Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-19
ANOTHER RECORD BROKEN,

Hal Pointer PAGES q Mile in .O5 Ia, a Sec
Ond Lower Than the Former Record.
Another record was lowered at Washington
Park. Chicago, yesterday afternoon, Hal Poin.
ter the pacing son Of Tom Hall. pacing mile
in 2.05l., just one second faster than johnson
at the Chicago West Side Park in October, 1884
As in the case of Nancy Hanks. who Wednes-
day beat the universe as a trotter, yesterday q
record breaker was hitched to a sulky with low
wheels, pneumatic tires and bali bearings. Its
weight was the same as that used by Doble in
driving Nancy Hanks, 621s pounds.
Pointer was on the program to pace at 5
O'Clock, but it was go before he was given the
word. He was sprinted around the track few
times during the afternoon and given one fast
mile. He WINS on edge and fit TO make the
effort of his life. but Ed Geers, who handled
the ribbons over him, told the judges that it
would be impossible for the horse to beat the
record in the face Of the lively breeze which blew
mp the home stretch and unless ii moderated he
thought postponement Of the trial would be
advisable.
Finally the wind died away and when the bay
gelding stepped upon the track at 6:1O there
was scarcely ripple on the bosom of the lake
inside track.
After jogging up and down the track for five
minutes Geers turned at the last chance flag
and came down for the work. Frank Starr
was waiting behind Abe Lincoln and as Pointer
rushed by he set his bay runner after him. bu!
before the upper turn was reached Geers. not
liking the way in which bis horse was moving
turned and came back to score a second time.
Fast as bullet Pointer came down to the wire
and went forth with the effort of his life. The
gayly painted quarter-pole was just ahead OF
Pointer beside him and behind him in d pass
ing Of breath, and as he swung into the back
stretch, going fast and true, there was no doubt
rv,f hn yv..l@ 81 1-.Ax - -
watchers that another laurel was about TO be
gathered for Washington Park. Past the half
mile pole in OPS he went without the faintest
suspicion OF distress, going as steadily though
1t was his every -day exercise Going round the
turn, Geers drew in the reins and Starr eased
up. Abe Lincoln. who had been stirring the
dust ten lengths behind Pointer. drew up along
| side. He saw, however. as head and head the
two horses turned into the home stretch that
there was no need of his services and pulled
back. Pointer, in fact, needed no urging.
Not o sound was heard and not q person
moved in his seat in the grand stand
as steadily the great PAGER came down to the
wire. No burst no mad sprinting rush that
marked the finish of the fastest mile ever
Travelled by any horse in harness upon any
| track. He came from the distance flag as he
had started from the wire. level headed, full OF
that his driver asked. He came past the judges
stand fresh and to all appearances able to dc
as well or better at some future time.
few yells went up here and there. and then
q round Of applause went through the grand
stand as 2.0514 was hung out by the timers, and
that was all
The official time for the mile is: First quarter
31&; half, 1.02A; three-quarters, 1.34; mile
2.05A.
Hal Pointer. who has now eclipsed all records
made in harness, is q bay gelding sixteen hands
high. sired by Tom Hall, ont of Snowhayen.
He is owned by Henry Hamlin of Buffalo, N. Y,
being purchased by him from Ed Geers for
$4,000. He was bred by H. H. Pointer, and
used by him until four years old for driving
purposes on hunting expeditions.