Some Steeplechase Horses 93 



bought by Lord Marcus Beresford, who changed his name 

 to " Chimney Sweep," is well known in racing history, for 

 the gallant efforts of the horse to win the Grand National 

 made him the popular favourite of the day/ 



" Ella " was one of the most charming animals in the 

 world to ride — so sweet-tempered, a perfect jumper, with 

 great staying power. She would have made a name for 

 herself if she had not met with an accident that neces- 

 sitated her retiring to the stud. On the first occasion that 

 she ran she was beaten by a good horse in " Jolly Marine," 

 who had won the United Stakes at Punchestown, as a five- 

 year-old, and run second there in the Conyngham Cup, and 

 third in the Downshire Plate, as a six-year-old. " Ella " 

 next ran at Hastings, in a two miles steeplechase, and just 

 before we were going to mount, a bookmaker came up to 

 me and said, " I beg your pardon, sir, but that horse " 

 (pointing to one near) " is started to knock you down. 

 Pve backed you, and so I thought I would tell you." 

 This was pleasant hearing, but the mare was very well, 

 a certain fencer, and I determined, the moment I got the 

 chance, to try and slip the field, and not to be caught 

 again if I could help it. 



At the start I purposely kept the mare behind, trusting 

 to the chapter of accidents for an opening, which came 

 before long, for the leaders raced against each other so 

 hard for a sharp turn, that they all ran out very wide, 

 and I saw my opportunity. Urging " Ella " on, I hugged 

 the post, and having now four or five lengths' lead, pro- 

 ceeded to try to cut the others down, if we possibly could 

 do so. The mare ran very kindly, but we had a steep 



1 Through some accident, "Affable" is not even put down in the Racing 

 Calendar as a starter in the above race. 



