THE TURF 13 



and from the inscriptions on these trophies 

 of victory, much interesting information 

 might be obtained. This facetious monarch 

 was likewise a breeder of race-horses, having 

 imported mares from Barbary, and other 

 parts, selected by his Master of the Horse, 

 sent abroad for the purpose, and called 

 Royal Mares appearing as such in the 

 stud-book to this day. One of these mares 

 was the dam of Dodsworth, bred by the 

 King, and said to be the earliest race-horse 

 we have on record whose pedigree can be 

 properly authenticated. 



James n. was a horseman, but was not 

 long enough among his people to enable 

 them to judge of his sentiments and in- 

 clinations respecting the pleasures of the 

 turf. When he retired to France, however, 

 he devoted himself to hunting, and had 

 several first-rate English horses always in 

 his stud. William in. and his queen were 

 also patrons of racing, not only continuing 

 the bounty of their predecessors, but add- 

 ing several plates to the former donations. 

 Queen Anne's consort, Prince George of 

 Denmark, kept a fine stud; and the Cur- 

 wen Bay Barb, and the celebrated Darley 



