310 HISTORY OF THE 



barons, wjio had confederated for the preservation 

 of their rights and Hberties. On this plain, after a 

 debate which continued a few days, during which 

 each party encamped as open enemies, the king 

 consented to grant the privileges and exemptions 

 contained in " Magna Charta," which he after- 

 wards signed in a small island near the opposite 

 banks of the Thames, still called Magna Charta 

 Island. 



During former reigns, Egham races were always 

 honoured by a visit from royalty. The course, 

 which is rather oval, is short of two miles by 66 

 yards, and nearly flat. 



First Day. — ^The Gold Cup ; the winner to be 

 paid in specie by subscriptions of ] sovs. each ; 

 if more than ten subscribers, the owner of the 

 second horse to receive back his stake ; m. and g. 

 allowed 3lb. ; the winner to be sold for 600 sovs. 

 if demanded, &c. ; two miles. To close and name 

 on the Monday after Ascot. 



A Sweepstakes of 20 soTvs. each, h. ft. for two 

 yrs. old colts, 8st. 7lb., and filhes 8st. 3lb. ; half a 

 mile. 



Second day. — The Surrey and Middlesex Stakes 

 of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft. and 5 only if declared on or 

 before the 20th of July. Three to remain in or no 

 race , two miles and a distance. To close and 

 name on the Monday after Ascot ; the weights to 

 be fixed on or before the 1st of Julv. The winner 

 of the Goodwood or Brighton Stakes to carry 71b. 



