^ Reign of Queen Victoria, 1 837-1 901 



there was not much to be said for his competitors. Merman 

 and Scintillant claimed staying powers, but at weight for 

 age could not be classed against a Grand Prix winner. In 

 the end odds of 4 to i were betted ; while The Grafter, who 

 had played a poor part in the Ascot Stakes, was in some 

 demand at 100 to 8. Mrs. Langtry was not present to see 

 the performance of Merman, the 8-year-old son of Grand 

 Flaneur. When the horses had got fairly to work, Nevis 

 made the pace, Scintillant following, and Perth II. in third 

 place. But Nevis collapsed some way from home, and 

 Merman gradually drew to the front. As the horses entered 

 the straight Perth II. swerved to the left and gave second 

 place to Scintillant. Merman meanwhile continuing his 

 lead, gained a signal victory, recalling his double victory 

 at Goodwood in the previous year. The race, however, 

 was the poorest since 1892, when Buccaneer took the Cup 

 in the match against Ermak. 



We have in this chapter dealt with the progress of 

 Ascot during the long and glorious reign of Victoria the 

 Good — a period that has been marked by vicissitudes 

 of fortune, by trials, by reverses, through which the Royal 

 Race Meeting has triumphantly won its way to the proud 

 position of one of the established national institutions. Last 

 year the cloud of sorrow was over the land, and Ascot shared 

 in the national mourning. The Royal Stand was entirely 

 closed, but, rather than cause disappointment to those usually 

 favoured with enclosure tickets. His Majesty commanded 

 that only that portion of the lawn immediately in front of 

 the Royal Stand should be railed off— a thoughtful act, 

 which was much appreciated. The weather was cold, and 

 it is doubtful if such a sombre Ascot was ever seen before. 



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