The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-05 00:00:00

EXTRAORDINARY MATCH AGAINST

TIME IN CALIFORNIA.

Early in March last a match was made between
certain parties in this city, of whom the celebrated
rider Jack Powers was one, that he would make
150 miles over the Union Course in eight consecu-
tive hours. The stakes were 2,000 dollars a side,
1,000 dollars forfeit. A great deal might be said
as to the relative merits of this feat, which is un-
precedented in the annals of the Turf. In brief,.
this is summed as follows :—That the distance of
250 miles in 10 consecutive hours is said to have
been done by the English jockey, Mr. Spolling-
ford, and that Mr. Osbaldistone has certainly ac-
complished 250 miles in 10 hours. It should be
' remembered, however, that these feats were effected
with the best blooded stock of England, whereas
that of Mr. Powers is by the native mustang stock
of California, not crossed with any other 'breed.
Thus, had the -whole eight hours been occupied in,
this race, there could have been no comparison with
the above instances, as the animals used were en-
tirely dissimilar in breed and reputation. But
when we take into consideration the fact that this
distance was accomplished in 6 hours 43 minutes,
all comparison ceases, and the fact stands un-
rivalled in the sporting calendar. The race,
which has been the great theme of conversation
during the paSt ten days, took place, as ad-
vertised, over. the Union Course. About 300
persons collected, and all arrangements having been
completed, Powers got off at nine o'clock. He rode
easily, and with his body bent forward, after the
manner of a Californian " vaquera." His weight
is about 150 pounds, and that of the saddle and
accoutrements about 40 more. The saddles used
were of the Californian make, tapadillas, machillos,
&c. He used 24 horses in the race, most of which
belonged to himself. The few miles were done
with horses tendered him by various rancheros,
who were anxious to have their horses perform
part of the play. These, of course, were
the most splendid animals the countrl
could produce. A great number of native Califor-
nians were on the ground, who mani-
fested the greatest pride in the triumph of the
California stock. The first 60 miles were done id
2 hours and 30 minutes. Powers dismounted 72
times during the match. The furthest any elle
horse was ridden at a time was four miles, and the
least distance one mile. He ran at top speed the
whole distance. On taking a new horse he would
spring from the saddle, run a few steps to strete',
his legs, and immediately vault into the saddle eL
the animal which awaited him. Attendants
sometimes made the rounds with him, tender-
ing him drink and receiving his orders. About
the 130th mile a little " shenanigan." Wasa
perpetrated for the benefit of those behind
the curtain. Powers up to that tune
had ridden without difficulty, and sat in his saddle
like a monument. He now began to spit bloat
and was taken with a sudden weakness in bloat
abdomen, which seemed to communicate itself w 1",
;
the legs. Doubters now began to bet again's.
Powers, which was all that was desired, and consi-
derable sums were put up by those who considere"'
the game as over. The only blood-vessel which Wes
ruptured was a small sheep's. bladder, which wa
filled with the sanguinary fluid ! ! The entire al.'"
tance (150 miles) was accomplished in six hoar°
and forty-three minutes, the rider coming in Pert,
fectly -fresh, and making an extra mile in tin
minutes and twenty-eight seconds, to display Di!:
condition. Tremendous cheers were given as
mounted the judge's stand and addressed the throng
who pressed around to hear him. He publiq
offered to bet 5,000 dollars that he would ride Ova
miles in two hours ; and another, that he W°l/11,
accomplish the 150 miles in five hours with Englie'
or American stock, to which there was no response.
The average time of the race is within a fined°
of 23 miles an hour. Powers does not hesitate W
assert that he can make much better time than til°,
above. He is a spare•built man, with full sunburn;
face, heavy hair and whiskers, and a keen eye.
party with whom Powers is associated realise,'
10,000 dollars by the transaction. Patrons of the
Turf count this as the greatest race of the kind 011
record.—Californian paper.