New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1876-05-03
Tho Con tinental Guards,

The Continentals' picnic at the Fair
Grounds Monday was largely attended,
and proved to be success in every respect.
The grand stand was crowded with ladies,
who lent q charm to the occasion. The
Thirteenth Infantry band was in attend
ance and discoursed some beautiful music.
At about half-past two O'Clock the racing
commenced. The first race was two mile
dash over eight hurdles. There were three
entries-Astrapee, Red Cloud and Ameri-
can Girl. The start was fine one, and
without difficulty the three cleared the first
hurdle almost in line, when Red Cloud
took the lead and maintained it for about q
mile and three quarters, when he was cap
tured by Astrapee and beaten by nearly
two lengths. Time-4:05le.
The next was trotting race to sulky'
mile heats. Only two horses put in an ap
pearsnce. Mr.. Leonard entered Hattie
Faucet, and Colonel Shawan entered Mel.
lie May. Nellie gained the lead and kept
it from the start to the finish, winning two
straight heats. Time - First heat, 2:45;
second heat, 2:44.
Next came q pony race. There were
three eHtries-William, Frank NJ. and Mel
lie Grant. William took the lead at the
half mile and kept it to the finish, winning
the race in 2:0211.
NeEt came pacing to saddle, mile dash,
for a purse of SIS. There were two en-
tries. r. K. Bonham entered Lady Pau
line; w. B. Leonard entered Bay Chief
The race was won by Bay Chief.
Next came the gentlemen's riding race
dash of one mile and one-eighth. There
were three entries-Astrapee, Red Cloud
and American Girl. The race was won by
Astrapee. Time-2:l0h.
The great event of the day was the mule
race. There we're five entries-Cotton Ex-
change, ridden by G. Yates; Railroad, by
Patrick Moran; Bandit, by Harding; Spec
tator, by Shields, and Tom Gin, by Joe
Startling. There was considerable specuia.
ton as to the result of the race, especially
among the ladies, who appeared to take
great interest in it. On the tap of the
drum the fiery steeds were ready, and sped
on their way, led by Captain Dick Mont
gomery on an old gray mare, to whose neck
was attached . large cowbell. Bandit
was ruled out as his rider was a pro-
fessional jockey, leaving the contest be-
tween Cotton Exchange, Railroad, Specta-
tor and Tom Gin; when Spectator took it
into his head that he would not 60, after
running about 100 yard and came to sud
den halt, throwing Mr.. Shields, his rider, to
the ground and came very near killing that
gentleman. The others went ahead until
the half mile post was reached, when Rail
road got tired of his burden and divested
himself of it by throwing Mr.. Moran, his
rider, who was fortunately unhurt. The
others continued on their Journey, the old
grey mare with Captain Dick, coming in
first with Cotton Exchange close behind
Time, $50. Tom Gin and rider, Joe Startling,
came in about two hours afterward.
Next came the dress parade and military
drill. The Royal Guards marched to the
track in front OF the grand stand, and went
through their eyolutiops. The Continental
Guards next made their appearance, under
command of Lieutenant Pierce, who put
them through the manual of arms and the
various maneuvres. Great praise was ac-
corded Lieutenant PIERCE the able drill
master of the COntinentals, for the excel
lent menner in which his company went
through the various maneuvers The Royal
Guards carried of the prize for the infantry
drill