HORSE-RACING* 
443 
CHAPTER XX. 
LAWS RELATIVE TO THE TURF, &C. 
HORSE-RACING. 
To limit the excess of horse-races, the statute 13 George IL, 
chapter 19, decrees that no plate or matches under the 
value of £50 shall be run for on pain of forfeiture of £200 
by the owner of each horse so running, and of £100 by 
such persons as advertise the horse. And although the 
owners of horses may run them for a stake of £50 and 
upwards, at such places as are or have been used for horse¬ 
races ; yet, if they run them upon the highway, or any 
other place than those prescribed by the statute, the bet is 
illegal, and the parties subject to the forfeitures accordingly. 
There is, however, an exception in the statute in favour 
of Newmarket, and Black Hamilton, for any sum or stake 
less than £50. 
Note. —Although matches or horse-races, made according 
to the above-cited provisions are legal, yet all bets or 
wagers above £10 on them are games within the statute of 
9 Anne, chapter 14, and are consequently void. 
But although the legislature has in many instances laid 
betting under particular restrictions, yet the practice is not 
restrained by the common law, unless it may be injurious to 
public economy. Consequently, all wagers which are not 
contrary to sound policy in the general interests of the 
community, or which are not made upon games, or are 
likely to disturb the public peace, or to encourage lm- 
