-^ Reign of Queen Victoria, 1837 -i 901 



was the Duchess of Montrose, whose well-known nom-de- 

 guerre, " Mr. Manton," figured as the owner of Heloise, 

 the winner of the Coronation Stakes, Gay Hermit first in 

 the Hunt Cup, and Timothy foremost in the Ascot Derby. 

 The average value of the stakes won by Her Grace at 

 this meeting was ^4245. 



As the horses were leaving the paddock for the Hunt 

 Cup, a thunderstorm broke over the Course, and the race 

 was run in a deluge of rain. Nevertheless, the finish 

 proved most exciting. Doubloon, Corunna, and Snare had 

 been beaten ere the distance was reached. Pearl Diver 

 was ahead of Candlemas, Gay Hermit, and Beaulieu, until 

 nearly opposite the Grand Stand, when Gay Hermit quickly 

 passed them and won by three-quarters of a length. For 

 upwards of an hour the stands presented the appearance 

 of a forest of umbrellas, but the clouds then broke, and 

 the remainder of the sport was carried through In brilliant 

 sunshine. 



An amusing incident, but one that might have been 

 attended by very serious consequences, occurred during 

 the race for the Prince of Wales' Stakes. When about 

 300 yards from the winning post, a mounted inspector of 

 police suddenly rode amongst the finishing horses. Whether 

 he was attempting to cross during the race, or whether 

 his mount was suddenly seized with a desire to try con- 

 clusions with the racers was not ascertained. At any rate 

 Scottish Chief, Grandison, and Phil were knocked half-way 

 round, and Tom Cannon was thrown and his knee hurt, 

 the result being that Claymore gained an easy win. 



When Mr. Douglas Baird's Bird of Freedom won the 

 Gold Cup there was a loud outburst of congratulation, but 



169 



