-^ Modern Ascot 



altered the familiar look of the Berkshire Heath. There 

 is little doubt that the future of Ascot will be one of great 

 magnificence ; but even if the King drives on to the Course 

 in state, we shall still miss the familiar figure of the Master 

 of the Buckhounds riding at the head of the procession with 

 his hunters and whippers-in. 



Amongst representative meetings that of the Diamond 

 Jubilee of 1897 stands out with special prominence, and in 

 our description of Modern Ascot we make no apology for 

 depicting the scene when Persimmon won the Gold Cup 

 for his Royal Master. It was a very brilliant company 

 that was present on that occasion. The Prince and Princess, 

 as it seems even now so natural to call our King and 

 Queen, attended in the semi-state procession. But to 

 continue our narrative in the present tense. 



The overture finished, the first part of the Ascot pro- 

 gramme begins with the " Royal Procession." The stalwart 

 band of Metropolitan Police and detectives, under the 

 direction of Superintendents Beard and Swanson, are in 

 their places, and at the word of command the Course is 

 cleared as if by magic. Preachers, prophets, hawkers, and 

 cardsellers are gone in a moment, and everybody crowds 

 to the barriers to see the moving bit of colour that has 

 come into sight from the gates at the end of the New Mile. 

 At a fair trot the royal cavalcade sweeps up the Course. 

 Preceded by the Royal Huntsman and the whippers-in, 

 comes the Master of the Buckhounds (the Earl of Coventry), 

 splendidly mounted, in full regalia, and distinguished by his 

 silver couples — the mark of his office. Following him are 

 the mounted outriders, dressed in scarlet. Then come 

 four or five carriages, roomy landaus with cane-faced sides, 



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