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BIG PRICE FOR A STEEPLECHASER. Big prices for flat racers are more the rule than the exception, but it is rare, indeed, that a steeplechaser brings such a sum as 2,000 guineas. This, however, was the price paid on Saturday last at Saudown Park for Ilston, which was bought by the Hon. Aubrey Hastings, acting, presumably, for Sir George Bullough. For a young horse, Ilston has shown great aptitude for cross-country work, and on his last appearance, at Newbury on November 27, he won the Andovcr Handicap Steeplechase, carrying 107 pounds, from a good field. He had also won the Busbridge Handicap Steeplechase, carrying 105 pounds at Saudown in October, while he won the West of Scotland Handicap Steeplechase at Eglin-ton Hunt last April, carrying 105 pounds, and the Middlesex Handicap Steeplechase at Kempton Park in February, carrying 155 pounds. It will thus be seen that Ilston is above the average run of steeplechasers, and it is quite certain that he is by no means a dear horse at the price stated. London Sporting Life.
