The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1855-05-02
From the New Orleans Picayune, April Is
The Great Four Mile Racel


The Great Four Mile Race
The long agony is over---the contest is
ended-the race is run! The lustre oil
the bright diadem lately won by Lecomte,
has been dimmed and tarnished by the
glorious achievements Of Lexington, and
never was reputation more nobly sus.
tanned than by this noble horse in his las,
effort to prove what his owner has assert.
ed, that he could beat Lecomte's time,
and afterwards conquer him.
Upon stripping the horses for the race.
comparisons were naturally made be-
tween the champions, and never did rivals
meet before where the friends of each
were so sanguine. The time made by
Lexington on the ed OF April had, if any.
thing. gladdened the hearts Of the friends
Of Lecomte, who, confident OF victory,
felt even that time was no test Of their fa-
vorite, and preferred their meeting face to
face. The firm, elastic, reaching step OF
Lexington, as he walked forth, apparent.
ly conscious Of his powers and superiori.
ty, gave additional proof to his friends
that he would not deceive them in the mo.
ment Of trial.
Lecomte, the illustrious discoverer OF
7:26, came in, also, for his share Of ad-
mirst ton end applause; and his numer-
Gus friends, (and they were like the sands
on the sea shore, } vieo With each other in
i.sclling his fine form and excellent con-
d;;;on, wniseh. before starting. was pro.
uounced ., his Immediate friends and
those mos, interested in his success, un'
exceptionable. a,7l 81 ae
The course was in good order, abou:
the same as the day before-perhaps a
little heavier uponsth inside. but to the
eye, about the same. II the weather had
been ordered ior the occasion-and the
order faithfully executed-it could not
possibly have been finer.
The RAcR.-Lexington drew the track,
and the squabble between the starters, in
regard to the start was truly amusing. In
all the four mile races which have Prev.
ously been run, it has been a matter Of
very little importance, but upon this, lie.
a "fuss" adds to the excitement, and as
upon nearly oil the great occ casions ofthat
was the order Of the day. But it did not
in any manner affect the judge who start.
ed the horses-he seemed to have prop.
er and just idea of the necessity Of an
even start, and nothing else but an even
start would SUI. him, and that he gave.
At the tap Of the drum they darled off
like thun derbolts, each determined to "do
or die"-around turn they sped, like twin
bullets, not shade between them; up the
back stretch they flew like doves esca ping
from a hawk-at the halt mile Gin 33 sec.
onds, they were locked-around the turn
they tried it again; slight pull before
reaching the home stretch, and with re-
newed vigor Lexington in the lead) LIE.
comte renews his murderous attack. Lex
ington Leads the first mile.
With an unfaltering step the combat is
renewed. Lecomte drives around the turn
and prepares again for the struggle up the
back stretch. the pace severe and steady.
He reaches Lexington, who again darts
position for mile the same efforts are
continued. Lexington still in the lead.
On the back stretch Of the third mile Lex
ington opens a gap upon him, and Abe,
upon Lecomte, makes lively demon stra-
ton with steel, to which the noble animal
gallantly responds, and in a desperate
struggle Of nearly the whole stretch.
shows his willingness TO respond; but the
unconquerable led him. apparently at his
ease. In rounding the turn for the home
turn, Gilpairick, upon Lexington, made q
lively move. and, opening q gap upon LIE.
comte, looked as if he had it all his own
way, which was the fact. At the stand
the third mile. it was very plain that LIE.
comte could not run with him, and then
the interest OF the race seemed at an end
for Lexington opened so great gap upon
his competitor that all efforts to close i,
seemed useless, and from the hall mile
post to the stand no running was neces
sary. Coming down the stretch, Lecomte
closed por.ion of the gap upon Lexing
| ton, who, just before he re cached the stand
appeared frightened by the shouts thai
rent the air, and. when he came to the
stand. he was running away with his rider
Lecomte four or five lengths in his rear
When the time Tor starting Tor the sec
ond heat arrived, previous to which Gen
Wells had asked permission to withdraw
his horse from the contest, the Presiden
announced that, in nasmueh as running
Lecomts second heat wcnld greatly con
| fiici with his chances OF success for the
future upon the turf, the judges decided
that he might be Withdrawn, and to tht
disappointment; Of thousands who came tc
witness the race, the race was awarded
to Lexington midst enthusiastic cheers.
| paaa TIME. ae H.-fl7.
First milel.y..-. l:49!
Second mile e.................. l:5l