-^ Institution and Early Growth 



The race meetings were extended to three days in 

 1735 and 1736. One race each day, and consisted of 

 the usual Plates for hunters. 



Ascot about this time fell on evil days. A meeting 

 was held on August ist, 1739. at the Duke of 

 Bolton's seat in Hampshire to suppress the many small 

 race meetings that had sprung up in different parts of the 



GENTLEMEN OF THE REIGNS OF QUEEN ANNE, GEORGE I., AND GEORGE II. 



country, and which did nothing towards the advancement 

 of the Turf, but tended rather by the lawless scenes that 

 occurred to cast discredit on this popular sport. These 

 fixtures, at which but rarely a true race horse ran, were 

 condemned by all, and a bill was brought before Parlia- 

 ment to put an end to the objectionable race meetings. 

 The stipulations of the Act were as follows : — 



No person was allowed to enter, start, or run any race 

 horse, mare, or gelding for any race, unless the animal so 



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