On Tuesday morning I again visited the Leatherhead and Mickleham Downs, when I had an opportunity of seeing Winesour, in company with Alice Hawthorn. What pretensions he ever possessed to the character of a Derby nag, I am at a loss to conceive; he is narrow, light of bone, leggy, and weak, with a short, hackneyfied stride, without any redeeming qualities that I could ascertain, to distinguish him as a first-rate horse. If he proves himself to be one, I am egregiously mistaken. Could the power of ubiquity be granted to mortals, it could not be bestowed on a more opportune occasion than on the day previous to the Derby-at least, to those in any way concerned or interested in the preliminary arrangements. Leatherhead and Epsom Downs being between three and four miles apart, it is impossible to see the horses at both places; the only alternative, therefore, is to go to one place on each day. The consequence was, however, that I missed seeing Gaper, who arrived by railway on Monday afternoon, and took his gallop on Epsom Downs on Tuesday morning. But as it is a practice with Scott, who is always located at Leatherhead, not to gallop his horses on the day previous to their running for the Derby, it may serve as a hint to those on future occasions who may wish to have a peep at them, that they must not defer the opportunity beyond the Monday. It would savour of presumption to question the propriety of anything in the art of training which is adopted by Scott; at the same time, I cannot understand why a horse should not take his usual gallop on the day before his race. It is the custom with almost every other trainer, and certainly appears to be founded on reasonable considerations. The result of A British Yeoman taking his gallop on the Monday morning had the effect of sending him back in the odds. It became incontrovertibly apparent that he was short of work, and so disgusted his backers that, although nominally at 12 to 1, he was, in point of fact, friendless. An amusing scene took place at the Spread Eagle, Epsom, on Tuesday evening-or rather, somewhere about "The very witching time of night, and touts and scamps are on the prowl to hocus and make safe Derby favourites. A tyke, who was quietly sipping his lush, proposed to take 8 to 1 in support of the apparently friendless Yeoman; he, however, being unknown to the generality of speculators present, was some time before he could obtain the required odds, anxious though many were to have secured an honest ten or so. Much chaffing took place on the subject of his condition, which was rebutted by the aforesaid Northern with great facetiousness but extraordinary zeal. At length it was discovered that the trainer of the horse was the person in question-not the veritable Bob Johnson, but his deputy who was considered quite sufficient on this occasion to take charge of the gallant Yeoman. It is almost unnecessary to observe, as soon as his responsibility was known, that he was readily accommodated with the odds he required. THE FIRST RACE-DAY. Tuesday, May 30th.-The introductory race of the meeting, the Craven Stakes, brought nine to the post, five of which being from stables furnishing horses for the Derby, created much interest. They consisted of Discord, the trial' horse to Gaper; Knight-of-the-Whistle, who performed the same office for Gamecock; Alice Hawthorn, the companion to Winesour; Moscow, from Sir Gilbert Heathcote's string; and Tom Thumb, from Col. Windham's. The distance a mile and a quarter. Alice Hawthorn set off with a determination to make the pace good, and maintained the lead till she reached the straight running ground, where she found the gallant Knight close on her quarters, with Discord too near to be agreeable; at the distance the harmony of her action appeared quite out of tune, and the two horses headed her, Discord winning on the post by a neck, leaving the fair Alice two lengths in the rear, and the backers of Winesour making wry faces at their first taste of the acidulated draught. On the other hand, the success of Discord brought Gaper into the market in great force, and he was backed at 5 to 1 to a considerable amount. Gamecock also found friends upon improved terms, 13 to 1 being taken in a few instances. Sam Rogers rode Discord. The Shirley Stakes was composed of five, out of which there came to the post Evenus, Spiteful, and Wee Pet. The former, ridden by Nat, won easily. The Woodcote Stakes, for two-year-olds, supplied six runners, and was won, after a pretty race, by Lord Albemarle's b. c. Delapre, nicely handled by George Whitehouse. The Manor Plate created very little interest, although some three or four took it into their heads to run out of the course close to the starting post for the Derby. Whether it arose from their own determination to go astray, or from the carelessness of their riders, I will not pronounce an opinion; but from what I saw I am rather inclined to ascribe it to the latter cause. Lara won at three heats, ridden by Marson, beating ten others. An unimportant match between Stickle and Master May, won by the former, closed the sports of the day. THE DERBY DAY. Wednesday, May 31st.-The anticipated day has arrived-the day on which an event is to be decided whereon depends the fate of thousands, and in its due course the Last scene of all That ends this strange eventful speculation. Where is there a nation, save and except Old England, who can boast cf such an event, wherein the minds and the interests of all classes, high and low, are centred in one cause--a race to decide the superiority of the best three-years-old horse the kingdom, nay, the world, can produce? Happily on this occasion no imputations can arise that the best horse did not win. And now for a description of the occurrences which transpired on this eventful day-a day from which Metropolitan sportsmen, in par ticular, register their data to refresh their memories. One particular circumstance is brought to mind, because it happened in Bloomsbury's year; another in Little Wonder's; Coronation and Attila are also recognised for the same purpose; and the sounding name of Cotherstone will be handed down to children and grand-children to particularize the proceedings of '43. The morning was ushered in with rain and mist, calculated to damp the ardour of numerous aspiring heroes, and throw a gloom over the hearts of many blooming, blushing, anxious beauties, who, under the constraint of prudent papas and mamas, were urged into the propriety of procrastinating their anticipated pleasures for a more propitious occasion. There are those, however, who make up their minds to excursions of this kind, and to brave the elements under any circumstances; carriages and horses have been engaged, and therefore they must be paid for; whilst such is the calculating propensity of our natures, that if money be employed in the anticipation of pleasure it must be acted upon, although disappointment is inevitable. The rain, however, was not constant, and if an occasional shower descended, there was no dust to render the road disagreeable, and those who did get damp coats have only themselves to blame. Thanks to the ingenuity of tailors, light waterproof investments are produced, capable of expelling all transitory showers, especially those turned out by the inimitable Gray, of Jermyn-street, whose make and material most decidedly supersede that of any other professor in his line. To those who have never visited Epsom the scene on a Derby day must be exceedingly interesting. The hill, as usual, was completely covered with the equipages of the aristocracy and wealthy citizens, as also the sides of the course from beyond Tattenham Corner to the winning post, the judgment chair of which was as usual occupied by "the most conscientious and worthy judge, Clark." A melée of vehicles diversified the outskirts of the line bounding the course, many of which it would puzzle the ingenuity of the most scientific coach builder to assign a name for. The Grand Stand was crowded to excess; it is certainly the most enviable situation for the fair sex to witness the amusements of the day from, more especially in showery weather. The display of beauty was most abundant; and if the state of the national finances could be estimated by the splendour of the dresses, gay ornaments, and apparent determination to enjoy the pleasures of the day, regardless of economy, every individual appeared to vie with his neighbour in proclaiming his own and his country's welfare. The Steward Stand was honoured by the presence of his Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge, the Prince Royal of Mecklenburgh, and many influential patrons of the Turf. By one o'clock the betting ring was most numerously attended, and speculation going on with the utmost vigour, indeed every individual seemed to be impressed with Pope's applicable expressions: "Advance thy golden mountain to the skies: For, mark th' advantage: just so many score The odds at starting may be described as nearly as possible at the following quotations: -6 to 4, and 13 to 8 agst. Cotherstone, 5 to 1 agst. Gaper, 14 to 1 agst. Newcourt, 15 to 1 agst. Gamecock, 18 to 1 agst. General Pollock, 20 to 1 agst. Winesour, 28 to 1 agst. Dumpling, 30 to 1 each agst. Aristides, Elixir, Parthian, and A British Yeoman; 50 to 1 each agst. Languish colt, Fakeaway, and Siricol; 60 and 70 to 1 each agst. Mercy colt, Gorhambury, and Humbug. Before the time appointed for starting (half past two), most of the horses intended to try their luck for the great prize-the Derby Stakes of 50 sovs. each, half forfeit, to which there were 156 subscribers,had congregated in the vicinity of the starting post, from which to judge Clark's chair a distance of one mile and a half intervenes. At half past two the bell summoned the jockeys to their duty, who, knowing the penalties to which they were liable for want of punctuality, were on the alert to saddle their nags in readiness for the start. From Scott's stables three made their appearance-Cotherstone, ridden by W. Scott; Dumpling, by Holmes; and Parthian, by Butler: their appearance on being stripped was highly prepossessing, and as is usual with his horses, they looked very blooming and big. Cotherstone in appearance is a wonderfully powerful, racing looking animal, with remarkably good legs and feet, with good shoulders, deep in his girth, and has extraordinary fine quarters; his colour is bright bay with black legs, save and except one white heel behind. Dumpling is a fine dark bay colt, with most fascinating action, but appears a little defective in his back ribs-at least, so he appeared to Parthian looks like a race horse all over. me. Gorhambury came to the post, ridden by Buckle, looking in splendid condition, and doing the greatest credit to his trainer, George Dockeray. Ill-natured rumour had circulated a report that he possessed the advantage of a year in hand-an insinuation, under all circumstances, quite unworthy of credit. He was purchased from Lord Verulam, and it is a very singular coincidence that his lordship should have bred the colts which ran second for this great race on two consecutive years; the first of which, with due care and attention to his horse, there is little doubt but he might have proved victorious in. Col. Charritie is now the nominal owner of Gorhambury; nevertheless it is well understood that he in reality belongs to a certain individual who, being a defaulter last year to a large amount, cannot show, but having a great desire to re-appear, exerts his industry and ability to enable him to do so, and being gifted with an extraordinary tact for scene-shifting, is either before or behind the curtain, as may best suit his purpose. The amount for which he had backed this horse through the agency of other performers in the ring, it is reported, would not only have enabled him to have made good his deficiencies, but also to have put a large accession of funds into his pocket. G It was very near coming off, and if he ever has another better chance he will be a fortunate man. Solon is represented to have said "I would be rich, if not unjust my gain; A curse attends what guilt and fraud obtain." Gaper's legs appeared to be as bad as report and John Day had described them to be: independent of his legs he has the characteristics of a race horse, and no doubt he is one for a certain distance; but such legs must tire, especially when any part of the course is down hill; indeed, the event proved this assertion, as he was well in front until he came to descend the hill after passing Tattenham Corner. He was ridden by Rogers. The quondam first favourite, A British Yeoman, justified the impressions that had been formed; he looked lusty at every point. He was ridden by Templeman, who mounted him opposite the Grand Stand; an example worthy of imitation, but which was not followed by any of the others. Sir Gilbert Heathcote's two, Siricol and Khorassan, with George Edwards and Chapple, looked fit and well-the former by far the better looking horse. Aristides, having recovered from his lameness, made his appearance with Robinson on his back, exhibiting too much the character of a pack horse, to be esteemed a first rate racer; if he can undergo the work requisite to enable a horse to run, all judgment is set at defiance. The remainder of the field were composed of the following, of whom particular notice must be dispensed with-Chotornian (Mann); Fakeaway (Bartholomew); Gamecock (Nat); Newcourt (Whitehouse); General Pollock (Marlow); Winesour (Hesseltine); Languish colt (Darling); Humbug (Macdonald); Highlander (J. Day, jun.); Magna Charta (Boyce); Merton Lordship (Crouch); Hopeful (Bell); Mercy colt (Wakefield); Elixir (Chifney). At starting, Gorhambury, Gaper, Khorassan, Cotherstone, General Pollock, Siricol, A British Yeoman, Newcourt, Aristides, and Elixir, got off in front; Highlander, who showed symptoms of temper, and Merton Lordship absolutely last, which enviable positions they maintained throughout. Having got into something like order, Gaper took the lead, and made the pace tell up the hill, when Aristides, who wore a bar shoe, tore it off, and gave up the contest. Before reaching Tattenham Corner, General Pollock, who had been going as well as his infirmity would permit him, showed positive symptoms of defeat. Gaper was first round the turn, when there was an exclamation in his favour which could not have been very gratifying to our friend John Day, who, independently of having hedged to so great a loss, still stood heavily against him. The sensation, however, was of short duration; on crossing the road, that is, so soon as the descending ground could produce the anticipated effects on his legs, he tired, and the blue jacket and white cap were no longer to be seen in front. Black (Mr. Bowes's colour) had supplanted its place; Cotherstone bore the colours of his worthy owner triumphantly in the van, closely followed by Gorhambury, who, it is said, on nearing the distance post had got "the crack" extended here. Sirikol, by the greatest per |