AND OTHER SKETCHES 15 



costly grand stands and palatial club houses crumbling 

 to decay are stern reminders of the reckless management 

 which caused such ruin. 



Racing, when honestly conducted, requires neither 

 apologj^ nor defence for its existence. It is the favorite 

 sport of the people in Great Britain and France, and 

 has the approval and patronage of the highest in those 

 countries. The King of England is the representative 

 turfman of the Empire, and some of the most important 

 turf events, including the Derby, the greatest of all, 

 have been won by horses the property of His Majesty. 

 The President of France is also a staunch supporter of 

 the turf and the Government of that country is lavish 

 in its expenditure for promoting the interests of the 

 thoroughbred. Here in Canada, the Ontario Jockey 

 Club is our representative turf organization and now 

 its meetings compare favorably with the best held in any 

 land. Its founder, Mr. T. C. Patteson, was a man of 

 wide racing experience and one of the best posted turf- 

 men to be found in any country. He was also possessed 

 of indomitable energy, and for many years acted as 

 manager of the Club. After he retired from that posi- 

 tion men of less knowledge, but of equal enthusiasm, took 

 up the good work and the Club's present prosperity is 

 substantial proof of their success. Past Presidents of 

 the Club were Sir Casimir Gzowski (aide-de-camp to 

 the Queen), Sir Frank Smith and Mr. Wm. Ilendrie. All 

 of these are now dead and their successor is Mr. Joseph 

 E. Seagram, the most extensive breeder of thorough- 

 breds in Canada and owner of the greatest racing stable 

 in this country. The Ontario Jockey Club enjoys the 

 confidence of the public, and though mistakes have been 

 made their patrons know that honorable men are in 

 control and that their best efforts are ever directed to 

 guard the interests of those who patronize the sport. 



Its spring meeting, which always commences the latter 

 part of May and at which the King's Plate, the Blue 

 Ribbon of the Canadian turf, is the star racing fixture, 

 attracts an attendance on the day it is run of about 



