Long Distances and Heavy Weights in Races of former times—Statute Weights—Royal Plates—First Race for Three year-olds, in 1731 Remarks on Discouragement of Long Distances and High Weights—Real Promoters and Supporters of the pursuit . Proposed Remedy for restoring Long Distances—Regard of over Twelve Miles - The English people for good Horses -Proposed Match over Six Miles, carrying 12st., as in 1748 - No Horses of the present day able to run for Royal Plates Diminished Races over Four Miles during the last Half Century - The cause of the Betting System