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RACING IN THE OLD DAYS Quaint Publicity and News Notes From American Turf Register of October, 1831. Though the superficial matters pertaining to the turf and the conduct of racing may change considerably in the course of a century, it is surprising to discover the close parallels in many respects between the sport of today and that of the last century. Few selections could bring this out more strongly than the following notes from the American Turf Register of October, 1831. which were printed under the heading: "Things to Be Noted" : Every gentleman who desires to be admitted a member of the Maryland Jockey Club, and to enjoy the privileges incident thereto, should lose no time in applying for admission through some friend. If postponed until the races commence it will create unnecessary delay and confusion. It will be expected that no gentleman will assume an office connected with the ensuing races at the Central course that he is not prepared and determined to execute ; and it is hoped that every Baltimorean on the ground, whether member or not, will feel so far concerned for the credit of the city, in the eyes of the numerous strangers who will be there, as to set an example of orderly and courteous deportment. Let the friends of sports so animated and manly as those of the turf and for which nature formed the high bred horse, as is evinced by his extraordinary capacity and ardour; unite in proving that such sports, when regulated by gentlemen, may be conducted without immoral excesses, or any extravagance, except that delightful exhilaration which results from seeing human and animal nature highly and happily excited. Owners of race horses will be expected to clothe their riders in handsome jockey style. It is important that gentlemen of high character and of known experience in such matters should be appointed judges in all cases. The Norfolk steamboat company has declined bringing race horses free of expense, on account of the questions and the difficulty that might arise; but has liberally voted 00 per annum toward making up the purses of the club. It is probable the Philadelphia line will adopt the same course. The sweepstakes, two miles and repeat, run for over the Mansion House course, Cecil County, on Tuesday last, was won in two heats by b. c. Uncle Sam by John Richards property of Gen. T. M. Forman, president of the Maryland Jockey Club. There will be stables prepared at the Central racecourse for fifty race horses by the 18th mst. As there has been much to do in preparation of the course with all its fixtures in a very short space of time the later horses appear before the races commence, for this first season, the better. The sweepstakes on the Central course for one and two-mile heats are not made up, and will remain open until the races.
