A STEEPLECHASE IN REDFORDSHIRE IN THE THIRTIES 



CHAPTER VII 



VARIOUS RACES 



1820-1837 



December 1820 



BY the year 1820 we find a chronicler of the time 

 stating that the system of steeplechasing, dangerous 

 in the extreme, had become a favourite amusement with 

 the young fox-hunters of the day. Two of them, at any 

 rate, members of the New Farley Hunt, in Hampshire, 

 proved their liking for steeplechasing by making a match 

 to ride a sixteen-mile race over a country for 200 guineas. 

 They started near Hartford Bridge and finished near 

 Mortimer, and between these two points lay Strathfield- 

 saye, whose park was to be skirted. Mr. Price and Mr. 

 O'Connor rode their own horses, and there was much 

 betting upon the result. What part the guides played 



in the contest we are not told, but they were elected 



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