THE GRAND NATIONAL. 233 



Enoch's Repository in Dublin, Mr. Garrett Moore 

 acquired half of him for five hundred and rode him 

 in the Grand Hurdle Race at Croydon in 1877. 

 His next essay was the Grand National of the 

 same year, when, carrying 10 st. 12 lb. and ridden 

 by Mr. Thomas, he ran third. In 1878, though 

 entered for the race, he didn't run, though on 

 paper he appeared to have a chance second to 

 none. 



A great favourite with the general public, who 

 are always partial to a consistent performer, he 

 was heavily backed all over the country on this 

 occasion, though at one time it looked rather 

 doubtful if he would see the post, he having been 

 seized with a muscular affliction after one of his 

 gallops, which so affected him for the moment, that 

 a van was sent for to get him back to his stable. 

 On second thoughts, however, it was thought best 

 not to allow him to stand still, but to keep him 

 moving, a mode of procedure which, though perhaps 

 having a harsh sound about it, was in reality quite 

 the wisest course which could have been adopted. 



The Liberator was a knowing old customer, 

 and quite aware of the difference between the 

 fences at the meetinos round about London and 

 those at Liverpool. The former he would brush 



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