Charles Bentley after Henry Alken

Grand Leicestershire Steeplechase on the 12th March 1829
1. The Start
2. Going the Pace
3. Symptoms of Distress
4. The Field becomes Select
5. A Rich Scene
6. Dick Christian's last fall
7. The Climax of Disaster
8. The Winning Post at Billesdon Coplow

20 x 17 inches

These highly decorative prints depict the most important of the hunt steeplechases that was held in Leicestershire on the 12th March 1829. It was a four-mile race across country from Nowsley Wood to Billesdon Coplow. The umpire is called Nimrod and he can be seen in the first plate reading the articles of the race. The horses are called King of the Valley, Lazy Bet, Clinker, Magic, Polecat, Spartacus and Bantum. All the "Gentlemen Riders" are named under the images with a fascinating running commentary as the race progresses. The race is won by Sir Harry Goodricke's Magic.

Henry Alken was the most prolific of sporting artists. He produced paintings, drawings, etchings, aquatints and book illustrations in a seemingly endless stream.