54 RECORDS OF OLD TIMES 



This Cup Day became a great historic event in 

 the racing world, as the Tzar promised, if he were 

 permitted, to provide the Gold Cup at his own cost 

 annually. Consent being given, the prize was called 

 the ' Emperor's Vase,' and for many years the Tzar 

 bore the expense of the trophy for that race until the 

 breaking out of the Crimean War, when his gift 

 was withdrawn, and the prize resumed the old name 

 of the 'Ascot Gold Cup.' Yet, although the 

 ' Vase ' ceased to be the prize, his visit is com- 

 memorated by the great Handicap at Newmarket, 

 the ' Cresarewitch,' which still perpetuates the 

 memory of his Imperial visit to Ascot. The sequel 

 was remarkable. I am not quite sure if my dates 

 are correct, but, if my memory serves, the next 

 year, which, of course, was the first of the 

 ' Emperor's Vase,' the Queen and Prince being 

 again present, the ' Colt by Defence,' then called 

 the ' Emperor,' was brought out, and, to the 

 surprise of every one, his owner more than any- 

 body else, won the race. The excitement caused 

 by the struggle reached a climax when the Earl 

 handed over the trophy as a present to her Majesty, 

 and performed an equally graceful act, as a 

 memento not only of the Emperor's visit, but as a 

 return for his handsome gift, when he sent over 

 his colt, the ' Emperor,' to St. Petersburg, as a 

 present to his Imperial Highness, and in acknow- 

 ledgment of his patronage of the British Turf. 

 The horse was added to the Imperial stud, where 

 he afterwards proved of distinguished service. 



