ASCOT RACES.
Weather was favourable to the opening of the aristocratic races on As- cot Heath, on Tuesday ; but the splendour of Majesty did not shine over the otherwise brilliant scene. Among the visitors, however, were the Duke of Genoa, the Earl of Bessborough, Master of the Buckhounds, the Marquis of Worcester, the Marquis of Exeter, the Marquis of Downshire, and other shining lights of the turf. The sport was in keeping with the weather.
The two chief races were for the Queen's Vase and the Ascot Stakes. Nine horses started for the Queen's Cup ; it was carried away by Mr. Thellusson's Rataplan (Wells), after a smart race. For the Ascot Stakes fourteen started. To the surprise of everybody, Lord Palmerston's Buckthorn (A. Day) went ahead at last, and ran in first by half a length. Lord Palmerston's success gave great pleasure.
Wednesday is not a "great day" ; and although the weather was still fine, comparatively few persons attended. The sport was abundant and good.
Four started for the Coronation Stakes ; but they were easily won by Ca- therine Hayes (Marlow), the winner of the Oaks, and consequently extra- weighted. The chief event of the day was for the Royal Hunt Cup. Thirty I horses—a splendid field—went to the post; at the Stand railings, the Friar (Garvey), Pelion (Flatman), and Corybantes (Ashmall), came out of the ruck ; the Friar running in a clever winner by a length. At the start for the last race of the day, the Three-years-old Triennial ' Stakes, Sittingbourne and the Reiver " ran at each other with open mouths." I Sittingbourne was left behind ; the Reiver never recovered his ground ; and Filbert (Flatinan), an outsider, beat Nutpecker, another outsider, by eight lengths.
Thursday was the great day. The concourse was immense; and the company brilliant. Early in the morning the weather was lowering ; but when the Queen arrived, about half-past one, the sun broke forth, and shone gloriously for the rest of the day. Her Majesty drove on to the course in her accustomed state. Seated in her carriage were the Duke of Genoa, the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and the ,Prince of Wales ; Prince Albert following with the Princess Royal, the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and the Duchess of Sutherland. The Royal Party was received on all aides with plenteous cheering.
The chief race was for the Emperor's Plate—" the gift of the Emperor of All the Russias." Six horses started ; among them Teddington, the winner of the Derby in 1851, and Stockwell, the winner of the St. Leger in 18,52. Between these two the contest lay ; and after a dashing race, Mr. Stanley's Teddington (J. Marson) won by a head. It is said that he swerved a little at the last, or he would have increased the distance. For the New Stakes twelve horses started : Autocrat (Templeman) won easily by a length and a half. All the horses were two-year-olds ; and Au- tocrat is entered for the next Derby.
After this race the Queen left the course.
The races terminated yesterday ; but the sport, though good, was not remarkable.
The Marquis of Exeter won three out of six contests—the Great Western Stakes, and the Second Class Wokingham Stakes, with Nutpecker (J. Mann); and the Borough Members Plate, with Noisette (J. Mann).
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