348 HISTOEY OF THE ROYAL BUCKHOUNDS AND ASCOT RACES. 



session of the owner from October before starting, and had 

 been regularly hunted with the Duke's hounds,* carrying 

 12 stone," was won by Captain Vernon's bay gelding, Blaze, 

 by winning the first two heats ffom Mr, Walker's bay gelding, 

 Orphan, and Mr. Wimbourn's bay gelding. The same day the 

 50/. Plate, for the huntsmen, yeomen prickers of the Royal 

 Buckhounds, and Keepers of Windsor Forest, was run for, and 

 won by Mr. Ricket's bay mare. Flora, by taking the first two 

 heats from Mr. Ives' chestnut gelding, Saucebox, Mr. Canada's 

 [Kennedy] chestnut gelding. Pea Cagen, and Mr. Johnson's 

 bay gelding. Viper. On the Wednesday the Plate of 50^. was 

 run for by four-year-old horses that never won above 50 

 guineas at one time (matches excepted), carrying 9 stone, two 

 mile heats, and was won by Mr. Burford's bay horse, Coomb, 

 by landing the second and third heats from Lord Craven's 

 grey horse, Anthony (which got the first heat), and Mr. 

 Everett's bay horse. Creeper (which came in last in each 

 heat). On the Thursday the Plate of 50^. was run for, open 

 to any hoi'se, etc., that never won more than 50 guineas at 

 one time (matches excepted), carrying weight for age — viz., 

 five-year-olds, 9 stone ; six-year-olds, 10 stone ; and those of full 

 age, 10 stone 9 lb. Three started for this race : Mr. Rogers' 

 grey horse. Garland, and two others to qualify ; but upon a 

 dispute arising the Plate was withheld. 



1754. — In July the King hunted with the Royal Buck- 

 hounds in the vicinity of Windsor Forest. The meets were 

 well attended " by persons of distinction " during this season, 

 and also by the usual followers of the pack. The Duke of 

 Cumberland still represented royalty at the head of the hunt ; 

 nevertheless. His Royal Highness contemplated to yield that 



* In the programme the conditions for this race stipulated that the horses 

 had been " regularly hunted with H.R.H. the Duke's Hounds, or any real Pack 

 of Staghounds, which must be certified by the Master of the Hounds he has 

 hunted with, and has never won a plate or match but a Staghunter's plate." 

 The horse that won two heats in any of those races not to be obliged to start 

 for a third. Entries to be made at Sunninghill Wells, on August 6. The 

 entrance remained unaltered, except for those entering at the post, which was 

 raised from 3 to 5 guineas. 



