6 Horse Racing. 



never contribute sixpence) amounted to 1,435Z. 10s. 

 although the revenue from the stands has in- 

 creased from 4,000?. to nearly 7,000?. in ten years ; 

 still the same 1,200?. is annually voted ; still the old 

 song, 200?. to the Great Yorkshire Stakes, winner 

 to pay lack 50?. ; Doncaster Stakes 100?. added, 

 winner to return 201. for EXPENSES ; ignoring the 

 fact that they are paid twenty times over. The 

 only improvement which has taken place is owing 

 to some feeling of compunction, that as the racing 

 community enriches the corporation, and pays all 

 the rates and taxes, the authorities have at last 

 forbidden the saints to vilify us with damnatory 

 placards from the trees in the avenue leading to 

 the race-course. We pay dearly for our plenary 

 indulgence, considering the races put 50,000?. into 

 the Doncaster pockets. At York, where they have 

 illegally received in two years 2,138?. for sales by 

 auction, they cannot afford to give a miserable 

 50?. Plate without a demand of 5?. from the 

 winner besides the entrance money. On all other 

 points I willingly testify to the efficiency and to 

 the integrity of the handicapper and the racing 

 officials of York and Doncaster; it is not their 

 fault that the above exactions are imposed. On 

 other race-courses the same black mail is levied, 

 and great concessions expected for favours con- 



