OSBALDESTOX'S MATCH. 359 



half the weight on his back, double the distance, in half the time 

 named or even under half, if there be any semblance of truth in 

 the modern theory of weight, and its iuiluence on speed. Ac- 

 cording to the old dictum, that seven pounds is equal to a dis- 

 tance of 120 yards, in a four-mile race, as between equal horses, 

 ninety-two pounds, or the difference between 15 stone and 

 118 lbs.. Southern six-year-old weight, would be equal to at 

 least one mile in four, if both animals were ridden over the 

 same course, or the same country. 



The training, moreover, of thoroughbreds for the hunting- 

 field is exceedingly similar, in all respects, to that of racers for 

 four-mile heats; except that, probably, the former are com- 

 monly somewhat higher in flesh ; though I think I have seen 

 horses start, on the Union Com-se, quite as full of flesh as I have 

 ever seen a thoroughbred hunter in ITorthampton or Leicester- 

 shire. 



What is true of the hunter, is no less, but far more, true of 

 the steeple chaser, who is invariably thoroughbred — ^if he be 

 not, he has not a chance of being any where — and who is put 

 carrying heavy man-weight, to perform the severest, most try- 

 ing, most exhausting and cruellest exertions, for which horse- 

 flesh can be called upon. 



In proof of what I have here put forward, we will cast a 

 glance at the most remarkable match against time that has been 

 ridden within the memory of man, I mean that of Osbaldeston, 

 to ride two hundred miles, within ten hours, over the Newmar- 

 ket Kound course, in 1831 — a feat which he performed in 7h. 

 19m. is. — or adding Ih. 22m. 56s. for stoppages, in 8h. 42m. 



In this match Mr. Osbaldeston weighed 11 stone, or 

 154 lbs. — it is not clearly stated whether this is net weight, or 

 includes his saddle — and rode twenty-eight horses — all of them, 

 of course, thoroughbreds, though not one of any previous celeb- 

 rity, or standing on the turf as racers of reputation, dividing 

 the distance into four-mile heats, for his own convenience and 

 the facility of changing. 



Nineteen of the twenty-eight he rode more than once. Six- 

 teen performed two heats each, and averaged their four miles 

 in 8m. 30s., with an infinitesiu:al fraction, two of them falling 

 lame, and the weather being extremely bad throughout, and 



