nine. The person chosen by Mr. Shafto was Mr. John Woodcock, who started on Newmarket Heath, May 4th, 1761, at one o'clock in the morning, and finished his arduous task on the 1st of June, about six in the even- ing, having used fourteen horses only, viz : — Mr. Shafto's b. h. once. Lord Montford's b. h. twice. Lord Chedworth's ch. m. thrice. Mr. Surrecolt's ch. h. once. Capt. Winyard's ch. h. twice. Mr. Shafto's roan h. twice. Mr. Thistlewaite's gr. h. thrice. Mr. Calcroft's ch. h. once. Mr. Wildman's bl. m. thrice. Mr. Rudd's ch. m. once. Mr. Woodcock's b. ra thrice. Mr. Welch's b. h. thrice. Mr. Scott's b. m. twice. Mr. Major's b. m. thrice. Mr. Major's mare did not begin one day till ten o'clock, Mr. Woodcock having failed to bring in VOL. I. L L 514 HISTORY OF THE a horse called Quidnunc, after it had done sixty- miles by nine o'clock, and then tired ; so that he rode one hundred and sixty miles that day, finishing at about eleven o'clock at night, which was the latest hour during the whole performance. This undertaking must have been much more diffi- cult for the rider than for the horses. The course was from Hare park to the ditch, making three miles ; thence he went a three mile course round the flat, on that side the ditch next Newmarket. Posts and lamps were put up, as Mr. Woodcock chose to start very early in the mornings, to avoid the heat of the day. BRITISH TURF. 515 CHAPTER XII. The celebrated race-horse, Echpse. Eclipse was a chesnut horse, foaled during the great echpse that happened in the year 1764, from which he took his name. He was bred by H.R.H. William, Duke of Cumberland, and pur- chased after His Royal Highness 's decease, by Mr. William Wildman,^ who afterwards sold liim to Dennis O 'Kelly, Esq. Eclipse was got by Marske out of Spiletta. At Epsom, May 3rd, 1769, Eclipse (the first time of his starting) won £50, for horses that never won £30, matches excepted ; five years old, 8st., and six years old, 9st. 31b., four mile heats ; beating Mr. Fortesque's Gower, by Sweepstakes, * Mr. Wildman was a salesman at Smithfield, and kept for many- years a good stud of race-horses at Mickleham, near Epsom, where he also took in horses to train. Having received a hint of the supe- riority of this horse, he attended the sale ; but before his arrival, the colt had been knocked down at seventy guineas. On looking at his watch, and perceiving that the appointed hour of sale had not yet ar- rived by a few minutes, according to the terms of the advertisement, he persisted that the sale was not lawful, and that the lots knocked dovm. should be resold, which was done accordingly, and Eclipse was purchased by him for seventy-five guineas. L L 2 516 HISTORY OF THE five years old ; Mr. Castle's Cade, by Young Cade, six years old ; Mr. Jenning's Trial, by Blank, five years old; and Mr. Quick's Plume, by Feather, five years old. At starting, four to one on Eclipse ; and what is remarkable, though the horses were all together at the three mile post, in the second heat, Eclipse there, from the flourish of the whip, made running, and though he was pulled for the whole of the last mile with all the strength that his rider, John Oakley, was master of, he distanced all the four. Mr. O 'Kelly sported much money on this race. Some time previous he had taken the odds to a very large amount, and on the day of running he bet even money, and five and six to four, that he posted all the horses, and when called on to declare, he said, ** Eclipse first, and the rest in no place." At Ascot Heath, May 29th, Eclipse won £50 of five years olds, 9st. 31b., two mile heats, beat- ing Mr. Fettyplace's Creme de Barbade, by Snap ; eight to one on Eclipse. At Winchester, June 13th, he won the King's plate for six years olds, 12st., though only five years old, beating Mr. Turner's Slouch, by Blank, who had won, the same year, the King's plate at Guilford ; the Duke of Grafton's Chigger, by Slouch ; Mr. Gott's Juba, by Regulus ; and distanced, the first heat, Mr. O 'Kelly's Caliban, by Brilliant ; and Mr. Bailey's Clanville. Five to four against Eclipse, two and three to one against Caliban, BRITISH TURF. 517 and five to one against Slouch ; after the heat, ten to one on EcHpse. On the 15th, same place, he walked over for £50, weight for age. At SaUsbury, June 28th, he walked over for the King's plate, for six years olds, 12st. And on the next day, he won the City silver bowl, with 30 gs. added, free for any horse, lOst., beating Mr. Fettyplace's Sulphur, aged ; and Mr. Taylor's Forrester, six years old, who were dis- tanced the first heat ; ten to one on Eclipse. At Canterbury, July 25th, he walked over for the King's plate for six years olds, 12st. At Lewes, July 27th, he won the King's plate for six years olds, 12st., beating Mr. Strode's Kingston, by Sampson, who won the £50, the day following ; ten to one on Eclipse. At Litchfield, Septem- ber 19th, he won the King's plate for five years olds, 8st. 71b., three mile heats, beating Mr. Freeth's Tardy, by Matchless ; twenty to one on Eclipse. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, Tuesday, April 17th, 1770, Eclipse beat Mr. Wentworth's Bucephalus, by Regulus, same age, 8st. 71b. each, B. C. Mr. Wildman staked 600 gs. to 400 gs. ; six to four on Eclipse. On Thursday, April 19th, Eclipse, then Mr. O'Kelly's, won the King's plate, 12st., heats, R. C, beating Mr. Strode's Pen- sioner, by Matchless, who was third and distanced ; Mr. Fenwick's, late Mr. Bland's, Diana was se- cond, and the Duke of Grafton's Chigger fourth, 518 HISTORY OF THE and drawn. At starting, ten to one on Eclipse ; after the heat, large sums were bet, at six and seven to four, that he distanced Pensioner, w^hich he did with great ease. At Guilford, June 5th, he walked over for the King's plate, 12st. And at the same meeting, August 23rd, he won the subscription purse of £319 lOs. (Mr. O 'Kelly- paid 50 gs. entrance), for six years olds, 8st. 71b., and aged, 9st., four miles, beating Mr. Went- worth's Tortoise, aged, and Sir C. Bunbury's Bellario, aged. At starting, twenty to one on Eclipse, and in running, a hundred to one he w^on. Eclipse took the lead at starting, and when he had run two miles, was above a distance before his antagonists, and won with uncommon ease ; seven to four on Tortoise, against Bellario. At Lincoln, September 3rd, he walked over for the King's plate, 12st. At Newmarket, October 3rd, he won the 150 gs. and upwards, paying 100 gs. entrance, for six years olds, 8st. 101b., and aged, 9st. 21b., B. C, beating Sir C. Bunbury's Corsica, by Swdss, five years old ; seventy to one on Eclipse; and on the next day, he walked over the round course for the King's plate, I2st. He was then put out of training. Eclipse w^on eleven King's plates, the weights for ten of which were 12st. each, which was one more than was ever won by any other horse in England. Previous to his running for the King's plate at Winchester, in 1769, Mr. O'Kelly gave Mr. Wild- BRITISH TURF. 519 man 650 gs. for a half share of him ; and after- wards bought the other half for 1,100 gs., and even at that price, he certainly was the cheapest horse ever purchased. Eclipse was never beat, and was allowed by all ranks of sportsmen to be the fleetest horse that ever ran in England, since the time of Childers. Eclipse covered at Clay Hill, near Epsom, Surrey, in 1771, at 50 gs. and one guinea the groom ; in 1772-74, at 25 gs. and IO5. 6d. ; after- wards, by subscription, forty mares, besides those of his owner, at 30 gs. and one guinea ; in 1779, not by subscription, at 30 gs. and one guinea ; in 1781-84, he was stinted to fifty mares, besides those of his owner, at 20 gs. and one guinea ; in 1785-86, forty mares, besides those of his owner, at 30 gs. and one guinea ; in 1 787-88, twenty-five mares, besides those of his owner, at 30 gs. and one guinea. After which. Eclipse was advertised to cover at the same price, at Cannons, Middlesex, to which he was removed from Epsom in his car- riage. The machine had four wheels, was drawn by two horses, and the groom was an inside pas- senger."^ Mr. O 'Kelly affirmed, that he gained by Eclipse £25,000 and upwards. This was more money than we ever remember to have fallen to the share of any * We believe this to be the first instance in which a van, drawn by horses, (now so generally in use) was employed in conveying a race- horse. 520 HISTORY OF THE one other horse whatever. Mr. Fenwick cleared by Match'em, as a staUion, upwards of £17,000, and Mr. Martindale, of St. James's St., London, by Regains, only £1000. Eclipse died at Cannons, Middlesex, on Satur- day, the 28th of February, 1789, aged twenty-five years. This famous horse was short in the forehand, and high in the hips, which gave a kind of elas- ticity to his strokes. His heart weighed, when taken out, 141b., to which extraordinary circum- stance, he was supposed to owe his great natural courage. At his interment, ale and cake were given, as at that of the Godolphin Arabian. Such is said to have been the bad temper of Eclipse, that at one time it was thought impos- sible to bring him to the post except as a gelding. On this account, he was placed in the hands of a rough-rider, in the neighbourhood of Epsom, who, being likewise a notorious poacher, worked him almost off his legs ; riding him about the country on business during the day, and frequently keeping him out all night on poaching excursions. This treatment, although it quieted him enough to enable him to race, still never entirely subdued his indomitable spirit ; and, accordingly, Fitzpatrick and Oakley, who rode him in almost all his races, never attempted to hold him, contenting them- selves with sitting quiet upon the saddle. In a painting of Eclipse, with his jockey, Jack BRITISH TURF. 521 Oakley, going over the Beacon Course, at New- market, by Sartorious the elder, in the collection of Henry Biggs, Esq., of Stockton House, Wilts, and in which, this horse appears to be going his best pace with '* his head very low," his jockey is sitting quite still in the saddle. EPITAPH ON ECLIPSE. Praise to departed worth ! illustrious steed. Not the fam'd Phernicus of Pindar's ode O'er thee. Eclipse, possess'd transcendant speed, When by a keen Newmarket jockey rode. Tho' from the hoof of Pegasus arose. Inspiring Hippocrene, a fount divine ; A richer stream superior merit shows. Thy matchless foot produced O'Kelly wine. True o'er the tomb in which this fav'rite lies. No vaunting boast appears of lineage good ; Yet the turf register's bright page defies The race of Herod to show better blood. Spiletta, dam of Eclipse, was a bay mare, foaled in 1749, and bred by Sir Robert Eden, Bart. She was got by Regulus out of Mother Western. Spiletta, when in training, was the property of H.R.H.. William Duke of Cumberland, but started only once ; w^hich was at Newmarket, in April, 1754, for a £50 plate, for horses, etc., rising five years old, 8st. 71b. each, the round course, and was beat by Sir Charles Sedley's Royal, by Regulus ; the Marquis of Harrington's Tantivy, by Sedbury ; and Mr. Curson's Jason, by Stand- ard. She was afterwards a brood mare in His 522 HISTORY OF THE Royal Highnesses stud, and was also the dam of the following : — Foaled in His Royal Highness's bay filly, Ariadne, by Crab . . 1759 Duke of Ancaster's bay filly, Proserpine, Bellerophon, Mon- tesquieu, Hebe, Cselia, Luna, and Falcon's dam, by Marske 1766 Lord Abingdon's ches. colt, Hyperion, afterwards Garrick,by Marske ... . . . 1772 Duke of Ancaster's cbes. filly, Briseis, by Chrysolite . 1774 Spiletta died in the year 1776, aged twenty- seven. The produce by Eclipse won as follows, viz : — £. s. In 1774 1 WinneV won 210 0 1775 9 Winners won 3,269 5 1776 15 » 6,418 15 1777 17 t> 8,986 0 1778 23 »> 9,410 10 1779 29 » 7,726 5 1780 28 f> 10,637 0 1781 26 » 11,539 10 1782 31 >* 12,893 15 1783 29 »> 13,914 5 1784 16 » 13,280 8 1785 21 *» 8,961 5 1786 18 i* 14,604 10 1787 19 f> 15,288 5 1788 15 » 9,218 17 1789 14 j> 4,417 5 1790 13 y* 4,022 5 1791 10 »* 1,744 10 1792 5 » 656 10 1793 1 Winner won 200 0 1794 2 Winners won 431 0 1795 1 Wini ner won 112 12 1796 1 » 105 0 In 23 yrs. 344 Winners won 158,047 12 BRITISH TURF. 523 Besides the above sums : — In 1779, at Newmarket, the Clermont cup and subscription, also the October cup, by Lord Grosvenor's Pot-80's. 1779, at Salisbury, the City silver bowl, by Sir H. Featherstone's Empress. 1780, at Newmarket, the Clermont cup and subscription, the Jockey Club plate, and the whip, by Lord Grosvenor's Pot-80's. 1781, at Newmarket, the Jockey Club plate, and the whip, by Lord Grosvenor's Pot-80's. 1781, at Epsom, Mr. O'Kelly's Young Eclipse received a forfeit. 1782, at Newmarket, the Clermont cup, and Jockey Club plate, by Lord Grosvenor's Pot-80's. 1783, at Ne^vmarket, the whip, by Pot-80's. 1785, at Oxford, a sweepstakes, by Mr. O'Kelly's General. 1786, at Newmarket, the whip, by Mr. O'Kelly's Dungannon. 1788, at Newmarket, the Jockey Club plate, by Mr. O'Kelly's Gunpowder. 1789, at Newmarket, the Jockey Club plate, by Lord Grosvenor's Meteor. There might be more winners of Eclipse's get than the above, but thev are unknown. The following, besides many others, were got by Eclipse, viz : — Achilles, Duke of Bolton. Actress, Mr. Whitfield. Adjutant, Mr. O' Kelly. Adonis, Mr. O'Kelly. Alexander, Lord Grosvenor. Alphonso, Duke of Cumberland. Anna, Duke of Cumberland. Anna Leffey, Duke of Rutland. Annette, Mr. Vernon. Antiochus, Mr. O'Kelly. Augusta, Mr. O'Kelly. Aurelius, Lord Grosvenor. Bank, Mr. Davds. Basilius, Mr. O'Kelly. Bobadil, Duke of Cumberland. Bobtail, Lord Egremont. Bonnyface, Mr. O'Kelly. Boringdon, Mr. Parker. Boudrow, Mr. O'Kelly. Brush, Mr. Croke. Butterfly, Mr. O'Kelly. Canto Baboo, the Prince of Wales. Carlton, Mr. Stapleton. Charles, Mr. O'Kelly. Charlemont, Mr. Croke. Charlotte, Mr. Pigott. 524 HISTORY OF THE Chaunter, Mr. O'Kelly. Cherry, Mr. O'Kelly. Chesfield, Mr. Pulteney. Clarionet, Mr. O'Kelly. Columbine, Mr. Williams. Comet, the Prince of Wales. Competitor, Lord G. H. Caven- dish. Corkscrew, Mr. Naper. Cornwall, Lord Boringdon. Crassus, Duke of Cumberland. Devi Sing, the Prince of Wales. Dian, Lord G. H. Cavendish. Dido, Duke of Cumberland. Dion, Mr. O'Kelly. Don Quixote, Mr. Taylor. Dorcas, Mr. Dutton. Dungannon, Mr. O'Kelly. Drummer, afterwards called War- wick, Mr. O'Kelly. Duphcity, Mr. Pigott. Eagle, Sir John Shelley. Elegant, Mr. Hatton. Ehza, Mr. O'Kelly. Empress, Sir H. Featherstone. Entichus, Mr. O'Kelly. Erasmus, Mr. Naper. Everlasting, Sir John Shelley. Fair Barbara, Mr. Stapleton Farmer, Mr. O'Kelly. Firetail, Duke of Cumberland. Flamer, Lord Grosvenor. Frenzy, Sir. J. L. Kaye. General, Mr. O'Kelly. Giant, Duke of Bolton. Glow-worm, Mr. Brand. Golden Rose, Mr. O'Kelly. Grapeshot, Mr. O'Kelly. Greybeard, Duke of Bolton. Great Surrey, Mr. Ladbroke. Grimalkin, Lord Abingdon. Gunpowder, Mr O'Kelly. Hackwood, Duke of Bolton. Harmonia, Mr. Moody. Hautboy, Mr. O'KeUy. Henley, Mr. Parker. Hermit, Mr. Wentworth. Hiccup, Mr. Walker. Hidalgo, Lord Grosvenor. Hope, Mr. Gregson. Horatia, Duke of Bolton. Horizon, Mr. O'Kelly. Javelin, Duke of Cumberland. Jesse, Mr. Burlton. Imprudence, Lord Clermont. Jockey, Mr. Burlton. Joe Andrews, first called Dennis- O !, Mr. G. Serle. Isabella, Lord Grosvenor. Jupiter, Mr. O'Kelly. King Fergus, Mr. O'Kelly. King Hermon, the Prince of Wales. King Hiram, Mr. O'Kelly. King Melesus, Mr. O'Kelly. Ladythigh, Mr. O'Kelly. La^'inia, Sir John Shelley. Laura, Mr. Garforth. Light Infantry, M. O'Kelly. Lightning, Mr. O'Kelly. Little Henry, Duke of Cumber- land. Lily of the Valley, Mr. O'KeUy. Luna, Mr. Parker. Madcap, Duke of Bolton. Margaret, Duke of Cumberland. Maria, the Prince of Wales. Mercury, Mr. O'Kelly. BRITISH TURF. 525 Meteor, Lord Grosvenor. Mirmillo, Lord Grosvenor. Miss Hervey, Mr. O'Kelly. Mountebank, Mi. Button. Mouse, Mr. O'Kelly. Nina, Duke of Cumberland. Obscurity, Lord Milford. Paris, Mr. O'Kelly. Pegasus, the Prince of Wales. Planet, Lord Ossory. Pluto, the Duke of Cumberland. Plutus, Sir John Lade. Polydore, Duke of Cumberland. Poor Soldier, Mr. Wentworth. Postillion, Mr. O'Kelly. Pot-8o's, Lord Abingdon. Princess, Mr. O'Kelly. PufFendorfF, Mr. O'Kelly. Queen Mab, Mr. O'Kelly. Ready Rhino, Lord Abingdon. Recruit, Mr. Parker. Regatta, Duke of Cumberland. Romp, Mr. Carteret. Ruth, Duke of Cumberland. Saltram, Mr Parker. Satellite, Sir F. Poole. Saturn, Mr. O'Kelly. Sergeant, Mr. O'Kelly. Serpent, Mr. O'Kelly. Skylight, Sir C. Bunbury. Soldier, Mr. O'Kelly. Spark, Mr. Wentworth. Spartacus, Duke of Grafton. Speranza, Duke of Grafton. Sphinx, Duke of Grafton. Spinner, Lord Grosvenor. Spitfire, Mr. Walker. Spot, Mr. O'Kelly. Squeak, Lord Grosvenor. Stripling, Mr. Turner. Sussex, Sir F. Poole. Sweetheart, Lord Grosvenor. Tempest, Mr. Bailey. Theresa, Mr. Bullock. Thunderbolt, Mr. O'Kelly. Ticklepitcher, Mr. O'KeUy. Tiffany, Lord Melsintowne. Titinia, Mr. Hucks. Trimbush, Mr. O'Kelly. Troy, Mr. O'Kelly. Twihght, Mr. Parker. Venus, Mr. O'Kelly. Vertumnus, Mr. O'Kelly. Vistula, Mr. O'KeUy. Violet, Lord Grosvenor. Volunteer, alias Cornet, Mr. O'KeUy. Whim, Mr. Carter. Whizgig, Lord Surrey. Yarico, Mr. O'Kelly. Young EcUpse, Mr. O'KeUy. Zantippi, Mr. Naper. Zara, Lord Grosvenor. ZUia, Lord Derby. Zodiac, Sir. J. L. Kayes. Zoroaster, Duke of Grafton. Eclipse also got the dams of the following, be- sides several others, viz : — Abigail, Lord Darlington. Adeline, Mr. Herick. Anthony, Sir W. Aston. Archduke, Sir F. Standish. 526 HISTORY OF THE Archer, Mr. Broadhurst. Ariadne, Lord Grosvenor. Astonishment, Sir J. L. Kayes. Attainment, Mr. Lockley. Bab, Lord Derby. The Babe, Mr. R. Hamilton. Barneby, Mr. Wentworth. Behna, Lord Grosvenor. Biddy Tipkin, Mr. Elton. Bobtail, (by Precipitate), Lord Egremont. Boldface, Lord Grosvenor. Braganza, Mr. Fox. Brontes, Lord Grosvenor. Brown Charlotte, Mr. Herrick. Cabin Boy, Mr. J. P. Smith. Camel, Mr. Hale. Carrots, Mr. Hale. Chanticleer, Lord Egremont. Cinnamon, Lord Clermont. Clown, Mr. Vernon. Coeur de Lion, Mr. Turner. Commodore, Mr. Sitwell. Crazy, Lord Egremont. Don Carlos, Duke of Cumber- land. Doxy, Lord Clermont. Eliza, Mr. Wentworth. Eliza, Mr. J. Hutchinson. Ehza, Mr. C. Wilson. Embryo, Duke of Bolton. Ephemera, afterwards Rushlight Lord Egremont. Expectation, Mr. Cookson. Fire, the Prince of Wales. First Fruits, Duke of Grafton. Flambeau, Duke of Grafton, Fogram, Duke of Grafton. George, Mr. Cassan. Geraniam, Mr. Clifton. Goldfinch, Mr. Panton. Goose, Duke of Bedford. Grape, Mr. Barton. Guilford, Mr. Durand. Haphazard, (by Sir Peter), Lord Darlington. Haphazard, (by Delphina),Mr.G. Baker. Hawk, Mr. Ladbroke. Hawker, Mr. Philips. Heroine, Lord Clermont. Hickery, Lord Fitzwilliam. Hospitality, Mr. Lockley. Hutton, Mr. Craythorn. Jack's ahve, Mr. G. Baker. Icarus, Mr. Hale. Ida, Lord Egremont. Jenny Bull, Lord Grosvenor. Jenny Spinner, Mr. J. Lord. Joan, Mr. Douglas. John Bull, Lord Grosvenor. Junius, Mr. Kirwan. Juno, Mr. Broadhurst. King David, Mr. EHot. Lambinus, Duke of Bedford. Lazarus, Mr. Ladebroke. Leapfrog, Mr. Leeson. Leviathan, Duke of Bedford. Little Flyer, Lord Barrymore. Little John, Sir F. Standish. Little Luna, Mr. Montolieu. Little Pickle, Mr. Broadhurst. Logie o' Buchan, Lord Strath- more's. Logie the Laird, afterwards Lithe, Lord Strathmore. Lothario, the Prince of Wales. Lucy, Mr. J. L. Kayes. BRITISH TURF. 527 Luna, Duke of Queensbury. Magpie, Mr. Ladebroke. Mary Ann, Mr. R. Hamilton. Master Bagot, Mr. R. Hamilton. Mediocrity, Hon. G. Villiers. Miss Hamilton, Mr. Artley. Mis Zelia Teazle, Mr. W. N. W. Hewett. Mr. Teazle, Sir F. Standish. Mother Blackcap, H.R.H. the Prince. Northampton, Lord Grosvenor. Oberon, Mr. J. Hutchinson. Oddity, Sir J. L. Kayes. Pecker, Duke of Queensbury. Peggy Bull, Lord Grosvenor. Phenomenon, Sir J. L. Kayes. Ponto, Lord Clermont. Pyrsemon, H.R.H. the Duke of York. Queen Charlotte, Mr. Lockley Raby, Lord Darlington. Rag, Lord Egremont. Ratoon, Mr. Hammond. Ringleader, Mr. Montoheu. Rioter, Lord Clermont. Ruby, Mr. Hale. St. George, Lord Darlington. Scotilla, Lord Stamford. Shuter, Lord Grosvenor. Silverlocks, Mr. Preston. Skyscraper, Duke of Bedford. Sloven, Mr. Dolphin. Smart, Mr. Douglas. Spider, the Prince of Wales. Stamford, Sir F. Standish. Statira, Lord Winchelsea. Strathspey, Mr. R. Fletcher. Striphng, Sir H. Williams. Trag, by Trentham, Lord Egre- mont, Tartar, Lord A. Hamilton. Tidy, Lord Grosvenor, afterwards Mr. Smith of Ireland. Tom Tit, Mr. Broadhurst. Topgallant, Duke of Bedford. Trueman, Duke of Grafton. Tulip, Mr. Hale. Vandall, Duke of Grafton. Venom, Duke of Grafton. Vision, Mr. Ehot. Volante, Mr. Montolieu. Wan'ior, Lord Fitzwilliam. Weasel, Mr. J. Hutchinson. Wilkes, Mr. Whaley. Xenia, Lord Grosvenor. Zenobia, Lord Derby. The following is M. de St. Bel's^ account of the death and autopsy of Eclipse : — '' In the morning of the 25th of February, 1789, Eclipse was seized with a violent cholic. The remedies acknowledged as most proper in that * An Essay on the Proportions of Eclipse, by M. Charles Vial de St. Bel, Professor to the Veterinary College of London, pubhshed by Martin and Bain, Fleet Street, 1795. ■il^ c d: Be ^;,ii^ym III chc c'^cH- tfec T-^ :od- Sfjfii: tf£. « ,1L -T.. cf tie fiis- vECtars ; us Fnmtibe ^ :e5. 1 i^er iii: tie ♦1.^ rlij^bt dcipee, of diii A wag my mfiflioii to AUhoa^ as we kmc beive slated, itk ?W!t abletoliz: a cmedt and nAicbdie Aan and can lie defined, lations of M. de St E^F wdl dBtetiing a pla aOOOVuDB^V jSIHREn til 7 !:_ F'^oportions of Ae Ae TDi TT \v X--— - ▼Ol^ I. MS 530 HISTORY OF THE o a ta 1 Vi 9 o t— < O a o •ajlsjBj^ •Bjjands •asdipa BRITISH TURF. 531 CHAPTER Xm. Pedigrees and performances of the most celebrated race-horses, &c., continued from 1764, to the period of the estabHshment of the Great St. Leger Stakes at Doncaster, in 1777 — Goldfinder — Cicero — Forester — Paymaster — Solon — Trentham — Mark Anthony — Mambrino — Sweet- William — Firetail — Johnny — Pumpkin — Sweet- briar — Shark — Young Marske — Dorimont — Pot-8o's — Highflyer — Hollandoise, the first winner of the St. Leger. Goldfinder. — A bay horse, foaled in 1 764, bred by John St. Leger Douglas, Esq., of Spring Fields, Essex, and sold to Jenison Shafto, Esq. Goldfinder was the most celebrated horse of his day. He was got by Snap ; his dam by Blank ; grandam. Lord Bolingbroke's Nettle's dam, by Regulus ; great grandam by Lord Lonsdale's bay Arabian, out of the Duke of Bolton's Bonny Lass, the dam of Merry Andrew, &c. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, April 5th, 1768, Goldfinder won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft,, B. C. In the Second Spring Meeting, April 29th, he won the Ascot stakes of 25 gs. each, B. C. In the First October Meeting, Mon- day, he won a subscription of 200 gs. each, h. ft., eight subscribers, 8st. 101b. each, B. C. Tuesday, Goldfinder, 8st. 71b., received forfeit from Sir John M M 2 532 HISTORY OF THE J Moore's bay filly, own sister to South-east, 8st. 21b., B. C, 300 gs., h. ft. In the Second Octo- ber Meeting, Thursday, he won the Contribution stakes of 5 gs. each, twenty subscribers, B. C. In the First Spring Meeting, March 31st, 1769, he won the 150 gs. for horses, &c., rising five years old, J3. C. In the First October Meeting, Tues- day, he won a subscription of 200 gs. each, p. p., and the cup, ten subscribers. On the Satur- day, he won a subscription of 50 gs. each, p. p., six subscribers, B. C. In the Second October Meeting, Tuesday, he receiv^ed 450 gs. compromise from Mr. P. Blake's Leader, by Fearnought, 9st. each, B. C, 500 gs., p. p. On the Wednesday, he walked over for the 150 gs. for five years olds, 8st. lOlb., B. C. On the Friday, he walked over for the Contribution stakes of 5 gs. each, twenty subscribers, for all ages, B. C. In the Second Spring Meetmg, 1770, Goldfinder walked over for a subscription of 25 gs. each, eiglit sub- scribers, for all ages, B. C. On the Tuesday in the First October Meeting, he walked over for the cup, for all ages, B. C. On the following day, he broke down in his exercise ; otherwise it was intended to start him for the King's plate, against Eclipse. Goldfinder was a horse of great speed and power, and was never beat, or ever paid a forfeit. He was sold at Mr. Shafto's sale at Newmarket, on Saturday, October 5th, 1771, to Sir Charles Sed- BRITISH TURK. 53:^ lev, for 1,330 irs. : and covered at Nuttall Temi^le, near Nottingham, in 1772-73, twenty mares, be- sides those of his owner, at 20 2:s. and 5s ; in 1774-75, thirty mares, with the owner's, at 20 gs. and 10.s\ 6d. ; in 1776-77, forty mares, at 25 gs. and 10^\ 6d ; in 1778, fifty mares, with those of the owner, at 20 gs. and U\s\ (jd. After the death of Sir Charles Sedlev, he was sold for 375 gs. ; and in 1779-81, covered at Coxe's Farm, nearMitcham, Snrrey, at 10 gs. and 5s. ; in 1782- 84, at the same place, at 5 gs. and 5.^. Goldtiiidor died in 1789, aged twenty-tive years. The followins:, besides manv others, were i::ot bv Gold tinder, viz : Alfred, Mr. Dymock. Bauquo, Mr. Radclitle. Bootcatcher, Mr. Carow. Brunette, Mr. Sidebottoiu. Catch, Mr. Douglas. Country girl. Lord CJ. H. Caven- dish. Cupid, Mr. Bethell. Doctor, Mr. Wyndham. Eghani, Sir F. Evelyn. Fleacatcher, Sir C. Sedley. Glazier, Mr. Aolinne. Cioldtinder, Duke of Hainillon. Harlequin. Mr. Wheatley. Hazard, Mr. Basset. Hymen, Mr. Vernon. Jack Ketch, Sir C. Sedley. Jugurtha, Mr. Hatton. Knight Errant, Sir J. Lade. Lady Betty, Capt. Bowdon. Larkcatcher, Mr. Webb. Lottery, Mr. Weller. Lenscatcher, Mr. C. Pigott. Manilla, Mr. Goodricke. Medley, Sir John Lade. Molecatcher, SirC. Sedley. Nimble, out of Imogen, Lord Grosvenor. Para, Mr. Walker. Pizarro, Mr. Smaltman. Preference, Mr. Naper. Protector. Duke of Bolton. Royal, Mr. Swinton. Secret, Mr Smallmann. Serina, Mr. Radclitle. Sir Charles, Mr. Mavnard. Sleiptner, Lord Craven. Stirt'Dick, Mr Hutchinson. Stormer, Duke of Grafton. Tuwnev. Mr. Douglas. 534 HISTORY OF THE Thiefcatcher, Sir C. Sedley. Valerius, Mr. H. Vernon. Tiney, Sir H. Harpur. Uppingham, Lord Sondes. Toper, Mr. Stacie. Whirligig, Sir H. Harpur, Toothdrawer, Sir C. Sedley. Of these, Mr. Goodricke's Manilla bred Dexter, Miss Judy, Prior, Cardinal, and Lignum vitee's dam, Co-heiress, Hyperion's dam. Ambidexter, Hornet, Hydaspes, Tigress, Nettle, Abbess, and Flycatcher. Fleacatcher was the dam of Sir C. Bunbury's Overseer, afterwards Master of Arts, and Wran- gler ; also of Sir H. Featherstonhaugh's Fanlight. Cicero. — A chesnut horse, foaled in 1765, the property of Mr. Salt, sold to Mr. Bishop, after- wards to Mr. Walker, &c. Cicero was got by Little Driver out of Sappho. At Oxford, in July, 1769, Cicero won the Maid- en plate of £50, three two mile heats. At Wis- beach. May 30th, 1730, Cicero won £50, heats, three times round the course ; at starting, five to four on Cicero. At Stamford, June 13th, he won £50, heats, twice round the course. At Notting- ham, August 5th, he won £50, three four mile heats. At Aylesbury, September 4th, he won £50, four mile heats. At Ascot Heath, in June, 1771, he won £50, three four mile heats, beating Lord March's Rosetta, and a large field. At Lewes, in July, he won £50, four mile heats. Cicero was then sold to Mr. Bishopp ; and at Epsom, May 28th, 1772, he won the cup, value £50, four miles. At Ascot Heath, June 26th, he won £50 for aged BRITISH TURF. 535 horses, four mile heats. At Marlborough, July 28th, he won £50, four mile heats. At Heading, August 5th, he won £50 give and take, four mile heats. After the race he was purchased by Mr. Walker, and at Newmarket Second October Meeting, Cicero beat Lord Clermont's Merry Tra- veller, five years old, B. C, 100 gs. ; at start- ing, five and six to one on Cicero ; considerable bets were laid that he beat his antagonist a dis- tance, but he won by a few yards only, at the ending post. At Newmarket Second Spring Meet- ing, 1773, he received 125 gs. compromise from Mr. Wentworth's Mark, B. C, 500 gs., h. ft. He was sold to Mr. Strode ; at Bridgnorth, in June, he won £50, four mile heats ; and on the next day, he won £50, give and take, four mile heats. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1774, he received 250 gs. compromise, from Mr. Walker's Piccadilly, B. C, 300 gs., p. p. Cicero was then sold to Mr. C. Pigott ; and at Peter- borough, July 20th, he won £50, at four four mile heats. At Shrewsbury, August 23rd, Cicero won £.50, four mile heats, beating Mr. Nerop's Intre- pid; at starting, the betting was even; but not satisfied with the result, the backers of Intrepid challenged to run Cicero four miles, at the same weights they had carried for the plate, which was accepted by Mr. Pigott, and won by Cicero. On the next day, he won £50, four mile heats. At Ludlow, September 6th, he won £50, four mile 536 HISTORY OF THE heats. Cicero was not beat that year. At Strat- ford-upon-Avon, August 2nd, 1775, Cicero won £50, four mile heats. At Litchfield, August 30th, he won £50, for horses, etc., rode by gentlemen, 13st., four miles, rode by Mr. Walker. At Warwick, September 7th, he won £50, four mile heats. He started once more, and was then put out of training. Cicero won twenty £50 prizes, and 575 gs. in matches and forfeits. He was sire of Mr. West- wood's Zenophon, Mr. Sanders' Ne plus Ultra, Lord C. Somerset's Louisa, Mr. Homfray's Young Cicero, &c. In 1781, Cicero was teazer to Shark, at Alwal- ton Lodge, near Stilton, Huntingdonshire ; and afterwards a stallion at Mr. John Edwards', at the Lickey, near Broomsgrove, Worcestershire, at 5 gs. and 55. Forester. — A bay horse, foaled in 1765, bred by Philip Egerton, Esq., and sold to the Hon. John Smith Barry, of Belmont, near Northwich, Cheshire. Forester was got by Dionysius, out of Rural Lass. At Beverley, in May, 1769, Forester started for the sweepstakes of 20 gs. each, fourteen sub- scribers, three miles, when he came in first ; but his rider not bringing ia his weight, the stakes were given to Mr. Ellerker's Lorenzo, by Samp- son, who was second. At Manchester, in Septem- ber, he won £50, three two mile heats. At BRITISH TURF. 537 Carlisle, in May, 1770, Forester won £50, three mile heats ; and on the next day, he won £50, beating Mr. Hutton's Foxhunter, and a large field, three four mile heats. At Richmond, in Septem- ber, he won £50, four mile heats, beating Mr. Hutton's Lofty by Regulus ; at starting, five and six to four on Forester ; two excellent heats, each being won by only half a neck. At Carlisle, in November, he won the King's plate, four mile heats. At Chester, in May, 1771, he won the Gold cup, value £50, four mile heats ; and in the same meeting he won £50, four mile heats. At Newcastle, June 26th, 1772, he won the subscrip- tion purse of 60 gs., four mile heats. At Edin- burgh, July 20th, he won the King's plate, four mile heats ; on the 23rd, same place, he won the Subscription purse of 100 gs., for all ages, four miles ; and on the next day, he w^on the 60 gs. plate, four mile heats, beating Philippo, Young Mirza, Royal Forester, Leith,&c.; Mr. Nisbett'sFox- hunter also started, but in running for the first heat he dropped down, and died immediately. Forester was ridden for the three plates by John Tesseyman, and Philippo, twice, by Leonard Jewison. At Newcastle, in June, 1773, Forester walked over for the Subscription purse of 60 gs. At Doncaster, in September, he won the Gold cup, four miles. At Malton, in October, he won £50, three four mile heats : two to one on Forester. At Lancaster in July 1774, he won £50, four mile heats; at 538 HISTORY OF THE starting five to four on Forester ; after the heat, seven to one he won. At York, in August 1775, he won £50 four mile heats ; at starting, two to one on Forester ; after the heat six to four he won. Forester was ridden by John Mangle, Eu- ryalus by John Tesseyman, and Consul by Charles Dawson. At Chester, May 6, 1776, he won the annual City plate at three four mile heats, six to four against Forester. At Manchester, May 31 , he won £50, three four mile heats. At Boroughbride in September, he won £50, four mile heats ; at starting, six to four on Forester ; after the heat five to four he won. And at Manchester in May 1777, he won £50 four four mile heats ; at starting, five to one against Forester ; Forester the third from Dumplin, and fourth from Fortune. Forester started once more that year, and was beat by Mr. Ellis's Diana, &c. at Chesterfield ; and twice in 1778, when he was beat by Mr. Tembs's Furze- cutter, &c. at Bridgeworth ; and by Mr. Swinfen's Royal, &c., at Nottingham. Forester won twenty times, viz : two King's Plates ; the cups at Doncaster and Chester ; a sub- scription Purse of 100 gs. and three of 60 gs. each ; eleven £50 plates, and the annual City plate at Chester. He was afterwards a stallion in the Hon. T. L. Barry's stud, at 5 gs. 55. — He served very few well bred mares. Paymaster — first called Jesmond. A bay horse BRITISH TURF. 539 foaled in 1766, bred by Jenison Shafto Esq., sold to Lord Viscount Bolingbroke. Paymaster was got by Blank, out of Snapdragon ; he was her first produce. At Newmarket first Spring meeting, 1770, Jes- mond won a sweepstakes of 500 gs. each, h. ft. B. C. He was then sold to Lord Bolingbroke, who named him Paymaster. In the second Spring Meeting, he won the Jockey Club plate, R. C. beating Lord March's Belindo, and a large field. At Newmarket, May 23, Paymaster beat Lord Clermont's Brilhant, 8st. 300 gs. five to one on Paymaster. In the first October meeting, he received 100 gs. compromise from Lord Farnham's Bucephalus, 500 gs. h. ft. In the second October meeting, he was beat (for the first time) by Lord Rockingham's Solon ; after which he was sold to Robert Pigott, Esq. At Newmarket first Spring Meeting, 1771, Paymaster won £50 R. C. In the second Spring Meeting, Paymaster beat Mr. Wentworth's Chaun- ter by Whistlejacket, B. C. 200 gs. He was then sold to Mr. Strode ; and in the Houghton Meet- ing, he beat Mr. Burlton's Tamerlane, B. C. 100 gs. At Newmarket second Spring Meeting, 1772, Paymaster beat Mr. Walker's Florinda, R. C. 100 gs. ; and in the same meeting, he beat Lord Clermont's Sufi'olk, R. C. 50 gs. At Guil- ford, June 6th, Paymaster was beat for the King's plate by Mr. Gulston's Endymion. At Winches- 540 HISTORY OF THE ter, July 14th. he won the King's plate, 12st. at three heats. At Canterbury, July 29th, he won the King's plate 12st. beating Mr. Wildman's Frolic. At Lewes, August 15th. he won the King's plate 12st. at three heats. At Lincoln, August 15th, he won the King's plate, 12st; and at the same place he walked over for the £50 plate. At Newmarket first October meeting, 1773, Paymaster beat Mr. Foley's Fortune, four years old, 8st. each, B. C. 500 gs. ; and in the same meeting, he won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. B. C. In the second October meeting Paymaster won a Sweep- stakes of 100 gs. each, (three subscribers) B. C. At Newmarket, Saturday after the second Spring Meeting, 1774, Paymaster beat Lord Grosvenor's Mambrino, 9st. B. C. 500 gs. ; at starting, two to one on Mambrino. On the Monday following, he beat Lord Clermont's Pulp^, 5 years old, B. C, 100 gs. ; and in the First October Meeting, Pay- master beat Mr. Keith Stewart's Bramble by King Herod, B. C. 300 gs. — This was the last time of his running. Paymaster then became a stallion. In 1778, he covered at Bishop Burton, near Beverly, Yorkshire, at 10 gs. and \0s. 6d,; and in 1780, 1781, 1782, and 1783, at Mr. Raithby's Farm, Delrow, near Oldinham, Herts, at 5 gs. and 5^.; afterwards at Field House, near Darlington, where he died in 1791, aged 25. Paymaster was sire of the following winners. BRITISH TURF. 541 viz : — Mr. Carteret's Capability ; Lord Ossory's Alaric ; Mr. Addison's Contractor; Mr. Wetherell's Young Paymaster, (afterwards Ravensworth,) Bellona. Mars, Beamish, &c. ; Mr. Whiting's St. Valory ; Lord A. Hamilton's Paragon ; Mr. Talbott's Corinthian ; Mr. Cauty's Paymaster ; Mr. Clifton's Labourer ; Mr. Hudson's Serpent ; Mr. Coocksen's Sail, William's and Brunette. Paymaster got the dams of Mr. WJ.arton's Skel- ton. Sir Rowland Winn's Conjurer, Lord Dar- lington's Doncaster, Mr. Broadhurst's Mendoza, Mr. Hamond's Gil Bias, Mr. Bowes's Sadler, Mr. Hemings' Sir Sidney, Pugilist, &c. Solon. — A brown-bay horse, foaled in 1766, bred by and the property of the Marquis of Rock- ingham. Solon was got by Sampson out of Emma. At Newmarket, First October Meeting, 1770, Solon won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft called the 1,400 gs. (8 subscribers.) In the Second October Meeting, Solon beat Lord Bolingbroke's Paymaster, B. C. 500 gs. ; at starting, three to one on Paymaster. In the Second Spring Meet- ing, 1771, Solon beat Lord Farnham's Charon, B. C. 1000 gs. ; at starting, three to one on Solon. In the First Spring Meeting, 1772, he won a sweep- stakes of 200 gs. h. ft. B. C. In the First October Meeting, he received forfeit from Lord Clermont's Fanny, B. C, 500 gs., h. ft. In the First Spring Meeting, 1 773, Solon beat Lord Abingdon's Transit, 542 HISTORY OF THE B. C. 500 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, Solon beat Mark Anthony across the flat, 200 gs. ; and on the Saturday, he beat Mr. Foley's Trentham, B. C. 300 gs. At Newmarket, May 6th, 1776, Solon beat Mr. Conolly's Bacchus, B. C. 1000 gs. Solon never raced but at Newmarket, and was allowed to be the best horse Lord Rockingham ever had, Bay Malton excepted. When he beat Paymaster, Lord Rockingham is said to have won 4000 gs. on the race ; and Mr. Vernon (a first rate judge at that time,) is said to have allowed him to be the completest horse, with the greatest power, that ever appeared at Newmarket. Solon, after beating Bacchus, was Lord Rockingham's Charger for several years, and afterwards became a stallion at Wentworth, Yorkshire, where he died about the year 1793. He served very few well bred mares. Trentham. A bay horse, foaled in 1766, bred bv Sir John Moore, Bart., and sold at his sale to Charles Ogilvy, Esq. Trentham was got by Lord Gower's Sweepstakes out of Miss South ; he was her first produce. At Swaflfham, 1769, Trentham won £50. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, he started un- successfully for the £50 ; but in the same meeting he beat Petit Maitre, R. M., 100 gs. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1770, Trentham beat the Duke of Kingston's b. c, by Old England, D. C, 200 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he BRITISH TURF. 543 beat Mr. Shafto's filly, by Snap, R. M., 100 gs. At Burford, July 23, he won a sweepstakes of 25 gs. each, 33 subscribers, four miles. At New- market First October Meeting, Trentham beat Metaphysician, B. C. 500 gs. In the Second Oc- tober Meeting, in a Sweepstakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft., B. C, Trentham received 140 gs. each, com- promise from Lord Ossory's Fish, 7st. 3lb., and Mr. P. Blake's Stripling ; and in the same meeting he won £50, and upwards. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1771, Trentham beat Lord March's Rosetta, by Squirrel, R. M., 300 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he beat Lord Craven's Petit Maitre, ditch-in, 500 gs. At Burford, in July, he beat Lord Abingdon's Transit, four miles 500 gs. He was then sold to Messrs. Foley and Fox. At Newmarket Craven Meetins:, 1772, Trentham beat Lord Clermont's Rosetta, by Squir- rel, ditch in, 300 gs. In the First Spring Meeting, he beat Mr. C. Blake's Don Joseph, B. C, 1000 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he won the Jockey Club plate, B. C. ; and at 8st. 4lb., he received forfeit from Lord Rockingham's Solon, 8st. 71b., B.C. 1000 gs., h. ft. At Burford, in July, he won a sweepstakes of 10 gs. each, sixteen subscribers, four miles ; he also received a forfeit from Lord Abingdon's Transit. At Newmarket, First October Meeting, Trentham won a sweep- stakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft., and 8st. 91b.; he also received a compromise from Mr. C. Blake's Fire- 544 HISTORY OF THE tail, three years old, 8st. R. M., 100 gs., h. ft. In the Houghton Meeting, Trentham beat Lord March's Piccadilly, B. C, 1000 gs. At Nev/- market Craven Meeting, 1773, Trentham stood matched with Pyrrhus against Mr. Ogilvy's Pincher, 8st. 71b. each ; they were both to beat Pincher, over the beacon course for 1000 gs. They came in as follow, viz : 1. Trentham, six years old, rode by South. 2. Pyrrhus, five years old, rode by J. Prince. 3. Pincher, aged, rode by Anthony Wheatly ; at starting five to two that Pincher was last. In the First Spring Meeting, Trentham re- ceived 108 gs., compromise from Lord Boling- broke's Marianne, B. C, 500 gs. h. ft. After being beat by Regulator, Pantaloon, Carabineer, &c., at York, in August, he was sold to Sir C. Sedley, Bart. AtNewmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1774, Trent- ham received forfeit from Mr. H. Vernon's Minis- ter, B. C, 300 gs., h. ft. At York, in August, he won the subscription of £298 \6s. 8d. four miles. At Newmarket Houghton Meeting, Trentham beat Lord Clermont's Priestess, B. C. 200 gs. At New- market Second Spring Meeting, 1775, Trentham started for the Jockey Club plate, and ran a dead heat with Lord Grosvenor's Mambrino ; also at the same meeting, Saturday, he beat Lord Abing- don's Transit, B. C, 200 gs. At Lincoln, in Sep- tember, he won the £100 plate, four mile heats. At Newmarket Second Spring meeting, 1776, Trentham won the 140 gs., and upwards, B. C, and BRITISH TURF. 545 on the next day, he won the Jockey Club plate ; he was sold to Mr. Codrington. Trentham was beat fourteen times, for which, see the performances of Faggergill, Pincher, Marc Antony, Merry Traveller, Solon, Conductor, Regulator, Transit, Mambrino, Juniper, Black Tom, Pumpkin, and Johnny. He paid only one forfeit, which was for the Cup and 100 gs. each, won by Juniper, in the Newmarket First October Meeting, 1771. He won £8,450 and upwards, besides two Jockey Club plates, and was not inferior to any horse of his time. Tren- tham was a stallion in Lord Egremont's stud, at Petworth, Sussex. Marc Anthony. Bred by the Duke of Ancaster, sold to Christopher Blake, Esq., and afterwards to the Earl of Clermont, Marc Anthony was got by Spectator out of Rachel, by Blank. At Newmarket Second October Meeting, 1770, Marc Anthony beat Lord Clermont's Bucephalus, Rowley's mile, 300 gs. ; at Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1771, Marc Anthony beat Se- raphina, B. C. 300 gs., and on Friday, Laura, B. C, 300 gs. ; on Monday, in the Second Spring Meeting, Marc Anthony beat Fish, B. C, 300 gs., and on Friday, Gnawpost, D. C, 300 gs. ; on Tuesday, in the Second October Meeting, Marc Anthony beat Miss Osmer, B. C, 500 gs., on Thursday, he won the Beecham well cup, value 120 gs., and on Saturday, received forfeit from Brilliant, Rowley's mile, 1000 gs., p. p. ; in the VOL. I. N N 546 HISTORY OF THE Houghton Meeting, Marc Anthony received forfeit from Conductor, B. C, 1000 gs., h. ft. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1772, Marc Anthony received 240 gs., compromise from Charon, B. C, 500 gs., h. ft. He received forfeit from the Duke of Cumberland's Pompey, B. C, 500 gs., h. ft. On Monday, in the Second Spring Meeting, Marc Anthony received forfeit from the Duke of Cumberland's Faggergill, B. C, 500 gs., h. ft., and on Saturday, he was beat for the first time, by Pyrrhus to whom he allowed 51b. over B. C. At Newmarket, First Spring Meeting, 1773, Marc Anthony, won £50, R. C. ; Trentham also started and was second. Marc Anthony w^as sold to Lord Clermont, and at Newmarket, May 17. he beat Firetail, ditch in, 500 gs. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1774, Marc An- thony beat Solon, B. C, 300 gs., and Chalkstone, B. C, 300 gs. In the First October Meeting, he beat Mahomet, by Snap, B. C, 300 gs. ; these w^ere his only engagements that year. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1775, Marc An- thony received forfeit from Solon, B. C, 300 gs., h. ft. ; and on Saturday, beat Ancaster, ditch in, 100 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he re- ceived forfeit from St. George, across the flat, 300 gs., h. ft. On Monday, in the First October Meeting, he was beat by Mambrino, over B. C. ; on Tuesday, Marc Anthony beat Enterprise, D. C, 200 gs., and Pumpkin, B. C, 300 gs. ; in the Se- cond October Meeting he won the 140 gs. sweep- BRITISH TURF. 547 stakes, B. C. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1776, Marc Anthony won a sweepstakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft. ; and at Newmarket, Septem- ber 19th, Marc Anthony beat Counsellor B. C, 100 gs. In the First October Meeting, he started for the 140 gs., B. C, when he was beat by Planet. This was the last time of his running. Marc Anthony started twenty-eight times, out of which he won twenty ; the sums he won in sweep- stakes, matches, plates, and forfeits, amounted to 8,547 gs. lO^., and the sums he lost in stakes, matches, and forfeits were 2,925 gs. Total of his winning 5,622 gs. lOs. He broke down when six years old, and never ran but at Newmarket. Marc Anthony was beat twice by Mambrino, once each by Pyrrhus, Gertrude, Conductor, Solon, Ranger, Planet, &c. At Burford, he paid 25 gs. forfeit in a stakes won by Pantaloon ; at Newmarket, 50 gs. compromise to Consul twice ; 250 gs. to Mambrino and 150 gs. to Fairstar, in the First Spring Meet- ing, 1777, being then intended for a stallion. Marc Anthony was a staUion at Pakenham, near Bury, Suffolk, in 1778 and 1779, at 10 gs. and IO5. ; at Leeming Lane, near Bedale, Yorkshire in 1780, at 10 gs. and 56*.; at Chippenham, near Newmarket in 1781 and 1782, at lOgs.and lO^-.; in 1783, &c., at 5 gs. and lOs. 6d. ; in 1787, 1788, &c., at 3 gs. and 55. ; he served very few mares besides Lord Clermont's. Marc Anthony was sire of Lord Clermont's Rut- N N 2 548 HISTORY OF THE land, Gary, Fury, Kitten, Mark-ho, George, Aim- well, Lady Harriet, Bag-ho, Soho, &c. ; of Sir Walter Vavasour's Marc Anthony, Mr. Fox's Brutus, Mr. Parker's Hebe, Mr. Hull's Furioso, Mr. Burrell's Wasp, Mr. Bowler's Gurate, Mr. Benton's Triumvate, &c. ; he also got the dam of Paynator, Ghippenham, Miss Fury, &c. The dam of Marc Anthony was Rachel, a bay mare foaled in 1763, and bred by the Duke of Ancaster ; she was got by Blank, her dam, (bred by Mr. Scroop, of Danby, Yorkshire, foaled in 1751, and sold to Mr. Panton) by Regulus ; her grandam (bred by Gaptain Hartley, and was the dam of Danby Gade, South, and Matchless) by Soreheels out of the dam of Gaptain Hartley's blind stallion. Rachel never raced, but was put to Spectator when only three years old, and produced Marc Anthony her first foal ; she was also the dam of the celebrated horse Highflyer. Rachel died in the spring of the year 1781, aged 18. Lord Egremont's bay filly, Highflyer's only sister, at Nottingham, in 1783, after running about 200 yards, fell and dis- located her hip, and died in about two hours. Mambrino. a grey horse, foaled in 1768, bred by John Atkinson, Esq. of Scholes, near Leeds, Yorkshire, and sold after his decease, to Lord Grosvenor. Mambrino was got by Engineer, out of the Gade mare, the dam of Dulcinea, &c. At Newmarket, Second Spring Meeting, (Mon- day,) 1773, Mambrino beat Gronie, ditch in, 200 gs. BRITISH TURF. 549 On Wednesday, he won the 140 gs., and on Sa- turday, he won a subscription of 25 gs. each, (six subscribers, B. C.) In the Second October Meet- ing, Mambrino won a sweepstakes of 500 gs. each, h. ft. B. C, and on Friday, he won a subscription of 10 gs. each, D. C. In the Houghton Meeting, Mambrino won a sweepstakes of 500 gs. each, h. ft. B, C. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting 1774, Mambrino was beat, for the first time, with great difficulty, by Pyrrhus, six years old, 8st. each, B. C. 200 gs. He started only once, besides the above, that year, when he was beat over B. C. by Pay- master aged, to whom he allowed 71b. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting 1775, Mam- brino won the King's plate. In the Second Spring Meeting he won the Jockey Club plate, B. C, beating Trentham. Mambrino and Trentham ran a dead heat, but they started again, when that heat was won by the former, by about half a length. In the first October Meeting, Mambrino won a sweepstakes of 300 gs. At Newmarket, First Spring Meeting 1776, Mambrino received forfeit from Narcissus, B. C. 500 gs. h. ft., and in the Second Spring Meeting, from Marc Anthony B. C. 500 gs. h. ft. In the Second October Meeting, Mambrino w^on a sub- scription of 10 gs. each, D. C. ; and in the Hough- ton Meeting, he won the 50 gs. plate. At New- market, First October Meeting, 1777, Mambrino stood matched against Shark, for the Whip and 550 HISTORY OF THE 200 gs. each, lOst. B. C. Lord Grosvenor paid 100 gs. compromise, and kept the whip. In the Spring of that year, he was advertised for a stalUon at Oxcroft Farm, near Balsham, Cambridgeshire ; the same place as Sweetbriar, Gimcrack, Sweet- William &c., to cover thirty mares, besides those of his owner, at 10 gs. and \0s. 6d. Mambrino was again trained for the Newmarket Craven Stakes, in March 1779, but broke down in running, and was obliged to be again put out of training. He was that year a stallion at the same place, until 1781, when he covered at 5 gs. and ]0s. 6d, In 1784, he covered at 15 gs. and iOs. 6d in 1787 and 1788 at 10 gs. and lO^. 6d. Mambrino was beat only four times, viz : once each by Pyrrhus, Paymaster, Pampkin, and Woodpecker. He paid the following forfeits, viz : 50 gs. to Florizel ; 500 gs. to Pumpkin ; 250 gs. in a stakes to Pulpe and Firetail ; and 100 gs. to Shark. Mambrino was sire of Lord Grosvenor's Carlo, Khan, Grantham, Marcella, Rosaline, Amadis, Eg- bert, Tratarantangtang, Grey Gawkey, &c. He was also sire of his R. H. the Prince of Wales's Cham- bose, of Mr. Bullock's Messenger, Mr. Hale's Camel, Lord Derby's Nutmeg, Mr. Vernon's Eve, Mr. Crowder's Dimple, Lord Donegal's Primrose, Lord Belfast's Forrester, and Sir John Lade's Guil- ford and Fordham. Mambrino was likewise sire of a great many ex- cellent hunters, and strong useful road horses. BRITISH TURF. 551 and it has been said, that from his blood the breed of horses for the coach was brought nearly to its present state of perfection. Sweet- Willi AM. A bay horse, foaled in 1768, bred by William Comforth, Esq., of Barforth, near Richmond, Yorkshire, sold to Lord Viscount Bo- lingbroke and afterwards to Lord Grosvenor. At Newmarket, Second Spring Meeting, 1772, Sweet- William won a sweepstakes of 100 gs. B. C. Sweet- William was sold to Lord Grosvenor, and at Burford, July 20th, he won a sweepstakes of 25 gs. each, 42 subscribers. At Shrewsbury, Septem- ber 8th. he won a sweepstakes of 25 gs. each, eight subscribers. At Newmarket, Second Spring Meeting, 1773, Sweet- William beat Ancaster, 8st. 31b. B. C. 500 gs., two to one on Sweet- William. In the First October Meeting, he won a subscription of 20 gs. each. In the Second October Meeting, he re- ceived forfeit from Chalkstone, B.C. 200 gs. h. ft. And on Friday he beat Priestless, B. C. 300 gs. In the Houghton Meeting, Sweet- William beat Paoh, B. C. 200 gs. At Newmarket Craven Meet- ing 1774, Sweet-William won the Craven Stakes, 25 subs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he walked over for the 140 gs. B. C. In the Second October Meeting, he walked over for the 140 gs. B. C. At Newmarket, First Spring Meeting 1775, Sweet-William beat Transit, B. C. for the whip. 552 HISTORY OF THE and 200 gs. each. In the Second Spring Meeting, he received forfeit from Alexis, D. C, 300 gs. h. ft. In the Houghton Meeting, he received from Post- master, B. C. 500 gs. h. ft. At Newmarket Cra- ven Meeting, 1776, Sweet-WilHam won a sweep- stakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft. B. C. In the First Spring Meeting, Sweet-WilHam beat Critic, B. C, Lord Grosvenor staked 600 gs. to 400 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he received forfeit from Masquerade, R. M. 500 gs. h. ft. In the First October Meeting, Lord Grosvenor named Sweet- WiUiam for the cup, but no other being mentioned, the same remained with his Lordship. He started twice after, and was then put out of training. Sweet-WiUiam is said to have won in stakes, matches, and received in forfeits, the sum of 7,235 gs.; he lost in stakes 300 gs. and was beat only four times, by Maria, Florizel, Dorimant and Leviathan ; he paid 50 gs. in a stake walked over by Jemmy, 50 gs. compromise to Angar, and 100 gs. forfeit, being named for the Clermont cup, walked over by Dorimant. Total of his winning, 6,705 gs. ; the whip and October cup. He was a stallion at Oxcroft farm, near Balsham Cambridgeshire, in 1778, 1779, and 1780, at 10 gs. and 55 ; in 1781, at 5 gs. and 10^. 6d ; in 1782 and 1783 at 15 gs ; in 1784, 1785 and 1786, at 10 gs. and IO5 6d ; he afterwards covered a season at Mr. Clark's, the New Inn, Leeming Lane, York- shire, at 5 gs, and IO5. 6d, BRITISH TUR['\ 553 FiRETAiL. A bay horse, foaled in 1769, bred by the Earl of Oxford, sold to Christopher Blake, Esq., and afterwards to the Hon. Edward Foley. Firetail was got by Squirrel out of Jett. At Newmarket Craven Meeting, 1772, Firetail beat Woodbine, 300 gs. In the First Spring Meeting, he received forfeit from Flippanta, R. M. 500 gs. h. ft. In the First October Meeting, Fire- tail received forfeit from Milliner, ditch in, 500 gs. h. ft. ; and on Tuesday he won £50. At New- market Craven Meeting, 1773, Firetail won the Craven stakes from the ditch to the turn of the lands. In the First Spring Meeting, he won a Post sweepstakes of 1,250 gs. On Wednesday, he beat Pumpkin, 8st. each, R. M. 500 gs. This race is said to have been run in one minute, four se- conds and a half; and on Saturday, he won the For- tescue stakes of 30 gs. each. In the Second Spring Meeting, he received 60 gs. compromise from Priestless, B. C. 500 gs. Firetail was then sold to Mr. Folev ; and at Burford, July 22nd. he won sweepstakes of 200 gs. each. At New^market Second Spring Meeting 1774, Firetail w^alked over B. C. for a sweepstakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft. On Saturday after the meeting, Firetail received forfeit from Sweetbriar, B. C. 300 gs. h. ft. In the First October Meeting, Firetail won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. B, C. In the Second October Meeting, Firetail and Pulpe received forfeit from Mambrmo, B. C. 554 HISTORY OF THE 500 gs. h. ft. Lord Clermont dividing the forfeit. And on Saturday, Firetail beat Johnny B. C. 300 gs. ; two to one on Johnny. Jett, dam of Firetail, was a black mare, foaled in 1 757, and bred by Lord Orford. She was got by Othello, alias Black-and-all- black; her dam, Lucifer and Matron's dam, by Mr. Bartlett's Chil- ders ; grandam, out of a daughter of Mr. Curwen's bay barb. Johnny. A bay horse, foaled in 1769, bred by William Cornforth, Esq., of Barforth, Yorkshire, and sold to the Earl of Clermont. Johnny was got by Match'em ; his dam by Babram ; grandam by Partner ; great grandam by Bloody Buttocks, a daughter of Old Greyhound, out of Brocklesby Betty. At Newmarket, Second October Meeting, 1773, Johnny beat Don Carlos, B. C, 200 gs. On Fri- day he w^on a subscription of 5 gs. each. In the Houghton Meeting, Johnny beat David, B. C, 200 gs. At Newmarket First October Meeting, 1775, he received 80 gs. compromise from Hiber- nian, across the flat, 200 gs., h. ft. In November, Johnny beat Wafer, from the ditch to the turn of the lands, 100 gs. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1775, Johnny, 7st. 111b., beat Mr. Foley's Firetail, 8st. 71b., B. C, 1000 gs. ; six to four on Johnny. On Friday, Johnny, in a sweepstakes of 100 gs., h. ft., ditch in, received forfeit from Twirligig, 50 gs. In the Second BRITISIITURF. 555 Spring Meeting, Johnny won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, the last three miles, B. C, beating Pumpkin. On the same day he received 20 gs. compromise from Minion, 200 gs., h. ft. On Tuesday, he beat Salopian, R. M., 200 gs. On Thursday, he received 60 gs. compromise from Archimedes, B, C, 100 gs. p. p., and on Satur- day, Johnny beat Mareschal, B. C, 200 gs. He also, on the same day, received 40 gs. compromise from Papist, 200 gs., h. ft. At Newmarket, Sep- tember 25th, he started for a match of 1000 gs. against Shark, B. C, but fell in running, when coming up the ditch hill. In the First October Meeting, Johnny, in a sweepstakes of 300 gs, h. ft. received forfeit from the Duke of Ancaster's Ja- cinth and Mr. Greville's Postmaster ; Lord Gros- venor's Sweet- William, aged, was allowed to with- draw; and on Friday, Johnny beat Margaretta across the flat, 300 gs. In the Second October Meeting, he beat Pontifex across the flat, 200 gs. On the same day, he won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, R. M. And on Saturday, he received forfeit from Shark, 8st. 71b., R. M., 300 gs. p. p. At Newmarket, October 30th, Johnny beat Bagdad, R. M., 200 gs.; and on Saturday he was matched to run Rowley's mile, in 1 minute and 35 seconds, for 200 gs., p. p. ; Lord Clermont paid 50 gs. compromise. The above were his only engage- ments that year ; therefore, out of seventeen, he w^on nine times, and received six forfeits and com- ^# ^— - • ' rr._i -nii ^TTP- TTuH 5 58 HISTORY OF THE Meeting, he won the cup and 200 gs. each, B. C. In the Houghton Meeting, Pumpkin received 200 gs. compromise from Lord Clermont, who had the choice of six colts, sealed up, ditch in, 500 gs., h. ft. At Newmarket First Spring Meet- ing, 1774, Pumpkin beat Evergreen, 8st. 71b. each, B. C, 300 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he received 275 gs. He also,, at 8st., received forfeit from Mambrino, B. C, 1000 gs. h. ft. In the First October Meeting, he beat Chalkstone, B. C, 500 gs. At Newmarket, First Spring Meeting, Monday, 1775, Pumpkin beat Takmahaka, B. C. 500 gs. On Saturday, in the same meeting, he beat Harapha, B. C, 200 gs.; and on the same day he beat Braganza, B. C, 100 gs. At New- market, First October Meeting, 1776, Pumpkin won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, B. C, beating Mambrino and Trentham. And on Saturday, he received 50 gs. compromise from Amethyst, 200 gs., h. ft. Pumpkin started twenty-four times, out of which he won sixteen. The sums he won and received amounted to 9,1 50 gs., and he lost 3,060 gs. Total of his winnings, 6,090 gs., besides nine hogsheads of claret, and the Newmarket October cup, value 100 gs. and upwards. He was beat once by each of the following horses, &c., viz : by Firetail, Augur, Rarity, Mareschal, Priestess, Johnny, Maiden, and Fireaway. Pumpkin was a stallion at Rushbrook, near BRITISH TURF. 559 Bury, SufFolk, in 1777-78, at 10 gs. and 5s.; in 1779-80, at 5 gs. and 55. ; in 1789, at the Green Farm, three miles from Stoney Stratford, Bucks, at 5 gs. and 5^. ; and in 1792, at Highflyer Hall, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, at 2 gs. and 25. 6d. SwEETBRiAR. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1769, bred by Mr. Thomas Meredith, and sold to Lord Grosvenor. Sweetbriar was got by Syphon, his dam by Shakspeare out of Miss Meredith, the dam of Wildman's Tartar, etc. At Newmarket First October Meeting, 1773, Sweetbriar won a sweepstakes of 50 gs. each, h. ft., B. C. |In the Second October Meeting, he beat Chalkstone, B. C. ; Lord Grosvenor staked 1000 gs. to 500 gs. ; three to one on Sweetbriar. In the Houghton Meeting, at 8st. 61b., he beat Porsenna, B. C. ; Lord Grosvenor staked 650 gs. to 400 gs. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1774, Sweetbriar, in a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft., B. C., received forfeit from Prudence and Damper. And on Saturday, beat Chalkstone, B. C, 1000 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he beat Mr. Foley's Firetail, 8st. each, B. C, 1000 gs. ; three to one on Sweetbriar. On Wednesday, in the First October Meeting, he won the 140 gs. B. C, beating Lamplighter ; and on Friday, he won a subscription of 20 gs. each. At Newmarket First October Meeting, 1775, Sweetbriar walked over for the cup, and 200 gs. each, for horses, &c., B. C, which was his last engagement, and the only one that year 560 HISTORY OF THE Sweetbriar was never beat, and paid only three forfeits, viz : 50 gs. in a stakes, won by Paymas- ter; 150 gs. to Firetail, to whom he was to have allowed 8lb. ; and 150 gs. in a stakes won by Pulpe, beating Firetail. Sweetbriar was a stallion in Lord Grosvenor's stud, at Oxcroft Farm, near Balsham, Cambridge- shire, in 1777, at 25 gs. and 5^. ; 1778-79, at 30 gs. and \0s. 6d. ; in 1780, he was a private stal- lion ; in 1781, at 25 gs. and JOs. 6d. ; in 1782, at 10 gs. and 10^. 6d. ; in 1783-86, at 15 gs. and 10^. 6d. He was sold by auction at Tattersal's, in March, 1790, for 20 gs. In 1794, he covered at Mr. Bott's farm, at Totteridge, near Barnet, Herts, at 5 gs. and 5s. He served but few mares besides Lord Grosvenor's. Sweetbriar was sii'e of the following winners, viz : Assassin, Lord Egremont. Bramble, Mr. Panton. Briar, Mr. Douglas. Chaperon, Lord Stowell Chocolate, Lord Grosvenor. Czar, Mr. Douglas-. Le Boo, Duke of Devonshire. Lively, Mr. Golding. Premier, Lord Grosvenor. Racer, Lord Grosvenor RoUa, Sir F. Standish. Rose, Lord Derby. Dancer, Duke of Grafton. Dancer, Lord Grosvenor Diadem, Lord Grosvenor. Duster, Duke of Grafton. Exciseman, Mr. O'Kelly. Gayman, Mr. Wyndham. Hare, Mr. Gurdler. Hocks, Mr. Cookson. Lawnsleeves, Mr. Davis. Savage, Mr. Bullock. Shift, Mr. Douglas. Smock, Mr. Davis. Sunflower, Lord Grosvenor. Sweetmarjoram, Sir C. Bunbury. Sweet Reseda, Mr. Bott. Swe^t Robin, Lord Grosvenor. Thorn, Mr. Panton. Violet, Mr. Sulsh. BRITISH TURF. 561 Shark. A brown horse, foaled in 1771, bred by, and the property of, Charles Pigott, Esq. Shark was got by Marsk ; his dam by Snap ; grandam, (Warwickshire Wag's dam,) by Marlbo- rough, out of a natural barb mare. Shark was his dam's first produce. At Newmarket First October Meeting, 1774, Shark beat Postmaster, ditch in, 500 gs. On Monday, in the Second October Meeting, he re- ceived forfeit from Prior, ditch in, 200 gs., h. ft. ; and on Tuesday, he beat Jacinth, ditch in, 300 gs. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1775, Shark won a sweepstakes of 201) gs. each, h. ft., ten subscribers, ditch in. On Monday, in the Second Spring Meeting, he received forfeit from Lady Squander, ditch in, 300 gs., h, ft. On Tuesday, he walked over B. C. for the Clermont cup, value 120 gs., and 100 gs. On Friday, he walked over B. C. for a subscription of 25 gs. each, thirteen subscribers ; and on Monday, after the meeting, he beat Cincinnatus across the flat, 500 gs. At Newmarket, September 25th, he beat Johnny, B. C, 1000 gs. ; Johnny fell in coming up the ditch hill. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1776, Shark beat Postmaster, 8st. each, R. M., 1000 gs. In the Second Spring Meeting, he won a sweepstakes of 1000 gs. each, B. C, and beat Rake across the flat, 1000 gs. After the meeting he beat Leviathan, B. C, 500 gs. In the July Meeting he received forfeit from Critic, B. C. VOL. 1. 0 0 562 HISTORY OF THE 1000 gs., h. ft. On Monday, in the First October Meeting, he received forfeit from Johnny, 500 gs., h. ft. On Friday, he beat Fireaway, R. M., 300 gs. In the Second October Meeting, he walked over B. C. for the 140 gs. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, Shark received forfeit from Le- viathan, B. C, 500 gs. On Saturday, at 8st. 71b., he beat, again, Leviathan, 8st. B. C, 1000 gs. In the July Meeting, Shark beat Hephestion, ditch in, 500 gs. ; and won the subscription plate of 92 gs., ditch in. In the First October Meeting, he re- ceived 100 gs. compromise from Mambrino, B. C, for the whip and 200 gs. each ; Lord Grosvenor kept the whip. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1778, Shark beat Nutcracker, R. M., 200 gs., and in the Spring Meeting, he won the whip and 200 gs. each, B. C, beating Dorimant. Shark had thirty-six engagements ; he started twenty-nine times, out of which he won nineteen ; he received six forfeits, and paid four forfeits and a compromise. He won, besides the Clermont cup value 120 gs., eleven hogsheads of Claret and the whip, the sum of 16,057 gs., in plates, sweepstakes, and forfeits ; which was more money than any other horse ever won. He lost and paid 3,990 gs. Total of winning, including the value of the Cler- mont cup, 12,187 gs. Shark was a stalUon in 1779 at Chesterton Hall, near Sutton, Huntingdonshire, at 25 gs. and \0s. 6d. ; in 1780 at Alwalton Lodge, near Stilton, at 20 gs. and IO5. 6d. ; in 1781 at the same place, BRITISH TURF. 563 at 10 gs. and lOs. 6d. ; in 1782 at Mr. Blake's, at Beddington, near Croydon, Surrey, at lOgs. and lOs. 6d. ; in 1783 at the same place at 15 gs. and 105. 6d. ; in 1784 at 10 gs. and lOs. 6d. ; in 1785 at Mr. Glenton's, Boroughb ridge, Yorkshire, at 10 gs. and lOs. 6d., and afterwards at 5 gs. and 5^. This celebrated horse was about sixteen hands high. Young Marsk. A brown horse, foaled in 1771, bred by Edw^ard Cross, Esq., sold to the Duke of Grafton and afterwards to James Hutton, Esq., of Aldburgh, near Bedale, Yorkshire. Young Marsk was got by Marsk out of Juniper's dam, by Blank. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1775, Young Marsk won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. Young Marsk dislocated one of his fetlock joints, when they had a quarter of a mile to run, which he won in that condition. This was the only time of his public racing. A few days before running, 750 gs. was refused for him, and after he was lamed, it was said that 800 gs., was offered for him to go into Ireland for a stallion, but was not accepted. He was after- wards sold to Mr. Hutton, w^ho named him Young Marsk, and he became a stalUon at Mr. Barugh's, York Gate, Leeming Lane, near Boroughbridge, Yorkshire. In 1 782 he covered at 10 gs. and 10^. 6d. ; in 1783 at 5 gs. and 5s. He afterwards covered at Aldburgh, near Bedale, Yorkshire, at 5 gs. and 5s, ; o o 2 564 HISTORY OF THE in 1789 at 21 gs. ; in 1790, 1791, 1792, and 1793 at 10 gs. and IO5. 6d. ; in 1794 at 21 gs. ; in 1795 and 1796 at 10 gs. and \0s. 6d. ; in 1797 &c., twelve mares besides those of his owner at 21 gs. He, as well as his sire, got several very speedy horses. Young Marsk died at Aldburgh, near Bedale Masham, and Ripon, Yorkshire, when the pro- perty of Mr. Hutton, on the 28th of October, 1800, aged twenty-nine. DoRiMANT. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1772, bred by, and the property of, the Earl of Ossory. Dori- mant was got by Otho, his dam by Babram, out of the Duke of Somerset's Chiddy. At Newmarket July Meeting, 1775, Dorimant won a sweepstakes of 100 gs. each, h. ft. In the First October Meeting, he won a sweepstakes of 100 gs. each, h. ft., ditch in. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1776, Dorimant won a sweepstakes of 100 gs. each p. p., 52 subscribers, B. C, eighteen horses started. On Thursday, he walked over for a sweepstakes of 25 gs. each, ten subscribers of their own breed ; and on Saturday he won the Fortescue stakes of 30 gs. each, twelve subscribers, ditch in. On Mondav in the Second Spring Meeting he beat Critic, B. C, 500 gs. On Wednesday he received 120 gs. compromise from Beelzebub, by Le Sang, B. C, 300 gs., h. ft. ; and on the same day he walked over for the Clermont cup value 120 gs. and 100 gs. each. On Tuesday BRITISH TURF. 565 in the July Meeting he won the Grosvenor stakes of 25 gs. each, twenty-two suhscribers, B. C. On Wednesday, he won the 89 gs. plate, ditch in, beating Shark and others ; five to four on Shark, three to one against Dorimant. On Monday, in the First October Meeting, he won the renewed 1,400 gs., a subscription of 200 gs. each h. ft., eight subscribers, B. C. ; and on Friday he won a subscription of 20 gs. each, thirteen subscribers, R. C. At Newmarket Craven Meeting, 1777, Dorimant won a sweepstakes of 300 gs. each, h. ft., B. C. In the First Spring Meeting he w^as named for the 140 gs., won by Garrick, but received 90 gs. to withdraw. In the July Meeting, he won a subscription of 25 gs. each, six subscribers. At York August Meeting, he won the subscription purse of £368 10^. At Newmarket First October Meeting, he walked over for the cup, B. C. On Wednesday in the Second October Meeting, he won the 140 gs. B. C., beating Shark and four others ; and on Thursday he won a subscription of 10 gs. each, eighteen subscribers, D. C. At New- market Second Spring Meeting, 1778, Dorimant won a subscription of 25 gs. each, B. C. At Ox- ford, July 21, he won the cup value 100 gs. and 240 gs. in specie, four miles beating Pot-8o's and a large field. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1779, Dorimant won the Jockey Club plate, B. C. On Saturday in the same meeting, he was beat by Highflyer, beating Dictator ; Shark 566 HISTORY CF THE paid. This -^as the last time but one of his running-. He served Zephyr that year (who produced Dryad in 1780) after which he was again put into training, Dorimant was beat eight times, viz : in the Second Spring Meeting, 1776, by King Pepin for a Subscription of 25 gs. each B. C. ; in the Second Spring ^Meeting, 1777, by Masquerade for Lord Craven's plate across the flat ; by Pilot and Maiden (given his year,) for the subscription purse at York; in the Second Spring Meeting, 1778, by Shark, for the whip ; in the First October Meeting, by Pastorella and Comet for the 140 gs., B. C. ; in the Second October fleeting, by Dictator and Pot-8o's, for the 140 gs., B. C. ; in the Second Spring Meeting, 1779, by Highflyer, in a stakes of 200 gs. each, B. C, beating Dictator; in the Second Spring ^Meeting, 1780, by Pot-8o's and King Fergus, for the 140 gs., B. C. He paid one forfeit of 100 gs. in a stakes won by Woodpecker, in the First Spring fleeting, 1780. Dorimant won and received in stakes, matches, &c., the sum of 12,0.50 gs., besides the Clermont cup value 120 gs., the October cup value 125 gs., the Jockey Club plate at Newmarket, and the cup at Oxford value 100 gs. He lost and paid the sum of 325 gs. Total, including the value of the cups, 12,070 gs., exclusive of the Jockey Club plate, which was 117 gs. short of the total sum won by Shark. Dorimant w^as a stallion at Ampthill Park, Bed- BRITISH TURF. 567 fordsliire, the same place as Otho and Coxcomb ; in 1781-82, &c., at 5 gs. and lOs. 6d. ; in 1786 forty mares at 7 gs. and lOs. 6d. and afterwards at 5 gs. and lOs. 6d, PoT-8o's. A chesnut horse, foaled in 1773, bred by the Earl of Abingdon, and sold to Lord Grosvenor. Pot-8o's was got by Eclipse, out of Sportmistress. At Newmarket, First Spring Meeting, 1776, Pot-8o's w^on a sweepstakes of 100 gs. each. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1777, Pot- 8o's ran second to Yellow Jack, for the Claret stakes ; and in the same year, was beat by Grey Robin, Cannibal and Country Squire. At New- market, First Spring Meeting, 1778, Pot-8o's w^on a subscription of 100 gs. each, eight sub- scribers, R. C. beating Grey Robin, and Titan; eleven to five on Pot-8o's.* In the Second Spring Meeting he won the 140 gs. B. C. At Ipswich, he walked over for a subscription of 25 gs. each. At SwafFham, he w^on £50. At Newmarket second Oc- tober Meeting, he won a subscription of 5 gs. each, 13 subs. B. C. beating Laburnum, &c. At New- market First Spring Meeting, 1779, Pot-8o's won * A few days pre\'ious to the above race. Lord Abingdon had inti- mated an intention to sell some of his horses, and during the time of running. Lord Grosvenor came up to Lord Abingdon on the course, and asked the price of Pot-8o's. His Lordship set him at 1500 gs. and said the purchaser should have the chance of the race. Lord Grosvenor immediately struck the bargain, and in a few minutes after, Pot-8o's won the stakes 568 HISTORY OF THE £50, D. C, and in the Second Spring Meeting, he walked over B. C for the Clermont cup. On Wednesday he won the 140 gs. B. C. On Satur- day he won a subscription of 25 gs. each, B. C. In the First October Meeting he walked over B. C. for the cup for four years olds and upwards. In the Second October Meeting, he won a sweep- stakes of 300 gs. each, 100 gs. ft. B. C, and the 140 gs. B. C. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1780, Pot-8o's, Laburnum and Magog, in a sweepstakes of 200gs. each, B. C, Laburnum walked over, and divided the stakes with Pot-8o's. On Tuesday he walked over B. C. for the Cler- mont cup. On Wednesday, he won the 140 gs. On Thursday, he won the Jockey Club purse, B. C. In the First October Meeting he walked over B. C. for the cup. In the Second October Meeting he won a sweepstakes 200 gs. each, h. ft. B. C, and walk- ed over B. C, for the 140 gs., besides winning a subscription of 1 0 gs. each, 1 5 subscribers, D. C. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1781, Pot-8o's won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. seven subscribers, B. C, ; in the Second Spring Meeting, he walked over B. C. for the Jockey Club purse ; and won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, h. ft. four subscribers. The same meeting Lord Grosvenor challenged for the whip, and named Pot-8o's. But the challenge not being accepted, the whip was dehvered to his Lordship. In the First Oc- tober Meeting, he received 230 gs. compromise from Dictator, B. C, 500 gs. h. ft. and was named BRITISH TURF. 569 for the 140 gs. B. C. against Hollandoise,^^ &c., and received 85 gs. to withdraw. At Newmarket Craven Meeting, 1782, Pot-8o's won the Craven stakes, beating Hollandoise ; six to four against Pot- 8o's, six to one against Hollandoise. In the First Spring Meeting he won £50, beating Laburnum, &c. And in the Second Spring Meeting walked over B. C, for the Clermont cup, and again for the 140 gs. ; he also won the Jockey Club purse, a subscription of 25 gs. each, B. C. At Newmarket Second Spring Meeting, 1783, Pot- 8o's beat Nottingham, B. C. for the whip and 200 gs. Pot-8o's was a stallion at Oxcroft farm near Bal- sham, Cambridgeshire, (the same place as Sweet- briar, Mambrino, Sweet-William, Justice and Pro- tector.) In 1784, he covered at 5 gs. and \0s. 6d. In 1783-1788, at 10 gs. and 10^. 6d. In 1789, &c., twenty mares besides those of his owner, at 21 gs. In 1796, ten mares besides those of his owner, at the same price, and afterwards at the Upper Hare Park, near Newmarket, ten mares besides those of his owner, at 10 gs. and \0s. 6d. He served very few mares besides Lord Grosve- nor's. Pot-8o's died in Mr. Golding's stud, the Upper Hare Park, early in November, 1800, aged 27. The following winners were got by this cele- brated horse : — * The first winner of the St. Leger, in 1778. 570 HISTORY OF THE Alderman, Lord Grosvenor. Asparagus, Lord Grosvenor. Aurora, Mr. Galway. Bugbear, Duke of Grafton. Canterbury, Lord Grovenor. Capsicom, Lord Grosvenor. Cayenne, Lord Grosvenor. Champion, Mr. Wilson. Chegwell, Lord Grosvenor. Coaxer, Mr. Golding. Coheiress, Mr. Goodrick. Confidence, Mr. Goodison. Corriander, Mr. Dawson. Crazy Jane, Mr. Concannous. Cynthius, Lord Grosvenor. Dr. O'Liffly, Sir W. W. Wynne. Doricles, Lord Grosvenor. Doubtful, Lord Sonde. Druid, Lord Grosvenor. Duchess of Limbs, Sir F Pooles. Edwin, Lord Grosvenor. Emma, Lord Grosvenor. Enchanter, Lord Sackville. Faunus, Lord Grosvenor. Flea, Lord Grosvenor, Galloper, Mr. Wyndham. Golden Dab, Sir T. Mostyn, Golden Rod, Duke of Bedford Gumcistus, Lord Grosvenor. Grey, Lord Grosvenor. Humming Bird, Gen. Grosvenor. Jack, Mr. Abbey. Kidney, Lord Derby. Lady, Mr. Panton. Lambourn, Mr. Harris's. Lampedo, Mr. Golding. Lilliput Lord Grosvenor. Missletoe, Lord Grosvenor. Miss George, his R. H. the Duke of York. Mrs. Clark, Mr. Haworth. MoUy Maybush, Mr. E. Dilly. Nightshade, Lord Egremont. Old Port, Lord Grosvenor. Ohver, Lord Grosvenor. Outcast, Mr. Blagrove. Parsnip, Mr Clifton. Parasol, Duke of Grafton. Parsley, Lord Grosvenor. Polyanthus, Lord Grosvenor. Radish, Lord Grosvenor. Roland, Lord Grosvenor. Roxalama, H. R, H. the Duke of York. Schedoni, Mr. Heathcote. Scrub, Mr. Cookson Smack, Sir C. Bunbury. SnufF-Box, Mr. Grisewood. Stag Hunter, Mr. Nottage, Telescope, Mr. Goodrick. Thereabouts, Mr. H. Sitwell. Tiney, H. R. H. the P. of Wales. Trifle, Lord Donegall. Trip- it. Lord Grosvenor. Triptolemus, Lord Grosvenor. Turnip, Lord Grosvenor. Turnip-top, Lord Grosvenor. Tyrant, Duke of Grafton. Vesper, Lord Grosvenor. Vixen, Mr. Golding. Warwick, Lord Grosvenor. Waxey, Sir F. Poole. Whim, Lord Grosvenor, Worthy, Sir F. Poole. Which won as follows : — BRITISH TURF. £. 9. In 1788 4 Winners won 1,817 0 1789 7 2,790 15 1790 10 5,053 0 1791 6 1,450 0 1792 10 5,657 0 1793 16 11,248 10 1794 19 8,351 15 1795 15 3,427 10 1796 15 3,864 1 1797 10 1,907 5 1798 9 1,427 0 1799 7 1,727 10 1800 8 4,507 0 1801 9 1,452 5 1802 6 1,778 0 1803 8 1,127 15 1804 5 2,009 5 1805 4 950 11 1806 2 1,016 5 1807 1 Winner won 199 10 1808 1 »* 210 0 571 In 21 yrs. 172 Winners won 61,971 17 Sportsmistress, dam to Pot-So's, a chesnut mare, foaled in 1765, was bred by Lord Craven, and sold to the Earl of Abingdon. She was got by Sportsman out of Goldenlocks. Goldenlocks was a chesnut mare, foaled in 1758, and bred by Lord Craven. She was got by Oronooko ; her dam by Crab ; grandam by Partner, out of Mr. Waite's dun mare, by the Ancaster Turk. Sportsman was got by Cade, out of Silvertail. Highflyer. — A bay horse, foaled in 1774, bred by Sir Charles Bunbury, Bart., and sold to Lord 572 HISTORY OF THE Viscount Bolingbroke, and afterwards to Mr. Richard Tattersall. Highflyer was got by King Herod out of Rachael, (the darn of Marc Anthony) by Blank ; her dam by Regulus ; grandam by Sore- heels (which mare was the dam of Matchless, &c.,) out of Sir Ralph Milbank's black mare, the dam of Hartley's blind horse. At Newmarket Second October Meeting, High- flyer won a sweepstakes of 100 gs., ditch in ; four to one against Highflyer, who was much out of condition. At Newmarket Second Spring Meet- ing, 1778, Highflyer won a sweepstakes of 100 gs. twenty-six subscribers.^ B. C. ; six to four on Highflyer. In the July Meeting, he won the Grosvenor stakes of 25 gs. each, twenty-four sub- scribers, B. C. ; four to one on Highflyer. In the First October Meeting, he w^on the 1400 gs., B. C, nine to one on Highflyer ; besides the weights and scales of 100 gs. In the Second Oc- tober Meeting he received forfeit in a Post stakes of200gs. each, h. ft., five subscribers, B. C. In the Houghton Meeting he beat Dictator, B. C, 500 gs. ; two to one on Highflyer. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1779, Highflyer won a sweepstakes of 300 gs., B. C. In the Second Spring Meeting he won a sweepstakes of 200 gs. each, B. C, beating Dorimant, aged, &c. ; four to one on Highflyer. He was then sold to Mr. Tat- tersall, and at Nottingham he walked over for a BRITISH TURF. 573 subscription of 10 gs. each, twenty-one subscribers, with 70 gs. added. In the York August Meeting, he walked over for the subscription purse of £295, "^ four miles ; and the next day he won the subscription purse of £295 ; twenty to one on Highflyer. At Litchfield he won the King's purse of 100 gs., three mile heats ; ten to one on High- flyer, who was lame and much out of condition ; notwithstanding which he won easy. This was the last time of his running, and the above were his only engagements ; therefore, he was never beat, nor ever paid a forfeit, though the contrary has been asserted. He was undoubtedly the best horse of his time in England. The sums he won and received amounted to upwards of £9,336, although he never started after five years old. Highflyer then became a stallion at Ely, after- wards called Highflyer Hall, Cambridgshire, where he covered mares in 1780-87, at 15 gs. and one guinea ; in 1789-90, at 25 gs. and one guinea ; in 1790-91, at 30 gs. and one guinea; in 1792, at 50 gs. and one guinea; and in 1793, at 30 gs. and one guinea. He was a very valuable stallion, and sire of an uncommon number of capital racers, stal- lions, and brood mares, several of whose pedigrees, * Mr. Tattersall being a non-subscriber, paid 50 gs. entrance for Highflyer on Wednesday, and the same sum for his entrance on Thursday, which entrance money was added to the three subscription purses. 574 HISTORY OF THE performances, and produce, will be given in the course of the next volume. He was also a most certain foal getter, and got many more colts than filUes. The produce of Highflyer won as follows, viz : — £. s. d. In 1783 1 Winner won 157 10 6 1784 9 Winners won 2,702 10 0 1785 22 9,768 0 6 1786 31 13,673 2 0 1787 31 13,360 4 0 1788 42 11,704 0 0 1789 41 16,197 12 6 1790 41 17,685 16 0 1791 40 17,814 5 0 1792 39 12,092 5 0 1793 35 ft 12,834 10 0 1794 27 9,002 0 0 1795 30 »» 6,807 0 0 1796 31 13,442 17 0 1797 24 4,116 15 0 1793 12 y* 5,801 5 0 1799 7 >* 1,501 5 0 1800 5 >» 1,588 10 0 1801 2 >» 357. 10 0 In 19yrs. 470 Winners won 170,407 8 0 A gentleman of the turf, though he had no pro- duce from Highflyer, wrote the following lines to his memory. Here lies the third* of the equestrian race. That ne'er was conquered on the Olympic plain ; Herod, his sire, who but to few gave place, Rachel, his dam, his blood without a stain. * Childers, Eclipse. BRITISH TURF. 5'J5 By his prolific deeds was built a court,* Near where famed Ely's lofty turrets rise. To this famed sultan would all ranksf resort. To stir him up to am'rous enterprise. To these three patriarchs]: the turf shall owe The long existence of superior breed. That blood in endless progeny shall flow. To give the Uon's strength, and roebuck speed. Mr. Tattersall built an elegant mansion, near Ely, out of the fortune he acquired by this famous horse, and called it '' Highflyer Hall," after him. HoLLANDoisE. A grcy mare, foaled in 1775, bred by Thomas Stapleton, Esq., of Charleton, near Snaith, Yorkshire, and was the joint property of Mr. Stapleton and Sir Thomas Gascoigne, Bart. Hollandoise was got by Match'em ; her dam, Virago. At Doncaster, September 22nd, 1778, Hollan- doise won the St. Leger stakes of 25 gs. each, sixteen subscribers, two miles, beating Sir J. L. Kaye's br. colt, by Wildair out of Ovid's dam, Mr. Goodrick's Trinculo, Mr. Earle's Mariner, Mr. Vever's Young Morwick, and three others ; six to four against the Wildair colt, five to two against Hollandoise, three to one against Trinculo, and four to one against Young Morwick ; won easy. She was rode by George Herring. In 1779, she did not start. At Newmarket First Spring * An elegant ■silla, with beautiful premises, near Ely. t Brood mares, from the Dairymaid, &c., to the Duchess, Princess, and Queen. X Childers, Eclipse, and Highflyer. 576 HISTORY OF THE BRITISH TURF. Meeting, 1780, Hollandoise beat Sting, B. C, 500 gs. This was the only time of her running that year. At Newmarket First Spring Meeting, 1781, Hollandoise walked over the course for the King's purse for mares, lOst. After being beat by Dictator, in the Second Spring Meeting, she was sold to Lord Clermont ; and at SwafFham she won a sweepstakes of 10 gs. each, five subscribers, four miles. On the next day she beat Mr. Hull's Epsom for £50, but a dispute arising whether Hollandoise carried her proper weight, the purse was divided between the two. At Newmarket, in the First October Meeting, she won the 140 gs., B. C. Lord Grosvenor received 85 gs. to with- draw Pot-8o's. On Thursday she won the 70 gs. purse, B. C. At Newmarket First Spring Meet- ing, 1782, HoUandaise won the King's purse, 12st. each, R, C. In the Second Spring Meeting, she won £50, D. C. ; and in the same meeting, she received 85 gs. compromise from Fearnought, B. C, 200 gs., h. ft. She died soon after. Hollandoise was beat six times, viz : three times by Pot-8o's, once by Dictator, once by Buccaneer, and once by Woodpecker. She paid a forfeit to Pot-8o's, and one to Fortitude. END OF VOL. I. Schulze and Co. Printers, 13, Poland Street. Webster Family Library of Veterinary Medicine Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tutts University I J.I p>