The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-01-06

dore Truxton Another of the generals fam
GUS horses was Pacolet; famous not only as a
winner of many hard fought contests on the
turf, but also a successful stallion. The blood
of this horse is looked upon to this day as val,
liable strain in the pedigree OF a Thoroughbred
Pacoet founded family of horses noted Tor
their speed game and endurance not only on
the race course, but also for long journeys un-
der the saddle and in harness. Gen. jackson
usually appeared mounted on superb gray,
mad his tall commanding figure showed to much
advantage in the saddle; he was most accom-
plished horseman.
John Randolph of Roanoke, the famous Vir-
ginia orator, and the most eccentric character
who figures in our history, was another prom1-
nent figure on horseback. Mr.. Randolph took
great interest in fine horses. He frequently
used to walk into the Senate chamber, while
member of that body, dressed in riding cos
tune, whip in hand, and followed by his favor
tie fox hound who would quietly sleep under
his desk during the session. Mr.. Randolph inn
ported from England, at q large expense, some
very valuable thoroughbred horses and mares,
and was always large breeder He put sew
eral horses at the turf, but was generally un-
successful. When about % years OF age, he
was on visit to Charleston, s. c.; while there
he made the Acquaintance of a Scotch baronet
by the name of Sir John Nesbit, of the ancient
house of Nesbits, of Dean Hall near Edinburgh
Sir John was very handsome man, and las
gallant gay Lothario' as could be found In
Inc CITY; ne ana hanuOiph nauo u HalCH lur u
race, in which each was to ride his own horse.
The race came off during the race week and
Randolph won easily; some OF the ladies ex-
claiming, Though Mr.. Randolph had won the
race, Sir John bad won their hearts," This
was hardly to be wondered at, when the
graceful and beautiful style of riding of the
baronet was contrasted with the awkward
manner of his competitor, who, no doubt, knew
more about racing and horses than did the gal
liant Sir John.
A.
match race between Eclipse and Henry, four
mile heats which was run over the Union
course on Long Island in 1923, in the presence
of over $1,000 spectators. This race, for long
period before it took place, had been discussed
and speculated upon by the newspapers aud
the public at large, not only in this country
but in England as we'll It was sort of sec
.ional contest, the North versus the South. 1t
was won by the northern champion Eclipse,
Henry winning the first heat and Eclipse the
next two. Mr.. Randolph was SO disappointed
over the defeat of the southern horse, Henry,
though he had no pecuniary interest in the re-
suit, that he made strong personal efforts to
bring about another match; but it could not
be done. as the northern gentleman declined
to run Eclipse again. After Mr.. Randolph's
death his fine stud of blooded horses were sold
by auction at high prices; many of them were
purchased by gentlemen who resided out of the
state.
Henry Clay was stoekbreeder on large
scale. The pastures of Ashland always con-
tanned some of the finest horses and Durham
cattle in America; the business is still carried
on at Ashland by the distinguished Kentucki-
ans son, John M. Clay, who bred the celebrat-
ed horse Kentucky, one of the best of the get
of the great Lexington, and also who was sold
for $4,000
Gen. Grants admiration for horses is too we'll
known to the present generation to be dwelt
upon at length; it may, hover, be stated that
he is the fortunate possesser of three of the fin
est pure-bred Arabian stallions-a present
from the sultan OF Turkey-which have ever
been brought to these shores.