The Wakefield Steeplechase, 1849

A label on the reverse of the picture recounts the incident depicted: 'A Steeple Chase accident. The Wakefield Steeplechase, February 21st 1849. A handicap sweepstake. Merryman and Little Fanny who followed next were not so fortunate. An enthusiastic young gentleman carried away by his determination to witness the race came into contact with Merryman and very gravely upset him; the concussion sent him in the way of Little Fanny and knocked over both her and rider. In the shock of encounter his hat had been knocked over his nose. He was astride upon his horse's neck, tugging desparately at the reins and the tail of his greatcoat fluttering in the breeze like a standard'.