2 6 The Pytchley Himt, Past and Present, [chap. i. 



at a walk. He contrived, notwithstanding, to reacli the 

 opposite side, but the bank giving way he fell backwards 

 into the water, and conld not be got out until all chance 

 was over. '' Conrad ^' cleared the brook in fine style, 

 and won the race easily ; " Jerry '' being second, and 

 Captain Beecher third, on Mr. Fairlie's grey horse 

 " Spicey.''^ Captain Childe being quartered at Northamp- 

 ton the result of the race gave great satisfaction to the 

 locals, though there is little doubt that Lord Waterford 

 would have won it had he had fair play at the second 

 brook. 



From another steeple-chase, open to all England, 

 which came off in this locality, and which was won by 

 ^' Cigar,^' Mr. Elmore's ^' Lottery " was barred ; the 

 greatest compliment, probably, that ever was paid to 

 a horse, and a striking testimony to his exceeding 

 merit. 



Some few may still remember a race on the ISTorth- 

 ampton Course, in which a worthy mercer and citizen of 

 the town competed with H.M. King William lY. for the 

 Gold Cup. The names of only two horses figured on the 

 card for this race, and these were his Majesty's 

 " Hindostan '' and Mr. Whitworth's " Peon.'' The 

 latter, somewhat a commoner in appearance, was 

 troubled with the '' slows," and '^ Hindostan " appro- 

 priately carried off the piece of plate, which may 

 possibly still be found amongst the treasures of the 

 Empress of India. 



This was prior to the days of the new Stand, and when 

 the little County Stand occupied a position opposite to 

 the winning-post on the north side of the course. In the 

 old Sporting Magazine of 1844 we learn that on the 



