The Sun.
London, England, 1831-11-07 00:00:00

.4

MR. OSBALDESTON'S GRAND HATCH
• • AGAINST•TIME, • r' •
AT NEWMARKET, FOR 1,000 GUINEAS.

SATURDAY.
The intense interest inanitestcal in all rafts of the country will
excuse our entering fully into particulars of this match. Since
the famous match between Sir .To hua and Filho da Puta, or the
no less celebrated one for the Claret, when Moses won it, nothing
has occurred to attract so large an assemb age to Newmarket.
Parties arrived from all parts of the kingdom ; and on Friday
night not a bed could be obtained at any price. Several were
under the disagreeable necessity of sitting up all night. The in-
flux was not confined to Newmarket, Cambridge and every other
place within ten or fifteen miles of the heath profited by the or-
! casino, nor was so glorious an opportunity of" laying it on" slit:
fired to pass by. The very early hour appointed for the corn.
inencement of the match caused a bustle in the town at a time
that must have " astonished the natives," for what with hazard
and cards the over night, and the little there is in the puce to
render it an agreeable morning promenade, the gentry are any
thing but early risers. From six in themorning till nearly five
in the evening, business was the order of the day.—Mr. Osbal-
deston on the Cambridge side of the ditch, and the legitimate
racing on the other, several hundred horsemen galloping back-
wards and forwardsas the intervals between the matches enablei
them to watch the progress of " the Squire," as Mr. Osbaldeston
is familiarly termed by his friends. We shall finish our intro.
ductory remarks by observing that the attendance was im-
mense, but certainly far less numerous than might have lo,en
expected if the weather had been finer. The match was made
previous to the July meeting, between Colonel Charrite and
Mr. Osbaldeston, for 1,000 guineas a side, the latter undertaking
to ride 200 miles in ten hours in the ensuing Houghton meeting,
the number of horses being unlimited. By some oversight it was
orginally fixed to come off on the Monday atter the meeting,
but on the objection that this would be a violation of the articles
the time was altered for Saturday. Up to the last week the
backers of time were numerous, the contingencies being all in
their favour. In the first place, Mr. Osbaldeston's age (47) was
cmsidered inimieal to his doing 200 miles at a racing pace, while
the mere fatigue of mounting and dismounting, it was thought,
would be sufficient to give him what is quaintly termed a "
up." Again they urged that a horse might fall lame, or turn
restive, be awkward to mount, or pull up : the weather, too,
might be unfavourable : in fact, that putting aside all" these ob-
jections, it was a task requiringsnerve and stamina that could
scarcely be expected from any man, however young and vi-
gorous : on the other hand, nothing could possibly happen
to prejudice old " Time." This party, therefore, appear to
have looked upon the undertaking as almost equal to one of
the " seven labours.", That some of the contingencies spe-
culated upon did occur will be seen below. It will also be per-
ceived- that they did not operate much in favour of the " time"
party. Several of the most experienced sporting gentlemen
backed Mr. Osbaldeston, from a knowledge of almost iron con-
stitution, vigorous habits, and general capability for a'hard day's
work ; and it must be admitted, that Towing in the summer, and
hunting throughout the winter, in all weather, constitute recom.
mendations of no ordinary nature : in addition to this, " the
Squire" has taken extraordinary pains to qualify himself for his
Herculean task, especially in the last week or ten days, fre-
quently riding 40, 50, and 60 miles a day, in the teeth of a wind
that, " cut like a razor." The ground was measured over the
Round Course, beginning anti ending at the Duke's Stand.
The saddles were covered with lamb-skin, and marked_ with
4he names of the horses to be ridden, and the order in which
they were to be brought to the post Refreshments (con-
: sisting of weak brandy and water, warm jelly, cold partridge,
&c.) and changes of clothing were provided ; the latter,
however, were not required, Mr. Osbaldeston preferring to
continue in his wet clothes to losing time in shifting them.
The umpires were, Mr. Bowater for Colonel Charrite, and Mr.
Thelluson for Mr. Osbaldeston. The distance was divided into
heats of 4 miles each, and was performed by the following horses:
—Mr. Sowerby's Paradox, Mr. Sowerby's Coroner, Mr. Stone.
hewer's Fairy, Mr. Gully's Tranby, Mr. Gully's c by Tramp,
Mr. Arnold's Dolly, Colonel Russell's Skirmisher, Mr. Rush's
Guildford, Mr. Henry's Tam O'Shanter, Mr. Dilly's El Dorado,
Mr. Yeasley's Coventry, Colonel Wilson's Ringleader, Mr. Pet-
tit's Ipsala, Mr. Wagstaff 's Streamlet, Lord Ranelagh's Done.
gani, Hassan (late Lord Queensberry's), Mr. Chifney's Surprise
filly, a horse by Smolensko, Mr. Rogers's Acorn, and S others
which were cocktails, and most of them the property of Mr. Os-
baldeston. Those named are racehorses,
were lent for the occa_
sion, and prepared for the purpose by their trainers. At 12minutes
past 7, all the arrangements being completed, Mr. Osbaldestor
started. His weight, including saddle and bridle, a purple silk
jacket, black velvet cap, doe-skin breeches, and top-boots, was --.
The following is a correct return of the 50 4-mile heats :
min. s. min. s.
1. Emma 9 0 120. A horse, by Smolensko 552
2 Paradox
3. Liberty 9 251 28. Skirmisher 9 25
4. Coroner

5. Obeston
6. I)on Juan (1 0 31. Ikey Solomons l2 t
7. Morgan Rattler 9 13 32. Tam O'Shanter 940
8. Paradox (2d time) 9 6 33. El Dorado 9 20
9. Cannon Ball 923 134. Coventry 9 t
10. Clasher 9 25 35. Ringleader
11. Ultima 9 10 36. Tranby (3d time)
12. Fairy
13. Coroner (9.d tune)............8 40 I 38. Skirmisher (2d time) Sl5
"-...rtv (ditto).— ' lit,

14. Liberty (ditto) 921 39 Guildford (ditto)
15. Emma (ditto) 9 21 1 40. Streamlet 8 51.
18. Don Juan (ditto)
9 1V

17. Obeston (ditto) ... B2O 42. Hassan 9 0
18. Cannon Ball (ditto) ... 945 43. Surprise filly
19. Ultima (ditto) 9 0 41. Ringleader (2d time) 930
20. Tranby . 8 10 45. Tranby (4th time) B5O
21. Fairy (2d time)
22. Morgan Rattler (ditto) 903 47 Ipsala (ditto)
23 Colt, by Tramp 8 58 48. Streamlct (ditto) . 9 0
24. Dolly 858 49. Donegani (ditto) lO 13
25. Acorn
snaking 7 hours, 19 minutes, and 4 seconds; to which must to
added 1 hour, 22 minutes, and 56 seconds, occupied in mounting,
dismounting, and refreshing—total 8 hours and 42 minutes, or 1
hour and 18 minutes less than the time stipulated for the per.
fonnance of the match In the 10th round Clasher broke down.
near home, and in the 31st Ikey Solomon, tripped, and thee.
Mr. Osbaldeston, who fortunately retained his hold of the reins,
and escaped unhurt, but was slightly flurried. The first 24 mile,
were done in 58minutes ; the 48 miles in 2 hours, 1 minute, and
5 seconds; the 60 miles in 2 hours and 33 minutes; 70 miles in
hours and 59 minutes; 80 miles in 3 hours, 25 minutes, and 30
seconds ;
.100 miles in 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 40 seconds ; and
120 miles in 5 hours, 11 minutes, and 33 seconds. At this stage
of the match Mr. Osbaldestonproceeded to the stand,and lunched,
stopping 6 minutes and 20 seconds ; 136 miles were performed m
6 hours ; and 160 in 6 hours and 57 seconds. All the stoppages
are included in these calculations: if they are deducted throughout
the match, it will be seen that the whole distance was done al
the rate of about 26 miles per hour Tranby did his 16 miles in
33 minutes and 15 seconds! The weather was unfavourable; a
drizzling rain at the commencement jse to a heavl, storm
which did not cease till about ten o'clock. Just previous
to commencing the forty-eighth round, a tremendiihs storm
of wind and rain met Mr. Osbaldeston in the face, am:
Streamlet, frightened, actually turned round. In spite 01
this, however, the hardy son of Nimrod lett off full of spirits,
and with scarcely perceptible symptoms of distress. Indeed
his conduct throughout was that of a gallant sportsman and or
an honourable matt ; he is an admirable personification of tin
true old English squire, at .. all in the ring," and formidable in
every branch of sporting--a good waterman, a crack shot, a first
rate criketter, and "an out-and.outer across the country." We
have hitherto omitted the betting. At the making of the match
time had the call, but during the last meeting it changed to 6to
4 on Mr. Osbaldeston, increased to 5 to 2 on the Friday night,
and was 4to 1 at the starting ; 1,000 to 100 was also betted to Mr.
Osbaldeston and another gentleman, that it was not done in the
9 hours. The confidence of his backers was not shaken till the
31st round, when Ikey Solomons threw him ; it was then even
betting on the match. In the 40th change, it was 6to 4 that he
did it in the 9 and 10 to 1 that he did it in the ten hours ; after
the 45th change, t.me had not a backer. Mr. Osbaldeston rode
from the race-ground into the town on one of his favourite hacks,
and was loudly cheered on quitting the scene of his triumph
The arrangement of the horses, watches, &c., were left to
Messrs. H. England, Weston, Perrin, J. Rogers, and J. Sadler ;
it is but justice to add, that they rendered very effectual assist-
ance during the performance of this very arduous undertaking.
As a finale to our account, we present a list of the most remark.
able feats of horsemanship on record :

In October, 1741, at the Currali meeting, in Ireland, Mr.
Wilde rode 127 miles in 6 hours and 21 minutes, with 10 horses :
the time stipulated was 9 hours.
In 1745, Mr. C. Tin rnhill rode from Stilton to London and
back again to Stilton, being '213 miles, in 11 hours and 34 minutes.
In 1762, Mr. Shaftoe rode 501,,i miles in I hour and 49 minutes,
on 10 horses, 5 of which were ridden twice. -
In 1763, the same gentleman undertook to ride 100 miles a day
for 29 days together, on any one horse each day, the number
of horses not to exceed 29. He accomplished it on 14 horses,
and in one day rode 160 miles, on account of the tiring of his
first horse.

In 1758, Miss Pond rode 1,000 miles in 1,00.; hours, at New.
market.

In December, 1810, Mr. Milton, the horse-dealer, who weighed
13 stone, rode from London to Stamford (sla►ting from the cor-
ner of Dover-street), in 4 hours and 25 minutes, using IS horses.
There are many other feats on record ; but none that make
any approach to the one performed on Saturday.
- - -

(From Bell's Life in London.)
The saddles on which Mr. Osbaldeston rode were covered with
sheep skin with the wool on; and it was arranged that each horse
at one start should perform four miles. Sonic of them, it will
be seen, having to do the distance twice, thrice, and four times.
The morning was extremely unfavourable, eommencingspith
a drizzling rain, which subsequently increased to a drenching
shower, accompanied by a high and piercingly cold wind; but
this did not damp the spirits of the rider, and at precisely twel e
minutes after seven he was mounted and started, carrying a whip,
and wearing spurs ; the latter he dispensed with occasOuniify.
The following are the names of the horses, apsd respective
times in which they performed their four miles ;- -

' - min. 3. .:-. . .
Mill a.
I Emma 9 o 4. Coroner
•2. Paradox
3. Liberty 925 6. Don Juan 9 o
The first 24 miles, including stoppages for mounting and dis-
mounting, were performed in two minutes under the t,,,,,w
7. Morgan Rattler 9 13 1 9. Cannun,ba'ii,„... ......... 9 V.;
8. Paradox, 2d time
Clasher broke down, and eTii.in at a trot ; but the forty milA.
were performed in Rillaulininuteo and a half within time two
hours.

.
11. Ultemar
The 48 miles were performed in two hours, one inkm,iqe:, and
five seconds, including mounting and dismount 'lie ground
getting heavy, Mr. Osbaldeston still in high *pints, although wet
to the skin. lip to this time htt ;4abi taxen no refreshment be.
yond a little gum ambit:, %,;hich he held in his mouth.
13. Coroner, thi Uwe 840 15. -Emma, 2d time 9 21
iil4 14. 1,..r;y, U I time
Ttlis completed the sixty miles in 27 minutes 1(4„- %%ail Mt
three hours. In the last run with Emma, Mr. (lakleston went
the wrong side the post, but immediately, i.athed and went back
to the point of error. Mr. 0, trod took a little weak brandy and
water, and again mounted, •
16. Don Jnan, 2-,' 64610' 9 8 18. Cannon Ball, 28 time 9 IA
17. Obbertem, 2d tine
SSevetity miles were done one minute under the kh,r,e,f, hours,
and the 72 miles four minutes beyond tba three 4130.1.
19. Ultemar, 2cl time 9Q i 20. Tr..4,bj(.'' e..., ....... 810
The rain subsided, but the, weatlibr 'still cold' and cheerless.
The 80 milg Wcr.co,k9;4‘‘. 44-three tours and 25 minutes and a
half, including st4ippages,
21. Pahl " '
ila' Msirgauliattlerad time 9 a7l I 23. Dolly ...................... 8 A',
Any odds on the performance of the match. . ... . ~
25. Acorn
The HuNDRED MILES were now w‘ksp' I.lllb9r7sogri. uene-
teen minutes and forty secardf, -1, P" sikrett was made that •
Mr. Osbaldeston shcaild alight 'add clia.n. ' hi's dress, but this he
declined, anti si,id .r.• e wo,radge a few more rounds. Reappeared
rather stiff, but still in good pl
4' '96. A Morse by Smolensk° ............ .. .............. 6,), ..!1
Mr. Osbaldeston took a crust of bread and a mi..4lsful a. (*hi
brandy and water, stopping rather, more t`ma viol4l%,,ikt.'
27. 'ranby, 2d time 8 -W, it.) ci'ilildford ' 8 2'" os. ...... ... J
28. Skirmisher...,, „, 9 '24 . .• " •
The rit.ln again cariiedOlit is, tipetlts during the last round ;
btu again Cleatcti otrknd was Olive more favourable.
1 *;_, 1.)‘1-4)';-.2t•ClIll'W, . 845
He nft9 110,w Ciilnploted one hundred and twenty miles in five
spirits.
hots 'eleven 'Minutes and a half, and determined on taking s:pie
,a,lehluyns;gtrt d,
as o down I
hunter;"to alun
andof coldat.ter tar partridge,ing a
refreshment. He immediately proceeded up into the Duke's
Stand, where he recognized some female frieds, and immedi.
stopping six minutes iind twenty seconds, again mounted without
PlaesssOfaldshleierrwy,asanads
changing his dress in y pdrtictilan.
lit next horse, the 31st change,' was Ikey Solomons. Ikey,
soon after starting, made a slip, and dropped a little.lorwa,rd ;
Mr.' Osbaideston, standing oli his' stirrups at the moment, Was
thrown over his head, and feU fulliength on the ground. Forts,.
riatel, he retained the reins, sustained no iniury though shook.