334 
HORSE-RACES. 
train. And as soon as the King reached the pavilion, and his 
foot touched the earth, another volley from the advanced-guard 
proclaimed aloud that his Majesty had alighted. He then took 
his seat in the regal chair, and, till the opening of the sport, con¬ 
versed with several of his ministers. 
My curiosity was fully on the spur to see the racers ; which, 
I could not doubt, must have been chosen from the best in the 
nation, to exhibit the perfection of its breed before the Sovereign. 
The rival horses were divided into three successive sets, in order 
to lengthen the amusement. They had been in training for 
several weeks past; going over the ground very often during 
that period ; and when I did see them, I found so much pains 
had been taken to sweat and reduce their weight, that their bones 
were nearly cutting the skin. The distance marked for the race, 
was a stretch of twenty-four miles ; and, that his Majesty might 
not have to wait when he had reached the field, the horses had 
set forward long before, by their three divisions, from the starting 
point; (a short interval of time passing between each set;) so that 
they might come in, a few minutes after the King had taken his 
seat. Hence, these high-mettled coursers had been galloping all 
night; and, in regular order, the different divisions arrived at the 
goal; all so fatigued and exhausted, that their former boasted 
fleetness, hardly exceeded a moderate canter, when they passed 
before the royal eyes. 
I do not exactly know how it happened, but the Shah’s horses 
generally won ; and, I am informed, that when it falls out other¬ 
wise, the owner of the fortunate steed always presents it to His 
Majesty. The poor beasts were ridden by boys of all ages, sizes, 
and weights ; some in shirts, and others in their usual attire, 
with handkerchiefs bound round their heads; so that no equality 
