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NEWMARKET AND ITS LURE Americans Impressions of Englands Home of Racing. 1 IUch In Tradition Atmosphere Redolent of Turf Consecrated to Sport Since 1300 Its Early Days. NEW YORK, N. Y., Feb. 17. There is plenty to stir the blood of the most phlegmatic sportsman in a first view of Newmarket, the home of racing in the British Empire. Rich in tradition, it has an atmosphere that is redolent of the turf, and the first-time visitor within its gates, though no meeting may be in progress, cannot escape the feeling that he is treading on hollowed ground. Everything in and about Newmarket bespeaks the permanency of racing, and it is an inspiration to those from other countries where the thoroughbred is exotic to note the enduring way in which the founders of the turf proceeded in promoting tests that were essential in the establishment of a type of horse that has not only been a great economic assest but the medium of a most inspiriting and healthful recreation in every part of the world. The ride from London to Newmarket is through a superb country, much of it comprising splendid estates with glorious oaks of great size and beauty. Much of the land is in pasture and cattle were ankle-deep in the grass on a sunny day last September. The landscape was at times reminiscent of the blue grass region of Kentucky, but a sense of greater age was conveyed in the buildings and fences, which were evidences of the skill of the hands of master craftsmen. Newmarket is much like hundreds of other towns of the same population in various parts of England, but one is impressed with the number of keen looking men and neatly dressed lads in breeches and leggings to be seen on the streets, their faces glowing with the health that is the heritage of those who have to do with the horse. The neat establishments of the various trainers, having permission to train on the nearby heath this privilege is not accorded to all these who apply for it is a further proof of the solidity of the British turf. They are beautifully kept and scrupulously neat, in keeping with that passion for orderliness, which is a predominating characteristic of the English people. The training and care of horses has attracted the finest types of Englishmen who take a pride in their work and well may they do so for the region has been consecrated to sport since 1309 when it was a favorite jousting place, knights coming from far and near to take part in tournaments held there. Racing flourished under the Stuarts and King Charles II., a superb horseman took part in a match against Mr. Elliott on October 12, 1071, in which he was beaten. Two days later the King won The Plate, his competitors including the Duke of Monmouth and Mr. Elliott. In 1674 King Charles II. again won The Plate and Sir Robert Carr, in writing of the performance, said, "Yesterday His Majesty rede himself three heats and a course, and won The Plate, all fower wcra hard and neer ridden, and I doe assure you the King wonn by good horsemanshipp." King Charles is mentioned in Frank Silt-zers most entertaining book "Newmarket, Its Sport and Personalities," where the following is noted in connection with the sovereigns horsemanship: "His Majestys capacity was such that he could ride leaping horses, and such as would overthrow others, and manage them with the greatest skill Continued on eighth page. NEWMARKET AND ITS LURE Continued from first paso. and dexterity to the admiration of all who beheld him." The King not only rode but also encouraged breeding by importing from Barbary and elsewhere in the East the best marcs that could be secured. Charles II. established the Town Plate In 1664, the period when he assumed the office of general arbitrator and steward of the Jockey Club. Rules and regulations much the same as those governing the sport today were at this time framed for the conduct of racing. The royal announcement heading the conditions began: "Articles ordered by his Majesty to be observed by all persons that put in horses to ride for the Plate, the New Round Heat at Newmarket, set out the 16th day of October 16G4 in the 16th year of our Sovereign Lord King Charles II., which Plate is to be rid for yearly, the second Thursday in October forever." The Town Plate is still run for, though, as Mr. Siltzer notes, is in different form, than the original contest. It is now for hacks regularly stabled in town and ridden by Newmarket tradesmen. The Jockey Club grants the use of the course, which is one of four miles. The race was worth seven pounds in 1022. The Town Plate was endowed through returns from certain lands in the occupation of a Mr. Bryant, yielding an annual rent of 11 pounds, from which 4 pounds 18 shillings is deducted for rates and taxes. Last years Town Plate winner, Frocked, was ridden by a young woman and some of his fellow trainers made merry at the expense of Basil .Tarvis, while he was in this country by cabling a challenge on behalf of Frocked to race Papyrus, same course and conditions on his return to England. All of which speaks eloauently for the perpetuity of English racing. With such a spirit descending through the centuries it is difficult to conjure up thoughts of a day when conditions might arrive to destroy the continuity of a contest which was framed to be run forever. Oliver Cromwell, the Protector, who, if ho lived today, would be classified as a reformer, was a lover of blooded horses and maintained a breeding stud. He knew the value of the thoroughbred in Improving the breed. That racing had its periods of drepression in England, as elsewhere, is shown in the records. Between 1797 and 1S35 the average number of horses trained there was 400. In 1S36 there was a considerable falling off, but a recovery to 400 is recorded by 1S54. In 1S80 the horses that took their exercise and training gallops over the superb ground numbered 1,000, Avhile last year there were moro than 2,000 in training.
