54 
one heat and different weights are appointed.” 
In spite of this order races for the plates were 
on occasion still run in two or three heats, 
apparently by permission of the Master of 
the Horse. We are not informed what 
weight the new scale required, but the pages 
of the Calendar show they were reduced ; 
authoritative information on the point appears 
with the Articles atalater date. In 1807 the 
number of Royal Plates had been increased 
to 23 in Great Britain. 
On the 4th May, 1780, the first Derby was 
run; the value of the stake was 50 guineas, 
and the race, open to three-year-old colts at 
8 stone, and fillies at 7 stone 11 lbs., distance 
one mile, was won by Diomed. In 1801, 
1803, 1807, and 1862, the weights for the 
Derby were altered, always increasing by a 
few pounds, till they reached their present 
level. By 1793, the Derby had grown into 
great popularity. The establishment of the 
St. Leper; in 19796, and the Oaks in. 1770, 
are events which also aid to make King 
George III.’s reign memorable. Races for 
Arab produce occur on the Newmarket 
“cards” about the time our classic races were 
founded ; sweepstakes of 100 guineas being 
run for in 1775, 1776, and 1777. Races for 
Arabs, however, have never been continued 
for many years in succession. 
