An important archive relating to the early years of steeplechasing: a collection of 32 handwritten, personally signed letters, circa 1830-50, from eminent members of aristocracy and the Turf to Thomas Coleman, known as 'The Father of Steeplechasing' and instigator of the St Albans Grand Steeplechase, letters dating between 1827 and 1874, from notable figures including Lord George Bentinck, 'Squire' Osbaleston, John Gully, Lord Verulam, Lord Grosvenor, Marquess of Titchfield and others, one written on behalf of Queen Victoria, the majority from 1830-50, discussing sales of horses, upcoming races and other racing-related topics, addressed to trainer and entrepreneur Thomas Coleman at the Turf Hotel, St Albans from where in 1830 he organised the St. Albans Grand Steeplechase, widely recognised as the first of its kind in England and the inspiration for Aintree's Grand National, the letters contained in a ring file, each carefully encased in individual plastic sleeve with accompanying typed transcription, many with original envelopes, wax seals and postmarks, condition fair, tears, fold marks, stains relevant to age, with modern-day typed account detailing racing at St Albans Thomas "Tommy" George Coleman (1796-1877) worked as a stable lad for Lord Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, and progressed to be a trainer and landlord of the Turf Hotel coaching inn, St Albans, Hertfordshire. Officers of the Household Cavalry staying there suggested he organise a steeplechase and this became a reality with the inaugural running of the four mile event in 1830. During the race's eight-year brief but successful history, top riders took part including Coleman's good friend Captain Martin Becher who in turn persuaded William Lynn (founder of the Grand National in 1839) to introduce steeplechasing at Liverpool.
£1,200 - £1,500
An important archive relating to the early years of steeplechasing: a collection of 32 handwritten, personally signed letters, circa 1830-50, from eminent members of aristocracy and the Turf to Thomas Coleman, known as 'The Father of Steeplechasing' and instigator of the St Albans Grand Steeplechase, letters dating between 1827 and 1874, from notable figures including Lord George Bentinck, 'Squire' Osbaleston, John Gully, Lord Verulam, Lord Grosvenor, Marquess of Titchfield and others, one written on behalf of Queen Victoria, the majority from 1830-50, discussing sales of horses, upcoming races and other racing-related topics, addressed to trainer and entrepreneur Thomas Coleman at the Turf Hotel, St Albans from where in 1830 he organised the St. Albans Grand Steeplechase, widely recognised as the first of its kind in England and the inspiration for Aintree's Grand National, the letters contained in a ring file, each carefully encased in individual plastic sleeve with accompanying typed transcription, many with original envelopes, wax seals and postmarks, condition fair, tears, fold marks, stains relevant to age, with modern-day typed account detailing racing at St Albans Thomas "Tommy" George Coleman (1796-1877) worked as a stable lad for Lord Arthur Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, and progressed to be a trainer and landlord of the Turf Hotel coaching inn, St Albans, Hertfordshire. Officers of the Household Cavalry staying there suggested he organise a steeplechase and this became a reality with the inaugural running of the four mile event in 1830. During the race's eight-year brief but successful history, top riders took part including Coleman's good friend Captain Martin Becher who in turn persuaded William Lynn (founder of the Grand National in 1839) to introduce steeplechasing at Liverpool.