274 



A HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH TURF. 



the colours were brighter. It was also a more friendly society because it was closer 

 connected and more intimately acquainted than now. But the spirit was the same. 

 Some men went because they loved horses and a fine sport ; others because they 

 hoped to win money ; others because it was a cheerful occasion of talk and laughter 

 on a fine day out of doors ; others because Lady Sarah flirted at Newmarket. They 

 made more noise, it is probable, and cut a gayer dash. But the great, joyous, good- 

 humoured, open-air spirit of the Turf was the same we know to-day 



In the next chapter we shall look a little more closely at the horses in which 

 these men and women were so interested. 



Preparing to stert in iSog 



