rs that the turf-men of those days went on breeding for shape
and speed alone, without considering 'bottom,' until the reign of Queen
Anne; when a public-spirited nobleman left thirteen plates or purses to
be run for, at such places as the Crown should appoint, upon condition
that every horse should carry twelve stone for the best of three
heats--four miles. By this means a stronger horse was raised, who, if he
was not good enough upon the race-course, made a hunter.

The Merry Monarch, Charles II., had given cups or bowls, estimated
at one hundred guineas value, and upon which the names of the winning
horses, the winner, and jockey were usually engraved. William III. added
to the plates, as did Queen Anne; but in 1720 George I. discontinued
this royal encouragement to the sport, apparently through sheer
meanness. Since that period 'King's Plates' and 'Queen's Plates' have
been paid in specie.

In the reign of Charles I. races were performed in Hyde Park; and
until a very recent period 'the Ring' in the Park was the rendezvous
of gentlemen's servants, for the purpose of betting or making up their
betting books.

Newmarket races were established by Charles II., in 1667. Epsom, by Mr
Parkhurst, in 1711. Ascot, by the Duke of Cumberland, uncle to George
III. Doncaster, by Colonel St Leger, in 1778. Goodwood, by the Duke of
Richmond, who died in 1806.

The Jockey Club began in the time of George II. Its latest rules, by
which races are regulated, were enacted in 1828.

Tattersall's, the 'High Change of Horse-flesh,' was established by
Richard Tattersall, near Hyde Park Corner--hence termed 'The Corner'--in
1766, for the sale of horses. The lease of the ground having expired,
the new premises at Brompton were erected, and opened for business, in
1803.

On the accession of Queen Victoria the Royal stud was sold for L16,476,
in Oct., 1837.(71)

(71) Haydon, Book of Dates.

Among the distinguished men who have supported the turf in this country
may be mentioned George IV.(72) and William IV.; the late Duke of
York; the Dukes of Richmond, Cleveland, Grafton, Bedford, and Beaufort;
Marquises of Exeter and Westminster; Earls of Glasgow, Stradbrooke,
Wilton, Chesterfield, Eglintoun, Verulam, and Lonsdale; Lords George
Bentinck, Foley, Kinnaird, &c.; and last, though not least, the Right
Honourable Charles James Fox. As to the turf, Fox used always to
animadvert on his losses, and repeatedly observed--that 'his horses ha