The New York herald., 1879-11-17
HISTORY OF TIE BRITISH TURF

No one who reads "The History Of the British
Low Il Co.. London). hesitate to believe that
horse racing is the Briton's favorite sport. The
patrons of the turf have long been members of the
nobility and Of royalty itself The fact that Parlia-
ment adiourns for the Derby proves more elo-
quently than words the national interest in the
sport. Mr. Rice claims that his book Is the first
popular account OF the sport heretofore published
In it he gives interesting facts connected
with tho turf. the pedigrees Of OF
the best horses. short historical notices
Of those localities famous In connection
with the sport and biographical sketches Of the
principal actors in its varied scenes. from the
earliest period to the present day." Never before
were the great meetings 80 largely attended tho
funds ut tho disposal of the Race Committees SO
large. At the recent Ascot meeting he says. less
o sum than fl4.55 was given in added money to
the various stakes during tho four days. $4,000
being added to the Hardwicke Stakes alone--a raco
named III compliment to tho Master Of the Buck
hounds. while $4,000 have been expended since last
year in replacing tho old Alexindra stand by new
and handsome structure. The sporting literature
OF the country has increased to remarkable
degree. The sporting press is now represented by
daily. one tr-weekly and six weekly papers in
London, while evory newspaper in the country has
certain amount Oh space ucVoted TO THIS branch Oh
sport. Besides these there sporting almanacs,
the Racing Calendar and any number of sporting
nuals.
Mr.. Rice begins at the beginning and states that tho
horse was first brought to England from France.
Tho native stock. remote descendants OF these Gallo
sires and dams. were by po contemplate ami
mails. for We are told that James I. gave El54-
in his time no inconsiderablo price--for a horse
for breeding purposes This sovereign 1t
who introduced horse racing into England and
offered prize OF u silver bell, for which
reason frequently called bell courses IL
not until the Ministry OF Pitt that horse racing
became source OF revenue to the crown. Mr.. Pitt
decrecd that u tax should be levied every horse
that ran tor plate" lie was opposed by the Duke
Turf, Mr. ltce says, was the name awarded to Tre-
gonwell Frampton, u gentleman OF some small
landed estate. originally keeper of the Kings
ming horses THIS father" reflects little credit
upon tho turf. for he was "a monster OF avarice."
and 'cared for little else bcSkies money unusual
trait III asporting man. TN palmy days of tho turf
can hardly be said to have begun before Diomed
the first Derby. 1t about that time
the reformation In jockeys costumes was begun.
jockeys had been IN the habit of dressing in long.
pointed caps, with their hair FALLING to their soui-
ders, and long tailed coat on their bncks. In fast
riding these tails were very annoying and jockey,
who was very much disturbed by them. tucked them
inside his trousers. That somewhat uncomfort-
able but it was not long before some one suggested
to cut of the 0fending tails This advice immc-
diatoy followed and To- tho modern Jockeys dressl
Ono OF the most Interesting sketches In this book
Is that OF Richard Tattcrsal, founder OF the famous
Tattersalls, of London. Mr.. Tattcrsal owed the
foundation OF his fortunes to the celebrated racer
Highfycr. and he was 80 proud OF this fact that
when he became wealthy man aud built himself
an elegant mansion ho called II Highhyer HAIL
SsrsS,nay snSmy fo wool cSmDsr hcwoS Mr. itself az a
early ago. and he found employment in London
horse repository. BY honesty and has knowledge OK