3-011-414 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Returning from the races at Cairo, 1864. Engraving from a sketch by Mr. Frederick George, '...of a truly English sport held under most un-English conditions...This scene...differs essentially, in the matters of locality and costume, from a return from Epsom or Ascot. The hills in the distance are known as the Mokatem. At the end of the range may be distinguished the citadel, with its grand mosque, the most striking feature in the panorama of Cairo. To this point the multitude, broken into long streams, are making their way. Conspicuous amongst all in this motley assemblage is the glittering cavalcade of his Highness the Viceroy, which is dashing onwards to Cairo. Ismail Pacha reclines in a handsome barouche, drawn by four English horses, ridden by English postillions, and two smart English grooms occupy the rumble. The escort is composed of picked men, who, in their splendid uniforms, have a very imposing appearance. By the Prince's carriage ride the aides-de-camp and a few superior officers. In the distance may be seen carriages sticking fast in the sand, the unfortunate occupants having in some cases to leave their equipages and join the pedestrians'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864.