1^72-73] Frank Beers Diaries. 1 29 



Stoke Park, short back through the Gardens, past the 

 front of the house pointing for the Colonel's covert, 

 turned to the left up to the canal ; here the hounds 

 caught view, they never left him, but raced him to death 

 before he could reach the Park Wood. 



'' His Royal Highness saw the whole, and rode 

 pluckily and well. I had the honour of presenting him 

 with the brush, for which he kindly thanked me. Also 

 he paid me a high compliment in saying 'I had shown 

 the best sport of any pack in England.' He said also: — 

 " You had the best sport in England last year." His 

 Royal Highness was obliged to go by an early train, so 

 left for Wakefield for luncheon. Did no more worth 

 recording. I rode Rub-a-Dub and Quinton. 16 couples 

 dogs. 



"March i8th. — Preston Capes. Found near Fawsley^ 

 ran to Preston Church Wood on to Canons Ashby. A 

 fearful snowstorm came on, and we lost the fox. Found 

 in Allithorn, ran fast towards Sulgrave, turned short 

 to the right past Colonel Hutchinson's covert on ta 

 Plumpton Wood, back to Weston and killed him. An 

 hour and ten minutes, a most capital run. I rode 

 Stepaway, he carried me brilliantly, and Ensign." 



April nth. — Ended the season at Sootfield Green. 

 Charles (William) Wheatley, first whipper-in ; Tom 

 Smith, second whip. 



1872-73- 



'' 1872, Nov. 18th. — First day of the season. Met at 

 Foster's Booth. Found in Drayson's osier-bed, away 

 over the brook at a good pace, ran to Stowe, leaving 

 the village on the right, pointing for Lichborough, bore 

 away over the hill pointing for the barracks, but the fox 

 was headed ; he made his point by leaving Weedon 



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