3-028-780 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Steeplechase at Punchestown Races, [County Kildare, Ireland], 1870. Illustration from sketches by '...Lieuts. Boyd and Briscoe, of the 17th Regiment...The Grand Stand was reserved chiefly for ladies, and adjoining it was a private stand, fitted up for the 6th Carabiniers, with a saloon, where troops of friends were entertained by Colonel Betty and the officers of the corps. The Scots Fusilier Guards and the 43rd Regiment were also encamped on the tented field in a spirit of free hospitality. The large stand was crowded with spectators during the races, and in the intervals between them the inclosures in front and the fields adjoining were filled with people discussing the merits of the favourites and making up their books for the next event on the card. Lines of vehicles of every kind, filled with people, extended along the course in every direction, and dark clusters of people crowned the hills in the distance. The band of the Carabiniers played in front of the Grand Stand, and agreeably relieved the monotonous din of the betting ring. The ground was in excellent order for racing, except in one or two places where it was rather slippery, and some mishaps befell the most promising riders'. From "Illustrated London News", 1870.