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The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz, Volume II

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The Turf, Historical, Social, Moral

Lord Herbert of Cherbury denounced the practice. 'The exercise,'
says this gallant philosopher, 'I do not approve of is running of
horses--there being much CHEATING in that kind,--neither do I see
why a brave man should delight in a creature whose chief use is
to help him to run away.' As far as the cheating is concerned,
the philosopher may be right, but most assuredly his views of the
horse do no credit to his Lordship's understanding.

It appears that the turf-men of those days went on breeding for
shape and speed alone, without considering 'bottom,' until the
reign of Queen Anne; when a public-spirited nobleman left
thirteen plates or purses to be run for, at such places as the
Crown should appoint, upon condition that every horse should
carry twelve stone for the best of three heats--four miles. By
this means a stronger horse was raised, who, if he was not good
enough upon the race-course, made a hunter.

The Merry Monarch, Charles II., had given cups or bowls,
estimated at one hundred guineas value, and upon which the names
of the winning horses, the winner, and jockey were usually
engraved. William III. added to the plates, as did Queen Anne;
but in 1720 George I. discontinued this royal encouragement to
the sport, apparently through sheer meanness. Since that period
'King's Plates' and 'Queen's Plates' have been paid in specie.

In the reign of Charles I. races were performed in Hyde Park; and
until a very recent period 'the Ring' in the Park was the
rendezvous of gentlemen's servants, for the purpose of betting or
making up their betting books.

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