THE TURF 



racing in its modern developments, that no space could 

 well be devoted to archaic matter even if it seemed 

 desirable ; and one of many reasons why it does not 

 so seem is that, in all essentials, the sport, as it is 

 conducted at the end of the nineteenth century, differs 

 completely in its character and surroundings from what 

 it was before the Turf became so widely popular. 

 When race meetings were first organised they were held 

 annually near many cities and towns, the runners being 

 provided by the local magnates and gentry. The 

 horses, usually hunters, were ridden at catch weights 

 by their owners or their grooms, and, to spin out the 

 programme, in contests other than matches the races 

 were run in heats. By degrees it became apparent 

 that horses trained systematically and kept exclusively 

 for racing had enormous advantages over others ; and 

 it appeared furthermore that men who were accustomed 

 to riding races turned their experience to highly 

 profitable account. By degrees the vast importance of 

 weight began to be recognised, and some rough rules 

 were formulated. Racing, indeed, showed some signs 

 of growing into shape as it is now carried on. 

 Owners of proved good horses ceased to be content 

 with local successes. Prize winners were sent into 

 neighbouring counties, ridden and led by their jockeys 

 with racing saddles strapped on their backs ; and it was 

 probably imagined that finality in the way of con- 

 venience had been reached when Lord George 

 Bentinck hit on the brilliant notion of sending one of 



