1 88 



with horsemen and vehicles of every description from the Lieutenant- 

 Governor's well-appointed mail phaeton and Lord William's coach — 

 to the humble ticca. 



Punctually to time, the paper put in an appearance, carried by the 

 " Jumpin>i Brothers,'' who at once proceeded to business, accompanied 

 by those on wheels, and the greater number of the on-lookers who had 

 got the tip that a good view of the chase could be got further down the 

 road — a tip which facts did not belie — as just before reaching the junc- 

 tion of the Red Road we came upon a good strong hurdle with an 

 uncompromising bamboo along the top, and a mud wall, both of which 

 obstacles the paper-carriers took like their morning gram. A few 

 minutes later a tremendous rattling down the road announced that the 

 field had started, and a few seconds brought them in sight, " Mr. Grenoul " 

 on a marvellous jumping pony that should have something to say to the 

 Pony Hurdle Race at the "Holiday Sky Meet," and Mr. "Mount- 

 flummery " on Mr. Mac's flippant fencer " Rob Roy " leading, Captain A. 

 de Sea, Mr. Nilloc, the " Bounding Jockey" and "The Major" in close 

 attendance. The leaders, as usual, made short work of the fences, but 

 the Gallery was treated to a magnificent display of fancy horsemanship 

 by some of the ruck, an enthusiast being left reclining when we moved 

 on to the finish. I could not help thinking, as I drove on, that the first 

 hurdle, like the Frenchman's Robin, would last that sportsman the 

 season if his reins held out. 



After passing the open, the course bent round to the right, intro- 

 ducing a double and the Red Road to be crossed, then through a bit 

 of jungle, and again into the open in the popular locality for finishes, 

 from which it again disappeared in the direction of Tollygunge, being 

 brought back by a counter-march over some moist m.ud walls, a water 

 jump, another double, and a final hurdle to the neighbourhood of the 

 sheep-pens. 



The pace throughout was quicker than ordinary, owing in a great 

 measure to the open line judiciously selected. Captain A. de Sea, Mrs. 



and Mr. Cochin China racing for the lead, but a crofrper put 



the last mentioned practically out of court, although he arrived in time 

 to cut a second voluntary at the last hurdle, before more than half a 

 dozen horses, and the plucky boy, who seldom blimders, no doubt fell 

 from sheer exhaustion. I expect, however, to see him take a very 

 forward position in the paperchase hurdle Cup on Wednesday next. 



When the field hove in sight, Captain A. de Sea was leading, 



Mrs. close behind. Lord William just closing a considerable 



gap on " Advance." Nearing home the leader was evidently in trouble, 



and Mrs. calling resolutely on old " Champion," sent him 



racing pace at the final hurdle, which he cleared a length ahead of 

 " Mariner," Lord William whom everybody was glad to see out again, 



