National Republican., 1874-05-09
THE RACE YESTERDAY
AN EXCITING CONTEST-HONEST JOl
THE WINNER.

AN EXCITING CONTEST-HONEST JOHN
THE WINNER.
A pleasant afternoon and the hrst race of the
season were the inducements yesterday to attract
large attendance at the Piney Branch track.
Tho gathering was decidedly the finest seen at
the course for long time. The track was in ex-
cellent condition-much better than there was
any reason to expect when the heavy rains that
have recently fallen are considered. The horses
entered for the contest, Honest John and Belle Of
Gettysburg, are we'll known to the turtles, and
both have their backers. Previous to the first
heat the betting on each was pretty evenly bal
aneed, although the friends Of Honest John
seemed the most sanguine Of his success, which
was strengthened by the report that the "Belle"
had received no training for the race.
However, these reports had no effect on the
faithful; and the friends Of Belle showed their
confidence In her ability to win by planklng down
the stamps at every chance. The race was the
best three in five, for $3.50 q side. Messrs. VIM.
Teel and VIM. Hazel and Col q. NJ. Alexander
were selected as the judges, and q few minutes
before O'Clock the call for q start was made.
Allen Dorsey was behind Honest John, and Mr..
SandersoH drove Belle. The horse won the first
heat, Belle the second, in 255< and the horse the
third and fourth heats and the race; time, 2:551,
257l% 2:55A.
The second and last heats were very exciting,
and for quarter of o mile kept head and head,
which was repeated in the home stretch In the
last heat, both horses crossing the score almost
simultaneously, but old "Honesty's" long head
protruding sufficiently beyond that Of Belle to
give him the victory. There was some dispute
among the spectators about the decision, but
finally the opinion of the judges was acquiesced
in. The unexpectedly close contest between these
two horses in this race will doubtless be the
means Of bringing about another contest between
them.
ladies' stand and make other necessary improve
ments preparatory to the opening Of the spring
meeting Of the Washington Driving Association.
DAYLIGHT AGAINST HONEST JOHN.
The decision Of the judges on the last heat in
the race yesterday between the horses Honest
John and Belle Of Gettysburg created much dis
satisfaction, not only among the friends Of the
mare, but also those backing the horse. Tho
constant running of the sorrel on the back track.
with his driver plying the whip at the time, was
a just cause to expect o decision OF the heat in
favor of the mare, and her friends were much sur
prised to hear one to the contrary. Since that
timo it has been rumored, and the subject Of
street talk, that the third and ruling Judge was
betting, at long odds, on Honest John, which ac-
counted for the decision given.
EIf this be true, by the rules OF tho Trotting
Association he was incapacitated from acting in
that Capacity, and the race was not fair one.
1t IS not known whether the owner Of Belle has
permitted the stake-money to be paid over in
accordance with the judges decision. II this is
not the case, he should enter his protest to the
same until these points are settled. Out OF these
differences arose Gi,6Sc:.ion from which came
another contest for to-day at the ss;:,e track, MI
John Z. Tally having matched his brown mars,
Daylight, against Honest John, for $3.50 q side.
This gentleman deserves praise for his pluck. as
the mare has received little or no exercise, but
he is willing to let her trot on her merits and
abide the result This contest will be exciting
and well worth witnessing.