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Elephant Steeplechase at Rangoon, 1858. Creator: Unknown
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Elephant Steeplechase at Rangoon, 1858. Creator: Unknown
Elephant Steeplechase at Rangoon, 1858. The British entertaining themselves in Burma. The officers of the garrison at Rangoon wound up their Monsoon Meeting with two pony steeplechases and an elephant steeplechase, which were to have come off on the anniversary of the birthday of our most gracious Queen, but the state of the weather caused the postponement to the 25th May..."H. M. 68th Steeplechase Course, open to all Elephants, steered by Mahouts, and ridden by Officers, the winning Mahout to receive 5 rs [rupees]. from the stakes, and the rider the balance, and a piece of plate from the staff"...The ditch is the third leap, though the first in the picture. It was three feet and a half deep by seven broad. Grainbags, who was heavily backed, was the first in, and out again; and not one, that I observed, cleared it. They all went at it like - elephants! and the riders, I do declare, evinced rare powers of sticking. They were in jockey costume, but rode with a staff and flag instead of a whip...The following was the result - First: Captain Vaughan's "Soorul Jumal"; Second: Mr. Marshall's "Delhi Bully"; Third: Major West's " Tearing Villain"...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph depicts the excitement of the Elephant Steeplechase at Rangoon, Burma in 1858. The British officers, having concluded their 'Monsoon Meeting,' organized an unusual race to entertain themselves during their stay. The steeplechase was open to all elephants, with mahouts steering and officers riding. The winning mahout received five rupees from the stakes, while the rider took the remainder and a 'piece of plate' from the staff. In the image, the third leap, the deepest ditch, is visible, measuring three and a half feet deep and seven feet wide. The heavily-backed 'Grainbags' was the first to attempt the ditch but failed to clear it, just like every other participant. The riders, dressed in jockey costume, rode with a staff and flag instead of a whip. The result of the race was as follows: Captain Vaughan's 'Soorul Jumal' finished first, Mr. Marshall's 'Delhi Bully' came in second, and Major West's 'Tearing Villain' took third place. The daring elephants and their riders displayed remarkable courage and skill, making for an unforgettable spectacle in the colonial outpost of Rangoon.
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