Читать книгу Lord William Beresford, V.C., Some Memories of a Famous Sportsman, Soldier and Wit онлайн

44 страница из 78

So far Lord William had only been a winning owner. His first appearance as a winning rider was across the Long Valley at Aldershot. I give the race card.

9th Lancers’ Steeplechase

Aldershot, April 27th, 1872

The Subalterns’ Cup, added to a sweepstake of 2 sovereigns each with 10 added. Three miles.

Lord Wm. Beresford’s Star-gazer, b.g., 10st. Owner. Mr. Wheeler’s Frolic, ch.m., 11st. Captain Williams. Mr. Moore (St. Leger) Portfire, 11st. Owner. Mr. Butson’s The Finnigan, 11st. Captain Grissell. Hon. E. P. Willoughby’s Lowthorpe, br.g., 12st. Owner. Hon. E. P. Willoughby’s Irish Kate, 11st. 7lb. Captain Palairet.

Star-gazer won, which was a creditable performance, being his second race that day, and taking into consideration that he fell in the first. The earlier race he had taken part in was the Regimental Cup, which was won by Captain Willoughby on his good horse Langar. He won many races for his owner, who always rode him, including a great point-to-point at York, when the Duke of Clarence was present. Captain Willoughby was of great repute in the 9th on account of his performances in the pig-skin as a steeplechase rider and polo player; also Major McCalmont, a great judge of a horse. He once bought what he thought a likely looking animal out of a thrashing-machine for £45, which turned out a brilliant and valuable steeplechaser. The present-day General, D. M. G. Campbell, was also in the regiment at that time; he has been wounded twice in the present war, and is still out there at the time of writing, with what remains of those who were present at Mons.