The 1790 Oatlands Stakes, in which there were seven runners, is particularly significant for having been the very first major handicap ever run. Escape, by Eclipse, was a high class horse and conceeded 16lbs. to Seagull, by Woodpecker. The following year, however, Escape was involved in a classic scandal when, in October 1791, he was hot favourite to win at Newmarket, but finished last. The next day he ran again and won from two of the horses who had beaten him the previous day. It was widely alleged that Sam Chifney had pulled him in the first race to lengthen the odds, so that the Prince of Wales won heavily the second day. Chifney was warned off, but his owner stood by him. The Prince retired from racing at Newmarket following this incident and, although he was a major owner until his death in 1830, never resumed his connection with Newmarket.