THE RACE-HORSE. 525 



I. THE K ACE HORSE. 



The progressive steps have been referred to by which a 

 race of Horses has been formed, of recognised lineage, des- 

 tined to a particular end, and possessed of a class of com- 

 mon characters. Although early importations of the lighter 

 Horses of the countries of the Mediterranean had contributed 

 to form the class termed Running Horses, it was not until 

 the reign of James I. that a race of Horses in the country 

 was especially devoted to the Course. James, while in his 

 native country, had displayed a strong passion for field-sports 

 and rude horse-races ; and, on his accession to the English 

 Crown, he had the means afforded him of gratifying his 

 tastes. He soon established regular courses ; and, before 

 the expiration of his reign, a code of regulations was formed, 

 which became the foundation of the refinements of the mo- 

 dern Turf. Charles I. was not less attached to horse-races 

 than his father, but he brought greater taste and judgment 

 to the pursuit ; and he would have been one of the great im- 

 provers of the English Horse, but for those civil disturbances 

 which deprived him of repose and life. Notwithstanding 

 the bloody dissensions of this period, the passion for horse- 

 racing gained ground amongst the people, whilst the ancient 

 sports of the tilting-yard declined. Cromwell, with all the 

 severity of his character, shewed no distaste towards these 

 pastimes. He had probably the sagacity to perceive the 

 national advantages to be derived from improving the Breeds 

 of Horses through the medium of popular sports. He culti- 

 vated his own stud with care, and did not disdain to exhibit 

 his skill of four-in-hand. But it was to Charles II. that the 

 final establishment of horse-racing, as a system and fashion 

 of the opulent, is to be ascribed. It was a sport entirely 

 suited to his own gay temper, while it was pursued with re- 

 newed eagerness by the people, tired of the fanatical seve- 

 rity of recent times. Charles sent abroad his Master of the 



