The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-08-05
A FAMOUS HORSE.
WestmOnt, the Fastest Horse in the World
His Stay in Indianapolis.

The Buffalo Times of July 81 contains the
following concerning e'Westmont,7 the now IA
nous PAGER, formerly owned by Mr.. John
Steiner, Of this city, which win be read with in
terest by the horsemen Of Indianapolis:
WesJmont. the fastest horse in the world, IS
expected in Buffalo, Saturday morning ext, and
report has it that hundreds of our most fashion
able ladies and gentlemen interested in horse
matters, are anxious to see this magnificent ami
mas at the Buffalo Driving Park, where he will
make an effort to lower his record of a mile IN
two minutes and two seconds on Tuesday, Aug. s..
What a thing is flannel He was sold originally
by Colonel West, of Kentucky, to John Steiner,
OF Indianapolis, for the paltry sum Of $50, and
was met by a stable boy only when he landed.
Mrs. Steiner used him some twelve months as a
saddle-horse, and no particular attention was
paid to him by any one outside of the Steiner
family. Developing some speed as a PAGER, the
following spring he was sold to b. J. johnson, OF
Iowa, for 81, 500, and those well posted considered
him well sold
He was campaigned by Mr. johnson two years,
given a record at Beacon PARK. Boston. last sea
son, of 2:l551, when Mr.. johnson refused So, 600
for him, against the advice of his best friends
This last spring he seemed to be possessed of
more speed than ever, and in Chicago, on July
10, he made a mile in ZOE, the quickest time
ever made by trotter or PAGER, and fast enough
to leave behind the distance flag the fastest
horse that ever raced. Here he was purchased
py kht. o. VI Il0l, bHG pIe5tub OMASFs " tIS
sum of $780, 900, and is now the sensation of the
day.
People travel a hundred miles to take a look
at him. Newspapers devote columns to him,
and he himself, when driven to harness or led
by the halter, seems to realize his Importance.
Previous to making his recent exhibition mile
in Pittsburg in two minutes and two seconds
the judges requested the people in attendance to
remain as quiet as possible during the time that
Westmont and mate we're finishing the mile.
fearing that in the event of a first mile cheering
would be INDUCED in, and the horse, in eonse7
quence, would become excited, as he did III
Chicago.
Coming for the word, all was as silent as q
tomb; on to the quarter pole they few,
past that and to the half and fhree-quarters,
each seeming determined to Guido his
mate. A little above the distance
stand Westmont seemed to develop
speed. Johnston, the driver. urged the runner
with the whip. a voice from the crowd cried,
.'the runner is quitting" and 5000 men and
women cheered, threw up their hats, and waved
their handkerchiefs. He had made the mile in
two minutes and two seconds. His reputation
was made, and to-day he IS more talked about
than the coming President of the United States.
The association pays MIR. Hill S, 800 to $4,000
for an exhibition of q single mile, and should no
accident happen him, he will clear for his owner
$4,000 before the winter sets in, when Mr.. Hill
will drive him on the road. There viii be some
satisfaction in owning and riding after the fast
est horse in the world, the owner being conscious
of the fact that he has earned more in four
months than he cost.