The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-09-07
THE REMARKABLE MATCH.

THE REMARKABLE MATCH
How Robert j. Beat Joe Patchen and
Lowered All Harness Records.
few minutes before o'clock a half
dozen teams of horses dragging heavy
scrapers or harrows were in a Struggling
finish in the stretch, and good-natured
young fellows in the stand insisted that the
drivers urge their horses for an excit-
ing struggle under the wire. This facetious-
ness had no effect on the provoking slow
ness of the draught horses, who might have
been just bit splteful at their arIstocratc
fellows who were waiting for possession of
the track The match race had been duly
announced, and the people in the grand
stand were expectant TO that pitch where
a man ignores his neighbor's request to sit
down. Driver Ed Geers, in a blue jacket,
was exercising the handsome bay up and
down the track. now and then drawing the
reins taut the gelding showed a DISPOSE
ton to extend himself. Geers's cap was
drawn down close over his head, and he
was very cool, as all good drivers are be-
fore entering a race. Jack Curry brought
the black stallion from the inclosure out
on the track, stroked his red moustache a
few times glanced up the track to see
"HCiC TIC OtiIcI udu SOue, tOOk the
reins in both hands and went UP to the
head of the stretch in a brisk jog. Joe
Patchen had obtained the pole position in
the draw, and after the harrows were
taken off the track the two great PAGERS
turned at the distance box and set off
towards the wire. The mass of spectators
arose in a few immense waves. that quickly
receded as it was seen that the scoring was
false Patchen had rhe advantage, and al
though Geers brought up Robert ]. briskly,
there was too much daylight between the
horses TO make the start a fair one. The
stallion was eager for his head and acted
beautifully. while Robert ]. was a little
slow in getting down to the clock-work
movement of great and steady performer.
ROBERT J. BREAKS.
On the second scoring the word was given
and away sailed the black with the bay
trailing half length. Geers was con-
servative, and he evidently intended that
his horse should move easier before trying
to obtain the pole from Joe Patchen. Rob-
ert j. wanted, perhaps, to hurry along the
race from the outset, and not having in
mind the old adage, more haste less speed,
he flew off his feet and took a tangent be-
fore reaching the first red ball on his
journey. He was making great headway
cool Mr.. Geers, with his magic handling of
the ribbons, veered the course of the geld
ing few points, coaxed him back to his
gait and resumed the pursuit of the stall
lion, who had settled to perfect move>
ment. Joe Patchen's name could be seen
over the top of the rail, flashing along
like the fin of a shark moving swiftly in
smooth water. There was not toss OF
his head nor waver in the regularity
of his gait. which seemed to be set like
fixed speed by carefully balanced machn-
cry. The recovery of Robert j. was made
in a remarkably short space of time, and
had he been a horse of inferior blood or
training the race might have
ended right there. There were
several lengths to be overcome
before the bay would be on an equal foot
ing with the black, but Robert j., possibly
with his Hambletonian blood boiling within
him at his own carelessness. fieetly footed
after his rival. AT the blue ball which
marks the quarter Geers was within easy
talking distance of Curry, and the bay was
still gaining The quarter had been gone
without urging, for the long back stretch
with its straightaway going was yet to be
traversed. The watches had the first quar-
ter recorded at :31A. Joe Patchen hugged
the pole closely, and Robert j. seemed
contented with the pace being set by the
black Curry did net call on his animal for
more speed than he was showing. Without
apparently gaining or losing a foot OF
ground the two moved along the back
stretch, maintaining their relative posi-
tions, the crowd confident all the while
that the advantage to Joe Patchen in Rob-
ert J.s break would give the stallion an
| opportunity to win the heat and gain a
mark that would send up his value many
| thousands of dollars, But Geers was equal
| ly as confident that his horse had a few
more seconds of speed in him than Joe
/ Patchen and when the time came victory
| could be snatched under the wire If nee,
| essary.
AT THE FINISH
When the last turn was approached Rob-
| ert j. was let out a few notches and
gamely adopted his drivers suggestion that
| the minute for hard work had arrived
| ice Patchen put on more pressure at Cur
| RVS urging At the three-quarters Robert
| j. was only a half length in the rear and
| clear of Curry's wheel. Then the test OF
| speed began So even had been the pacing
| that each of the first three-quarters had
been made in 31A-
! A slight tap OF the whip was all that
| Robert u needed entering the stretch
| Slowly he crawled up on the stallion until
| they were almost neck and neck. and Cur
| ry felt II necessary TO let his animal out
! to the full limit OF his speed. The gain was
| only few feet, and when the two passed
the distance flag the crowd saw the begin,
ming of the greatest struggle ever seen or
n track between two such hgh-class pac
ers Joe Patchen's mouth was open. Hs
was taxing his utmost endurance. The