CHAPTER IX 



THOROUGHBREDS OF THE WEST 



Having started the Northern turf well on its 

 way with the establishment of the Union Course 

 and this account of the primal national racing 

 events, it would be well to have a passing look at 

 the other sections of the country, that one may 

 understand into what an extensive fabric the 

 ramifications of the sport had been woven. 



In the age of such renowned racers as Timo- 

 leon, Florizel, Maid of the Oaks — the ancestors 

 of Eclipse, Medoc, Boston, and Lexington — the 

 age of Oscar, First Consul, Hickory, Sir Archy, 

 Duroc, and Miller's Damsel, Washington had 

 her race-course, and it was the arena of many 

 brilliant exploits. Gentlemen of education, posi- 

 tion, opulence, were the patrons of the turf, and 

 many drove out in coaches and four to witness 

 the games. 



The Washington City Race-course was laid 



out in 1802, on the Holmead Farm, about two 



miles north of the President's house. It was 

 18s 



