The Shasta courier., 1855-05-12
The Grea. Match Again.. Time.

Sevastopol est prise was an announcement
not more startling or thrilling than is the mes
sage which has, ere this, spread throughout the
Union, that Lexington has made his four miles
in minutes nineteen and three quarter seconds
Seven twenty-six beat the world SO much that
there was very naturally many "shrewd doubts"
as to the capacity OF any piece OF horse flesh to
tllrow that achievement in the shade. The te-
rneriy of Mr.. Tenbrueck in backing, by SlO.-
600, the proposition that Lexington could ac-
complish this Herculean task was freely COM
lnented upon, and the opinion that The attempt
would tail was almost general, until it was stag
gered by The manifestations OF unwayering CON
fidence by Mr.. I. and the friends of Lexington
For many days past the friends of 7:26 were
much more numerous than those of The gallant
Lexington, but at TIE same time there was so
much hesitation that the amount of money
staked was not extraordinarily large, and SO
much did opinions vary that it was almost i'm
possible TO decide the favori,e, time or the horse
A more beautiful day could not have been Sc
lected for the grand trial than yesterday. The
sky was bright, the atmosphere dry and refresh
ing, the track in splendid order, and everything
seemed TO portend success to Lexington. The
attendance was very | rye, (from TWENTY-FIVE
hundred TO three thousand persons being on the
ground, and we wele pleased 10 see the ladies'
stand graced by the presence of a large number
of gay and beautiful women. For an hour pre-
vailed IN town was apparent, and but little bet
ting was done. Old turfmen were inclined
lrather) to the belief that the horse would win
and some expressed themselves in the most pos
tive manner, but general thing, opinions
came forth feebly, that but little spirit was
given to outsiders The owner OF Lexington
offered twenty-five to a hundred that he would
make it in 7:24, but the long odds asked damp
ened the encouragement which proposition of
any other description from him would have Civ
Lexington appeared in fine condition, aud
his lofty gait and beautiful appearance as he was
marched up and down in front of the stand.
elected general admiration.
Of the race itself there is not much to say
Arrow and Joe Blackburn were selected as al
ternate compagnons de poy0ge, and they came
upon the track with the great contestant, but
they attracted little attention, Lexington being
the observed of all observers. The question as
10 a running start which had caused considera-
Bile discussion, was decided from the judges
stand by the announcement that Lexington
would be allowed to come TO the score at any
rate of speed his owner might deem proper,
and further. that in accordance with the terms of
the match, If Lexington made the four miles in
precisely 1896 all bets stood Off
At about half past three o'clock everything
being ready, Lexington stripped, and having
been turned at the quarter stretch gate, came
up at full speed for the race, closely followed by
Joe Blackburn. The start was beautiful one,
and the telling stride with which Lexington led
off, caused general thrill among the spectators.
Joe Blackburn trailed al a distance OF from fifty
to one hundred yards throughout the first mile.
which was done in 1:474. This time was con-
sidered too fas, by many of the friends of the
horse, and they feared he would not hold odt at
such pace, but he disappointed both friend and
foe.
Arrow was let loose upon him in the second
mile, and beautifully did he move that he
Tapped him on the back stretch, but fell off al
most Immediately, Intentionally we snppose,)
and trailed home the second mile (l:524), when
his place was taken by Joe Blackburn. The gait
at which Lexington was now moving, and the
ease with which he appeared to gather himself
made it almost certain that he would win and
four FIVE and six to one were offered on him.
Joe Blackburn was led long distance through
out the third mile which was done in l:5l4, and
Arrow again throughout the fourth, the con-
queror coming home in l:483 winning the match
IN minutes nineteen and three-quorter seconds
and for himself the proud title of Champion of
The World. Lexingtons last mile was done with
ease, and although tas we understandl he ran
the last quarter OF it with one of his plates
loose we believe be could have made the heat
in 7sl5. AS II is, it is one of the events of the
sger and although Lexington had, among his
other advantages that Of the fastest track in the
United States in the best condition it could be
placed in, we are OF the opinion that bis time
Will not soon be beaten.-N. O. True Della.
ff,ro o.n,,, G. a.. DIT