RACE JUDGES OF ENGLAND.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2151, 17 January 1881, Page 3

RACE JUDGES OF ENGLAND.

Up to the year 1772 the duties of judging races in England devolved upon the stewards of the Jockey Club. During that year the office of judge was created, and John Hilton was appointed to the place, and held that position until 1806. In that year Mr John Clark, the grandfather of the present judge, Mr John Clark, was appointed, and held his position until July, 1822, and was succeeded by his son (who in turn was the father of the present judge), and he held the office until 1852. When seventy-four years of age the stewards of the Jockey Club decided that ho was incapacitated by reason of extreme old age, to promptly attend to the duties of the office. The action of the stewards was made public, and Mr James Maning asked for .the appointment, and obtained a promise that it should be conferred upon him. Lord Lonsdale and Mr Stanley, two of the stewards, vacated their offices at the same lime, and the Marquis of Exeter and General Anson succeeded them. They were both warm friends to Mr John Clark, and at once gave him the appointment; 107 years have passed since the one-judge system was adopted in England, and but four men have, during that long period, worn the judicial ermine. John Hilton held the office from 1772 to 1806, thirty-four years. The first Mr Clark from 1806 to 1822, sixteen years. The second Mr Clark from 1822 to 1852, thirty years ; and the present presiding officer has been in the office twenty-seven years. Mr John Clark, the third of his name, is said during the long period be has been in office to have given universal satisfaction. It is conceded by all that he is thoroughly competent, perfectly honest, and strictly impartial, and all, from prince to peasant, bow cheerfully to his decisions.