3-028-294 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Race for the Grand Prix de Paris: saddling the favourites, 1870. 'The attendance this year was even more numerous than on previous occasions, especially in the enceinte du pesage, or weighing inclosure, where it was quite impossible to obtain even standing-room on the Grand Stand. Our Illustration represents the saddling of the favourites, behind the betting-shed, a short time previous to the race, surrounded by their owners, trainers, and attendants, and a number of bookmakers and betting-men, who make a point of assisting at this ceremony in order to ascertain the condition of the horses. The excitement on the present occasion was more apparent than is usually the case, probably on account of almost everyone being desirous to catch a glimpse of the English horses, one of which it was rumoured had been "pulled" at the Derby, in order that his owner might obtain odds against him at the Grand Prix'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.