\paperw3360 \margr0\margl0\ATXph16380 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx3255\tx6525\tx9780\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs22 Horse racing was popularized in England in the 12th century, and many mo
narchs have supported the sport, which has thereby become known as æthe sport of kingsÆ. The first recorded meeting at EnglandÆs oldest course, Chester, was in February 1540. Nowadays racing comes in two categories: flat racing and national hunt racing.
The latter involve hurdles such as fences and ditches and can be anything up to 6.5 kilometres in length. The most famous and popular meeting of this sort is the Grand National, first held in 1836. It is now held at Aintree, where the 7-kilometre course
comprises 31 difficult fences. As for flat racing, by far the most stunning annual event is the Royal Ascot meeting begun by Queen Anne in 1711. It provides the fortunate latter-day enthusiasts with the opportunity for displaying a wide range of sartoria
l inventions, especially hats, which are \i de rigueur \i0 at Ascot.\par
