THE GRAND NATIONAL. 149 



much out of his ground in the race, which must 

 have had a very different result had Captain 

 Tempest, unfortunately weakened by illness, been 

 able to do justice to Hall Court. 



A most formidable rival was removed when 

 Arbury fell at Becher's Brook the second time 

 round, whilst there were many to declare, 

 as there usually are on these occasions, that 

 had the mighty L'Africaine not been prevented 

 at the last moment from starting, owing to an 

 accident (he was cast in his box cii route to 

 Hednesford, and much cut about), the result would 

 have been different. 



Unless the general public are well on the winner, 

 it is never what you may call a popular victory, and 

 so it was in this case. They were prejudiced 

 against Alcibiade, on account of his age, his weight, 

 and his inexperience ; whilst they ridiculed the idea 

 that a swell in the Guards, who, according to their 

 ideas would naturallv "et himself fit for the ordeal 

 on brandies and sodas and big cigars, could hope 

 for success in such a long and arduous ride as the 

 Grand National. 



