173 



after became Registrar i the Jockey Club, and started an office in 

 Oxenden Street, Haymi ^rket, where he continued until 1843, and then 

 moved to the present premises in Old Burlington Street. 



Through the courtesy of Mr. Weatherby I was enabled to look over 

 some of these old Calendars, and truly they are interesting. By them 

 I see that races were started on the Knavesmire at York in 1710, where 

 they have been continued annually almost ever since. There were races 

 at Clifton in Yorkshire in 1700, but they don't seem to have been con- 

 tinued. Black Hamilton started races in 1715, and carried on for over 

 forty years, while in 1747 Malton came to the front. 



I had not time to work up any more of these records. 



After this short reference to old times I shall proceed to treat with 

 fiat-racing as it is at present carried on. I fear, however, there is very 

 little use in my writing much upon the subject, for the simple reason I 

 know my views are so at variance with the popular notions that there 

 is not the remotest chance of their being adopted. Nevertheless, the 

 same views are held by thousands, and there is scarcely a man 

 connected with the Turf who has the good of the horse at heart who does 

 not entertain them. But reformation seems repugnant to our turfites, 

 actuated, as some of them are, by motives more or less selfish. 



However, the following are my opinions on the laws governing our 

 fiat- racing, and let me hear what is to be said against them, except by 

 those who have interests to serve other than those of the noblest animal 

 going upon four legs. 



Racing should be a means for improving the stamina of the thorough- 

 bred horse, just as steeplechasing should be a means of improving that 

 (as well as the breed) of the hunter ; for this reason it is manifest that 

 young racehorses should be allowed time to develop fully their strength. 

 Surely that is not permitted by our present Jockey Club laws. I 

 think, however, the adoption of regulations on lines somewhat like the 

 following would very soon attain the desired end. But let me preface 

 my suggestions by stating that they will not be adopted, and will only 

 b3 ridiculed. 



1. Age.~ 



To date from April 1. 



2. Youngsters.— 



Not to be galloped beyond half- pace until they are two years old, or 

 to be raced before July 1. 



Scale of distance and weight. 



Not to exceed 

 r July 1 to Aug. 31 . . Half-mile 6st. 01b. 



3. Two-YEAR-OLDS \ Sept. 1 ,, Nov. 30 ... 5 furlongs 6sfc. 41b. 



[Dec. 1 „ Mar. 31 ... 6 ,, Gst. 81b. 



r April 1 „ June .30 ... 1 mile 6s t. 131b. 



4. THREE-YEAR-OLDS ' ^^^^ } " ^''^- ^^ - } "^- ^ f « 7st. 4lb. 



I Sept. 1 ,, Nov. 30 ... 1 ,, 4 ,, 7st. 91b. 



VDec. 1 „ Mar. 31 ... 1 ,, 6 „ 8st. 01b. 



Handicaps in accordance. 



