Genius Genuine ... A fine part in riding a race, known only to the author ... with ... a full account of the Prince's horse Escape running at Newmarket on the 20th and 21st days of October 1791.

London: Sold for the Author, 232 Picadilly, and no where else, January 9th, 1804.

Price: $1,000.00


About the item

Second Edition, with half-title. Printed by D.N. Shury, Printer, Berwick Street, London. vii, [3], [11]-170 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Contemporary half black calf and marbled boards. Bookplate of Kenneth Baker Schley. Minor rubbing, near fine. DNB; Podeschi, Horse and Horsemanship, 80; Loder 1038.

Item #252260

Samuel Chifney (1753?-1807), inventor of the Chifney bit, was a prominent jockey and trainer, and, states the DNB, "He was long considered the best horseman of his time". In 1790 he was engaged as "rider for life" by the Prince of Wales (later George IV), and on October 20, 1791, rode the Prince's horse, Escape, at Newmarket, narrowly losing, although the Prince, not having placed a bet, was not out of pocket. The following day, under Chifney, Escape won: this time, both the Prince and Chifney had placed bets, and the Prince realized a substantial sum. Chifney was called before the Jockey Club, but nothing was proved against him. However, as the result of a resolution by the Club, the Prince sold his stud and left the turf. Chifney continued to race, but in 1806 he left Newmarket for London and never returned, dying in poverty the following year. In 1795 Chifney published this book in an attempt to clear his name and to raise money--the work of 170 pages in wrappers was priced at an extraordinary five pounds. This second edition appeared in 1804 and was still priced £5/ as stated here on the half-title (the price has been struck through ink and re-priced one pound).
A VERY RARE WORK, DEALING WITH ONE OF THE CENTURY'S GREATEST RACING SCANDALS.