 Aristocratic patrons included the Duke of Buccleuch, Duke of Hamilton and Earl of Eglinton.The races were also supported by the city magistrates, who for many years opened the races by processing from the council chambers down Leith Walk to Leith with the "City Purse" being held aloft on a pole.The biggest race was the Royal Plate, run for from at least 1728 by 6 year olds, carrying 12 stone, in 4 mile heats.