A PRELIMINARY CANTER. ii 



III. 



The race for the Derby, as all interested in it know, 

 takes place on the Downs of Epsom. The origin of 

 horse-racing at this once fashionable resort cannot be 

 determined by a date ; some say that the sport began 

 there in the reisfn of James I., who on various occa- 

 sions resided at 'The Waters' for th^ benefit of his 

 health, and also to enjoy the gay society which assem- 

 bled at that resort. The King dwelt in the Palace of 

 Nonsuch, and passed a portion of his time in hunting 

 and other pastimes in which the ' noble animal ' plays 

 a part, the probability being that 'horse matches' were 

 frequently got up for his entertainment. 



Evidence is in existence to show that races were run 

 on Banstead Downs as early as 1G48, during the latter 

 part of the reign of Charles I. At all events, there is 

 to be found in the literature of the period various re- 

 ferences to the pastime. Pepys, for instance, laments 

 his inability to be present at a Derby of his day. In 

 his diary for September 11th, 1G60, he says: 'The Duke 

 of York did go to-day by break of day to the Downs ;' 

 and on May 27th, 1663, he records: 'This day there was 

 a ffreat thronging to Banstead Downs, upon a great 

 horse-race and foot-race. I am sorry I could not go 

 thither.' Another entry referring to racing is dated 

 July 25th of the same ^'ear ; it is the following : 

 * Having intended this day to go to Banstead Downs 

 to see a famous race, I sent Will to get himself ready 

 to go with me ; but I hear it is put off, because the 

 Lords do sit in Parliament to-day.' In ' Baily's 

 Register ' there is a notice of racing on the 2nd, 3rd, 



