painting (oil): ["Before the Race"] aka ["Nottingham Races"]

A crowded, bustling scene on Nottingham Racecourse. In the middle ground, on the right, is the grandstand. Behind it is an ale tent. The whole of the rest of the picture is crowded with people and horses. On the right, in the foreground, are people sitting at trestle tables, drinking and talking: we can make out the words "BURTON ALE" on the tent. There are beer barrels nearby. Behind them is the grandstand with a coach drawn up beside it. In the foreground on the left is a group of men in top hats and dark suits who are picnicking on the ground. Before them is spread a cloth with food and bottles, and there are several hampers nearby. One man sits with his back to a hamper; beside him is a paper which reads: "CERTAIN WINNERS- GENERAL LEE FOR THE LIBERTY STAKES". To the left of this group is a large crowd of onlookers watching a fight: a man in dark clothes has fallen to the ground. Above him, wielding a stick, is a man in a light coat. A dog snarls at the brawlers, and two policemen appear to be apprehending another figure nearby. Behind this group, in the centre of the picture, is an Aunt Sally stall, with men throwing sticks. Behind it on the left are two riders. To the right of the stall, another fight is taking place, with one man brandishing a stick at another, who is being pulled back by a man in a white coat and hat. Past the crowd are men on horses - possibly the police. On the left are fairground rides and tents, and in the distance are houses and a church., Signed "J. Holland" 1865 on basket in foreground., (1) William, 6th Duke of Portland