2 14 STEEPLECHASING 



three jumping the water nearly abreast, but Father 

 O'Leary taking off too soon jumped short and came 

 down, while Mayflower, blundering on landing, threw 

 the reins over her head and was at once out of the race. 

 At the last fence of all Emperor III. and General 

 Williams were side by side, but the former was the 

 quicker away of the two after landing, and gradually 

 drawing out won with something in hand by half-a- 

 dozen lengths ; a bad third. 



1868 



The Grand National Hunt Committee this year 

 broke through one of their rules, viz., that which 

 provided that the Grand National Hunt Steeplechase 

 should take place over a different course every year, 

 as, for the second year in succession, it took place at 

 Bedford. 



Mr. S. J. Welfitt's "Tathwell," 6 yrs., 



12 St. 6 lb Mr. Brockton i 



Lord Poulett's "Father O'Leary," aged, 



12 St. 10 lb „ Edwards 2 



Mr. F. Toynbee's "Daniel O'Rourke," 



aged, 12 St. TO lb Capt. Smith . 3 



Four others started. Betting : — 4 to i Tathwell ; 5 to 2 Father 

 O'Leary ; 5 to i Daniel O'Rourke. 



Joseph was first away, followed by Daniel O'Rourke, 

 and on rising the hill the field spread out. Tathwell 

 was first over the water, while Reginald refused and 

 eventually fell into the water, and on being re- 

 mounted refused at the next fence. Daniel O'Rourke 

 presently reached the leader, though on rounding 

 the flag at the bottom turn Mr. Brockton, keeping 

 to the left, once more held a clear lead until 



