Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-06-13
THE CITY.
the TURF.
lnauguration of OIeutangy Park-A
Capital TrOt.

A large concourse of citizens, those who
admire horsefesh and are fond of fine
race, assembled at the new Olentangy race
course, a few steps north of Goodale Park,
on Saturday afternoon, to witness the first
trottng match that has yet taken place this
season. The course is one of the best in the
State, the track level and dry, and ample in
its dimensions, being mile. New stables
have been erected this Spring, and others
are in course of preparation, for the accom-
modation of the owners of horses under
training. The stud of horses now kept
there embraces some of the swiftest and
most promising racers in the State. Prep
arations are being made to fence in the
grounds, erect stands, &c, and prepare the
Park for regular season. By the time the
State Fair is held, all things are expected to
be in readiness for weeks trotting, in
which, it is anticipated, the most noted
horses in the country will be here to partic-
ipate. The institution is under the man
agement of an association of gentlemen
and horscmon EN- bracing some of the most
prominent men In this city and State, no
others being allowed its use, and is regu-
lated by the strictest rules, under which it
is expected there will be none of the
swindling and humbug which is usually
connected with racing courses in the pub
lie mind -1lrff .....#l. .r
The match on Saturday was between Col.
Richard Nevins' bay stallion Joe Goodwin,
entered by Ed. S. Stahl, and Mr.. S. +. Og-
denis sorrel gelding, Wagner, enteredby J.
p. Gilbert, the purse beng .rifing sum.
Messrs. Olmstead, COndit and Sloat acted as
the judges. The first named horse, a mag
nihcent animal, had only been in training
several days, and appeared trifle too heavy
for the work expected of him. His COM
petitor is bright and brisk looking animal,
with sinews of steel and the bounce of India
rubber in his gait. The first, when stand
ing still or walking looks meek and gentle,
but when trotting appears to be all fire, and
his splendid name and tail show to great
advantage. The sorrel carries up well at
all times is upon the whole an exceedingly
taking animal; and was accepted as the ia
vorite by the large majority of spectators
present.
The match was for mile heats, the best
two in three. The first heat was a beauti-
full one, the start being good and both
horses working steadily throughout. The
last quarter was magnificent display of
speed by both animals, and the outcome
very,close, the stallion coming out but
neck in advance. The friends Of the sorrel
appeared not the least discouraged by the
result, but were the more confident that
their favorite would come out better the
next time. These anticipations were not
realized, for after an exciting heat, in which
at one time the sorrel was considerably in
the lead-the sturdy and steady Joe Goodwin
again passed the score in the advance, say
a length. There was much cheering at the
result, among the friends of the stallion,
and his opponents good naturedly admitted
their disappointment. There was falling
off in the speed of both horses, owing to
the fact that they both broke once or
twice during the last trot, the time of the
first heat being two minutes forty-tour
seconds and three-quarters, and the last be-
ing two minutes forty-six seconds. The
heats and the race were declared to be Joe
Godwin's, and then the crowd dispersed in
good humor.
The following is a summary of the race:
f. S Stah enters b. s. Joe Goodwin. n.............ll.
j. z. Gilbert enters SIG. Wagner
TIME-2.44A-2.46.