How to Escape Losing

Thomas Rowlandson British
 Subject George, Prince of Wales British
 Subject Samuel Chifney Jr. British

Not on view

Rowlandson here establishes a design for a print published in November 22, 1791 (59.533.437, 60.620.37), one of a pair he made in response to two races held at Newmarket, on October 20 and 21, 1791. Centered on Escape, the Prince of Wales's prize thoroughbred, the results led to a scandal when the horse unexpectedly lost the first race, then easily won the second, earning his owner a significant sum at increased odds. In a subsequent inquiry, the jockey Samuel Chifney swore he had not held Escape back in the first race but was prevented from running further races; the Prince sold his stables soon after but stood by Chifney and continued to pay him a generous salary.

How to Escape Losing, Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London), Pen and gray ink, brush and wash

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