12 HISTORY OF THE 



the presence of one of the greatest crowds ever 

 witnessed at Newmarket. Hambletonian started 

 with the lead, which he maintained till the last 

 half mile, when Diamond challenged, and went up to 

 him, A struggle ensued, which all accounts agree 

 to have been one of extraordinary severity, and 

 which excited the feelings of the spectators, to an 

 almost painful extent. Each jockey rode his horse 

 with great steadiness and judgment, but have 

 been accused of a too liberal punishment — a very 

 common fault with the jockies of that day. A 

 crowd of horsemen followed the struggling rivals, 

 and it appears that the general opinion of the spec- 

 tators was that Diamond would prove the winner. 

 So close was the contest, that at even a few strides 

 from the ending post, the horses were head to 

 head, but Hambletonian by a great and final effort, 

 some have said in the very last stride, won by a 

 little more than half a neck. Both horses were 

 much cut and spurred, especially Hambletonian. 

 Diamond was in excellent condition, and was rode 

 by Dennis Fitzpatrick, while Hambletonian was 

 jockied by Buckle, both being esteemed the best 

 jockies of that day. According to the best authori- 

 ties, the four miles were run in about eight minutes 

 and a half. Large sums changed hands on this event, 

 the north country sporting speculators having 

 backed Hambletonian, (a Yorkshire bred horse,) 

 to a large amount, and the Newmarket people 

 taking the odds freely in favour of Diamond. The 



