THE GRAND NATIONAL. 145 



The Race. 



There was a slight sprinkhng of snow when the 

 horses appeared on the course to take their prehmi- 

 nary canter, otherwise there was nothing to complain 

 of as regards the weather. Arrived at the post, the 

 start was delayed for some little while by the vagaries 

 of Acrobat, who first of all bolted, and when brought 

 back, Captain Machell's horse stuck his toes out and 

 resolutely refused to move, being eventually taken 

 back to his stable. When at last Mr. McGeorore 

 got them away, Meanwood, who had poached some 

 lengths, proceeded to make the running at a cracking 

 pace. 



Market Gardener and Tumbler refused the first 

 fence. The rest, in the centre of whom were Alci- 

 biade. Hall Court, and Tony Lumpkin, went on to 

 Becher's Brook, which they all negotiated in safety. 

 From this point, at least a quarter of a mile divided 

 the first and last horses. Before reaching the race- 

 course, Meanwood came back to his field, Arbury 

 taking up the running in his place. Approaching 

 the water, the latter was joined by Joe Maley, the 

 pair clearing it together, Merrimac, Emblem, and 

 Flyfisher heading the others, and Tumbler and The 

 Dwarf tailed off last. 



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