The Express.
London, England, 1867-05-23 00:00:00

BEFOBJI RACES.

Man the n Owl.")

In all probability the present year will be the
last occasion on which any of this generation can hope to
witness what has for the last fifteen years been an annual
struggle. It is true the interest attaching to the race has
varied considerably. For some years since its first estab-
lishment it has created the smallest possible excitement,
and resulted in a mere canter for stale second-rate horses.
But last year and this the race has possessed an unusual
interest. This has arisen partly from the unusual number
of good horses engaged and partly from the activity during
the recess of many well-known sportsmen, who, by conti-
nuous agitation and an unflagging attendance at country
meetings, have worked upon and prepared the public
mind to witness a struggle which will eclipse all
former efforts. There has also been shown a sin-
cere desire on the part of the new Stewards to cater mugs
effectually and liberally than their predecessors for the
amusement of the public, and thus secure a larger share of
patronage than they have hitherto possessed. We hope
they will not take it amiss if we venture, while admitting
the improvement which has been made lately in the Ladies'
Stand, to suggest the employment of a few mere police to
prevent honourable sportinen's feelings Wag sbssked by
the coarse language which has been lately indulged in by
some members of the Ring who on he to know better.
The following are among the •
" Bob."—This hone was mule a great favourite last
year, and he well deserved it. He is a clever horse, with
a short, quick action, but has never shown himself able so
stay, though often getting a chance. He ran a very good
home on Monday, but as he ran the course the wrong way,
he has no chance of success.
_

" Carnarvon"—a most promising colt, but now unfor-
tunately quite out of the running. The turns at the
upper end of the course were too many and too sharp for
an animal whose only fault is that he is a little too upright,
and wants elasticity in his pastern joints. His brilliant
trial in the Colonial Stakes showed what might be ex-
pected of him if ever he is found in better company.
General Peel" and " Cranborne" are both scratched.
The course did not quite suit either of these horses.
The former is, perhaps, • little slow, and the latter
occasionally shows temper, and it is better for Ins
stable companions that ho should be out of the way
when they go round the sharp turn known as Hodgkinson's.
" The Compound Householder," lifter going through an
almost Incredible amount of work, suddenly, to the
astonishment of all the tents, trainers, and other pro-
fessionals, burst • blood-vessel on Frid►y, when t►king ono
of his three-day- -week gallops. The horse was consider-
ably relieved, and we believe the public will share in this
feeling. The result may be that he will bleed freely
before any great race, but he will probably stand prepara-
tion for an ordinary contest with as much equanimity as
formerly. His party, meantime, are said to have lost by
not hedging their money before his accident was made
known.

"The Lodger," ribose breeding appears to be doubtful,
is well in. - _

Duality," by Faint Hopes," out of " Ignorance,"
and a two.year-old colt by " Checkstring," out of " Beal-
dence," never had any chance, and are now scratched.
" South Lancashire," as our readers know, is a magnifi-
cent hone, with the finest action of any in training. But
we do not think he will win this race, as his shoulders,
though strong, are not sloped enough for such an uneven
course, and the extra weight which he carries is apt to be
displacedC when going up bill. He was slightly galled by
cannoning against a horse called " Defiance" in the race
before Easter, which was won by " Seceder," out of " Tea
Boom," half brother to " Adullamite ;" but we are glad
to hear he has since quite recovered.
" Walpole " we never thought much of since he was re-
ported to have shown signs of cataract in his near eye
after his accident against the Hyde-park railings at the
July meeting.
" The Erie Ring" was backed some time ago for •
place, hut we do nut advise our reader, to put any faith
in him now.
"The Old Tory" will be steered by Ben CHANCELLOR,
and if be fails in landing the prize it will not be from want
of jockeysbip. The bone was originally not one of the
best bred, but perhaps the soundest on the English Turf.
He is now rather a sad spectacle.
. His forelegs—that
splendid inheritance of his dam • Honesty"—are grown
crooked, and the flick sinews weakened from running him
on ground to whin be was not accustomed ; while it is
evident that his constitution has become permanently in-
jured. The secret is this: Bite CHANCELLOR has during
his public career determined to win this greet race. He
trained the good horse " Old Tory" with this view—not
caring what became of him afterwards. It will doubtleaa
be his last appearance ; but, unless the bore's hind quar-
ters become narabsed before the day of the race, we can
have no doubt that a combination of the highest alent in
his preparation, with the unequalled jockeyship of his
rider, will result in landing
- -

THE Ow ToRT"
the winner of the Great Reform Rees of 1867.

ETHNOLOGICAL SOCHITY.—The anniversary meet-
ing of this moiety was held on Tuesday. Mr. J. Crawford,
F.H.8., presided. The reports of the council and of the
treasurer were moat favourable in respect of the increased
and increasing prosperity of the society. The number of
new members added during the past year was greater
and the balance at the bankers larger than on any previous
occasion, notwithstanding the more extended printing of
the society's "Transactions." The male of these publica-
tions to the gener.d public had now become an important
item in the society's finances. The following officers
and council were elected for the ensuing year:—
President : Mr. J. Crawfurd ; vioe.preaidents : Mr. R.
Dunn, Sir John Lubbock, Bart., and Professor Busk;
honorary treasurer : Mr. F. Hindwarsh ; honorary mere-
Wits : Mr. T. Wright and Mr. D. W. Nash ; honorary
librarian: Mr. L. J. Beale • council: Mr. W. Blackmore,
Mr. H. C. Bohn, Dr. A. Campbell Mr. T. F. D. Croker,
Sir W. A. Claveriog, Bart., Mr. J. Dickinson, the Rev.
F. W. Farrar, Professor Huxley, Dr. Harrington Tuke,
Mr. J. Meyer, Sir H. I. Murchison, Hart.,Sir C. Nicholson,
Barg., Sir S. Ryan, and Mr. J. Thrapp. A special vote
of thanks to the president for his sealona and valuable
cervices to the society, both in respect to ita active
management and the able and numerous papers contrilm•
ted to its evening meetings, exhibiting as they have done
the most mature deliberation and extended reserirch and
experience, was appropriately and deservedly proposed by
General Balfour, and carried by en acclamation and accord
significant of the heartiest personal attachment of the
fellows to their veteran chief.
PATENT OTTICI MVIHHIN, 8017111 KENNINGTON.—
Number of visitors for the week ending May 18, 1,879
total number since the opening of the Museum, free daily
(May LI, 1858),1,139,329.