Mr. J. M. Richardson's Writings Collated 



to the post for the big event, being the largest number since 

 the race originated just half a century ago, when Bridegroom, 

 ridden by " Doughey " Burton, won for " Cherry " Angell over 

 a course near Market Harboro' ; and I think that, considering 

 the state of the ground, which, owing to the clayey nature of 

 the soil, was extremely holding, the fact that up to a mile from 

 home upwards of twenty-five of the runners were going strong, 

 speaks well for both horses and riders. 



There was a genuine sporting ring, in fact, throughout the 

 meeting, from start to finish, and that Messrs. Pratt and their 

 energetic secretary, Mr. F. H. Carthcart, who, with Colonel 

 Yardley as guide, philosopher, and friend, worked so hard for 

 a successful issue, deserved the greatest credit for their manage- 

 ment of what, considering the limited time at their disposal, 

 and the huge crowd present, must have been a very arduous 

 task, was the opinion of every one there, including the Stewards 

 of the National Hunt Committee, who were unanimous in their 

 praise. 



THE GRAND NATIONAL 



SOME EXPERIENCES 



By JOHN MAUNSELL RICHARDSON 



{Reproduced by permission of the proprietors of" The Daily Telegraph ") 



" Ye lads who love a steeplechase and danger freely court, sirs, 

 Hark forward all to Liverpool to join the gallant sport, sirs ! 

 The English and the Irish nags are ready for the fray, sirs ; 

 And which may lose, and which may win, 'tis very hard to say, sirs. 

 Chorus : Bow, wow, wow, odds against the favourite, bow, wow, wow ! " 



(Old Song.) 



When exactly seventy years ago a syndicate of sportsmen, 

 who had lately acquired the lease of the Grand Stand and 

 racecourse at Aintree, where from time immemorial the Liver- 

 pool races had been held, desirous of starting their new 



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