The Challenge Cup presented by the "Evening Post & Mercury", for the annual American Troop Cross Country Handicap was won by It.
Taylor on Grey Mist over @ thrill Hing five mile course in the "home country" which included most of the big jumps in the country, Dallas' Grave, Clear Water, and Bee Line Finish.
The going was really quite good, except for the furrows between Pons end Panama and from Pons to Bee Line on the run in. The pace sot by Ist Sgt. Painter on'"Springi pur" was terrific and he would have been there Coming over the Monument Bridge on the run in, disaster befell It. Maitland who,' despite the U, C's warning, proceeded to indulge in a little somersaulting with The Golden Eagle.
There was not much left in the ponies after Monument Road tad been crossed, and it was more a case fof the survival of the fittest, than of faster pontes passing slower ones. Trooper Brand, who had ridden wonderfully timod race from a one minute start, took the lead approach. ing Rubicon Finish, and when looking a winner all over he had the, bad luck to come down on the second last jump. The spectacle that fol-Towed had' its humorous side, as Brand rushed atter his pony, eauight tbim as he was taking the last jump, Intending to leap into the saddle, but the pony slipped up again, and got away.
'A terrific cheer greeted "Buzzie's" win, "even some of Number Two Troop giving tongue, whilst another round of cheers greeted "Sandy" as hho Mashed past: the flags. Trooper Stewart looked a certainty for third place, but Trooper Bolton, on a huge: horse, just pipped him.
Amusing Tactdents Several amusing. incidents are reported, quite the tuniest of which must have been It. Mott and Trooper Pike fishing for their ponies which were jammed in one of the twin Platforms. whilst waite' effort of falling off before the start, drew forth roars of laughter" from the spectators.
There were 37 starters, arid most frushed the course, the time taken being 17 minutes and $0 seconds.
After the event, Captain and Mrs, Trenchard Davis were "At Home," and another huge crowd collected Tenge Cup was placed in a prominent or thereabouts had he not taken a toss on tha run in.
"The card read:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.