THE WATERLOO CUP 15 



Lord Lurgan and Mr. Jones on the ground that they had not 

 named by the time fixed. As Master McGrath represented 

 his owner, there was a deal of excitement ; but the objection 

 was overruled by the stewards, and was similarly treated on 

 appeal to the National Coursing Club. On Wednesday the 

 frost gave, and a start was made the following day. Although 

 the Irish champion had not been seen in public since his 

 previous triumph, he went to the slips a hot favourite, as little 

 as 7 to 2 being accepted about his chance. What then was 

 the general dismay when it was seen that Lady Lyons was not 

 only holding him, but giving him a severe dressing. She drew 

 right out, and the course ended at the river Alt, still covered 

 with rotten ice. In following the hare it gave way, and McGrath 

 was in imminent peril, but was rescued by Wilson, the Irish 

 slipper. The next morning the poor dog was in a pitiable state, 

 and Lord Lurgan, in the heat of the moment, expressed his 

 opinion that he had been poisoned, and swore that he should 

 never run again ; but the general impression was that the crack 

 was short of work, and that he was upset by the treacherous 

 state of the ground. Meanwhile Bab at the Bowster had won 

 three courses, and was then put out by Cataclysm, but the 

 winner turned up in Sea Cove, a bitch with very fair credentials. 

 Bed of Stone and S. S., two sterling greyhounds, competed in 

 this stake. The latter, having been unluckily put out in the first 

 ties, scored decisively in the Plate, and it is the general opinion 

 that, had he got clear of his first course, the Cup would again 

 have gone to Ireland by aid of her second string. 



Lord Lurgan, repenting of his hastiness, put McGrath into 

 training again, and won the Brownlow Cup, when it was seen 

 that the old dog had lost none of his dash, so that on the night 

 of the draw for the Waterloo Cup (1871) he was again installed 

 favourite, but this time at the extended odds of 10 to i. It 

 was soon apparent that he would make it as hot as usual for 

 the best of his opponents. His first course against Wharfinger 

 was not particularly brilliant, and many expected a repetition of 

 last year's fiasco ; but he improved as he went on, and when 



