"The Worst View in Europe"

by Snaffles (Charles Payne)

Open Edition Gouttelette Print

Paper Size:36 x 24 ins (90 x 60 cm)

This is Snaffles most celebrated racing scene and, along with The Finest View in Europe, is one half of his most famous pair. It shows Arthur Nightingall, riding the eventual winner of the 1901 Grand National, approaching Bechers Brook to find a loose horse ahead of him, and another having a terrible fall at the fence. The remarque portrays a First Aid official holding a fallen rider whilst a policeman restrains his horse. The Grand National has long been the worlds most prestigious steeplechase, with Bechers its most famous fence. The 1901 race was particularly memorable, having come close to being cancelled as a blizzard raged around Aintree. Despite the appalling conditions, Nightingall, already a two-time winner of the event, rode the 11-year-old stallion Grudon to a famous victory. Snaffles explained the history of the print in a letter to Lady Clive: Old Arthur Nightingall suggested I did a companion to this Finest View in Europe, and told me how in 1901 he won the National on Grudon with two inches of snow on the ground which worried him and his trainer. However, they sent the stable lad into Aintree to get some butter which they rubbed into the frogs of Grudons feet, which by the way saved the situation and with the aid of a strong peg of whiskey got round safely and won the race. But he told me that by the time they got to Bechers the drink had died out of him and he was the wrong side of Bechers. And this inspired me to draw The Worst View in Europe.

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