ALL'S WELL AT DONCASTER ACCIDENTS. 17.5 



shall positively start on the next signal. When 'Sam won the Derby, there were 

 ten false starts* and the Judge declared the next start should be final (as was the 

 case at Doncaster) and on the next signal being given, they all started, a con- 

 vincing proof that they could all have started, had they wished to do so." It has 

 been proposed that, when the field of horses is numerous, the Jockies should draw 

 lots for places ; and when they had so done, the unquiet horses would not keep 

 them ; certainly were any thing of this kind desirable or necessary, nothing could 

 be so fair as drawing lots. 



That famous old proverb all's well that ends well, seems to apply well to Don- 

 caster on this occasion. The dispute has been equitably settled by the proper au- 

 thority ; the bets have been been paid by those whose habit it is to pay ; there is a 

 numerous Subscription for the next St. Leger, and there can be no doubt, so exem- 

 plary as the general management of the Race Course at Doncaster has hitherto 

 been, but that some adequate regulation will be adopted with respect to the start. 

 In the mean time, the Corporation of Doncaster has lately enlarged to such an 

 extent that part of their Race Course, from which the horses start for the St. Leger 

 Stakes, that thirty horses, if necessary, may start a-breast of each other. It has 

 been determined also, it seems, by the Doncaster Jockey Club, in future to associate 

 three experienced Sporting Gentlemen with their Stewards, whenever the latter 

 shall not have had sufficient practice upon the Turf. And to crown the whole, 

 Mr. Ferguson, the proprietor of Antonio, a most respectable Innkeeper, at Catte- 

 rick Bridge, has not only fairly received the Stakes which he fairly won, but sold 

 the winning horse to Mr. Clifton, for one thousand Guineas. 



We have borne testimony, on universal report, for we have never been nearer to 

 Doncaster than Tuxford in the clays, to the excellent order and management of 

 the Race Course at the former place ; and more particularly, in that essential 

 respect of keeping the Course clear during the race, and protecting the lives and 

 limbs of the actors and spectators of the passing scene. This laudable example, we 

 understand, has been followed by the Stewards of the Race at the City of Oxford ; 

 and if our information be correct, for we have made no further inquiries, on a plan 

 recommended and published by us, two or three years since, in the Sporting Maga- 

 zine. We believe, no additional observations on this head, are needful, but to 

 remind those, who have the means in their power to prevent the recurrence of such 

 fatal accidents as have too long and too often disgraced the English Race Course, 

 that a heavy responsibility must necessarily attach to apathy and neglect. 



As faithful historians, it is however our bounden duty to speak with impartiality, 

 and in giving the character of the Course at Doncaster, not to overlook that of 

 certain persons, said to be its constant attendants. This will moreover form a 

 proper introduction to a material branch of our subject. A certain Gentleman of 

 the Turf, of high character and eminence, is stated to have made the following 

 reply to an enquirer, who professed to have rather a weighty cause for suspicion : 



