290 MINOR EVILS OF THE RACE-COURSE. 
It may be pertinent to our topic to inquire briefly what 
is the extent of the power vested in racing authorities. 
The general routine and management of the race-meeting 
devolve upon the clerks of the course and the lessees under 
the acknowledged, but seldom ‘obtruded, guidance of the 
stewards of the respective meetings; and it will be appro- 
priate if I submit a few extracts from the late Admiral 
Rous’s book on horse-racing, in which he gives his opinion 
on the subject: 
“Tt will be well,” says the Admiral, “for a gentleman who 
undertakes the duties of a steward at a country race-meeting, 
to be informed of the liabilities he takes upon himself in 
accepting that office, and of the rights and privileges conferred 
upon him by virtue of it. In lawa steward is liable in respect 
of all things done or ordered in his name, by his authority, 
either expressly or impliedly given.” 
A little further on we read: 
“As a general rule it may be taken that during the day 
of racing, the race-course and enclosures are in the legal 
possession of the stewards, and that they have for all pur- 
poses connected with the races, the authority of the owner of 
the ground to order off every person whose removal they deem 
desirable.” 
The removal of the objectionable persons here alluded to is 
no doubt that of defaulters in respect of stakes or bets lost on 
horse-racing, and those who misconduct themselves in other 
ways; and others who having been proved guilty of any 
malpractices on the turf, had been warned not to attend 
under penalty of expulsion. But it is clear that authority, 
and authority brief in its action and potent in its con- 
sequences, is vested in racing officials, and it therefore seems 
feasible that similar excellent enactments might be put in 
