-^ Reign of (jiieen Victoria, 1837- 1901 



Mr, F. Challands, of Newmarket, became responsible for 

 building the stable, and fifty-eight stalls were ready for the 

 1862 meeting, and were well patronised and much appre- 

 ciated. They were completed in time for the following 

 year's meeting, when also the new Ascot Hotel opened. 



For dust and heat 1864 was like the preceding year, 

 and the crowds were bigger ; so much so, that the pleasure 

 of lunching on the Heath and picnicking in shady nooks was 

 impossible. The acrobats and clowns, and minstrels too, had 

 a bad time. The Prince and Princess of Wales came, 

 but without the orthodox Procession, and Ascot was partly 

 shorn of its glory. In the races, Scottish Chief, a 3-year- 

 old by Lord of the Isles, most distinguished himself, pulling 

 off the New Biennial and the Gold Cup on the same day. 

 Kniofht of Snowdon was favourite for the Prince of Wales' 

 Stakes for 3-year-olds, but was defeated — Ely being first, 

 and Fille de I'Air second. In the following year both these 

 horses were again conspicuous, Ely more especially by 

 winning the Cup, thereby putting a balance of ^^9000 to 

 his owner's credit in 24 races. There were 2 starters for 

 this race ; Custance was mounted on Ely, while Fordham 

 bestrode General Peel ; H. Grimshaw being on Fille de I'Air. 

 Although Ely seemed to have matters all his own way, 

 Fordham rode his horse with so much care that, creeping 

 up inch by inch, he succeeded in bringing off a dead heat. 

 Tremendous was the excitement when these champions 

 were led out for the deciding heat. There was not much 

 to choose between them till more than half way home, when 

 F^ordham began to put it on. Then Custance let Ely have 

 it, and outdistancing the General, won by twelve lengths. 



Fille de I'Air, ridden by H. Grimshaw, and carrying 



^39 



