Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1890-01-15

IL was to be tho climax OF the sporting
season, and between its suns fortune
: would be won and lost.
Randall, the horse that was to ride
knew was the favorite, and on his vic
tory heavy odds were offered. On ever,
tongue were praises of his beauty ans
swiftncss, and on every hand he was hor
aided the victor. ! knew all this ant
was satisfied, for fnew that we woult
do our best-Rnndw.l and i.
Bob" said Mr.. Wharton, calling me
aside on the morning of tho race, "Ran
dali must not win. have played my
fortune against him. If he wins 1 an
ruined-completely. Even tho horse
himself is on his own defeat. Now re-.
member"
"All right, sir; I'll remember" 1 said,
with strange feeling of excitement
passing through me.
This was the opportunity had waited
and longed for. 1 would win-I would
repay him for his cruelty. Eagerly l
ran to the box where Randall. who was
to carry me to victory and vengeance,
was locked. He was truly noble ami
NAL, almost human intelligence beam
ing from his flashing eye. Often had 1
ridden him, and often had he responded
willingly to my urging. Would he fail
me this time? No, it couldn't be with
such little, sinewy limbs, such a deep
set, powerful chest, and withal such in
telligence, he could not fail As 1
gently caressed him the noble creature
seemed to understand that he was all in
all to mo then. His playful little neigh
of recognition was better assurance
than any other that he would do his ut
| termost for me.
| Caressing and talking, remained by
\ his side until the groon;a appeared to
| equip him for the track. was 10th to
let him go even then, for there was no
telling what might be employed to make
sure that he would not win; there was
| twenty times more money on his losing
than would buy two of his breed.
1t was time to mount All about the
stables was confusion. Horsemen were
gathered in groups talking earnestly on
the probabilities of the race, some re-
ferring to tablets to see just how much
they had ventured on their favorites.
Grooms were hurrying hither and thith-
er with blankets on their arms and pals
in their hands; small army of Jockeys
engaged in an animated criticism of
their followers who were to ride tho
great race, while occasionally some de-
votee of the turf and patron of the book
maker more excited than the rest, would
rush up for en instant to inquire after
the condition of his favorite. Another
asked about the rider, while others,
with knowing wink, inquired if every
thing WIS 'all right"
The multitude in the stand was get
ting Impatient at every turn. Nothing
was thought of or talked of but the great
race and the merits and demerits of the
horses and riders. Ladies had their ia
voritss, with ready pin money to back
theEi. Neighborly wagers of money or
what not were freely offered and as free
ly taken. Even the little urchins that |
fought each other for places around the
rails, hazarded their nickels and dimes |
on the red cap or the buff jacket.
About the bookmakers offices the ex-
citement was at fever heat. Men
crowded and pushed and elbowed their
way to get glimpse of the latest offer
ings, and here and there the enterpris-
ing sharper would button-hole his prey
and allure him with the offer of q
straight tip" Old FOUNDERS eyed their
tickets as narrowly and with as much
delight as a child with new toy,
Young men that had never before
wagered cent eagerly asked for takers
tt bets against the favorite, and money
flowed as freely as water.
Suddenly there was moment of silent
expectation, then waving of hats and
1uttering of handkerchiefs, followed by
\ shout that echoed again and again
through the neighboring fields and
woods.
The horses had appeared upon the
rack; down the stretch they came
,oward the stand to receive their places ;
rom the judges with jockeys sitting as
and as firmly as though a part
If the animals themselves. Another
hunder of applause as the announce
nents were made. Thirteen horses to .
tart and every one of them as swift as
he winds, the perfection of breed and ,
raining, their long, sinewy bodies fair ,
y quivering with excitement No won 4.
.er that the vast throng held its breath !
Vhen the start was made. /,
handall was on every tongue. Thou ,
ands of dollars were behind him and as
10 pranced and quivered under me I )
hought again and again, "the time is ;
ONE; will he be equal to it?" tried to {
70 cool and collected, but who could at :
uch moment and such place, astride .
such noble animal and with thou .
ands of eyes and minds bent upon him !
who, with all these could remain in :
ensible to the thrill that pervaded ami !
lals and men?
My hand shook little and my voice =
rembled some, as / stroked the horses =
eek and endeavored to soothe him till =
ne drum tapped. well knew that all !,
Is efforts would be required. There =
ere other horses every whit as swift, .
ut relied on his devotion, and thought :,
1at the others might know he was not =
, win. -
Directly the Judges voice is henrc. In =