1877] UTTOXETER STEEPLECHASES. 397 



second, Nobleman third. In the Redcoat Steeplechase there were five entries, 

 all of which went to the post. Inez, from his previous performance, was favourite, 

 and in the hands of that accomplished cross-country rider, the late Master of the 

 Dove Valley Harriers,* won a good race ; Claudine, ridden in a most determined 

 manner by Mr. George Thorneycroft, making a good fight for second place. 

 Prince Charlie fell, and Grey Friars, showing more temper than was good 

 for either himself or his rider, was stopped early in the race. The Tradesmen's 

 Steeplechase had the rattling good entry of sixteen. Thirteen started, and some 

 fun was anticipated, but all took the water-jump in gallant style. The second 

 fence was disastrous, as two saddles were emptied, and at the next fence Brown 

 Stout was cannoned against, and came to grief; his rider, Mr. F. Cotton, who 

 falls as well as he rides, got a good shake, but appeared none the worse for it. 

 The first heat resulting in a clever win for Rocket, who just beat Strathmore on 

 the post ; Mistletoe, third. In the next heat the knowing ones made Strathmore 

 favourite, but he, after getting over the water, bolted out of the course into the 

 crowd, upsetting a young lady in a very summary fashion. He never again got on 

 terms with the leader, and the result was, that Rocket, well ridden by his jockey, 

 Mr. Power, came in an easy winner, but was subsequently disqualified, having 

 won the previous race, the Draycott Steeplechase, value fifty pounds. The Pony 

 race came last, but was not the least in public estimation, as the little ones were 

 evidently the pets of the ladies. They were a very good lot, in fact, so level, 

 with the exception of Jessie, who was known to be a wonder in fencing, and the 

 Crab, who was said to be as clever as a cat, no one knew " which was which." 

 The result of the race was a clever win for the Baker, well-ridden by Mr. Morris ; 

 Harkaway, who is more accustomed to the road than the turf, ran an exciting 

 second ; Diana, third. Jessie and Crab, clever as they were, each came a 

 cropper, and extinguished their chance early in the race, but the pluck of the 

 riders brought them to the end. So finished one of the best, if not the very best 

 4ay's sport ever held in this old Meynell sporting country. In fact, so pleased 

 were all concerned in the management, that next year we may expect a better 

 meeting, if that is possible. 



* Mr. F. Cotton. 



END OF VOL. I. 



PBIKTED Br WILLIAM CLOWES AND SOKS, LIMITED, LO.NDOS AND BECCLES. 



