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prevalent in so many Cocktail and Hunters' Stakes. Imprimis the riders must be Gentlemen, Members of the Holderness Hunt. Now any two Members of the Hunt have the power of electing an Honorary Member; so that no Gentleman wishing to ride is ever disappointed, whilst at the same time the clan of demi-gentlemen jockeys are shut out. In the second place, being ridden to hounds by a servant does not qualify a horse to start and if any two subscribers to the Cup object to a horse as not having been fairly hunted, if on investigation the Stewards deem the charge well founded, he also is disqualified. Lastly, no horse from a training stable is permitted to

run.

These regulations render Hunt Races what they ought to be-contests between bona fide hunters-and save the real sportsman from the mortification of seeing his gallant steed, that has carried him nobly through many a hard run over a stiff country, beaten by a weedy herring-gutted cat from a racing stable, which could as soon dance the Mazourka, talk French, or clean knives as face a bulfinch, clear a brook, or swish a rasper-in fact, whose only acquaintance with hounds is at the covert side, whence, as Reynard bursts one way, it is forthwith cantered gently home the other.

The ball given this evening by the Stewards, R. F. Shawe, P. Maxwell, and J. Hall, Esqrs., was attended by nearly 150 fashionables. Hardman's band from York played splendidly; the ladies were handsome, and well dressed; the gentlemen numerous, and not too fine to dance-in short, a pleasanter evening never fell to my lot to enjoy; and when one of my fair partners, on being pressed to stand up for the last waltz, demurred-" it was so very late-her chaperone was tired to death"-I could not avoid pleading in the words of the Irish Anacreon

"Ne'er need the hour! what is't to us

How Time deals out his treasures?

The golden moments lent us thus

Are not our own, but Pleasure's."

The plea was admitted: and spite of the matron's yawn, which gave me a clearer notion of the bottomless pit than any sermon of Dr. Squintum's, we whirled off again, as though bent on the discovery of perpetual motion. At last, about four o'clock, we released the weary Sons of Apollo from the orchestra. Before roost, however, a deviled fowl gave my friend and self an excuse for three bumper toasts, which we had previously quaffed in champagne at the Assembly Rooms-1st, the Stewards, and thanks for the able and liberal spirit in which they have discharged their office; 2. The Ladies who honored us with their presence; 3. Tom Hodgson, and the Holderness Hunt.

The unconscionable length of this letter warns me to cut short the yarn I meant to spin upon the hounds, &c. The pack are fast, too fast indeed for any horse when the country is deep. The land on the west of Beverley is wold soil, hilly, and light fences, except here and there a few strong double posts and rails. To the east, for about six miles, is the drain country; thence to the sea is as beautiful a flat as foxhunter can desire-a middling proportion of grass, no rotten ground nor blind ditches, and whin coverts full of foxes. Situated between the Humber and the German Ocean, the land hardly knows what frost is, and holds a burning scent; and runs have been witnessed from Owstwick, Humbleton, Carlton, Hatfield, and Seaton whins which challenge competition with any in Leicestershire. A wellbred and perfect horse is, however, needed, as the fences are strong and the ploughland deep, and many a famed steed in other districts has here sobbed "hold, enough." The hounds are a subscription pack. Mr. Hodg son hunts them four and sometimes five days a week, for the Holderness would as soon fire a hay-rick as destroy a fox. They are also hospitable to an extent that would astonish the Southron Nimrods. That they may long cherish this old English spirit is the fervent prayer of EBOR.

VOL. V.-SECOND SERIES.No. 25.

K

WE

STEEPLE CHASES.

E have been favored this month by Correspondents with several communications relative to the various Steeple Chases which have taken place since our last publication. We are happy to see that Steeple Racing, than which, in the absence of hunting, nothing can be more animating or sportsmanlike, seems every day gaining ground; and that too amongst the highest of our sporting characters, whose patronage sheds at once lustre on the sport and honour on their own high courage. All nations have their peculiar amusements. France, in accordance with the light character of her children, delights in fêtes champetres, promenades, &c.; Portugal has her auto da fè; dignified Catalonia, the delicate bull fight; and Rome elegant, classical, imperial Rome-once gloried in the fights of the gladiators, whose dying agonies were witnessed by her sensitive daughters with as much sang froid as an exquisite of our time watches the pirouettes of a figurante. We have our Steeple Chases, where Gentlemen meet in friendly contest, to prove the nerve and spirit of an Englishman, and on which bright eyes may look without fear or pain. Let us then be thankful we live in a country where no more barbarous amusement is known; and let Englishmen, whose high-mettled steeds never flinch from a rasper, whose courage none ever yet dared doubt, throw up their castors and cry, with one accord,

"Long life to merry Steeple Chasing!" Want of space unfortunately obliges us to epitomise our accounts.

On Tuesday, March 20th, a most sporting race took place in Forfarshire for a Gold Cup, value 100 sovs., the gift of Horatio Ross, Esq. of Rossie Castle, M.P. added to a Sweepstakes of five sovs. each, P. P.-seventeen subs. -four miles across country; 13st.; Gentlemen riders.-Patrick Chalmers, Esq. of Auldbar, Steward. W. H. Dowbiggin, Esq. Umpire.

Lieut.-General Hunter's b. h. Tarvit, rode by Captain Graham Hunter.

Mr. Fitzmaurice Scott's b. h. DickCapt. Douglas.

Mr. Duncan's, of Rose Mount, ch. h. The Don-Mr. O'Connor.

Mr. Chalmers, of Auldbar, b. h. Boysack-Capt. Laird.

The ground was most judiciously selected by Mr. Chalmers, embracing variety of fences. The course, nearly straight, afforded an excellent view of the race to the numerous spectators. The start took place in a fine open country, a mile north of Brechin Castle, the residence of Lord Panmure; the first two miles across an arable country inclosed with stone walls, varying in height from four to five feet. Here the field kept nearly together, at a fair rating pace, clearing their fences in a sporting style. On their approach to the parks of Carriston House, Mr. O'Connor took a decided lead at a most severe pace, clearing a high wall and a strong flight of rails, to the admiration of the spectators. As "the race is not always to the swift," the adage was here exemplified: Mr. O'Connor had gained nearly a field a-head of his competitors, when a large quick fence and rail brought this gallant son of Erin with his native prad to the ground. His fall, though apparently severe, did not deter him from pursuing his career, though the field now caught him, and Captain Douglas passed him, charging a strong double fence, took the lead, and appeared a decided winner. In taking a high stone wall, his horse struck the top stones, and gave him a most severe fall into the next field. Here the Captain broke two of his ribs, and was much bruised in his body and head. General Hunter's horse cleared this fence, and passed the Captain when down. The Captain, nothing daunted, jumped into his saddle, and again contested the race with the General's horse, who had gained a considerable start, and passed the winning post fully five lengths a-head of the Captain. Upon

the General's jockey being placed in the scales, his weight proved deficient, owing to some shot having escaped from the saddle; when the umpire was reluctantly compelled to declare Tarvit distanced, and the Stakes were awarded to the second horse.

The admirable game of the riders was never seen surpassed. The pace throughout was great, the last mile and half being over a fine grass country; the fences were some of them formidable, and were invariably most gallantly charged. There were several falls, but none of a severe nature. The day proved most propitious. The course was marked out by double flags at all the fences, and was easily discernible. The ground was graced by a numerous assemblage of the fair sex. Amongst the equipages was noticed that of the ci-devant County Member, Lord Panmure, a most liberal patron and supporter of the chase. It was regretted his Lordship's more imperious duties in Parliament prevented his patronising with his presence this gallant essay of his countrymen.

On Monday the 2d of April a steeple chase of 25 sovs. each came off between

Moonraker......rode by Mr. W. Bean.
Capt.Horne's Red Rover, Owner.
Mr. Johnson's Rattler... Mr. Tilbury, jun.

Grimalkin....

...........

.Mr. J. Anderson.

The ground was selected by a sportsman, and very properly kept a secret from all parties till the moment of starting. It commenced at the Windmill public house, Beechy Heath, on to a field adjoining Oxley Wood, making about four miles over a pretty difficult country, well studded with raspers, a couple of wide rivulets, and a few other trifling impediments. The word of command given, away they sprang in brilliant style: Moonraker led the way, and kept it throughout the piece, topping every fence gallantly, and finally coming in conqueror by at least one hundred and fifty yards. Red Rover and Rattler followed his line, but Grimalkin took a wider range; notwithstanding which he came in second, owing to the others having met with some

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toward" accidents. Rattler, in rattling too fast after Moonraker over a high timber fence, rolled twice over his unfortunate rider; and the Red Rover evinced his roving propensities by treating his pilot to three pretty severe purls. Moonraker came in fresh and in high spirits, having performed the distance in sixteen minutes and a half.-This being concluded, Mr. Anderson (fancying if he had been at a lighter weight he would have had a better chance with Grimalkin), challenged Mr. Elmore to run Moonraker again that day for 100 sovs. a-side, giving him half a stone, and choosing fresh ground. Mr. Elmore accepted the challenge. The ground (which was from Scratch Wood, near Barnet, to a field near Beechy Heath), was selected whilst the prads were recovering from their previous fatigue; the new riders named (Mr. Hall for Grimalkin, and Mr. Bean for Moonraker), and three o'clock the hour appointed for the start. Moonraker again took the lead, followed by Mr. Hall, till they came to an ugly fence, when Mr. Bean seemed to think he had had enough of precedence, and courteously offered it to Mr. Hall, who nevertheless declined the politeness, and a short pause took place; when Moonraker, collecting all his energies, topped the fence, bounding some yards a-head into the next field. In the last field but one there was a deep, wide, but dry brook fence, which Moonraker clipped splendidly, and came home straight for the post. Grimalkin, in following, fell, and threw his rider, who was unable to recover himself in time; and Moonraker again came in winner-thus adding another sprig to his bright wreath. Mr. Hall rode with great judgment and courage, as did Mr. Bean. Moonraker was in excellent condition, and went as fresh and well as ever. This country, which would try the bellows of any horse in the kingdom, seemed perfectly to suit his qualities. There was a good sprinkling of company on the Heath, who from the judicious selection of the ground were enabled to view the whole race well.

Another Steeple Match between

Captain Horne's Red Rover, and Mr. Orbell's Broomfield, for 100 sovs. came off on the 5th April, over the country from Washend Bridge, near Greenford, to the Windmill at Hanwell, Middlesex, a distance of three miles -light country, and fences few and easy. Mr. Seffert piloted the Rover, Mr. Stubbs, Broomfield. They walked their horses to the second field, when "off together" was the word, Red Rover leading, both however still taking it easy for the first mile, when Broomfieldunfortunatelystruck against a fence, and nearly unshipped his pilot, an accident which was made good use of by Mr. Seffert, who forthwith set off at his best pace, and had gained considerable ground before Broomfield could recover; and although his rider did all in his power to coax Fortune on his side, 'twas in vain, the Rover won by a field. Thus ended this race, which put 100 sovs. in the pocket of Captain Horne, who must congratulate himself on not being let off for 201.-the Captain at one time wished to pay 201. forfeit, but Mr. Orbell, reckoning without his host, or his horse rather, objected-hence this race. Neither of the horses were grassed. Broomfield is a thoroughbred one, Brother to John de Bart, and a spinner. Red Rover was bred by His Grace of Portland, and is by Tiresias, but was dismissed His Grace's stud on account of a pain in his temper. He is very speedy, and a firstrate fencer when in the mind.

Of the riders, it can only be said, both did well. Mr. Seffert's performance in the saddle excited the admiration of the multitude, and no doubt deservedly so; but that same multitude can always praise those who win, whilst the merits of the losing party are sure to be "in the shade. Mr. Stubbs certainly rode with judgment and skill; and, as "accidents will happen to the best regulated horses," should be forgiven for not winning.

On Monday 2d April, a Steeple Chase took place between Mr. C. Ellis, of Shelfanger, and a celebrated grey mare belonging to Mr. Williams, of Diss, over the ground between

Gissing and Thelton churches-Mr. Ellis on his own horse: the mare the favorite. At starting, the mare kept the lead for some distance, and was pretty nearly about to verify the old adage, "the grey mare the better horse;" but on proceeding, the horse plucked up, and continued even with the mare till within a field of the post, when, after taking a desperate leap, the mare gave up the ghost, and the horse with some difficulty won. The distance (three miles) was completed in eight minutes-" sharp work for the eyes," as the old woman said when the wagon-wheel went over her nose. Many of the varmint ones were present.

On the same day a Steeple Match for 50 sovs. came off between Mr. Carr's ch. g. Rufus (Warner rider), and Mr. Duppa's b. m. Gulnare (owner rider) over a distance of four miles from Whittaker Mill to Thurlton Church. The country originally proposed was from Gillingham Joy Steeple to Norton Church, but was relinquished on account of a gentleman in the neighbourhood having expressed his dislike to the riders crossing his lands. Great interest was excited by the match, which took place at three o'clock. Rufus being the favorite of Mr. Carr's stud, and the mare nearly a stranger in the neighbourhood, the odds were decidedly in favour of the former; notwithstanding which the mare came in first, winning with ease. Mr. Carr, however, claimed the Stakes, pleading some breach of the articles. The umpires were referred to, who professed themselves unable to decide the question, which is therefore left to the opinion of the Twelve Judges (of the Sporting World), with many high bets depending on it.

On Monday April 9th, a Steeple Chase for five sovs. each, P. P., carrying 11st.7lb.,for horses hunted with His Grace the Duke of Beaufort's, Lord Seagrave's, or the North Somerset Foxhounds, Gentlemen riders, took place about thirteen miles from Bristol. Early in the morning the roads were thronged with parties proceeding to the scene of action, which was at the

Castle of Comfort, on the Mendip Hills. At two o'clock the horses proceeded to the starting post, where the articles were read by the Clerk of the Course, which was marked by numerous flags; and, at half-past two they started in the following order :Moonraker...rode by...Mr. Haythorne. Aaron...... Mr. Brickdale. Young Langton Gallopade Stapleton

.....

Mr. Williams. .Capt. Musgrave. .Mr. Farrell.

Gallopade led the way, followed by Aaron, Moonraker, and Young Langton. Stapleton met with a fall, and injured his rider so much as to prevent his proceeding. Young Langton, who was in a fair way of winning (being a speedy one), also had a capsize, which threw him in the background, so that the tussle was between the three. Moonraker within a little distance from home challenged Aaron and Gallopade, and, after a sharp struggle, and charging a five-feet wall with spirit, won the race. Aaron came in second. Gallopade objected to the wall, and grassed his pilot. Young Langton third, coming in fresh. Stapleton's rider, not having mounted again, paid the second horse's stakes as agreed; and thus finished the race, which was exceedingly well attended by horsemen, pedestrians, and carriages, to the amount of a thousand or more.

On Friday the 20th, a Match came off between Lord Ranelagh and Capt.

Parker, of the Life Guards, from Down-place on the Maidenheadroad, to the Earl of Lichfield's gate, Hatchet-lane, Winkfield. The country chosen was well calculated to test the metal of the horses and the courage of their riders, as it was intersected by some stiff fences, and presented many awkward leaps. The race was so well contested, that the horses were almost neck and neck in the last field but one from the winning place, and the odds all in favour of Lord Ranelagh, when, unfortunately, as his Lordship was clearing a hedge with a wide ditch on the other side, his horse leaped short and fell. The Captain, being wide awake, lost no time in turning this incident to his advantage, and soon came up with and passed his Lordship. Although the latter immediately mounted again, he was unable to regain his lost ground, being so near home, and Captain Parker was the fortunate victor. The distance was performed in thirteen minutes and a half.

The Squire of Pytchley has challenged to run Grimaldi against Moonraker from four to ten miles for 1000l. to 50001.; " and should nobody feel inclined to back Moonraker against Grimaldi, he will run Moonraker with a horse of his own, any distance from four to ten miles for 1000l. or 5000l., 11st. 7lb. each :-he has never yet started."

SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.

The Turf.

INTELLIGENCE EXTRA.

IN our last we stated that "the

King's Guineas will not in future be paid unless three or more horses start for the same;" and it is now officially announced, that the Earl of Albemarle, Master of the Horse to His Majesty, is "empowered to make any alterations in the present conditions of Royal Plates, which may be thought likely to improve the sport, and give greater encouragement to racing, by causing a larger

number of horses to start for the said Plates. Communications on this subject are to be addressed to the Master of the Horse, through the Lord Lieutenant of the county in which the Plate proposed to be altered is run for, or by the Steward of the races."

His Majesty has given three additional Plates, one to be run for at Leicester, one at Liverpool (Aintree Course), and one at Bedford.

THE ECLIPSE FOOT.

The Jockey Club, to whom His Majesty left the conditions of this

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