When the "Express" came out stating that the ride would actually take plice quite a number of voices were heard objecting, but the master having satisfied himself that the country was good enough going, decided that the event should come off.
The bulk of the names printed on the oficial list started, with the kind assistance of Mr, McLeod as time-keeper and Mr. Low. Only two of the 3) minute men put in an appearance, and one displayed strong aversion to take the first obstacle.
The 14 minute men overtook the leaders very quickly and shortly got well ahead, notably Mr. Heath on Banshee, the state of the ground favouring the i the Ha hurry, and the trifling fact of another being in difficulty did not cause delay to those behind, a body on the ground was quite as soft as the soil.
'A solitary native at anchor in the Jo field flat was treated medicinally; the colli n between him and a rider resulted in grief to both; the pony became riderless Teaving his owner expostulating with the tion, the Island was reached it was quite evident that without an accident not a wail" would be heard by those in the rear; still the finish must eventually be reached by all, and each strugyled.on. "One of the scratch men narrassly escaped psfixed on the Farm tailing at Joss field; at the water jump on the Island, about the time that the hunt was com: pleted, an easily distinguishable competitor was observed strongly objecting to another unfortunate skipping the jump where the paper was laid; witness was there also, the owner and rider of one of the favourites came to nef at the cut reed jump, close to the Back road, and a friend kindly conveyed the bridle towards home—the rider having enough to do with the aum Were essentially the first and last jumps, Autiquary's the f the one near the two-mile pridy one.
Mr, Heath on Bunshee avi way ahead of any is ti ance am nothing. Custigutor's rider did not creas the last jump having broken a stirrup on the Island where he ceased to compete, After some minutes had lapsed fi the time of the first arrival, on Sentinel passed the flay taki place, Mr. E. V, Schmidt on Frok third, Ward Hall on Pilgrim fourt Ramsay on Othello fifth, Mr. on Fitelah sixth.
The stewards handicap for a dry course on previous running, and if the weather becomes and upon the whole the num! in the lottery indicated that was a good oni congratulate the winner and assure him that his win was a popular one.
B. Vertras.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.