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The question was decided by the Jockey Club in favor of Sir Mark Wood, but Mr. Beardsworth refused to abide by that decision. A verdict was given for the plaintiff, it having been clearly proved that both parties had agreed to refer to, and abide by, the decision of the Jockey Club-the Learned Judge, however, distinctly laying it down, "that either party might withdraw his consent to an arbitration, and in the event of such withdrawal previous to the hearing of the case, that the arbitrators had no power to determine thereon."Under these circumstances the Stewards considered that no decision of theirs would be binding on the parties, and therefore that it was useless to proceed further in the inquiry.

The Earl of Lichfield consented, on the recommendation of the Stewards, to pay all reasonable expenses incurred by Mr. Ridsdale in bringing his witnesses for the contemplated investigation.

(Signed)

ERROL,
BEAUFORT,
H. J. Rous,

STRADBROKE,

Stewards of Ascot Races.

C. C. GREVILLE, Appointed by the Stewards

to assist.

At the close of the proceedings it was "Resolved-That the Stewards of the Jockey Club do recommend the Stewards of Doncaster and Goodwood to adopt the following Resolution :—

"That all bets depending upon Bloomsbury, for any Stakes in which he may be engaged, shall be paid and received, without any reference to his disputed pedigree, until the case has been decided in a Court of Justice."

The amount of the expenses incurred by Mr. W. Ridsdale in bringing up his witnesses were made out the same evening, sent to the Earl of Lichfield's solicitor, and paid.

On the following Monday (June 10), it was understood, in reference to the St. Leger, that all bets made on that race at "the Corner” are

to be " as the horses come in," the ages and weights being correct. This understanding will obviate the difficulty arising out of the disputed pedigree.

The following case was submitted to the Stewards of the Jockey Club on the 13th of June :

A bets B £50 to £10 on Bloomsbury agst the Field for the Ascot Derby Stakes. B objects to pay without the authority of the Stewards of the Jockey Club. Query: Is B to pay the £10 without waiting the result of the expected trial in a Court of Law?

Answer. The Stewards are of opinion, that, an objection having been made to the qualification of Bloomsbury some days prior to the Ascot Derby Stakes being run for, bets on that race, unless specified to the contrary, must have been made on the merit of the horses as they were to run, and that they must be paid and received accordingly.

The following Manifesto is lying at Mr. Weatherby's and at Messrs. Tattersall's for signatures :-

"To the Stewards of the Jockey Club. "June 13, 1839. "We, the undersigned Noblemen and Gentlemen, who are interested in the prosperity of the Turf, beg leave to address the Stewards of the Jockey

Club, and to assure them that they have observed with great regret that a disputed point on the qualification of the colt Bloomsbury has been transferred from their decision to that of a Court of Law. They therefore determine to record their opinions against this innovation of all racing laws and customs, and they beg to inform the Stewards of the Jockey Club that whatever disputes may arise respecting bets, or circumstances connected with the Turf, they look to them only for an arbitration, being well aware that the Stewards of the Jockey Club are more efficient Judges, and more capable of discriminating in racing cases, than any authorities in a Court of Law.

"The undersigned Noblemen and Gentlemen beg to acquaint the Stewards of the Jockey Club, that whatever may be the decision of a Court of Law in the Bloomsbury case, they do not intend to disturb the late settling of the Derby account, which, on the authority of the Epsom Stewards, they consider a final arrangement.-In conclusion, the undersigned beg to suggest to the Stewards of the Jockey Club to introduce a law to prevent the probability of these disputes occurring, which are so fatal to the interests of the Turf."

This Manifesto has been numerously signed, and is expected to lead to such an alteration in the Laws of Racing as will render Betting independent of any question of pedigree.

HENLEY-UPON-THAMES REGATTA.

WE are indebted to Bell's Life for the following graphic account of the first Annual Regatta which took place at Henley-upon-Thames on Friday the 14th of June :—

This Aquatic Festival had for some time been looked forward to with an unusual degree of interest, and had caused considerable excitement in various parts of the country, especially among the cutter crews at Oxford, Cambridge, and London. Henley is a delightful town, distant about thirty-five miles west of London, and twenty-three from Oxford. It is situated near the base of a cluster of hills, in one of the most splendid windings of the River Thames, and is entered from the London road over a handsome bridge, built, we believe, of Headington stone. This structure, which is not excelled in simplicity of beauty and design by any bridge on the Thames, consists of five elliptical arches, with a handsome balustrade of stone-work. The key-stone on each face of the centre arch is adorned with a sculptured mask from the elegant chisel of the Hon. Mrs. Damer. The one towards the north represents Old Father Thames, with fishes playing in the wavy honors of his beard, and bulrushes inserted in the fillet which binds his temples. The mask on the reverse key-stone exhibits Isis

"Her neck in whiteness rival to the snows,

Her dewy tresses floating as she flows."

The views from the bridge on either side are particularly fine, and the meanders of the Thames abound with picturesque grace. On the Berkshire side of the river the hills rise boldly to a loftiness of elevation which Nature and art have united to adorn. The beautiful domain called Park Place engrosses this portion of the view, and the plantations

on every swell and fall of the scene are disposed in aid of picturesque effect. On the other margin of the river is the town, and the splendid Reach below the bridge is terminated by the mansion of Fawley Court and the Island with its beautiful temple. With so much to admire, and the superior advantages afforded by the Thames at this part, it has long been a matter of surprise, and we may say of reproach, that the inhabitants have not, years since, rendered the extensive and beautiful Reach of water available for aquatic exhibitions. We were, therefore, much gratified when we heard that a body of the inhabitants had determined on rescuing the town from the reproach which had been cast upon it, and that they had spiritedly and energetically set to work in getting up an Annual Regatta, which would reflect credit on themselves, and afford the utmost gratification to those interested in such sports. The Earl of Macclesfield condescended to become the Patron of it, and the undermentioned Gentlemen kindly proferred their services as Stewards on the occasion:-viz., Thomas Stonor, W. P. W. Freeman, Edmund Gardiner, Charles Lane, E. F. Maitland, John Fane, W. F. Maitland, Charles Stonor, and Charles Scott Murray, Esqrs.; Sir W. R. Clayton, Sir E. G. Clayton East, and Rev. C. E. Keene.

The following Gentlemen composed the Committee:-viz., Messrs. P. and S. B. Cooper, W. H. Brakspeare, E. Young (Bell Street), Elsee, J. Nash, C. Towsey, J. S. Plumbe, W. Plumbe, Owthwaite, H. N. Byles, C. Kinch, H. Stubbs, and J. H. Brookes.

Messrs. J. Nash and C. Towsey consented to become the Honorary Stewards, and the subscriptions flowed in so freely and fast that in a short time about £250 were collected. The Committee then came to the resolution that a Silver Cup of the value of 100 guineas, to be called the "Henley Regatta Grand Challenge Cup," be rowed for annually by such amateur crews, in eight-oared boats, as may be duly entered and qualified, and be held by the winner on the terms specified in the following Rules, viz.:

That any crew composed of the Members of a College of either Universities of Oxford, Cambridge, or London, the Schools of Eton and Westminster, the Officers of the two Brigades of Household Troops, or of Members of a Club established at least one year previous to the time of entering, be considered eligible.

That every boat be steered by an Amateur Member of the Club or Clubs contending for the Cup.

That all questions of eligibility, qualification, or construction of the Rules be left to the Stewards, whose decision shall be final.

That notice be given to the Secretaries of the Regatta of any Club intending to compete for the Cup, with the names of their Captain and Secretary, on or before the twenty-fifth day of May; and notice thereof shall also be given by the Secretaries of the Regatta to the holders of the Cup and to the challengers, of the number and names of the competitors.

That any objections to Clubs entered shall be made in writing to the Secretaries of the Regatta on or before the 1st day of June; and the Acting Stewards shall investigate the grounds of objection, and decide thereon on or before the 8th.

That the sum of five guineas entrance money be demanded from the crew of each boat contending for the Cup, to be paid on the day of entry. That the entrance money be applied towards a fund for defraying any expenses incidental to the Regatta and the purchase of Medals for the crew of the winning boat.

That the distance rowed be about one mile and a half, commencing near the Island, and terminating at the Bridge.

That in the event of there being more than two challengers, they shall row a trial race or races, under the arrangement of the Stewards, over the same course, and the winner or winners of such trial race or races shall contend with the holders of the Cup; but that no more than three boats be permitted to contend for the Cup in the Grand Race. That an Umpire be chosen by the Stewards.

That the competitors toss for stations.

That no fouling be permitted.

That if there be four challengers, the names of the boats shall be written on separate pieces of paper, and thrown into a hat, and the two first drawn therefrom shall contend for the first heat, followed at such an interval as the Stewards shall direct by the remaining two boats. The winners of these heats shall, at such an hour as may be convenient, contend for the Prize; and that the start be directed by the firing of a pistol.

Another Rule was agreed to respecting the holding and returning of the Cup, which is noticed elsewhere.

It was also resolved that a Cup of the value of 30gs., to be called the "Town Challenge Cup," together with Medals for the winning crew, should be rowed by amateurs in four-oared boats.

The utmost desire was manifested by the Oxonians to enter into competition, as will be seen by the following entries :—

Oxford

ENTRANCES FOR THE GRAND CHALLENGE Cup.

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Brazenose College.

Cambridge Trinity Boat Club

....

...............

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Black Prince.
The Etonian Club ................ Etona.
Oxford ........ Exeter College...☀ ☀ ☀☀ ☀☀ ï. $ . *☀ ☀☀

Oxford.....***

Oxford

Oxford

Henley
Henley
Henley

University Boat Club........* 4***
Wadham College.....

ENTRANCES FOR THE TOWN CHALLENGE CUP.

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The Wave Club

The Wave.

........ The Dreadnought Cutter Club...... The Dreadnought.
The Albion Club.................. The Albion.

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For some days previous to the one fixed for the Regatta, preparations were made for visiting Henley, and numerous boats from various parts were brought into requisition. The Members of the London Leander Club proceeded up the River on Thursday in their cutter, and arrived at Henley early on Friday morning: an eight, manned by Cambridge Gentlemen, was also taken from Searle's: and a new and beautifully light four, built by Springett, containing Mr. Layton and two other Members of the London Scullers' Club, and Phelps the waterman, went from Putney: a well-known patron of the sports likewise rowed up in a four, accompanied by Charles, William, and Henry Campbell; and many other boats from London, Oxford, and other places, assembled at Henley.

The Stewards and Committee of Management met several times in the early part of the week, and made numerous excellent arrangements. Many of the inhabitants also busied themselves in erecting Stands for the visitors, and up to the day of the Regatta extensive preparations were being made to ensure both accommodation and comfort, the gentlemen of the Corporation attending to see that the stands and booths were properly and firmly erected. The Stewards' Stand was in front of Mr. Cooper's house on the Thames side, and that Gentleman set apart a room for their exclusive use. Altogether there were seats for about 10,000 persons, and the innkeepers looked forward for a rich

harvest.

The morning of Friday, unfortunately however, was extremely unpropitious, the rain descending heavily for many hours. About eight o'clock the town of Henley was visited by a tremendous storm, accompanied by loud peals of thunder and extremely vivid flashes of lightning, and we regret to state that the electric fluid entered Mr. Cooper's house in Bell Street, when the chimney fell, and a number of the windows were broken. One of the working men was knocked down, as were two or three other persons in the town, but happily they sustained no serious injury. The state of the weather prevented a vast number of persons being present, and many of the Stands were in consequence but thinly attended. Still several thousand spectators assembled, and, despite of the rain, carriages and other vehicles continued to arrive up to the time fixed for the rowing to commence-in which were a vast number of the fair sex. As the day advanced the weather became finer, and the lovely meadows on the side of the Thames were thronged with visitors. The London and Oxford steamer, with her paddles at her stern, bronght a number of both sexes from the classic city, and barges and other craft well filled with company were moored close in shore on the Bucks side of the river. "Guard-boats" were employed by the Committee to keep the course clear for the rowers, and the order and regularity observed throughout by all parties deserve the greatest praise.

The Committee met at the Town-hall about twelve o'clock, when the Captains of the contending boats attended to toss for the choice of stations, &c. Mr. Bishop, of the Leander Club, undertook the office of Umpire, and he was assisted in his arrangements of starting the boats, &c. by Messrs. Higgins and H. Gibson, Members of the same Club. In addition to these gentlemen, Messrs. Pollock, Dalgleish, and others came up in the Leander boat.

Previous to the Regatta, and also between the various heats, a number of gentlemen were invited to partake of excellent cold collations at the residences of Messrs. Brakspeare, Nash, Hickman, Stubbs, and other gentlemen of the Committee, all of whom evinced an anxious desire to afford every accommodation and comfort to their numerous visitors.

The Cups were displayed on the Stewards' Stand, and excited universal admiration. The grand one, value 100gs., is truly classic, and the symbolical allusions are in perfect order and keeping with the subject they are intended to illustrate. From a rich and boldly chased foot springs a stem composed of water-lilies and bulrushes, on which VOL. XIX.-Second Series.-No. 111.

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