^ Horse Racing in England 



and imported horses from Spain, Italy, and the East. To 

 him is credited the distinction of having founded the Royal 

 Paddocks at Hampton Court where he kept certain mares 

 and " a Barb worth his weight in silver," given to him by 

 the Marquis of Mantua. In 15 12 public races were held 

 at Chester, and when Elizabeth came to the throne the 

 sport was a common amusement. The Virgin Queen not 

 only kept up the Paddocks at Hampton, but founded 



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NEWMARKET RACECOURSE IN l£oO 



Other stables at Blackheath. During her reign many of 

 the horses and Barbs found in the numerous vessels 

 captured from the Spanish were drafted into the Royal 

 stables, but it was not until the Stuarts occupied the 

 English throne that horse racing and horse breeding — 

 as we understand them to-day — came into vogue. 



Of the meetings held at the present day, Chester carries 

 the palm as being the oldest race meeting in England. 

 Some races were held there in Henry VIII.'s reign, and 



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