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PROGRESS. OF THE FRENCH "TU.RF. "When it is remembered that French racing institutions are only about seventy years old," writes the Paris correspondent . of the London Sporting Life, "surely it may be said, how can France do this and not England? The French Jockey Club was founded by Lord Henry Seymour in 1833. Before that date there were not a hundred thoroughbred horses of English extraction In France. Today there are nearly 4,000 horses in training, and a much larger number are inscribed in the Stud Book. It is often stated that the famous Gimcrack, whose name, will, be forever associated with .the York meeting, was the first English racehorse to run in France. This- was In 17C5; but he did not run in a regular race; he was brought over to win a bet on a matter of speed and on endurance, a French, mobleman haying wagered that he would produce a horse to run over twenty miles In an hour. He won the bet witlf Gimcrack, who did 22 miles in the hour at Vincennes, and the horse afterward returned to England; so he does not enter into the Turf hitory of France. Remembering the comparative youth of the French Turf, and the troubles and opposition through which it has passed, it is remarkable that It can offer better terms to owners than are now provided in England. When you hear the Frpnch turf attacked, as one often does, a very complete ."answer --Is provided in the above facts. The French turf Js in a very healthy state, believe me. It may not be passing through such a brilliant and -sensational period as in the days that produced Gladinteur, but, with such owners as M. Edmond Blanc, M. Ephrussi, Mr. Vanderbilt, M. Calllault, Baron E.-de Rothschild, M. Lienart, M. Stern and M. R. de Monbel, you may rest assured that it is on very sure and solid foundations. Everyone is wishing M. de Monbel success in his plucky Invasion on the English citadel, which be hopes to take by storm. Win or lose, he will receive on your side the welcome that Is always accorded to a good and straightforward sportsman. Should his enterprise be crowned with victory, the fact that Storm: Is :i son of Ermack, which won the French Derby for M. de Monbel in lSQl. and scored for him his first important triumph, will add greatly to the sweets of success."
