the equally congregated host assembled to enjoy the gay and enchanting scene which presented itself in Gorhambury Park on the 7th and 8th of May, to witness our more peaceful National Sport! Races have been established at St. Alban's for several years, but this is the second of their being held in the Park of the Noble Earl of Verulam. Formerly the course was at No-Man's-Land, a most dreary and barren waste: it is now removed, through the kindness of the good old Earl, to one of the most delightful situations for the purpose in the kingdom. As you enter the gates of the Park, the beautiful variations of hill and dale cannot fail to attract the attention of the spectator. The art of man has been tastefully called in aid to assist the works of Nature. The interior of the Park is beautifully wooded, which, added to the gay adornments of a race-course, produce a most pleasing effect. I shall, however, be brief in my remarks, and proceed at once to a description of the Races, merely observing that the general arrangements, under the direction of the Stewards, gave the highest satisfaction, and that all classes joined in expressing their thanks to the Noble Earl for the interest he has taken in, and the patronage afforded to, this now influential Meeting. The first race was the Ladies Plate of 50 sovs. for maiden horses, weight for age; the winner to be sold for 120 sovs.; Fir Clump in.— Betting: 3 to 1 agst Guardsman.—Mr. Coleman's b. m. Olive, 4 yrs, ridden by W. Coleman, took the lead; Mr. Ongley's br. g. Liliputian, h. b., 6 yrs (Morgan), second; Mr. Brand's ch. g. Borak, 6 yrs (Sly), Mr. Sawyer's b. m. Tittle Tattle, 4 yrs (Perrin), Mr. Dockeray's b. h. Guardsman, 4 yrs (Butler), Mr. Whittington's br. m. by Falcon, 6 yrs, (Brick), Mr. King's b. c. Harmodius, by Augustus, 3 yrs (a lad), and Mr Cowley's b. g. Spangle, h. b. (M'Donald), all in a cluster. Borak took the lead when a mile from home, and at the distance Guardsman, who had been close upon him, passed him, and won by a clear length. The Gorhambury Stakes (Handicap) was the great attraction, and produced eighteen horses to contend for it. It was a subscription of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft., and 5 only if declared; Fir Clump in; eighty-three subs., sixty-one of whom paid 5 sovs. The amount of the Stakes was £865. Betting: 5 to 1 agst Adrian, 6 to 1 agst Hahneman, 8 to 1 agst Ruby, 8 to 1 agst Antler, 12 to 1 agst Calmuck, 15 to 1 each agst Wee Willie and Bullcalf.-Mr. Worrall's Antler, 3 yrs, 5st. (Howlett), made the running, General Grosvenor's ch. h. Dædalus, 4 yrs, 6st. 10ft. (a lad), being second, and the others of the light weight division being close at hand. A mile from home Hahneman, 4 yrs, 6st. 8fb. (a lad), went in front; Mr. Coleman's b. h. Calmuck, 6 yrs, 8st. 2lb. (Coleman), Mr. King's b. h. Ruby, 5 yrs, 7st. 9fb. (Sly), Captain Williamson's Mervan, 5 yrs, 7st. 3lb. (Natt), and Mr. Foster's b. h. Combat, 6 yrs, 8st. 71b. (Wm. Sadler), all well up. Before reaching the distance Hahneman gave place to Calmuck, who went in first, with Mervan second, and Ruby third. The following were not able to obtain places Lord Exeter's Adrian, 5 yrs, 7st. 11fb. (Mann); Mr. Meiklam's Wee Willie, 4 yrs, 7st. 71b. (Cartwright); Mr. Garrard's Cornborough, 5 yrs, 7st. 3b. (Balchin); Mr. Bond's Voluptuary, 5 yrs, 7st. (W. Boyce); Mr. Shelley's Paraquay, 4 yrs, 7st. (Wakefield); Lord Albemarle's Bullcalf, 4 yrs, 6st. 11lb. (Cotton); Mr. Theobald's : Caligula, 4 yrs, 6st. 10fb.; Captain Pearson's Davie Gellatley, 4 yrs, 6st. 9fb.; Mr. Dockeray's Brush, 4 yrs, 6st. 8fb.; Mr. Curwen's Isabella, (late Maid of Hertford), 4 yrs, 6st. 4fb.; and Mr. Fox's Taunton, all of which last were ridden by lads.-Calmuck hung on the rails at the finish so much as to induce many of the spectators to imagine he interfered with Mervan, but the rider of the latter horse did not feel that it called for any complaint. Combat broke down. The Ladies' Stakes of 5 sovs. each-horses and riders to be named by Ladies-with an addition of 25 sovs., induced seven steeds, with their gaily-attired riders, to appear at the post. It was easily won by Paulina, named by Mrs. Theobald, and ridden by Mr. Curwen. There were two heats for it, the Cherry Tree Course. In each heat Harold, named by Mrs. Phillimore, was second. In the first heat he was ridden by Mr. Webber, and in the second by Captain Becher. The other horses which started were, Ruby, Bertha, Victoria, Liliputian, and Eva, which five were content with one heat. The weights of each were 11st. 10fb., with an additional 7fb. for the thorough-bred ones. The last race of the day was the Reserve Plate of 50 sovs. for all ages. It was won at two heats by Mr. Parr's Malton, 5 yrs (Owner), beating Tenebrosa, Caligula, Kensington, Borak, Sir Felix, and Bustle. In the first heat Caligula cut out the work to the distance, when Malton defeated him with ease. Tenebrosa led in the second heat to about the same place, when she met with the same fate. On Wednesday five horses came to the post for the Town Plate of 50 sovs.; three-year-olds carrying 7st.; four, 8st. 7fb.; five, 9st.; six and aged, 9st. 5fb.; heats; Fir Clump in; the winner to be sold for 200.Mr. Dockeray's Guardsman, 4 yrs (Butler), allowed Mr. Shepherd's Tenebrosa, 3 yrs (Balchin), to win the first heat. In the second he guarded her to the ropes, where he most ungallantly defeated her, and won cleverly. The third heat might have been won by the mare had her youthful rider been more experienced. The Guardsman, however, tired her out, and won the Plate. The other three were Mr. Parr's b. m. The Howdy, 5 yrs (Owner), Mr. Adams's Anne, 4 yrs (Sly), and Mr. Ongley's b. m. Harriet.-The betting on the first heat: even on Guardsman agst the Field: in the second, even on Tenebrosa, and in the third, 2 to 1 on Guardsman. Next came the Verulam Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 50 added; three-year-olds, 6st. 7lb.; four, 8st. 3fb.; Verulam Course, one mile.Five also appeared for this race, General Grosvenor's Dedalus, 4 yrs (Boyce), being the winner; Mr. Worrall's Antler, 3 yrs (Cotton), second; Lord Chesterfield's colt, by Starch or Mulatto, 3 yrs (Francis), third; Mr. Coleman's Bristolian, 4 yrs (Coleman), fourth; Mr. Curry's Kensington, 4 yrs (Wakefield), last.-Betting: 7 to 4 agst Antler, 3 to 1 agst Lord Chesterfield's colt, 3 to 1 agst the winner.-Kensington had the lead to the last mile, where they appeared all together: at the distance the winner got in front, and maintained his place to the end. Seven came to run for the Kingsbury Stakes of 5 sovs. each, with a pony added by the Fund; the winner to be sold for 150 sovs. should any person desire to become possessed of him at that price; the Stand Course. In this race the Gentlemen were again required to exhibit their equestrian skill. Mr, Parr won on his own horse Malton, beating Mr. Webber on Harold, Captain Becher on Mr. Coleman's Victoria, Mr. Armstrong on Colverstown, Oliver on Mr. Anderson's Vandyke, Mr. Bishop on Pilot (late The Flyer), and Mr. Nighingale on Ada, all of which are aged except Malton, who is five, and Harold six-years-old. Colverstown appeared to run away with his rider for some distance, and Malton won with ease. There was a Match, won by Mr. Sutton's Peasdorf beating Mr. Blythe's Meteor, but it does not deserve the name of a race. The sport was concluded by a Handicap Stake of 3 sovs. each, with 30 added, T. Y. C., seven subs.-Mr. Balchin's b. m. Launchaway, by Tarrare, dam by Waxy, 4 yrs, 8st. (Wakefield), was the gallant winner, beating Meteor, 7st. 5lb.; Susan, 6st. 12b.; Peasdorf, 6 yrs, 8st. 7lb.; Malton, 6 yrs, 9st.; and Paulina 8st. 11fb. Another Match was walked over for by Harold, for which The Miller paid. 66 no There was also a Cup for horses the property of Farmers, the conditions for which required that three horses should run. There were only three entered, and one, not fancying his horse so good as either of the others, refused to start him, and consequently it was go." It is a pity that such jealousy should exist as is invariably to be seen amongst this worthy class of the community, who of all other men ought to go hand-in-hand. Whenever there is a Farmers' Race, it almost always causes a wrangle, CARTEIA STEEPLE CHASE. Gibraltar, April 25, 1839. THE mania for Steeple-chasing is not confined to your countrymen at home-it is breaking out among them abroad; and though "Cæsar or nothing" is not exactly our motto-having neither Bechers nor M'Donoughs, nor such clippers as Lottery and the nags of Ould Ireland to boast of-yet had you been present at the Carteia Steeple-chase on the 23rd instant, you would have seen perhaps the most sporting thing that ever came off on Spanish ground. The conditions were, a subscription of 10 dollars, h. ft., weight for age-four-year-olds, 10st. 10fb.; five, 11st. 3fb.; six, 11st. 7fb.; aged, 11st. 10fb.-Barbs to carry 4lb. extra.-3fb. allowed to mares and geldings. The spot selected by the Stewards-Colonel Bridgeman (our highly esteemed M. F. H.), Colonel Harris, and Major Garrett, 46th Reg was the Spanish race-course, extending on either side of the road to St. Roque, about two miles from Gibraltar, in the neighbourhood of the village of Carteia, from which the Steeple-chase derived its namethus to obviate the pipe-clay impressions so inseparably connected in our minds with Gibraltar. Under their direction a most fair and sporting course was laid out: it was a circular one of two miles, containing four hurdles four feet high, two ditches between ten and twelve feet wide (a third was objected to on the score of the banks not being sound), a stone wall four feet, and some four or five fences in crossing the gardens near Campo-quite stiff enough, Mr. Editor, for Spanish horses which average about 14-2 hands, and very creditable to the enterprising spirit of the riders, when the weight placed upon these small horses, in addition to their being quite unaccustomed to any kind of fencing, is taken into consideration.-Eight came to the post :-- Mr. Davenport's (Com. Dep.) br. g. Contrabandista, aged, 11st. 7lb... Mr. Torrens, R. A. Some had compounded with their consciences for a collar-bone, and all expected the ups and downs of life to be exemplified. I respect the delicacy which forbids me to particularise; but can you, Mr. Editor, help espying that sporting-looking rider, and the fine condition of his black horse! For pluck and for pace he knows that nothing can compete with him! the confidence of a winner reposes in his keen blue eye. Look again, though, at that likely-looking mare, and the neat little man upon her! observe his coolness, and the elegance of his seat; such hands too as he is known to have !-(poeta is neither here nor there, but undeniably MANUS nascitur non fit)—I protest it is Bow!...... but I am getting personal, so I must have them started. "Gentlemen, are you ready?"—" Off!" says Colonel Bridgeman.They are at the first fence; two take it, six refuse!—At it again..............crash it goes; the next, the rails: Hedgestake floors them, and his rider too. But while each fence "unfolds a tale," where are Slashing Harry and the mare? There they go, flying everything in almost English style! They have cleared the ditch-they're coming at the wall. Well done, Bow! they neither of them laid a toe to it; but one mistake, and Slashing Harry wins; the mare though has the turn of speed-her rider knows it, and he does not force the running. She's at the post, a gallant winner, and was never headed; Slashing Harry a good second, ridden throughout in very good gentlemanlike style by the Hon. Capt. Pelham, who shewed his good taste in not inflicting useless punishment on a horse that could not go the pace. Mr. Morrill, A. D. C. (and Huntsman to the Calpe), rode in; the others hic et ubique-nowhere. For the second race-a Post Entrance Sweepstakes of 4 dollars added: four-year-olds, 10st.; five, 10st. 7fb.; six and aged, 10st. 10lb.six started:--- Mr. Morrill's (A. D. C.) bl. h. Dick Turpin, aged Owner. Mr. Sherlock's (82nd Reg.) b. h. Hedgestake, aged...... Owner. Mr. Davenport's (Com. Dep.) br. g. Contrabandista, aged, Mr. Bromley, 48th Reg. Hon. Captain Pelham, R. N. Mr. Bathurst, R. A. At the last ditch, about three quarters of a mile from home, Turpin fell, and Hedgestake led to the last fence, which they cleared together, Turpin winning easily. Three of the other horses gave their riders bad falls, and the Spaniards in their simplicity, but with true Samaritan kindness, offered the assistance of the Priest from Carteia to confess them. His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge was on the course, and seemed to take great interest in the performance of his old acquaintances of the Calpe Hunt, among whom his great good humor and affability during the season have rendered him deservedly popular. The fences had created great curiosity among the Spaniards, and one old Scorpion (as the inhabitants of Gibraltar are called) employed in making them declared, that since he had been on the Rock, which was twenty years, he had never known such locos (madmen) in the Garrison as there are at present. Their surprise at the manner in which the horses took them actually knew no bounds; they rode round the course at score, rending the very air with carrachos, expressive of their admiration. And now they see that Johnny (as they call us) can ride a few, we trust that the Calpe Hunt will meet with still more favor in their sight, though, to do them justice, they never have been half so hostile to it as Johnny would be in his own country to any foreigners who might think fit to ride over his fields and fences, saying nothing of his corn or seeds. Unanimous thanks were accorded to the Stewards for thus upholding the sport of the Garrison, and to Mr. Merritt as the first promoter of the race, and under whose superintendence the fences were made. It is also very satisfactory to know that the fallen riders are, without exception, doing well, and likely to ride again another year: so, with best wishes that Fox-hunting and Racing, and sport in all its branches, may run on true and steadily, both here and everywhere, I remain, A MEMBER OF THE CALPE HUNT. LOUTHERBOURG. Engraved by J. R. Scort from a Painting by W. WOMBILL. LOUTHERBOURG, a brown colt, foaled in 1834, now the property of Mr. Theobald, bred by Mr. Holbrook, was got by Mameluke, dam Fancy by Smolensko out of Miss Chance by Trinidad. PERFORMANCES. 1837.-August 3rd, at Goodwood, Loutherbourg ran fourth for the Members' Plate of £50 with 50 added, the winner to be sold for £350 if demanded, being beaten by Skilleygolee; Lady Anna second, and The Glama third. 1838.-August 1st, Loutherbourg, 4 yrs, 7st. lib., won the Goodwood Stakes of 25 sovs. cach, valued at £1025, beating St. Luke, 5 yrs, 8st. 7fb., and Heron, 5 yrs, 8st. 5fb.--Betting: 10 to 1 against him.-For this race the Stakes were withheld in consequence of a dispute concerning his pedigree; but, on a decision of the Jockey Club in his favor, were eventually paid over. August 8th, Loutherbourg won the Brighton Stakes of 25 sovs. each, with 100 added, valued at £360, weight 7st. 11lb., two miles, beating Guava, 3 yrs, 5st., Pincher, aged, 7st. 131b, and two others. August 15th, he won the Lewes Stakes of 20 sovs. each, £50 added, valued at £185, weight 8st. 1fb., one mile and a half, beating Bay Hampton, 3 yrs, 6st. 71b.; Bodice, aged, 7st. 10lb., and Pincher, aged, 8st. He was rode by Wakefield in each race. |