A STEEPLE CHASE FOR A BRIDE.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 482, 31 May 1851, Page 59

A STEEPLE CHASE FOR A BRIDE.

[From Bell'g Life in Sydney J

[The death of Patch having prevented the race* coming off which were intended for Thurtday last, initead of printing the result of the "Match "and the "Trial Stakes," an wo expected to have been called upon to do, for the amusement of our Sporting rtadcrs we have copied from a Sydney journal the particulars of a rase more exciting than we should probably have witnessed had the mishap which has spoiled our own sport not occurred. The story is of two gallant Australian stockman, who were both in love with the same lady, and as a means of determining who should possess the damsel, it was agreedj it should be settled by a race, and that the loser should waive his pretensions to the hand of "Carrotty Caroline " in favour of his more fortunate competitor.]

On the day devoted to the characteristic contest for the fair hand of " Carrotty Caroline," stockriders from all the runs within sixty miles had arrired. It seemed as if the old chivalric spirit had experienced a transformation after the bush, fashion, and was arising again in the Australian wilderness.

The gathering was at the Baldfaced Stag, and after the customary drinking and chaffing had taken place, the horses were taken out by their renpective riders.

Jack Jasper had got an iron grey of great power and apparent speed, as likely a looking horse for a day with the " Quorn " as a man would wish to bestride ; he was in beautiful condition — the tracery of his veins might be seen in a net work of wavy lines over his brisket, thighs, neck, and head.

All around hailed his appearance with a shout of admiration, and the knowing ones at once booked him as the winner. Jack's personal prowess was well known, and the name he had given his nag was far from inappropriate, considering the occasion.

" Lady-killer " was the cognomen the animal was distinguished by, and his rider turned out spruce, as if determined not to disgrace it. '

" Let's see Ben's horse,*' was now the cry, and on the rug being taken, a tall rawboned aged gelding met their astonished gaze.

" Why, it's old Bunkum," said one. " Pooh, nonsense, old Bunkum had a white off hind fetlock joint."

" It's Throsby's Benelong," suggested another stockman, critically eyeing the old horse. " Gammon," was the reply ; " try again."

" It's Vicker's Parachute."

"Wrong," was the rejoinder: "May I be spifnhated if Parachute ara't been dead this two year."

Amidst all these pros and cons the magnificent points of the old horse were well worth admiring. Different from his more fiery antagonist, however, he stood loping lazily, his ears twitched back, the picture of a worn- down first- rater. Some remarked that his legs were wonderfully clean, and on handling them, declared they were " as cool as a cucumber." His hide, though rough, was loose on his body, and could be gathered up in the hand easily. Altogether, if his wind should turn out right, he promised to be a tough customer for Jack Jasper's Lady-killer.

The men mounted, and the iron grey was capering and curvetting, eager to be oS ; rather hot and mettlesome for pleasant riding in a bush so woody 83 the men were going to gallop through.

After a walk of about a mile and a half, the party was at the Gusiett Swamp, and all ready for the start.

" Two to one on the grey "—"" — " The Lady-killer for ever." " Say three to one, and I'll take yer."

The betting was decidedly in favour of the iron grey.

The coming in at Dingo River would bring the parties, in the tremulous struggle coming off, very near to the residence of the' fair damsel nominated as the prize, who doubtless, was awaiting the result with eager anticipation.

Before we start with the men, it would be as well to give a rough sketch of the ground and the difficulties to be got over.

From the starting-place, which was in the centre of a gum forest, to Dingo River, was a distance of five miles and upwards by the line laid down. At the commencement, after leaving the forest, it was necessary to cross a swampy piece of ground, then through a scrubby, thickly-timbered flat, full of holes and roots ; after which the open forest again, which near the township had been felled in all directions, leaving logs, heads of trees, stumps, and broken boughs to struggle amongst. On sighting the river, it was necessary to jump a four.railed fence into a stubble-field, then over a rasper that separated it from the river, or else to take the side line fence, make for the road down to the ford, and then race up the distance back to the public-bouse door. The former plan, involving two fences and a charge at the brook, otberwisa the Dingo River was much the shortest, if not the most practicable.

" Now, Ben," said Jack Jasper, " bring yer old knacker along, and name him afore you start, and then you'll see the Ladykiller no more this side the river 1"

" That's as may be," replied Ben. " Hows'ever, you wants the hoss's name, and yon shall have it. I've christened him * Mistake,' and mind you don't make a mistake, my boy."

They were off; he went at every little log as if it had been a gate. Mistake nearly scraped them with his fore legs, but never actually touched them — he did just enough, and no more. And what a change ! He looked all fire, his blood-red nostril dilated, and bis tail streaming level with his crupper bone, his action superb, his head well up, and pulling light; his rider, too, appeared quite an altered man.

Letting down the fold of his stockwhip, he jerked the convoluted thong, and out it went with, a report like a small piece of ordnance. Then by a peculiar movement of the whip he kept it cracking and twining over his shoulders. The iron grey hid not fancy this manoeuvre. " Keep your whip still," shouted Jasjjer. " Take care of Ladykiller," retorted Ben. Crack ! crack ! crack I " 'Tisn't the jonteel thing, Ben — drop it now." " How are you off for dyeakillum. I've two pennorth in my pocket." By this time some score of logs were cleared with caae. Some heavy timber lying down now intervened, and one leap was a teazer.

At it they went, the grey first, jumping ferociously, and pulling like a demon. Jasper bad all his work to keep clear of the tree and the hanging branches.

Mistake baulked {at the last leap, but a taste of the apur brought him over. And now the Ladykiller took the lead, and was only to be seen at intervals dodging amongst the timbers till lost in the distance. At this point the party took a short cut, to be home soon enough to witness the final struggle, leaving the heroes of the saddle to work their way through the marsh and scrub, after the best manner they were able. On reaching a spot commanding a view of the flat, those who had bets pending were eagerly on the look-out for the first glimpse of the riders. Presently, some one shouted, '• Here comes old Mistake ;" and sure enough he was stretching out to it, and going along at tip-top pace. Ladykiller was now occasionally visible through the light of the bush; but the old horse had gained on him. The struggle was intensely interesting. Th c pace was terrific, until the log-jumping and pound ing commenced, when the spectators, making for the road, raced it down until they arrived at the side of the stubble field, through which the stockmen had to pass, either taking the river or the longer route by the ford. Ladykiller showed first, and in gallant trim. He seemed to have it all his own way. 'Twas an ocean steamer to a cockle shell apparently. Jasper did not hesitate about the line he would adopt. Into the field he came, clearing the fourrailer like a bird. Then across he gallopped for the side line, purposing to take the ford.

Now Ben Burton appeared in sight, and was saluted with cheers and shouts. He saw his chance was lost, unless he took the short cut, and the river immedietely after the last jump, which was itself a " burster."

He wavered not an instant. Cramming Mistake, he was into the stubble field at once, and before Ladykiller was out of it on the other jumps. "He's going the short cvt — go it, Jasper." " Whip and spur. Go it, old vn — you'll do it yet." " Rouse him over, Jasper, 'Tis your last fence." And Jasper did rouse him over.

'Twas a beautiful sight to see that nag come to his leap. His eye like a meteor — his dilated nostril relieved by the white foam which flew in specks and flakes from his mouth — his bold and gallant carriage — the nervous energy of that powerful beast as he came rushing on like a tornado — the exquisite symmetry of his chest, although be heaved with exertion— the untiring* the indomitable pluck, and spirit expressed in the animal's face; 'twas a soul-stirring, inspiring sight. On, on he came. Jasper's legs clasped him convulsively. His figure] appeared glued to the horse. He was all excitement. The spurs were pressed with vigorous energy against the noble animal's side. One concentration of strength, one gathering together of those mighty sinews, muscles, and nerves, reticulated like netted whipcord, and Ladykiller with Jack were in the road. " Hooray ! hooray I" burst forth from the mob collected to witness the result. " You've got it hollow."

These gratulations were instantly cut short* 'Twas the last great effort of nature. Staggering forward some ten or twelve strides, the gallant horse sank to the ground exhausted, powerless, and prostrate. What a contrast ! — twenty seconds before, and never did a finer specimen of physical power exist. Now, the glazing eye, the heaving Bide, the twitching throb, the gasping breath, alone gave token of the creature's existence !

But where was the old un ? 'Tis needless to dilate on his success. He bad witnessed Ladykiller's fall, and with the greatest coolness pulled old Mistake round, cantered up to the fence that had put Ladykiller hors de combat, took it easily, walked through the ford, went up the lane at a hand gallop, and was saluting " Carrotty Cary " when the rest of the party arrived. But mark, ye gentle readers, mark the fickleness of womankind. Never chance breaking your heart or your neck where the case is doubtful. She married Jack Jasper after all, and left the " old un " to extinguish the fire of his affection the best way he could.