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Betting |
Bell’s Life and the Sporting Chronicle provided a detailed account of the race on Sunday 11th March 1860, the article forming the backbone of the information shown below.
After the usual cantering and parade in front of the Grand Stand the field were despatched at 3.22 pm, all taking close order over the first two fences, where Congreve and Miss Harkaway both refused. At the entrance to the next field Xanthus took a slender lead, closely followed by Goldsmith who matched strides over Beecher’s Brook. After a massive leap, The Curate landed in front, with Xanthus, Telegram and Goldsmith close on his heels. At the next post and rails fence The Curate fell, interfering with Shylock, whose rider lost at least 60 yards in avoiding the tumble. The swerving Goldsmith was also brought to grief at the same fence, while at the canal side turn The Huntsman also fell. Xanthus reached the top of the course with a commanding lead, steadying himself at the thorn-topped hurdles, which allowed Anatis and Telegram to get on terms. After the next few obstacles saw little change, Maria Agnes travelled well on the bend approaching the Stand, and challenged Xanthus for the lead, but her effort was short-lived. Onto the second circuit Xanthus continued to enjoy a prominent position at the head of affairs, but at the fence and ditch Anatis took up the running from Xanthus and The Huntsman. Turning into the final straight Xanthus resigned to The Huntsman, leaving him to be the sole challenger to Anatis over the final hurdle. Despite a tireless effort by his jockey, The Huntsman failed to overhaul Anatis by half a length, with Xanthus 6 lengths off in third; Maria Agneswas a further 6 lengths back in fourth, followed by Linkboy and Bridegroom. |
