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 



