Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-04-22
SHOT DOWN ON THE TRACK.
An Episode Of ,he Races at Madison-sGuare
Garden.
New York Times.


Madison-Square Garden was crowded
yesterday afternoon with spectators,
who had come to witness the Roman
hippodrome races, and there was much
excitement during the gentlemen's
jockey-race, which was very holly con-
tested. AS the four horses made the
first circuit of the track and swept
down past the starters stand Buck
shot. a beautiful thoroughbred bay
hunter with a white stripe upon his
forehead, was in the lead. The hand
some horse, ridden by jockey named
Bishop, who wore purple colors, came
past the stand like whirlwind, with
head high in air, distended nostrils,
flying name, and flashing eyes.
But Just as the racers approached the
turn at the west end Of the Garden
Bishop was seen to suddenly plunge
forward upon his horses neck, and
Buckshot almost went to the ground,'
while the other animals swept swiftly
past him. Bishop was off the horse in
a moment. and there was murmur of
pity from the spectators when it was
seen that one of the poor animals legs
was evidently broken. The jocky led
the horse to the corner of the track
with much difficulty, the animal almost
falling at every step, and when he
reached the fence Buckshot stood upon
three legs, and it could plainly be
seen that the bones Of the other
leg were entirely broken off about
midway between the hoof and the
knee and that the leg only hung by the
skin. An officer Of the Society for the
Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals was
in the Garden, and he at once sprang
over the fence on to the track and made
an examination of the wounded limb.
the patient horse meanwhile looking
wistfully after his companions as they
swept about the track on the home
stretch, as if he realized that his last
race was run. A little group of the
circus employees gathered about the ami
NAL, among them Superintendent Hyatt,
who has charge Of all the animals con-
nected with the establishment. The
spectators took no interest in the con-
clusion Of the race, but all eyes were
fixed upon the wounded horse. The
officers examination was a short one.
There's no hope for him." he said.
" All we can do is to take him into the
stables and shoot him."
The men made An effort to lead the
horse to one Of the gates, but the un-
fortunate animal was unable to walk.
Then Superintendent Hyatt blew a
whistle and the gray-uniformed circus
hands fairly swarmed about him. An
effort was made to lift the animal, but
it was unsuccessful, and strong canvas
was brought in. The saddle was
removed from the horse and the
canvas was put under him. A
score Of men took up the ends
of the canvas, while one held the
bride, and start was made for the big
gate in the middle Of the north side Of
the Garden, carrying the wounded horse
in the sling past the row of boxes where
ladies' and gentlemen were watching the
struggles Of the poor beast with the ut
most sympathy. But before half the
distance had been accomplished the
horse struggled so that the men were
unable to hold him, and he was again
let down upon three legs.
" Don't Try to carry him any fur
ther," said the officer. taking out his
revolver.
There was a sensation in the Garden
when the spectators caught sight OF the
glistening barrel, aud half Of them
started TO leave their seats and were
with difficulty kept back by the ushers.
HYATT removed the bride from the
doomed horse and the officer held his
revolver TO the unfortunate animals
head. There was sharp report, seve-
raj ladies screamed, and poor Bucksho,