The herald., 1894-09-07
THE KING OF THE TURF.
Robert j. Breaks all of the
Records.
He PAGES a Mile in 2:02 1-2 in
a Race.
Joe Patchen's Time Just a Quarter
Second Slower.
Three Fastest Heats Ever Dons in Hare
ness-AIix Trots a Mile in 2:O43-ls
State Fair Racss-sum-
mariss.

By the Associated Press.
INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 6.-Tonight the
flag of honor floats over the track of ths
Indianapolis Driving club, and the sons
OF Tsrre Haute and Fort Wayne have
been eclipsed. Robert J., the great son
OF Hartford. reigns supreme as king Of
the turf. and the pennsnt waves above
his stall at the state lair grounds.
The match race for purse OF 5000
between Robert J. and Joe Patchen was
expected to bring out some phenomenal
sport, but not one OF the 10000 people
was prepared for the terrible slashing OF
records that began when the word ''go''
was hundred from the stand by Starter
Walker, at $3.50 O'Clock. The day was
all that could have been desired and the
track was perfect. All the necessary
elements we're present which enter into
the production OF great speed. The
light rains of the 80 hours previous had
been absorbed by the yielding earth.
and forces of men under the direction
of the superintendent had been at work
constantly since. Nothing had been
omitted, and when the final moment
but was confident that, with tine con-
dition of the track. no blame could be
attached to them il no records were
made.
THE CONTEST FOR BLOOD.
The heats of the previous races were
passed over in haste and the crowd had
become somewhat impatient when
Starter Walker advanced to the front OF
the stand and announced that the race
would be the next feature of tho pro-
gramme.
Look out for records. Both OF these
horses are in the best possible condition
and Jack Curry has promised to give the
little horse the race OF his life," he
said.
AT the stables OF the flyers all wes
confusion as the final touches were put
on the preparation of the horses for tina
great contest for blood. 6eers heard of
the boast of Curry and replied in his
peculiar wav:
us that 80? Well, old boy, we'll
have to go some, won't we ?" and he
patted the little wonder on the neck in
an affectionste manner.
At the same moment that Starter
Walker had made the announcement to
the crowd the masses of humanity at
the gates were parted, and from the
breach appeared upon the track the two
horses. A mighty cheer went up as
Geers and Curry drove quietly down in
front OF the amphitheater and logged to
the turn. The crowd became breathless
as the horses came together and pulled
out for little warming up down the
stretch.
Five minutes later they halted mo-
ment before the stand the last touches
were administered to both horses, every
strap and buckle was closely inspected,
and the Two swept down the track for
the word. Both drivers settled them
selves firmly in their seats. and neither
looked at the other. They were in no
humor for testing. There was a set and
determined expression upon the face of
each. Curry was determined to give the
brown horse the greatest aud hottest
race of his life, but Geers was quiet and
confident that he would pull out just
enough to keep ahead. He knew the
humor of his horse. and his heart never
trsmbled.
THE eTART.
Scarcely had the two horses turned for
the start when the brown and black
gave great leaps forward and shot down
to the stand at q terrific pace. Both
drivers held back. and Patchen was ren-
dered unsteady by the lines. Walker
saw the situation and called them back.
The second start was success. Both
horses were at their stride and less than
a neck apart. Down the track they
came at a terrible pace, with perfect
motion and even stride.
"Go!" yelled Walker, leaning far
over the railing OF the stand, and the
crowd arose as one man. Around the
turn the two rivals shot, and at the
quarter 81 a was announced. 1t was as
though the two great horses were being
i'm PEELED by come unseen force. IA the
movement OF their legs on the back
stretch could not be seen. :021a at the
half. was called out, and the crowd
cbeered. Still the two horses remained
together, Curry hsnging stubborn!y at
Geers' wheel. The latter turned his
head slightly and seemed to be studying
his chances. He saw the situation ut q
glance. He was IN the race OF his life.
with an opponent that wac worthy OF his
steel. He forged ahead nose as the
two swept into the turn. and there WAS
slight check noticeable as the last curve
was being cut down. Both drivers gath
cred their reine for the stretch, and l :S4
at the three-quarters was yelled from
the stand.
THE RACE FOR HOME.
Then began the race for home. Curry
spoke to the handsome black and
Patchen responded by straining every
muscle. The great horse seemed to
recognize that this WAS the moment
when he could revenge himself for
former defeats. He came up to even
terms and with dstended neck and
flaming nostrils Numbered along at the
little browns aide. II was surprise to
the little wonder himself. who was un-
accustomed TO having horse at his eide
on that part OF the track. He shook
his head angrily and attenp pied to draw
away, but Geers held him with a steady
hand. 1t was not yet the moment for
the laet great effort. He allowed the
hfark ~ ratafu his niaca and tha TN