Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-01-12
LADY RACERS.
Miss. Myrtle Peek Defeated by MISS
Lizzie Williams.


Notwithstanding the unpromising
aspect of the weather, there was good
attendance at the Agricultural Park yes
terday. the sports of both sexes being
present in large numbers to witness the
match race for $500 between the Misses
Myrtie Peek and Lizzie Williams.
Owing probably to report having
been spread that the latter lady was
only local amateur, the race was talked
of beforehand as foregone conclusion,
and that this opinion was universal was
shown by the mum bers who backed her
opponent at odds of two to one. The
sequel proved however that she is in no
particular behind the so-called "cham-
ion," Miss Peek, unless it be on the
score of experience. The track was in
first-class condition and as consequence,
the time was, for such an
event, unusually fast. At O'Clock,
the time set for the first event,
Miss Peek, mounted on Mr.. Budinger's
promising colt Origin, ran mile against
the famous riderless horse Longview,
who, however, beat her by three lengths,
in :57. This being merely an exhibi-
tion race, but little interest was mani
tested in it, everybody being anxious for
the event of the day. However, after
wait of about twenty minutes, during
which brisk sale of pools at two to one
on Miss Peek was made, the fair eques-
triepnes appeared upon the track in
company with Mr.. Demorest, Miss
Peek's manager. The ladies, who were
attired respectively in black and blue
velvet habits, having tossed for choice
of horses, of which there were six, Miss
Peek won and chose alternately Ed.
Smith, Ghost and Origin, Miss Williams
taking Fandango, Athol and Hook Hook
ing. For some unknown reason the in
side track, which is ninety feet shorter
than the mile and good deal narrower
than the other track, was chosen as the
scene of the race, and the judges having
announced that the ladies would ride five
miles, changing horses at the end of
every mile, the ladies were led to the
post and got away to very good start.
Miss Williams having the inside track
At the half mile Miss Peek passed her
opponent and seemed to be gaining on
her, but, putting on spurt just before
entering the straight, Miss Williams
came in a good three lengths ahead, and
getting good start went away on her
second journey. In changing horses
Miss Peek was unfortunate, as her habit
catching in the horn of the saddle she
was thrown head downwards on the
wrong side of the horse. However,
through the combined efforts Of the
helper and her manager she regained her
seat and caught her opponent at the
three-quarter post, but again lost her
ground and came in three lengths be-
hind. Miss Williams getting off with
another good start led all the way round
the third mile and increased her lead by
some three lengths, but on changing for
the fourth mile Miss Peek got away in
fine style and led all the way to the
straight, and fine race home resulted
almost in dead heat. Changing for the
last time Miss Peek got away first; but
riding evidently ior ali she WAS worth,
Miss Williams caught her at the three
quarter post and passing her, came under
the wire fully four lengths ahead amid the
cheers of the excited throng. Time, 9:97
The individual time for each mile
were: 2: 100, l :57, 2:22, 2 10R, 2:0S.