ASCOT EACES. 267 



first day, and 12 stone on the second day. They were to be 

 entered " with Barlow, in Hatchet Lane," prior to August 8. 

 The entrance fee was 2 guineas, or 4 guineas if entered at 

 the starting post; but a "contributor" (to previous races of 

 this sort ?) had only to pay 1 guinea, " the entrance money 

 to go to the second winning horse," The result of these two 

 races has not transpired. 



Early in August 1722 it was announced that " Forty 

 Guineas " were " to be run for on Askott Heath, the 18th 

 Instant, by Horses that have Stag-hunted in Epping or 

 Windsor Forest with the King's hounds before the 2nd 

 Instant, and have never won Five Pounds, to carry 11 Stone, 

 three times round the four Miles Course at one Heat ; to be 

 entered at John Tempiro's at Sunning-Hill Wells, on Friday 

 the 17th Instant; the Subscribers to pay one Guinea Entrance, 

 no Subscriber two, or four at the Post ; the Stakes to go to 

 the second Horse." The result of this race has not been pre- 

 served, at least so far as our researches can penetrate the 

 obscurity by which it is environed. 



Fortunately, in 1724 and 1726, although we miss the " card," 

 we find the winners. On Mondaj^ July 11, 1724, the first 

 Stag-Hunters' Plate of 30 guineas was won by Mr. Darby's 

 Clubfoot; "next day the Lord Harry Beauclair's Puppet won 

 the second of 20/." On Monday, August 8, 1726, the " stag- 

 hunters' plate of forty guineas was run for on Ascot Heath, and 

 won by Mr. Meggott's chestnut mare, carrying twelve stone " ; 

 and on the following day a Plate of 30 guineas was run for 

 and won by Sir Thomas Reynolds' chestnut horse, carrying 

 10 stone. 



