It is also interesting to recall, in connexion with racing at Happy Valley, that a former Chief Justice once expressed himself strongly against adjourning the Court for the Races.
This was in 1867, when Chief Justice Snale objected to the business of the Court being interrupted in this manner, but eventually agreed to the jury deciding the point. The latter voted for the adjournment. In supporting the proposal, the Attorney General cited an authority in the case of Derby Day at Home, when all business was suspended by common consent of the Crown and the people.
"Yes," said the Chief Justice, "but here we encroach upon the English habit by taking unlawful possession of three days."
Since then, of course, the number of race days, and consequent interference with business, has considerably increased.
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