, 1876-03-31
Commodore Vanderbilt's New Pur.
chase in Horse Flesh,

William McGulgan. Jr.. the driver and
Trainer OF the horse Small Hopes, who
gained such a reputation last summer,
writes as follows from jackson, Michi-
gan, where Small Hopes was owned, to
the IErJ, Field and Farm;
Now that the notorious horse and in
comparable trotter, Small Hopes, alias
Lothair, alias Lapland, alias Westbrook,
has been purchased for the stable of
Commodore Vanderbilt, you will indulge
his former driver and reader of your
paper in giving to the public through
your columns what may be called the
unwritten "reminiscences of this match
less little son Of HambIetonian. So
much has been said and written about
Small Hopes that, to some extent, repeti-
ton is unavoidable. As to the manner or
way Of going that distinguishes him, it
may be said that he initiates no other
horse in his style of trotting. He is
perfectly balanced when in motion. and
to such perfection that when trotting at
his best rate he seems to be going at the
greatest ease.- This is true. to great
extent, of all famous trotters; but
there is a difference in the degree in
which this quality distinguishes even
one great performer from another, and
to Small Hopes we give the credit of
possessing this rare quality in the high
est possible degree. His feet are perfect,
which is point of the highest impor-
lance in either turf or road horse. He
has way, peculiar to himself, in what
horsemen term knee action. He lifts.
swings, and places his feet with the ut
most grace, and yet they 90 the shortest
possible distance consistent with ease to
the muscles called into action. His
foot strikes lightly at his greatest speed;
possessing remarkable elasticity OF ac-
ton, he steals along over the ground at
rapid pace without any apparent exer-
ton. His stride is as regular and steady
as the beat of chronometer, and 50
great is his control over his feet and
limbs that be never yet has made a mis-
take with them resulting in their slightest
injury. He does not wear boot Of any
description. At Boston, however, he was
booted in every way to perfect his dis
gaise. With or without q check he
handles alike. All of your readers un-
derstand that many speedy trotters are Of
no value for road purposes. This horse,
however, is perfect, too, as roadstsr--a
twenty pound pull will always control
him; his various rates on the road may
be gauged by the oliver He joys
elegantly at all rates ofspeed, aud Il Is
ihe same style always, no matter what
Iate Of speed he is going. He resembles
Dexter in the weave Of his nose when in
lction,> 1t, like the Eihsasi---Na pendu-
- KS KS ems snu 1uIy non As A. lar
5klefin this respect, anoe
5iy this necnlarity does not detract
rom lis value. Il was Intended, when
'peakinQ Of his knee action, to draw the
conclusion that, with reasonable atten-
ion, he would always have gUod feet, for
We like to cling to the opinion that high
lctors forward cannot have as good feet If
;alled upon to any considerable extent
or their speed upon the road especially.
Nor must we forget to say that the dis
position Of this horse, which is an i'm
Dortant point to mention, Is perfection
here is no other word that fully ex-
presses It. He Is remarkably affectionate,
and enjoys very much the company Of q
friend; though he Is little reserved, be
Enjoys the chit-chat Of his driver when
upon the road, always polite enough to
be an attentive listener, and always man.
ifesting his appreciation Of kindness by
4 constant readiness to reciprocate nany
his driver, by the slightest
draw Of the rein or word, may suggest.
No doubt the Commodore will enjoy
bis society very much = much more
than that Of many loquacious sequaint-
ances he may meet upon the road. His
turf performances we will pass over, as
you have in former Communications been
fully informed; except l will take this
to say Il is but jog for
small Hopes to beat his best record,
9 .261<.