LIVERPOOL 151 



with Pearl Diver. The pace was very last for the first 

 mile and a half, when it perceptibly slackened, but after 

 passing the stables the second time it was increased. 

 While being congratulated, some thief robbed Lord 

 Poulett of his watch, but it was said that the police 

 afterwards recovered it. Lord Poulett also won the 

 two next events, the Hunter's Steeplechase and Hurdle 

 Handicap Plate. 



This year Mr. Topham turned a portion of the stand 

 into stalls and private boxes, so that those who chose to 

 pay an extra fee could see the racing without the incon- 

 venience of crowding. The race was set for a quarter 

 to four to give Manchester men a chance of being 

 present. At no previous Grand National perhaps was 

 there a scene of greater enthusiasm ; and it appeared as 

 though that popular amateur horseman, Mr. Thomas, 

 would have been draesfed from the saddle. The Lamb 

 was almost carried into the enclosure by the crowd, and 

 so tightly was he wedged in that he had no room to kick 

 had he desired to do so. 



The race of the year was memorable in consequence 

 of Lord Poulett's dream, the particulars of which appear 

 in the following letter written by Lord Poulett to Mr. 

 Thomas : — 



'■'■Thursday Night, Dec. 15. 

 "Army and Navy Club, London, S.W. 



"My Dear Tommy, — Let me know for certain whether you can 

 ride for me at Liverpool 07i The Lamb. I dreamt twice last night I 

 saw the race run. The first dream he was last and finished amongst 

 the carriages. The second dream, I should think an hour afterivards, 

 I saw the Liverpool run. He won four lengths, and you rode him, and 

 I stood close to the winning-post at the turn. I saw the cerise and 

 blue sleeves, and you, as plain as I write this. Now let me know 

 as soon as you can, and say nothing to any one. — Yours sincerely, 



" Poulett." 



William Henry, sixth Earl Poulett, who had leased 

 The Lamb for his racing career, died at 60 Queen's 



