THE START FOR THE ST. LEGER,

1851-(NEWMINSTER'S YEAR).

ENGRAVED BY J, ENGLEHEART, FROM A PAINTING BY H. Alken.

BY CASTOR.

Few of our turf reforms were more needed, and none have been more really successful in the change they have effected, than the improved plan for starting large fields of horses. What a terrible business it used to be what dodging, shuffling, and cutting for places, and what a fine opportunity for a little more decided rascality! It would be an interesting calculation to sum up how many races-Derby, Oaks, and St. Leger, especially-have been lost at the post. If there was an unhappy man in the world, an imbecile nonentity for everybody to abuse and give the lie direct to, it was the starter of those times. Jockeys looked on him with much the same awe and respect as wide-awake rooks do on the straw-stuffed figure a long acquaintance has made them thoroughly familiar with. He says "go!" and one horse who was well away before he said it, is making for home at the top of his speed with a few more in his wake-another is pulled up before he has gone half-a-dozen strides --while a third, with yet more prudence is bound hard and fast in the hands of his trainer, and never leaves the post at all. Of course that can't be a start, and "COME BACK" is roared out after the dozen or so who are making a most sporting finish some mile and half a-head— black and yellow wins, at least so says Mr. Clarke; but the start is objected to instanter-green and white stripe didn't get off. The stewards are appealed to, the unfortunate starter cross-examined-it couldn't be a start-it is decided it was "no start," and they are brought back again-say in an hour or two's time, and after a few more skirmishes, the official gentleman gets them beautifully clubbed at last, all heads and tails, and just when the artful ones least expect it, roars out once more "Go!" There is another scramble, but green and white's tutor still clings fast to the bridle-" No," he repeats, that wont do either." But it will, though, affirms the now thoroughly exasperated starter, and so with a hearty oath at his heels green and white canters after the others—having never been intended to do anything more.

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Now take the reverse of this. See an equally strong field of horses, every one of which you have been able to identify in the preparation for the race, taken down to the post to start. Mark, as they near the point, how of their own good will they gather together, and how dutifully they wait on that stout, white-hatted gentleman, who, flag in hand, is deputed to set them going. Gently, there, fiery chesnut; but the white jacket on him manages still to keep him tolerably quiet and well in the line. Not too soon, either, Mr. blue jacket, or there'll be a score up against you before you reach home, however anxious you may appear

to be there. Steady with the brown filly, friend Job, and steady it isas they march along with all the discipline of a troop of Life-Guardsmen, but oh, how much more exciting to look on! If a man has a heart in his body, a pulse to beat, and an eye to see, surely he must enjoy this. On they march closer still to the post-an almost imperceptible flutter in that rainbow of colours—a kind of instinctive warning between each man and his horse that the moment is come-the white hat takes one comprehensive glance, his flag drops-the one in front confirms it, and "they are off!"-blue jacket and white cap intent on shewing the way as far as he can.

The machinery by which this improvement has been accomplished is now almost as perfect as possible, and a fair start become the rule instead of the exception. To the late lamented Lord George Bentinck the great credit of all this is chiefly due. His lordship not only sug gested what might be done, but carried it out himself in person; and no one could have been better calculated to enforce that observance of order he first brought jockeys to succumb to. The late Mr. Hibburd, again, proved himself well worthy the example offered him; while his son, now in office, promises to inherit all his father's capability for the performance of the difficult duty entrusted to him. During the short period he has been "in "a proposal from him to substitute a bare pole for the starter's flag has been approved by the Jockey Club-the man in advance using his flag as usual. The starter's flag has caused many a horse to turn away at the moment of getting off, and we cannot but congratulate Mr. Hibburd on the judgment he has shown in dispensing with it.

The start which forms the subject of our first plate for the month, gives the Leger field of last year-eighteen in number, and the largest brought out for the Doncaster St. Leger for eighteen years-eleven, ten, eight, have latterly been more like the average strength of this race, and in which the favourite has been generally successful. It looked rather more like an open race last season, which no doubt in some measure accounted for the increased number of horses found at the post; these consisted of

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We have endeavoured to name or place them as they are settling " in the print. Deceitful determined to do his job handsomely, going away at his best pace, with Aphrodité and Hernandez well placed on his right, and Exeter and Lamartine almost as favourably on his leftLamartine, the white jacket, on the extreme outside. More immediately in the track of the nag making play, are Sir Rowland Trenchard and Phlegra; behind them again Jack Robinson and the Calculator, (with the "garter" jacket) last of all. In a cluster on the opposite side are Newminster, lying next to Phlegra, and with him Lough Bawn, Ephesus, Cnæus, Hook'em Snivey, and the Charles XII. colt; and in their rear Sam Rogers steadying the Ban, with Miserrima and Goliah completing the field.

The odds at starting made Hernandez the premier at 6 to 4 against him, 2 to 1 against Aphrodité, 5 to 1 against The Ban, 12 to 1 against Newminster, 12 to 1 against Ephesus, 18 to 1 against Miserrima, 40 to 1 against Lough Bawn, and 50 to 1 against Phlegra.

Having thus given, as we trust, full particulars up to the time of starting, we will only add a word or two in "consideration" for the plate. With its general effect few will be disposed to cavil, at least, so we are inclined to flatter ourselves; if, however, some of the likenesses should not be as perfect, the critic must remember the size of the subject, and the difficulties both artist and engraver have had to contend against. In the same gracious spirit will he be pleased to take our sketch of the start for a race as it is now brought about-not perhaps true by every line and rule to the last Leger, which, despite Captain Rous' reputation, was not considered the very best ever seen. It may be scarcely worth while to say even this, but there are some d-d good natured people in this world who are never so happy as when they fancy they have hit on a "flaw," so just to save them a little trouble, as well perhaps as ourselves, stet, Mr. Compositor, let it go as it is.