TMK llACIN i SEASON, 1844. 



301 



THE RACING SEASON, 1844. 



The Racing Season of 1844 will long be had in remembrance 

 from the excitement caused by the deep laid schemes of 

 rascality which were brought to light in the Running Rein, 

 Leander, and other cases. Likewise for the energy and 

 spirit displayed by Lord George Bentinck in clearing the 

 Grand Stands of defaulters and swindlers ; as well as for 

 the celebrated qui tarn proceedings. May we hope that 

 these things will restore the Turf to its pristine lustre. 



But leaving these proceedings with this passing remark, 

 we come to the more legitimate sport. The season as 

 usual commenced at Coventry, and also as usual there was 

 nothing to require remark. Warwick followed in its wake ; 

 but we do not meet with anything to interest us until we 

 reach Northampton, where Vitellius ran off with the Great 

 Northamptonshire Handicap in gallant style. 



At Epsom Spring Meeting the fact of Sir Gilbert Heath- 

 cote saving his fifty pound present by Akbar, caused some 

 talk for the Derby. 



Knight of the Whistle, although unsuccessful at North- 

 ampton, proved himself a good and lasting nag by carrying 

 off the Gold Cup at Croxteth Park in first rate style. 

 While Naworth's place in the Granby gave his noble owner 

 some hopes of his utility at last. 



The Newmarket Craven was ushered in with fine weather, 

 but the sport was but moderate. The unmistakeable style 

 in which Ratan cut down his opponents, left nothing on 

 that head to be desired. The other Derby nags who came 

 off with flying colours were confined to Vattel and Orlando, 



