The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1894-09-12

Of Age-something That VIII Pc Par
ticularly Interesting to Horsemen.
The racing season had begun, and in
consequence Saratoga was thronged with
visitors. The hotels were crowded, and
the cottages had long since been taken.
The balmy air, the sight of magnificent
equipages, handsome, we'll dressed men
and beautiful women all conspired to
drive away care, no matter what ones
trouble might be.
SO I thought as, comfortably seated
in huge rocking chair, looked about
me from the piazza of the Grand Union
hotel one glorious morning in July,
1873. All the people near me seemed
intent on discussing only one subject
viz, racing. l remember distinctly to
have cannht several times fine express
sion: He's sure winner. Nothing can
beat him." Then again some one would
say: 1.-THE Black Whirlwind is won
der. He will win in walk, and va
rious other like opinions. Not being IA
miliar with race horses and racing
slang, was unable to make heads or
tails out of all had heard, and realiz-
ing that was out of my element I con-
cluded to take stroll and indulge in
quiet smoke. After having traversed
| two or three blocks found myself just
behind two gentlemen walking leisure
ly along, who seemed to be talking
about something in very serious man
ner. The walk being narrow, made
no effort to pass them and lazily follow
ed behind, enjoying my beloved pipe.
Very soon again heard the word
"Whirlwind, and confess that my
curiosity was greatly excited. just at
this moment a rather stiff summer
breeze came up, and bearing directly
toward us waited distinctly to me their
conversation. The larger of the two
| (whom will designate as Mr.. A. said
to the other, $50 you are surely going
| to start him in the stakes today,
are your"
The smaller man (whom I will desig-
nate as Mr.. d.. replied: why, certain
ly. I'm sure to win. There is nothing
eligible to start that can make my colt
even extend himself. OF course he will
start and win too.
"Well," said Mr.. H., "Ihave a prop
osition to make, OF rather, should say,
bet to propose.
Lets hear It," said Mr.. d.
In very cold and measured tones Mr..
| H. then said, "Mr. D., will bet you
So, 900 that if your colt crosses the wire
first today the race will not be given to
him and So, 900 additional that il you
do start him he will never again run in
another race. :"
By this time was trembling with
excitement, but something beyond my
control forced me to continue being an
unwilling eavesdropper.
Mr.. D. quickly replied: why, what
is the matter with you? Has anything
unusual happened that has caused your
good sense TO fursaiNe yUuf \ our propo-
sition is too foolish to be thought of for
q moment.
"Well," replied Mr.. H., "a little
bird brought me some extremely inter-
esting news about your colt, and / do
not believe that my mental faculties
have forsaken me. l repeat that am
willing to make the wager, and l know
full well that / thoroughly understand
what am saying and doing. Do you
accept the wager or not, Mr. DIP
All this time was only few feet
behind them, regulating my pace by
theirs and trying to appear very preoc-
cupied.
After some hesitation Mr.. D. replied
that he would consider the matter and
would give an answer before o'clock.
Somehow l did not feel as if / had
committed very great offense in listen
ing, but at any rate thought that
had heard enough, so l turned and re-
traced my footsteps, thinking there was
something very peculiar in what l had
overheard. worried over it SO much
that concluded to go out to the race
course. I called cab and was soon
there. In the betting pavilion ] ap-
preached man who seemed Ito the
manner born" and politely asked If he
knew anything about a horse called
1.-THE Black Whirlwind. He under
stood at once and told me the proper
name was fremont, and went on to say
"that in all America there was not
8-year old who could outrun him. "
After thanking him for his informa-
ton went up to the grand stand and
there purchased a programme. Sure
enough, fremont was entered in the
fourth race. Very impatiently sat
there and waited. Finally the first race
was run, which l watched with little
or no interest, and after the jockeys had
dismounted again made my way to the
betting ring. l stood on the outskirts
of the crowd, quite interested in what
saw and heard, though l could not I'M
derstand the modus operandi Of the
bookmakers Suddenly heard loud
shout from tho end Of the ring. tried
to ascertain what was the matter. but
was pushed and jostled about by the
crowd so savagely that could not get
an answer to my inquiries. Soon, how
ever, heard voice cry out, "Scratch
Tremontp' ss
This was repeated by many ON all
sides. Every one appeared surprised,
and no one seemed able to give any rea-
son for the colts withdrawal.
After the excitement had somewhat
subsided returned to the grand stand
and sat there, thinking deeply. l re-
membered the conversation of q few
hours previous, and tried very hard to
form some opinion as to the ins and
outs Of what considered very strange
case indeed. The only conclusion that
could reach was that Mr.. II. understood
his own affairs Well, at last the time
for the stake race forgot to say that
Mr.. Fl. had his best 8-year-old for
starter. While the horses were at the
post heard man sitting near me say,
"Why, Mr.. II. will win sure now that
Tremont's out Of the way" After
short delay the field was sent away on
nearly even terms. At the half Mr.. H.'s
colt was leading and running easily.
He simply kept it up and romped past
the wire an easy winner by four or five
lengths. After all the excitement of the
day felt very much fatigued and start
cd to return to the hotel.
In leaving the stand noticed Mr.. II.
and another gentleman talking very
earnestly together. They were separated
from the crowd, and their conversation
was animated. The old feverish curiosi-
ty Of the morning again assailed me,
and very soon was within earshot. l