FAMOUS CHASERS AXD THEIR RIDERS. 379 



Voluptuary, who won five years before, and had not been seen 

 out in the interval, ran, but made no show in the race. 



Probably there never was so disastrous a National as that 

 of 1890, for of sixteen horses that went to the post only five 

 finished the course without a fall. The favourite was Ilex, a 

 six-year-old of very modest antecedents, and handicapped 

 accordingly. Ilex had been bought out of a selling steeplechase 

 for 250 guineas, but when sent to be trained at Epsom by the 

 late John Nightingall improved so gready that high hopes 

 were formed of him ; and they were justified. The horse, 

 a son of Rostrevor, started favourite at 4 to i, a mare called 

 Bellona being next to him in the 'market.' Voluptuary, who 

 had won six years before and was now twelve years old, 

 also had many friends. He was among the fallers, however, 

 as were those exceptionally safe jumpers. Frigate, Gamecock — 

 both previous winners, and on other occasions runners up — 

 Why Not, and Battle Royal. Ilex, ridden by Arthur Nightin- 

 gall, the trainer's son, escaped the accidents which befell the 

 great majority of his companions, and won easily by a dozen 

 lengths from a wretch called Pan, against whom odds of 100 

 to I had been freely offered. Another 100 to i chance, 

 Brunswick by name, was fourth. Why Not has been men- 

 tioned as one that fell, but still he finished fifth. He came 

 down heavily, and his rider and part owner, Mr. C. J. Cunning- 

 ham, was very severely shaken, so severely indeed that he 

 felt the effect for many months afterwards; but dazed and 

 sprained as he was he got into the saddle and did his utmost 

 to catch the leaders, who were far in front of him when he 

 could set his horse going again. Why Not on this occasion 

 carried 12 st. 5 lbs., and there were, as usual in these cases, 

 many who protested that he would certainly have won if he 

 had stood up. Such opinions are frequently found to prevail 

 about horses that have fallen, though, of course, it is absolutely 

 impossible to say what 'might' have happened, for a horse that 

 is croino; well is often beaten in a few strides, and one mistake at a 

 fence frequently destroys what has appeared an excellent chance. 



