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. 



