The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-05-15
LOCAL MATTERS.

FAIRFIELD RAcEs-Thc Spring meeting
over this Course takes place tomorrow, the suoff
70 commences with sweepstake for cols and m.
Ties, mile heals, 500 entrance, three or more 10
make race. Both af Broad Rock and New. Market
the colts races have been unusually interesting
and re are, therefore, inclined to the opinion IN a.
the same excitement and uncertainty AZ to the re-
suit, will prevail at Fairfield.
The second days race will be for the Propretors
purse of $780, two mile heats, for which four yerv
fast ones are expected to start
The third day will be for the Proprietor's purse
of 5000, three mile heats
And the fourth day will be for the Jockey Club
purse of $500, four mile heats for which there will
probably be four or more entries Red Eye, Law
son, One Eye joe, and possibly John Hopkins each
oil whom have sufficient reputation to make the
one of exceeding beauty
The weeks sport to conclude with smile dash"
Tor saddle horses, for handsome bride and saddle
Capt BELcHER, the Proprietor, has put himself
10 considerable expense to render the stands safe
and comfortable for visitors, and to secure good or
der upon the course and the "Club" have had a
pleasant and retired pavilion erected for the ac-
commodation of such ladies as may feel disposed
to be present on the occasion. In days gone by it
was no uncommon thing to see hundreds of fair
forms and lovely faces most beautiful and
intellectual of Virginians daughters-flling the
pavilion and enlvening the scene with their pres
ence and in some of the Southern States this prac.
tce is now continued The members of the Fair
field Club may revive 1t in Richmond il they feel
disposed to do so and we cannot believe that the
ladies of the present day would be less lovely less
virtuous less intellectual less happy by accom-
panying their fathers, husbands, brothers and
friends TO the race course to witness trial of speed
between fine horses, entirely free from all annoy
ances of every sort. Their presence, too, would
add greatly to the morals of the race course and
give the sport healthful tone such it possessed
half century ago.
Like all other amusements racing by falling into
improper hands, may be abused and degraded !;
but as there is nothing cruel or unmany in it, and
as it is the only sure means of preserving pure
stock OF good horses and inducing farmers in East
Virginia to turn their attention to breeding,
advocate its prosperity and endeavor to encourage
the formation of good clubs.
Men require recreation from business and will
have it in some shape. Ii they get it surround
ed by those moral restrictions which the presence
of the ladies always impose, it will only be the more
agreeable and refined; but il not, then excitement
they aoiH haze, let the consequences be what they
may. 1t therefore rests with the ladies to say
whether the wide spread revival in racing now go
ing on in Eastern Virginia and throughout the
Union, shall be conducted in proper manner, az
was once the custom, whether race courses
shall be relieved of all restraints and take the
chances OF becoming, what they were never de-
signed to be-the rendezvous of the vicious and
vile.
The "Clubs" of Fairfield and Broad Rock are
composed of as respectable, intelligent gentlemen
as can be found in Richmond and the adjoining
counties, and we feel convinced that far as they
are concerned nothing but legitimate racing such
as was pTdCtlceud century ago Dy OLD virginia gen.
temen-will be fostered and encouraged on their
courses.
We have been regular attendant of the Virginia
races, for the last twelve years, and have no hest
ta,ion in saying that we have witnessed more tur-
bulence, more disorder at single political ga
theriRg, in election times, than we have seen in
twelve years, all put together, on the Fairfield
Broad Rock and New Market courses. Men who
are disposed to get drunk and make themselves ap-
pear ridiculous, can do so any where, but they are
not more apt to give way to their weakness on the
race course, than they would be at any other place
But enough upon that subject. The races COM
mence tomorrow, and if you have an idle hour
and are fond of the SPORT Fairfield is the place
to enjoy it. ...
Quarter Stretch Entrdnce.-For the information
of strangers and others visiting the Fairfield course
during the present week, who are not members of
the Club, we will call their attention to the fact that
the price of admission to the quarter stretch for the
week, is s., and that badges may be obtained at
the entrance gate or the long house. Those who
only wish to see the race, however, need not go to
this expense, as they can readily do 30 from the
stand prepared for their accommodation
Members of the Club are requested to paw their
subscriptions and procure their badges at the ear
liest possible convenience, which may be done to-
day by calling on the Treasurer, or tomorrow at
the gate or long house. The success of the Club
depends upon the promptness and punctuality of
its members, and we therefore hope that they will
do nothing to inure its stability or reard its pros.
perity.