THE Waterloo Cup was founded in 1836 by Liverpool hotelier William Lynn - the man also responsible for the creation of The Grand National steeplechase.
Mr Lynn was eager to encourage business to his thriving Waterloo Hotel and conceived the idea for both events as a way to attract visitors to the plush establishment on Lime Street.
In 1836 he asked Lord Sefton for permission to stage a two day hare coursing event on the Sefton's estate in Altcar.
The plan was to have a three day sporting extravaganza with qualifying rounds for the coursing event on day one, an equestrian steeplechase in Maghull the next day and a return to Altcar on the third day for the hare coursing finals.
By the mid 1840s both events have gained national recognition in their own right and become separate events.
Surprisingly, at the turn of the century it was not unusual for the Waterloo Cup to attract over 80,000 spectators - more than the average football crowd at the time.
The "sport" has thrown up a number of celebrity champions through the years, the most famous being an Irish dog called Master M'Grath.
Legend has it bonfires were lit all over Ireland when the greyhound won his third Waterloo crown.
When his racing days were finished he was given by royal appointment to Queen Victoria and in Burscough, near Altcar, a pub was named in his honour.
Today the event is held in front of a much smaller crowd, but one which still retains a passion for coursing.
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