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 or
250 miles in 10 consecutive hours is said to have
been done by the English jockey,
Mr. Spoiling'
ford, and that Mr. Osbaldistone has certainly se'
complished 250 miles in 10 hours. It should b.o
remembered, however, that these feats were effected
with the best blooded stock of England, wherfas
that of Mr. Powers is by the native mustang stook
of California, not crossed with any other bree:
Thus, had the whole eight hours been occupied.lll,
this race, there could have been no comparison with
the above instances,.as the animals used were
en-
tirely dissimilar in breed and reputation. 131!
when we take into consideration the fact that this
distance was accomplished in 6 hours 43 minutes, -.
all comparison ceases; and the fact stands nil"
rivalled in the sporting Calendar. The ra.ce'
which has been the great theme of conversation
during g the past ten days, took place, as a,,0
vertised, over the Union Course. About
persons collected, and all arrangements having beeL
completed, Powers got off at nine o'clock. He
easily, and with his body bent forward, after. tPtset
manner of a Californian " vaquera." His wr el
is about 150 pounds, and that of the saddle and
accoutrements about 40 more. . The saddles ,llse
were of the Californian make, tapadillas, machllll
&c. He used 24. horsei in the race, most of will%
belonged to himself. The first few miles were don
with horses tendered him by various rancher°4
who were anxious to have their horses perfear
part of the play. These, of courses sperm
the most splendid animals the country
could produce. A great number of native Califor-
nians mans were on the ground, who •Innule
fested the greatest pride in the triumph of
California stock. The first 60 miles were done 11;
2 hours and 30 minutes. Powers dismounted 74'
times during the match. The furthest any °,ll„°
horse was ridden at a time was four miles, and 'l."
least distance one mile. He ran at top speed tb_i:
whole distance. On taking a new horse he vfnfil
spring from the saddle, run a few steps to strew f
his legs, and immediately vault into the saddle°,
the animal which awaited him. Attcndall':
sometimes made the rounds with him, teedelt
ing him drink and 'receiving his orders. Abt
the 130th mile a little " shenaingan"
perpetrated for the benefit of those begin
the curtain. Powers up to that time
had ridden without difficulty, and sat in his saddle
like a monument. He now began to spit bloo
and was taken with a sudden weakness in h.
.1,.1
abdomen, which seemed to communicate itself sYlit
the legs. Doubters now began to bet agallis...
Powers, which was all that asv desired, and COasla
derable sums were put up by those who
the game as over. The only blood-vessel which considers 9
ruptured was a small sheep's bladder, which t.t,
filled with the sanguinary fluid ! ! The entire dl 9
tance (150 miles) was accomplished in six 110'
and forty-three minutes, the rider coming in Pe or,
fectly fresh, and making an extra mile in t;:if
minutes and twenty-eight seconds, to display hp
condition. Tremendous cheers were given 0,5.4
mounted the judge's stand and addressed the thrlf
who pressed around to hear him. He pabileo
offered to bet 5,000 dollars that he would ride la
miles in two hours ; and another, that he Web,
accomplish the 150 miles in five hours with Ellgi tse,
or American stock, to which there was no respon.oo
The average time of the race is within a fraeti to
of 23 miles an hour. Powers does not hesitate ,le
assert that he can make much better time than '„t
above. He is a spare•built man, with full sunbll4o
face, heavy hair and whiskers, and a keen eye. ~:pa
party with whom Powers is associated reanksile
10,000 dollars by the transaction. Patrons of
~'„v.
Turf count this as the greatest race of the kiln`
record.—Californian paper.