The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-07-24
Horse-Racing at Epson.

Horse-Racing at EPSON.
The delightful little town of Epson,
in Surrey, England, enjoyed a most at
tractive reputation and possessed a most
entertaining history long before the
neigbboring downs became the scene of
the greatest race meetings in the world
1t was doubtless owing to the bracing
breezes, picturesque scenery, and hunting
and hawking opportunities tnat Henry
VIII, was so fond of resorting hither,
an amusing himself in his two extensive
and well stocked parks. It Mas IN the
smaller of these that James 1. built the
once-renowned palace Of Nonsuch, and
there were few finer views in England,
than that the king could enjoy when on
fine day he sat caronsing with his cour
tiers on one or other Of the two tall tow
ers Of that magnificent structure. Here
also came Charles /. in the days
when there was as yet there was no
thought of Rump Parliaments and Round
heads. Oliver Cromwell, too, Puritan
though he might be, appreciated Epson,
was not foolish enough to look on horse
flesh with disfavor, and kept some good
brood-marcs in the vicinity of the Downs.
In 1870 that beautiful harry, Barbary
Palmer, whom Charles II. created Ouch
ess of Cleveland, obtained by royal grant
from the amorous monarch the palace re-
ferred to and its estate, and was dubbed
Baroness of Nonsuch. EPSON was to
England. in the days of the Merrie Mon
arch, what Brighton is now. That inim-
liable old gossop who fourished at the
time, Mr.. Pepys, says It: "Rode through
Epsome, the whole town, overseeing the
various companies that were there walk
ing, which is very pleasant, seeing how
they are there without knowing what to
do only in the morning to drink the
waters. But, Lord to see how many l
met there Of citizens that could not
have thought to have seen there-that
they had ever had it in their heads or
purses to 60 down there"
No actual racing seems to have been
done On the Downs till about the year
I'LL, when Mr. Parkhurst instituted
something like regular meeting, which
only became annual since 1880. Many
years, however. passed away before the
two great races associated with the little
Surrey town were founded, the Derby
taking its title from the sporting earl OF
that name who established it, and the
"Oaks' being so designated from his
seat in the immediate neighborhood.
EPSON lies on the western verge of Ban
stead Downs, whereon is situated the
~ no1- In
house, but was purchased by General
Burgoyne, of American renown, who ad-
ded an elegant diningroom and fitted
up the place tor a hunting seat. It was
sold by the general to the Earl Of Derby
who greatly enlarged the building, and
inclosed so much Of the adjoining COM
mon that at one time it was surrounded
by grounds two miles in circumference
It was in 1919 that the Earl of Derby orig
iginated "the Oaks" and the year follow
ing saw the Inauguration Of the Derby,
which has since become one of the most
popular and-if we may judge Dy the
manner in which all business, public or
private, is suspended when it takes place
one of the most important of English
institutions.
When the great race was first established
it was but a tame affair, there being only
nine starters in 1880. In the following
year, when young Eclipse-a son of the
world renowned Eclipse-won there were
fifteen; but the numbers in 1888 and 1894
fell as low as six and four respectively,
and it was not tlll1S27, when Lord Jer-
sey's Mameluke was victorious, that more
than a score faced the starter Since then
double numbers have always prevailed,
post in Wild Dayrell's year QS55), and
the same number in 1878, when Mr..
Merry's Doncaster secured the prize.
For the first half. century of its existence
the Derby cam hardly be said to have been
an event of national, and much less Of
cosmopolitan interest The excitement at
tending it was confined almost exclusive
ly to strictly racing circles. During the
last fifty years, however, it has gradually
but surely attracted more and more attcn-
ton, until now it seems to be looked up
! on as matter Of worldwide importance.
Throughout England the Derby creates a
furor of excitement, and men, women and
children are aroused to enthusiasm,
IHouSH uullHss55 lHc Iest VI Ille year lHcy
may be perfectly Indifferent to racing and
race. horses. Unlike the practice in the
immortal Pepsy's time, when "famous
race" on Banstead Downs was "put off
because the Lords do sit in Parliament
to-day" both Houses of the Legislature
make Dcrby-day a holiday. And now
alone in England is the great race re-
garded as the event of the year, but in all
countries there seems to be sort of
breatbless expectation that extends even
outside of the racing fraternity. The re
suit is telegraphed to America, India,
Australia, as well as Europe, the moment
it becomes known, and the name of the
winning horse is for time more famous
than that of the most illustrious hero
The great spring meeting at EPSON
takes place in May, in the week succeed
ing Trinity Sunday. Until 1888 the Der
by was run on Thursday, and the Oaks
on Friday. Now the great race of the
year IS run OH Wednesday, which is q