Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1856-04-04
The Turf.

THARSALIA COURSE,
The which took place at Natchez on Satur-
day, March ID, four mile heats, between Pryor and
Lecomte, was almost equal to any ever Witnessed
stamping both of the contendlng nags first rate
horses, and proving concusively that LecOmte is
gamer and better horse than he had previously been
given credit for. be difficulties which he encoun-
tered in the prosecution OF his tedious land journey
from Alexandria TO Natcbez could not have been
instrumental in improving his condition, which, how
ever, in appearance was all that could be desired
His eye was clear and brig as was bis skin, and
his proud defiant air and elastic step beokened ability
to 60 the pace and keep it. He looked If be
could fairly fly. He had superficial flesh upon
him; and in short upon stripping for the race, he
looked the perfection of horse.
Of Pryor but little was known and therefore little
was expected. Twice bad he met Mr.. Kinners fly
Minnow, and in both instances he was compelled to
yield the palm Of superiority TO her powers The
latter of two mile heats he longest distance
he had ever run In his with LIE Roi, three days
previously he had developed extraordinary feeness
and the purity of his blood, and the general excel
lence of his form, gave promise of endurance which
ured his trainer to the desperate chance of attacking
even so formidable rival as the renowned Lecomte
of 26 memory A better bred or more gallant steed
meier struck the ground than Pryor; and in this con-
test well and noby has he sustained the exalted repu
tatIon that his ancestors on the maternal side Gamer
lean EcHpse) years long gone by, established upon
the American turf by their glorious achievements
The Pharasalla Course, at best slew one accord.
ing to estimates of those who for many years have
trained and run horses upon it, was not less than
from twelve TO fifteen seconds slower than in its best
condition, and yet the time made upon this occasion
better than any before made upon che course
This fully explains the superiority of the contestants
and the excellence of their condition. There was
but little betting at the commencement of the race
One hundred to fifteen in instances hun
dred to twenty for a while current--more hundreds
than twenties on LecOnte The la k of changes or
variety in the race, precudes the necessity of
lengthy description 1t was evident from The start,
that the instructions to Pyors rider were wait and
VIM and he fulfilled them to the letter and rode
the throughout in style that would have done
credit to Fitzpatrick
Farsi Heat.-Pryor went off with the lead, but re.
signed it TO Lecomte at the commencement of the
back stretch, and took position about three lengths
IN his rear. These positions were but slightly
changed during three and half miles, the pace
however, Vlslby increasing in the second and third
miles. On the fourth mile they were running at tell
tale stroke. Just after passing the half mile post,
f'fyor made play, and by terrific burst of speed,
passed his competitor like dart, amidst the most un
earthly and deafening shouts ever heard. The run
home was at rapid flight, and for while exciting :;
Lecomte, however, could not reach his wry antago-
mist, who came to the stand about a clear length
IN the lead The time of the fourth mile 1852; of
the heat, TAI.
The problem of Pryor's ability 10 90 another four
miles Was not yet solved to the satisfaction of his
friends, and at the pace which certain Lecomte
would carry him the next heat, they we'll knew that
he had to be a trump. He looked, however as if he
could go to Salisbury, On. c. y and his appearance
and behaviour, before starting for the second heat
inspired fresh confidence in his friends who backed
hlm heavily at even, TO win Lecomte was evidently
not little the worse for wear. When he stopped
ne blew OUT strong and heartily; but short time
before starting again, be had quick x sheep blow
which plainly indicate that he was tired and his
conduct during the remainder of the race impeed 10
that conviction. Throughout the whole race, gal
bantly and faithfully did he respond 10 each call
made upon him but in vain ; it was too evident that
be was oyermatched.
Second Heat-The second heat was almost rene.
luton the first, save that was faster which IN
der t. circumstances, astonished all who witnessed
1t. Lecomte was determined to do or die" PRYOR
equally determined to allow him 10 regulate the
pace until it suited his rider to take the lead Very
nearly at the same spot as in the first heat he made
'errllc dash, and gave Lecomte the goby at sort
OF Geographic speed and came in an easy winner
About That time, and for several minutes afterwards
It would have been somewhat difficult to hear any
thing drop" The time of the heat, 744a
me following is summary:
SATURDAY, March 15.-Assocation purse, $500.
four mile heats.
A. L. Bngman's Or. Ten Broecks) ch G.
Prior, by imp. Glencoe, out of Gypsy (sister
to Medoc) years old. observation-disclosures. l
Ihos }: Wells's Oh. b. Lecomte, by Boston,
out OF Reel, years old, 2 2