The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-09-01
Robert J. is King of Harness. Horses.


Fort Wayne, Ind, Aug. 31.-Mascot,
FLYING Jib and Nancy Hanks have
been dethroned and Robert J stands
today king of harness horses. The
great son of Hartford. driven by Ed
Geers today made the fastest mile
ever paced in harness, lowering the
worlds record Of 2:04 to 2:03%.
In addition to the three events, the
card today contained three specials.
The track was in excellent condition
and the weather was warm with a
light breeze. but not enough to inter
fere with good work.
Land Houk was the first to attempt
to beat her time of 2:191a and she
clipped off one-fourth of a second.
Then came Alix. The immense
crowd was deeply Interested when Dri-
Yer Mcdowell nodded to Starter Walk
er for the word and away went the
little mare at clipping rate and with
out skip pulled under the wire in her
record time.
Fantasy, 2:071A, next caused enthusi-
assn by pulling off the half second and
giving herself new record of 2:07.
Then came the event of the day. Ex-
element was at fever heat when it
was announced that Robert J would
go. Geers appeared confident that he
would equal his record. yet hardly any
one expected the wonderful termina-
ton. After about ten minutes spent
in warming him up. Geers flew down
the track with running mate hanging
on his wheel. But the silent man was
not fully satisfied and the word was
not given. Again GeerS scored down
the track. and as he neared the star
ter's stand Robert ] was as steady as
a clock and going like the wind
Geers nodded for the word. Starter
Walker gave it and Robert J shot for
ward like an express train.
On to the first quarter he sped in
:30Sz. Everybody watchedf the half
and when that was passed in 1:0115 the
nerves Of 5000 people were wrought to
the highest tension. GeerS slowed IN
Just a trifle hut when the .three-duar-
ter post was passed in 1889 all were
certain worlds record would be
broken. Geers again let the horse out
and as he swung into the home stretch
down he came like the wind and
crossed the wire in 2:09s4, making the
last quarter in just 30 seconds.
The crowd was almost breathless I'M
til the wire was crossed and as the
time was caught by hundreds Of
watches one mighty shout rent the air
and it was a most enthusiastic demon
stration that took place. Cheers We're
given for Geers. for Robert j. for Ham
lin. his owner. and for the track.
2:20 pace. $600-Guerilla won third.
fourth and fifth heats in 2:13, 2:1615 and
2:19A Hustler Russell won first and
second heats in 2:12A and 2:12A. Free
land. Aileen. Rex King and Gamerose
also started. In the first heat Ander-
son Belle dropped dead.
Free-for-all trot, $1,000 - Phoebe
Wilkes won third. fourth and fifth
heats Time-2:1411, 2:11h and 2:111s.
Nightingale second, 2:12A. Belle Vara
won the first in 2:11. Ryland 7 was
distanced.
2:l4 pacing, s., 000-Dr. Sperry won
first and second heats. Time-2:10 and
2.09 TN b won the third in 2:113l.
Rowdy Joe, Angie d, Lottie Lorraine,
Josie B. Nellie o, Be Sure, Seal, Allen
Horue. Broadside Merry Chimes and
Whitcomb Riley also started. The
last named was distanced.
Special-Lady Houk to beat 2:191a,
went ia 2:19A Alix to beat 2:05A, went
IA 2:051k. Robert to beat 2:04, went
in 2:0S&. Fantasy TO beat 2:O715, went
in 2:07.