STEEPLECHA SING. 



613 



The last few pages on Steeplechasing, for most of which I am deeply indebted 

 to my friend Mr. W. C. A. Blew, had scarcely been penned when news reached us 

 of the death of Mr. John Purdon, of Cloneymore in County Meath, the owner of 

 Ascetic, the most successful modern sire of steeplechasers, whose stock were still 

 counting the Grand National among their victories some six years after the good 

 horse's death. He was by Hermit out of Lady Alicia, and therefore traced back 

 through Newminster to Touchstone, and through Testy to Venison. Between 1 896 

 and 1903 (to April 24) his get won 169 races, worth close on ,25,000; and 



" Drumcree " (Grand National, 1903). 



Drumcrees victory in the Grand National repeats what Cloister did ten years ago. 

 Four of the Ascetics ran in the last great race at Aintree besides the winner, who 

 was foaled and reared in Ireland, his breeder being Mr. C. Hope, of Westmeath ; 

 and his dam, U'itc/iiug Hour, was full of Stockivcl/ and Touchstone blood, as she 

 showed in her jumping and lasting powers across country. Owing to the presence 

 of her daughter, Pride of Mabestoiun, with Drnincree in 1903, we saw the first 

 instance of a full brother and sister racing for the same Grand National. Hackler, 

 son of Petrarch, gets many good winners on the flat as well as across country, and 

 VOL. in. v 



