CHAPTER III 



SECOND PERIOD.— DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN 

 VICTORIA, 1837-igoi 



WE have seen how Ascot received the favour of 

 Queen Anne in 171 1, under whose auspices the 

 "round heat" was made; we have followed up its gradual 

 improvement during its first century, seen its vicissitudes 

 under six sovereigns, and now come to its later and most 

 brilliant period during the reign of Queen Victoria. 



The progress of horse racing during the Victorian era 

 is marked by many and important changes, and the growth 

 of the sport has been in keeping with the strides that 

 have been made in every other branch of activity. To-day 

 the race meetings are more numerous, there are more 

 owners, and the horses are finer and of greater value ; 

 greater attention is now given to the breeding of horses, 

 and many more trainers and jockeys are employed than 

 was the case when Queen Victoria came to the throne. 

 The lovers of the Turf, too, are vastly greater in point of 

 numbers than formerly, and are to be found in every rank 

 and grade of society. 



There is no doubt that, during the latter part of 

 William IV.'s reign. Ascot races had been seriously 



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