CHAPTERS FROM TURF HISTORY 



elected Member for Westminster, but, doubtless 

 regarding Sir Robert Peel as a shifty performer, 

 had wisely retired from pohtics. Thenceforward 

 he devoted himself to the stewardship of the Jockey 

 Club, and to the extrication of that institution 

 from its financial embarrassment — a task which 

 he accomplished with complete success. In 1850 

 he published his work on the Laws and Practice 

 of Horse-Racing, and was with universal approval 

 appointed the first official handicapper by the 

 Jockey Club in 1855. Captain Rous (he became 

 Rear-Admiral of the Blue in 1852), after infinite 

 consideration, allotted the Flying Dutchman 8 st. 

 8-J- lb. and Voltigeur 8 st. The result of the race, 

 as will be seen, was a fine compliment to the handi- 

 capper. 



No better theatre for the contest could have 

 been chosen. York as a race-course has always 

 been beloved of Yorkshiremen. Its racing history 

 goes back to a remote past. In Camden's Brita^mia 

 horse-racing is spoken of as being practised on the 

 east side of the City of York in the year 1590, 

 at which a gold or silver bell » was the winning 

 prize, and large sums were wagered upon the horses. 

 Sylvanus writes that in his days there were many 

 retail shops in York wherein " you might get 

 pepper to a pony," on any great race that was 

 pending, from the sedate old gentleman who was 

 serving behind the counter in drab garments and 

 flaxen wig, and who would have derived his informa- 



» Hence the proverb " to bear the bell." 



Jockey and his horse were by their masters sent 

 To put in for the bell. 



North, Forest of Vaneti-es. 



56 



