QUEEN'S PREMIUM SIRES. 129 



last the expression "a mere plater" came 

 to be applied as a term of contempt to a 

 fourth-rate racer, only fit to run for Her 

 Majesty's Plate at a small provincial meet- 

 ing ! "With the subordination of the love 

 of pure sport to the vulgar greed of gain 

 which is gradually undermining the British 

 Turf, it seems as though the handicap system 

 were destined to carry all before it ; and 

 there is reason to fear that, unless there 

 should be a reaction (a consummation 

 devoutly to be wished by all true lovers 

 of a noble sport), even such grand trophies 

 as the Ascot and Goodwood Cups Avill in 

 time go the way of the Queen's Plates, and 

 the proud title of " cup horse " fall pre- 

 sently into the same obloquy as the " mere 

 plater." 



The state of things thus indicated could 

 not, of course, be allowed to continue. It 

 was alike contempt of court, so to I5peak, 

 and sheer waste of Crown money voted for 



9 



