Friday, March 13th, 1896. 



Meet at Langley Common. Field of about 25, including our 

 friend Mr. Pigg, who was seen earnestly coaching his jockey for the 

 Farmers' Race. Throughout the course the field were on a broad 

 front, and there was no hustling. The going was heavy, and many 

 horses were fairly done by the end of the line. 



There were certainly not more than two falls, and at the roll call 

 at Bannister's Farm (the finish) there were few or no absentees. 



A large contingent of the juniors were so engrossed with a tactical 

 scheme they were unable to get out in time, while others only got up 

 for the second line by dint of much hammering on the "hard high.'' 



Second Line. We started in the water meadows below 

 Bannister's for a semi-circular course to Finchhampstead Church. 

 The first three-quarters of a mile was in the Blackwater Valley, and 

 was very heavy. The last half rode well, especially the turf below 

 the Church, the memorable scene of our cavalry charge at the 

 beginning of the year. The most serious obstacle was the fence out 

 of the road by the schools. This proved too much for one sturdy 

 whip. Owing to the nearness of the Point to Point the bookmakers 

 were out in force on horse, foot, "bikes," and carts of sorts, the 

 field seemed, however, to have scented their presence, and there was 

 a good deal of nursing. Several of the hard riding juniors, never- 

 theless, thrusted well to the front, and we think that in the race it 

 will not be a case of seniores priores. Spectators had a good view of 

 the finish from the high ground near the Church, and were lavish 

 with their remarks on the horsemanship of the riders as they came 

 over the last two flying fences ; one artistic onlooker noticed one or 

 two pretty views effectively framed between horse and rider. 



Most of the remarks were, however, distinctly complimentary, and 

 of these the rider of a big grey horse had the lion's share. It is hard 

 to believe that he was a novice at the game at the beginning of last 

 year. 



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