The Sun.
London, England, 1829-06-03 00:00:00

EPSOM RACES.

This meeting, the first of the metropolitan races, com-
menced yesterday, and is likely to be as prolific of sport as
any that have preceded it. The most striking improve-
ment this year is the erection of the new grand stand, the
appearance of which as you approach the race course is
strongly contrasted with the contemptible building which
has hitherto disgraced the downs, and which, out of ridi-
cule, we presume, has been called a grand stand ! holding
about a hundred people at the outside. That a desidera-
tum so much wanted has not before been provided is asto-
nishing, the more so when it is considered that every other
stand in the kingdom has amply repaid the projectors.
We are much gratified to observe the undertaking so far
advanced towards completion, and have been at some pains
to examine the manner in which it is built, feeling it to
be a duty we owe the public ; and we take this, the earliest,
opp►►rtunity of expressing our belief in its perfect security
—a certificate of which, we observe, has been given by
tl►ree architects. We understand ►hat the projectors, find-
ing it impossible from the short period between its com-
mencement and the races to complete the decorative ar-
rangements, have entirely turned their attention to strength
and solidity, leaving the ornamental department to the
period intervening between the Spring and October Meet-
ings. We are glad to find that this course, superior to
every other for the importance of its races, will now be
equally superior in its accommodation, as we are told this
stand will contain near 2,000 more spectators than any
other, and affording every convenience. We certainly
think the sporting world much indebted to the enterpris-
ing individuals who have embarked so large a sum as
twenty thousand pounds in this speculation, and oan enter-
tain no doubt, from the very high patronage it has received,
that they will reap the benefit their efforts deserve.
The arrangements made on the course by its excellent
acting steward, J. Maberly, Esq. are on a very extensive
scale, and will, no doubt, be equally successful as last year
in preventing accident or confusion. The. funds fur this
purpose are secured, are provided in the same manner as
last year, and have been appropriated to the payment of a
numerous and effective passd of constables, who are placed
under the controul of experienced police officers. Positive
orders are issued for the trainers and jockies to be ready
for starting at the time fixed, and the Newmarket regula-
tions on this point will be enforced with strictness. The
ether details of the course are complet;!, hut would be un-
interesting to our reade.rr. ; suffice it that Epsom race-
course play row vie with the most celebrated for order and
regularity.
The company on the downs was quite as numerous and
fashionable as is usual on the first day, but not by any
means to be compared to the Derby and Oaks days. The
Dukes of Orleans and chartree were not present ; they
will attend on Thursday, and arrangements have been made
by Mr. Maberly for their reception. The principal mem-
bers of the Nobility on the course yesterday were, the
Duke and Duchess of Richmond and their san, Lord
March, Earl and Countess of Sefton and the Ladies Moly-
neux, Earl Mountcharles, Lord Charles Somerset, Lord
George Bentinck, Hon. General Grosvenor, Colonels
Cosby, Grant, &e. The turf is very hard, and ,anything
but firvourable for the running.

Of the sport to-day we are enabled to speak in favour-
able terms ; it was really good, and derivod additional in-
terest from the entry o his Majesty's celebrated mare,
Fleur-de-Lis, for the Craven Stakes against a field of eleven
horses. The following are particulars :
The Craven Stakes, for all ages. The last mile and

quarter.
His Majesty's Fleur de Lis, agec1„,...,,,,.,,,‘ 1
Mr, Westenra's Conrad, YTs .n... 1 2
I}lc. Bundis Pegasus, 3 yrs
-.. .

Nine others started, but were not placed.
Betting-2 to lon Fleur-de-Lis ;sto 1 apt Coronet ; 6
to 1 agst Conrad ; and 6 to 1 agst Gameboy. :From the
very high opinion entertained of Fleur-de-Lis, awl the
comparatively inferior character of tlinse opposed to her,
few were inclined to het ageing her ; business of course was
limited. Coronet took the lead at starting, Pegasus se-
conding him with considerable spirit ; Fleur-de-Lis and
Conrad waiting behind. After making the turn Conrad
made play, and directly after the mare went up, and these
two were the leading horses when within the distance,
Pegasus keeping a very good third. A tremendous race
followed between Fleur-de-Lis and Conrad, the former
being hard put to it to win by a head only. She was
heantifully jockied by Robinson, and Dockery did wonders
on Conrad ; Juryman was rode by G. Edwards, Coronet
by J. Day, Gameboy by Wheatley, Macassar by Varlow,
and the others by lads.
The Shirley Stakes of 20 soya, each, for three-year-olds.