Middletown transcript., 1875-10-09
THE TRIALS OF SPEED.

|
At two o'clock, the days races commenced
with G. C. Churchman, R. T. Cochran and
G. F. Brady as judges, and J. B. Gazier and
Columbus Watkins as time keepers.
The first race, free for 4 year olds and under,
was for purse of $loo; first $50, second
$50, third $40, in to harness. There were
five entries and but two started, Black Doug
las and Lady Harrington. The former had
the lead on the start, and kept it for the first
half mile when Lady Harrington gained on
him and passed above this point and kept the
lead, winning the heat in 2:523.
Second Hem.-A good start Black Douglas
again taking the lead Lady Harrington soon
closed the distance between and passed Black
Douglas at the three-quarter pele, and she
was again passed at the grand stand but on
second turn Lady Harrington took the lead
and won the heat and race in 2:543.
THE SECOND RACE.
The second race was for horses with no bet
ter record than three minutes. Purse $3.50;
first $50, second $50, third $40; 3 in to har-
ness. In this race six entries were made, and
all started, after considerable bad scoring
and judges 6ning driver Of Lady Burgett
$500. Lady Burgett went ahead and Dixie
passed her near the three-quarter pole and
kept the lead, when on the last half mile the
six horses were at equal distances apart,
but came together gradually and came in in
the following order: Dixie first, Lady Bur
gett second, Rob Roy third, Sis fourth, Tele-
graph distanced. Time 2:45.
Second Hea.-A very good start and Dixie
took the lead which be kept, Lady Burgett
length behind until the three-quarter pole
was passed, when Sis gained rapidly and on
the home-stretch very close race took place
between them, but Sis got ahead aud came in
second amid loud cheering. Time 2:433.
Third Hsas.-Lady Burgett took the lead to
the second turn, when Dixie closed the gap
and came alongside at the third turn. In the
meantime Sis broke badly and let Rob Roy
60 ahead. A beautiful trot was witnessed
between Lady B. and Dixie on the first halt,
but Dixie took and kept the lead and won the
heat and race easily in 2:40. Sis was dis
tanced.
This closed the days races, and, as the
weather grew much colder, the crowi imme-
diately left the ground, anxious for the next
to come, when three races will be trotted, one
being in the 2:40 class. II
~ a. xbo do nd
people began hurrying to their homes, many
with sad forebojings of bad weather on the
and spelling of the fair.
THURSDAY
Though little shower fell at an early hour
in the morning the sun rose clear and soon
dispelled the clouds and with them all fears
Of rain. Then began the rush to the fair
grounds. The road was lined with carriages
as they streamed in an almost unbroken pro-
session TO the one grand rendezvous, while
hundreds of persons found their way thither
IN foot. When the hour arrived for opening,
The grounds presented magnificent appear
lpce. Everything was passing off finely and
was happy.
The Diamond State Band, Middletown;s
musical pride, were filling the air with strains
If the most enlivening and stirring music,
;rowds of ladies, gentlemen and children in
Holiday attire, focked to the grand stand and |
ong before the hour for the horses to start |
very available seat and standing space in
he large building was occupied. From the
entire of the circle the view was magnificent
the seats Of the stand, rising one above an
ther to the root: and filed to their utmost
apacity with ladies and gentlemen, long
ows Of carriages stretching along the sides
f the track, crows of expectant men and boys
adhered around the judges stand, the horses
pirited and excited over the coming race, all
ombined formed picture worthy the pencil
f the most skilful artist. At halfpast one
'clock Chief Judge Churchman tapped his
Jig bell to cali the horses to their work, and
be sport commenced.