Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-09-19
IN THE ROLE OF A SPORT
Bill Nye'S Experience at Jerome Park
Races.


Speaking in a general way, am not
much of a sport, writes Bill Nye in the
Chicago Herald | have been present
only on the occasion of few justly cele-
brated trials of speed at the county seat.
Therefore | do not know as much about
horse-racing as do about dress and eti-
quette.
The last horse-race attended was nine
years ago. l have forgotten whether it
opened with prayer or not, but l know
that we had almost everything else. a
glee club sang "Shall we Gather at the
River ?" we had creased pig exercises and
tall man with short breadth and coat
tail spoke of the blessings of agriculture.
Then Bill Jackmans black-and-tan filly
Early Rose ran Tint Houston's roam geld
ing Moses 1t was exciting. 1t was to
be the best two out of three from the
iron bridge up to the school house aud
back. | was one of hejudges. | had
to either be one of the judges Of the
horse-race or sing "Larboard Watch
Ahoy," so | said would act as judge.
The first heat Early Rose did not seem
to get down to her work very well, but
Moses felt frst-rate and, barring a light
sqeaking sound caused by the cha6ng of
his second and third stomachs, carried
himself beautifully. His large red nos
triI.were open as far back as the eye
could reach and his tongue was thrown
back over his right shoulder regardless of
expense. 1t was a beautiful sight. | gave
the first heat to Moses and the second to
Early Rose 1t was very exciting. Bet
ting ran high. One man bet bushel of
Early Dent corn against honey-comb
bed-quilt on Moses, and another man bet
a coopful of prize hens against Queen
Victoria corn shelter on Early Rose.
At the third heat it was like the char
lot race in Ben Hur almost. On the
home stretch, about half way from the
school house, Early Rose stepped in a
gopher hole and threw her rider some dis
tance. He rose, however, and, pressing
his hand to his brow for moment as if
in deep thought, led Early Rose to the
fence and got on again. Moses was at
the moment of the accident about half a
length behind, but this gave him at least
twenty lengths the start. When within
100 yards of the judges stand, however,
Moses corked himself and throwing his
shoes at the same time succeeded in cork
ing an old gentleman who was sitting ON
the fence at the time. Moses fell heavily
with his hind feet pressing gently against
the sky, and while in that position Early
Rose loped past while the air was thick
with huzzas.
Since that time | have not been an at
tendant upon the means Of horse racing
until recently, when | went up to jerome
Park in response to the kind invitation of
well-known gentleman of this city who
did not 60 He prides himself on his
promptness and has frequently lectured
me in scathing terms for failure to be on
hand and on time. So this is re-
buke which will meet his eye, hope,
aud do him great good. We were to
to meet at the Grand Central Depot, and
those who have tried to meet friend and
pick him out at that justly celebrated
trysting place, or select him from a train
of thirteen crowded cars while passing
through the tunnel will recall the pleas
ing sensation. The gentleman's brother
was Oh hand, however, and as he knew a
little more about racing than | did, we
had good time jerome Park Is stu
ated somewhat north of New York City
and is connected with that place by rail.
For the frsl five or six miles the eye is
gladdened by a stretch Of brick-lined tun-
mel with just enough light now and then
to enable the conductor to collect tickets
and the pickpocket to tel a Ay-back or
split-second watch from a Waterbury
without too much strain on his eyes.
Jerome Park is beautiful sheet Of ground,
with large and imposing grand stand
on one side, and tall, massive structure
in the centre, used for a summer residence
and the abode of wealth. The track Is
so arranged that the horses do not have
to run to the end of it and then back
again, but may go on continuously until
they get through.
As the hour approached, people flock
ed to the grand stand, where they ate cold
crabs and drank large goblets Of froth at
ten cents a COB. Every one was rife with
expectancy and bright sparkle was in
every e,e. Several policeman we're pres
80. Iood;no, comfort ond assurance nv