THE TURF. 
them twice in the year. Epsom, Ascot, York, Doncaster, 
and Goodwood stand first in respect of the value of the 
prizes, the rank of the company, and the interest 
attached to them by the sporting world, although 
several other cities and towns have lately exhibited 
very tempting bills of fare to owners of good race- 
horses. In point of antiquity, we believe the Roodee 
of Chester claims precedence of all country race- 
meetings ; and certainly it has long been in high 
repute. Falling early in the racing year always the 
first Monday in May it affords a good trial for young 
horses, and there is plenty of money to be run for by 
the old ones, who come out fresh and well. This 
meeting is most numerously attended by the families of 
the extensive and very aristocratic neighbourhood in 
which it is placed, and always continues five days. The 
course is far from a good one, being on a dead flat, with 
rather a sharp turn near home, in consequence of which 
several accidents have occurred, particularly previously 
to some late improvements.* When we state that there 
are nine good sweepstakes, a king's plate, two very 
valuable cups, and five plates at Chester, its superiority 
as a country meeting will speak for itself. f 
* The following most extraordinary accident happened here some 
years back. A colt called Hairbreadth, by Escape, the property of the 
late Mr. Lockley, bolted over the ropes, and coming in contact with an 
officer of dragoons, Sir John Miller, who was on horseback, was killed by 
the peak of the helmet entering his skull when on the head of tfie baronet, 
who escaped with trifling injury ! 
+ The Eaton stud now cuts but a poor figure on the far-famed Roodee, 
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