The Sun.
London, England, 1832-07-17 00:00:00

GRAND TROTTING MATCH BETWEEN
RATTLER AND DRIVER FOR 5001. A-SIDE.

This match, i❑ which Rattler, the celebrated American,
the property of Mr. Osbaldeston, was matched to trot in
saddle 34 miles (17 out and 17 in), against Mr. Lawton's
galloway Driver, for 500/. a-side, or 100 L forfeit, came
off on Friday according to articles. The start took place
from Newmarket, on the road towards London, and back.
Rattler had to carry 11 stone, while Driver had to carry
but 9 stone—a difference in weight considered highly in
favour of the latter, although scarce 14 hands high,
while Rattler is 15 hands and a half. We may here men-
tion that Driver was formerly in the possession of the
Duke of Gordon, subsequently became the property of
Macdonald, the jockey, but has lately been the property of
Mr. Lawton, who made the present match.
The weights having been adjusted, and Mr. Osbaldeston
having mounted Rattler, and Macdonald Driver, the signal
was given for starting. The horses went off at a steady
pace, Mr. Osbaldeston rather in the rear—a position
which it was understood he intended to preserve throughout
till near home, when he purposed taking the lead, if in his
power. The road was alternately up and down hill, in
some places the ascents and descents being rather precipi-
tous, between chalk hills, which rendered it extremely
warm and oppressive, from a want of a free circulation of
air. In going towards town, the horses were met by a
gentle and refreshing breeze, but this being at their backs
on their return, the disadvantage was obvious. As the
horses proceeded, Macdonald increased his speed, but Mr.
Osbaldeston judiciously kept close to his quarters, and
waited upon him with persevering industry. The first
three miles were done in 12 minutes, and the first 14 in
50 minutes. At the turn of the 17 miles Driver was in
front about a couple of lengths, and without pulling up
they came on in the same relative position till within
about a mile of home, near the ditch gate, when the Squire
said " Good bye." Both horses were now greatly dis-
tressed ; the pace, though not rapid, was sufficiently fa-
tiguing from the heat of the atmosphere. Macdonald tried
his little nag towards the conclusion, but he always found
Mr. Osbaldeston close upon his haunches. At last Mi.
Osbaldeston, finding the period for the push arrive, went
forward, and, in spite of all Macdonald could do, came in
first by about 50 yards ; performing the 34 miles in 2
hours, 18 minutes, and 56 seconds, or at the aggregate
rate of a mile in four minutes throughout. In many
parts of the road this pace was exceeded, as the trot for
the last few miles did not seem to exceed 12 miles an hour.

Mr. Osbaldeston was loudly cheered. He immediately
dismounted and weighed, apparently little fatigued.
Rattler, however, was greatly distressed, and was taken
into the first stable which presented itself, where every
possible care was taken of him ; but when our account
left Newmarket, rumour stated him to be in a precarious
condition. Driver was equally distressed, but was con-
ducted into the town and bled. He refused his food for
some time, but gradually recovered his spirits, and was
pronounced " in a fair way," although acknowledged to
have been " dead beaten."
Rattler is since dead ; he died on Saturday.