-^ Institution and Early Growth 



instituted ; the course was the last three-quarters of a mile, 

 and of seventeen subscribers fifteen ran, the laurels falling 

 to H.R.H. the Duke of York's Pointers, a 4-year-old, 

 carrying 8 st. 7 lb. 



In 18 13 an Enclosure Act was passed, and the Race- 

 course was specially assigned as part of His Majesty's 

 share of the allotments subject to the important provision 

 contained in the Act that it " should be kept and continued 

 as a Race Course for the public use at all times as it has 

 usually been." 



It was a most brilliant scene that greeted the eye on 

 the Friday of the 18 14 meeting. The great battles of 

 Vittoria, Toulouse, and Leipzic had been fought, the allied 

 armies had victoriously entered Paris, a treaty had been 

 made with France, and peace reigned again in Europe. 

 The Emperor of Russia, Alexander I., and also the King 

 of Prussia were on a visit to the English Court, and attended 

 the races. The sport was good and the entries large. At 

 about midday every road to the course was thronged, and 

 every kind of vehicle was pressed into the service of con- 

 veying fair ladies and smart men to the Berkshire Heath. 

 All the beauty and fashion of town and country were there, 

 and thousands of beautifully dressed ladies mixed with the 

 common crowd in assembling round the Royal Box and 

 saluting its occupants. A thunder of British cheering 

 announced the arrival of the Emperor of all the Russias ; 

 he was soon followed by Her Majesty Queen Charlotte, 

 and another burst of applause welcomed the King of 

 Prussia. The cheering was renewed when the Prince 

 Regent next arrived with his brother the Duke of York. 

 The Royal Box was by this time full, and after the crowd 



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