Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-10-14
RACELAND DOWNS FIRENZI.
A Battle Royal for the Grand National
Handicap at jerome.

From the New York Sun. Saturday
The Grand National handicap decided st
Jerome park yesterday afternoon was one Of
the best races Of the year, and while Raceland
defeated Firenzi, the gallant little mare lost
none OF her admirers nor a particle Of her
reputation as a game and speedy racer.
She met a horse that was trained to the
horses and had the advantage in the weights,
and she suffered defeat just as she did LAST
year when Raceland was also the victor. The
promise of great race between the pair with
Los Angeles, Lavinia Belle and Taragon to
carry them along drew 1000 persons to the
track They were enthusiastic in the extreme
The talent were about evenly divided 20
to the merits of Firenzi and Raceland and 10
was an even thing, although in the betting both
carrying large Jumps Of money. The Dryers
pinned their faith and dollars to Mr. Belmonts
gelding, and he carried many thousands of dol
lars Tor the younger OF the famous brothers,
who was in plunging humor. Very few
wanted Los Angeles, Lavinia Belle, or Taragon
at any figure. just as they cantered to the
post it became limited about that Firenzi was
not quite on edge, but her hackers laughed
away their fears and settled themselves on their
seats TO see a horse race. The five starters
were sent away at the first effort, Lavinia Belle
in the lead and Los Angeles bringing up the
rear. Passing the stand the sister TO Freeland
was first by length, Taragon second a length
before Firenzi, who was lighting for her head,
and Raceland in the rear Looping along like .
jack rabbit. There was no change until they
were q quarter of q mile from home, where
Lavinia Belle, Taragon and Firenzi were necks
apart, length before Los Angeles who was .
length in front Of Raceland, on whom Garrison
was hard at work. Mclaughlin moved Firenzi up
alongside the Belle, and looking nervously over
hisshoulder ever and anon watched Garrison and
the lanky gelding. As the leaders rated only
head and head near the rail- Lavinia Belle
began to tire, and Taylor drew hB whip. The
flly wavered and, swerving over, bore Firenzt
out trife. This was Garrisons opportunity,
and like a fash he seized il. With three sting
ing cuts of the cruel whalebone and q merci-
less digging of the steel the Snapper shot
through next the rails and a furlong from homo
home was on even terms with Firenzi and Il.
vinia Belle. All three were ridden with whip
and spur and for IS yards neither had the adj
vantage, but the gallant mares. although strug-
Cling gsmely for the victory, which was only
couple Of hundred feet away faltered, Lavinia
sterner stuff and hung on with bull dog tenac-
ity, but she, too, through lack of condition OF
too much weight, wavered in the last few yards
and Raceland, drawing out in the last strides,
won Q grand race by three-quarters of length
Lavinia Belle was third, Les Angeles fourth and
Taragon last. The crowd cheered the victor,
and Mr.. Belmont. who saw the race, was yery
happy man he received the Congratulations
Of his friends. The time, 2:391 is very fast
for Jerome park. Racelands time in last wears
race, when he carried Ito pounds againsS
Firenzi's l31, being 3gsL
The Grand National handicap for three-year.
and half.
Belmont's b. g. Raceland, 4, by Billet
Calomel, l26 lGarrison) ................l
J. b. Haggins b. m. Firenzi, 6, $50 q. Nc
Laughlin). a
BeyerWyck stables b. T. Lavinia Belle, 4, ios
Los Angeles and Taragon also ran.
Time, ASH.
Post betting-Against Firenxi, IL to 10; Race
land, to s; Los Angeles, 8 10 1; Taragon, 20 70
i, and Lavinia Belle, 40 to l. NutuAls paid