Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1868-09-03

not merely to enjoy the satisfaction Of
owning the most notable stable in the
world, but, in his declining years,
which are yet long way of, will be
able proudly to exclaim that, without
the taint of gambling, or the excite
mcnt of racing, he has brought that
noble animal, the horse, TO n higher
state Of perfection, and has produced
from him greater achievements than
the most confirmed dcvotec OF the race
track had ever previously dreamed OF.
A few days ago, that most remark
able horse, "Dcxter," Of Mr.. Bonner's
stable. at the Fashion Course on Long
Island, in the presence Of credible wit
ncsses, trotted mile in the unprece-
dcnted time OF t,Co minutes and four
teen seconds, and on yesterday trotted
one-quarter Of mile in thirty seconds,
or at the rate of one mile in tlc0 min
utes, equal to the fastest railway time.
1t is well known that Mr.. Bonner
is not racing man, and although he
owns several Of the fastest trotters
in the world, and buys every really
fast horse he hears OF, he never allows
any OF his animals to trot for money,
or in any race. He buys and keeps
them for his own amusement and sat
isfaction.
In June last he sent "Dexter" over
to the Fashion course, to the stables
of Mr. William II. Doble, with instruc-
tions to Mr. Doble TO ascertain what
the horse was capable of performing.
Mr., Doblo at once put the animal IN
easy training, designing to work him
down TO a trim for speed some time
in the fall. No special pains were
taken, as there was ample time 10
accomplish the training gradually
thus avoiding any possible charge OF
cruel treatment. Twice each week
he was put on the track and logged
around five or six times, only occa-
sionally being "speeded," and then
merely for short distance, with no
record Of time. On other days all his
work has been done on the road, he
being driven daily, at a jog trot, from
six to eight miles. His feed has con-
sisted of from ten to twelve quarts OF
grain daily, and as much hay as be
would eat. His trainer remarked to
our reporter that he was a good feeder
on grain, but did not care for much
hay. This exercise and feed, with the
usual rubbing and care in covering,
bedding, etc, has constituted his train
ing, the design being to work him
down little more vigorously as the
season advanced and the weather be-
came more suitable to earnest exercise.
On Monday morning of last week
"Dexter" was taken out for his morn
ing exercise on the track. The prcvi-
GUS day and evening had been stormy,
and the track was in anything but a
good condition Indeed, it was quite
heavy, and in places so wet along the
pole as TO compel driving on the off,
or outside The horse, under these
disadvantages, after being logged
around once or twice was put to his
speed, and made the heat in 2:26, with
his hood on. Several gentlemen being
present, expressed desire 70 see him
pressed a. little, and Mr. Doble finally
consented. The horse was taken of
to the stable, scraped, rubbed of, and
in twenty-five minutes was again
hitched to his sull<y and brought on
the track, with Budd Doble as driver.
A running horse was also provided,
with rider, and stationed at the
three-quarter pole TO make the round
with the trotter.
Mr.. TurnbuIl, the well-known turf
man of this city, owner OF the cele-
brated horse, "Vanderbilt," and Mr..
Conway, of Philadelphia, took the
Judges stand 10 watch the perform
ance, and keep the time Everything
being ready, Dexter was slowly trot-
ted around the track once. The sec
ond time around he was gradually
worked up and pressed, until, on ap-
preaching the three-quarter pole, he
was fairly flying. AT this point, the
running horse Joined in as an incite-
ment TO the trotter. With this impet-
us, added to his natural ambition and
the steady, careful driving Of Budd,
the wonderful animal came down to
his work in manner that surprised
even those that knew him best and
hadreason 10 expect great things from
him Coming down the homo stretch
his speed was like locomotive with
steam crowded. The running horse
was urged TO his utmost to keep up
with him. As he passed the judges
stand, the time Of the first quarter was
noted at thirty-three and half sec
onds, which had been performed with
out a particle of urging. Away be
few again on the first quarter, sim
pie word Of encouragement from his
driver only nrging him forward, while
the rider Of the other horse was shout
ing and plying the whip vigorously TO
keep up with this most astonishing
pace. AT this race the quarter pole
was passed in thirty-three and half
seconds. The next quarter, on the
back stretch, was made in thirty three
seconds, this part Of the track being
in better condition than the rest. Al
this tremendous pace the animal show
ed not the slightest inclination to
break indeed, throughout he kept
his feet as steadily as if he knew Of no
other gait than an ordinary trot.
From the halfmile pole to the start
ing point at the three-quarter pole he
accomplished in thirty four seconds,
the track being very heavy, on the
curve driving him TO the far sido,
making a difference Of more than a
hundred feet in the distance to be
..-.-I.I IL. IL. -. u !. -. Il :.