This event in the sporting annals of the county, which had been twice postponed owing to the inclemency of the weather, at last came off on Wednesday at Bramford; but even then, as all the way through, the weather moved somewhat unkind, for the previous night was rather wet, and with the morning same louring and portentous clouds, which not only threw a damper over men’s minds, but also, as the day wore on, sent the intermittent shower, which in some manner divested the day of those pleasures which fine dry weather would have ensured. The sport however, seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by those who were present for what with the excitement of the steeplechase, and hare-hunting in the interval between the races —hares now and then starting up, and just at the right time, too—the hours passed off agreeably.
The grandstand was erected on a piece of pasture in a valley, about equal distance from the Bramford and Claydon stations, and just opposite to, and within few hundred yards of, Packard’s manure factory. The course, two miles round, and which ran over land occupied by Mr. Wake and Mr. Hughes, as seen from the stand, seemed to be nearly oblong. On leaving the stand It crossed small piece of waste, then over the road, and up a hill bearing slightly to the left It rounded a portion of the hill, and bearing to the right made rapid descent, followed by a sharp hill through a turnip field, on the summit of which it turned further to the right down Into the valley.
Rarely has Bramford, we should think, been the scene of so much bustle and animation, and which the merry peals of the village steeple tended to heighten. Notwithstanding the unpromising state of the weather, throngs were early seen wending their way to the ground, and by half-past one a large concourse had assembled, estimated by some (including those scattered over the course) at 10,000. Special trains also threw in a goodly number. The ordinary train from Norwich was accelerated some few minutes in order to reach Bramford station in time for the first race, and from this part of the line a large number came.
In the enclosure, Mr. Davies, the Leviathan of the betting circle was present, with a few other London gentlemen. Amongst the general company were A. Arcedeckne, Esq., the High Sheriff; Capt. Sir G. N. Broke, Bart: Capt. Hunt; Capt. Duff; Hon. Capt. Hutchison; Capt. Grimes; J. G. Roberts, Esq. J. S. Barnes, Esq. (Colchester): — Nicholson, Esq.; Capt. Dyneley; Lieut. Colonel Henry, R.H.A.; T. Davy, Esq.; G. T. Hallifax, Esq.; J. P. Cobbold, Esq.; C. F. Schrieber, Esq.; Travers Nunn, Esq. (Colchester); G. Tompson, Esq.; &c.
Mr. S. Merry, the clerk of the course, discharged his duty, as he always does, well. Mr. Spalding, who has been so indefatigable as secretary to the committee, was active in the performance of his duties; and Mr. Manning (Newmarket), officiated with his accustomed impartiality as judge. The course was kept by a body of the Ipswich borough police, under Supt. Mason, and a number of the county force; and we believe the chases passed off without injury to anyone.
About 20 minutes to 2 the bell rang for saddling, and after a short interval a start was made for the
Eastern Counties Grand Handicap Chase
Of 20 sovs. each, with 100 sovs added, over 4 miles hunting country,
the second horse to save his stake
Mr Melliah’s Minos 1
Mr John’s The Minor 2
Mr C Parr’s Hopeless Star 0
Baron Monnecoves Casse Cou 0
This race lay between Minos and The Minor. On starting Casse Cou took the lead at a rather strong pace; the lot all cleared the first fence in good order; at the second Hopeless Star stumbled, but quickly gathered himself up; at the fourth leap he fell, throwing his rider, who soon recovered his seat but had not gone far before they finally disappeared in a ditch. On coming into sight at the top of the last hill Minos had taken the lead, and in passing the stand for the second round Minos was still in front, with The Minor and Casse Cou close in attendance. When about half-way round Minos showed a long way in front and came in an easy winner; The Minor a bad second; Casse Cou distanced.
The betting on the race at starting was 20 to 10 against Hopeless Star, 4 to 1 against Minos, 2 to 1 against The Minor, and 4 to 1 against Casse Cou.
At 20 minutes past two the bell rang for saddling for the
Grand Military and Hunt Steeple Chase
Of 10 sovs each with 80£ added, for horse that have been regularly hunted with any established pack of fox hounds &c, once and a half round.
Captain Durrant’s Marmaduke 1
Captain Duff’s Ganneymede 2
This was a waiting race. Marmaduke led off at a smartish pace, with Gannymede in close attendance, a position they maintained until within the last field, when Gannymede pushed forward, and, on reaching the straight, made a final but unsuccessful attempt, Marmaduke winning by a length.
There was but little betting in the ring on this race; 30 to 20 was offered on Marmaduke.
At half past three preparations were made for
A Selling Steeple Chase
Of 5 sovs each, with 50£ added. The winner to be sold off by auction,
the surplus over the wino/ price to go to the fund. Once round.
Mr. Hunt’s Sir Charles Napier 1
Mr. Farrow’s Norfolk Lass 2
Mr. Cook’s Bayonet 0
Mr. Land’s Theodine 0
This was the only race at all closely contested. They got off well together, Bayonet taking the lead up the first hill, but it soon became apparent that the running was between Sir Chas. Napier and the Norfolk Lass, the former in vain attempting to release himself of his competitor, who kept in close quarters. They took the last two or three fences in beautiful style, and on reaching the straight piece of ground near home an exciting race ensued, which resulted in Sir Charles Napier winning by nearly a length. The I other horses were distanced. The running was smart throughout, and, with the state of the ground, put the animals on their metal. The winner was, according to the conditions, offered for sale by Mr. G. Turner, Auctioneer, and bought in for the sum at which it was put up (100£)
AN ORDINARY* took place at the Great White Horse Hotel, Ipswich, in the evening, at which A. Arcedeckne, Esq., presided, and amongst those present were Captain Dyneley ; C. T. Schreiber, Esq.; St. A. B. Lennard, Esq.; T. Nunn, Esq.; G. Tompson, Esq.; T. Clarkson, Esq.; G. T. Halifax, Esq.; and Messrs. Brampton, Howlett, Page, Fox, A. Shorten, A. Cook, T. Goocher, G. Bales, J. Trundle, W. Spalding, S. Merry, H G Bristo, G. Turner, G. F. Butcher, — Bird, G. Wade, R. Girling, &c.; the company numbering about 40. Ample justice having been done to the excellent spread of Mr. Guiver,
The loyal toasts were drunk with enthusiasm.
The CHAIRMAN, in a few observations, gave “the health of the Army,” coupling with the toast the name of Capt. Dyneley, of the R.H.A. [Drunk with 3 times 3.]
Capt. DYNELEY responded, and observed that he had found, since his return from the Crimea, the army had risen in the estimation of Englishmen. [Cheers.] Speaking in behalf of his brother officers, he must say in no place had they been better received or more kindly treated than in Ipswich and its neighbourhood. He proposed ” the health of the Stewards.” who had mainly contributed to the success of the day. [Loud cheers.]
Mr. St. A. B. LENNARD acknowledged the compliment. He hoped they had only just laid the foundation for a series of similar meetings. The chases today did the people of Ipswich the greatest credit, for they had worked out the details of a plan which originated with one or two. He thought, too, Englishmen ought to be proud of this steeple chase, because it was not only a national sport and a great source of amusement, but its tendency was most surely to improve the breed of horses. For these reasons he was willing to support these races, but at the same time he could not shut his eyes to things in connection with them, which every man at all attached to them ought earnestly to repudiate—he referral to the robberies which were frequently committed upon the turf, and degraded it. But he believed today every race had been run fairly. As the Committee were far more entitled to thanks than the Stewards, he proposed the health of Mr. Spalding, who had been most zealous in his attention to the matters connected with the chases and the Committee. [Cheers.]
Mr. SPALDING briefly responded.
Mr. LENNARD, in appropriate terms, proposed the health or the Chairman, who’s, merits were so well known to them as to need no remarks. [The toast was received with loud and continued cheering.]
The CHAIRMAN replied in his own facetious way, and concluded by proposing the health of Mr. Merry.
Mr MERRY returned thanks, and in to doing said he hoped to be able to provide them next year with one of the best meetings in the London district. He had already 30 subscribers to the principal stake, and he expected eventually to increase that number to 50. [Cheers]
Other toasts, including the ” Press,” “Mr. Travers Nunn and Fox Hunting,” &c., were proposed; and with some good songs from the Chairman, Mr. Halifax, Mr. Turner, Mr. Tidd, Mr. Schreiber, and other and a generous flow of the convivial spirits, the utmost harmony prevailed.
*An Ordinary – a meal provided at a fixed time and price at an inn.
The grandstand was erected on a piece of pasture in a valley, about equal distance from the Bramford and Claydon stations, and just opposite to, and within few hundred yards of, Packard’s manure factory. The course, two miles round, and which ran over land occupied by Mr. Wake and Mr. Hughes, as seen from the stand, seemed to be nearly oblong. On leaving the stand It crossed small piece of waste, then over the road, and up a hill bearing slightly to the left it rounded a portion of the hill, and bearing to the right made rapid descent, followed by a sharp hill through a turnip field, on the summit of which it turned further to the right down Into the valley.
Rarely has Bramford, we should think, been the scene of so much bustle and animation, and which the merry peals of the village steeple tended to heighten. Notwithstanding the unpromising state of the weather, throngs were early seen wending their way to the ground, and by half-past one a large concourse had assembled, estimated by some (including those scattered over the course) at 10,000. Special trains also threw in a goodly number. The ordinary train from Norwich was accelerated some few minutes in order to reach Bramford station in time for the first race, and from this part of the line a large number came.
