3-017-076 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Spring Meeting at Yokohama: race of the Japanese officers - the start, 1865. 'Our Special Artist and Correspondent at Yokohama writes as follows: "Last Thursday the spring meeting for the races came off here. The weather was superb; it was very hot, but there was not a cloud in the sky. On this occasion, for the first time, the Japanese officers joined in the sport. Their riding caused universal admiration. They kept well together, and the winner was received by the spectators with thundering cheers. Miss E- gave him the prize, in the shape of a small revolver, in its case. Only two of these Japanese gentlemen riders were thrown off, but even they showed much pluck, and, later in the evening, they had another race, which was equally well ridden. It is certainly pleasing to see the Japanese thus coming out as competitors with the English sporting men, and I think it does them great credit. They were all officers, and some of them quite young. I inclose you a Sketch of the proceedings".' From "Illustrated London News", 1865.