The Republican journal., 1869-11-04
RIDING FOR PRIZES.

The most exciting horse race that ever took
place In America, and probably in the world,
came Off very unexpectedly on the grounds
Of the Illinois State Fair Association, at De-
catur, last week. Four premiums of $50,
$40, $50, and S2O each, had been offered for
the best lady's equestrianism, and at four
o'clock twelve ladies put in an appearance, all
mounted on caparsoned and mettled steeds.
The exhibition commenced by ladies riding
to and fro III front of the grand stand, dis
playing their skill and management OF the
horse before delighted audience numbering
nearly thirty thousand persons.
AS each displayed some peculiar skill, She
received rounds OF applause, and this urged
ana ncrVed the others to great cXertiOn. One
young lady, Miss Salic Wilkinson, of Nyan-
TIC, Macon County, Illinois, not content will
already having received more applause thar,
any other, diSmounted and had her saddle r,.-
moved. and mounted the bare back of her
black horse from the ground with the ease Of
a circus rider. The cheers of the multitude
had already produced its effect upon the rid
ers, causing an abandon and recklessness
peculiar to the sex under such circumstances
While the conclusion and excitement was
at its apex, one of the track marshals, with
more lungs that discretion, shouted out at the
top OF his voice: $50 clear around the track
go! all of you, go! go!" In an instant every
horse was under full run, the ladies were ap-
plying the whip, and the air was filled with
hats, ribbons, laces and .tixins" which have
no place on race track On they dashed,
four leading the crowd and running as near
meek and neck" as could be-
AT the start, the black steed, with the Maid
OF Nyantic on his bare back, was about one
hundred yards in the rear, such thing
as race was contemplated, but She leaned
forward like regular Jockey, gave him the
whip and soon passed the rear horses and
then the middle group. and was in the act of
taking the lead when her horse stumbled and
fell upon the grass at the edge OF the track
She was up before him. however, and had
hold OF him by the birdie, when four or five
men sprang over the guard and held him
while she again mounted from the ground
The Nyantic girl again applied the whip
vigorously, and was soon nearing the racers
in front. Coming in on the last quarter
gray horse had the lead by length. and now
every whip was in full play; every hrrse,
with heightened, neck, straining every nerve
I for the lead As the horses were nearing th,'
grand stand the history of the track fail To-
furnish a parallel to the intense fecling auG
excitement, heightened and intensified 't
the tralnesS and recklesSness OF these during
lady riders.
They cut the air with such swiltnes> that
their long skirts tloated over the backs ot iil.
horses. For some distance now no chang,
had taken place. each doing her level hest.
except with the Nvantic maid, on til. rr.-
back Steed, who quickly took advanta@' "f
the clear space on the pole side, and rtp Il
passing one after another, came under ~
string neck and neck with the third hrr~
and oulv a length from the lead. If Pt II
monium had brskcn loose it could not i
eNceled The wild huzza~ aud cheers 81