The record-union., 1894-09-07
Special to the REcoRD-UNIoN.


INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 6.-To-night the
flag of honor floats over the track of the
indianapolis Driving Club. and the son
of Terre Haute and Fort Wayne has
been eclipsed. Robert j., the great son
OF Hartford, reigns supreme as the king
of the turf, and the pennant waves above
his stall at the State Fair grounds.
The match race for a purse of $1,000 be-
tween Robert j. and Joe Patchen was ex-
pected TO bring forth some phenomenal
speed, but not one of the 10000 people
was prepared for the terrible slashing Of
records that began with the word 60"
thundered 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 were present
which enter into the production of great
speed. The light rains Of the thirty
hours previous had been absorbed by the
yielding earth, and the forces of men un-
der the direction of the superintendent
had been at work constantly since Moth
ing had been omitted, and when the final
moment came not member OF the asso-
citation present but who was confident,
with the condition of the track, that no
records were made.
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 on the pro-
gramme. Looking out on the track he
said to Secretary Graves of the club:
Look out for records here Both of
these horses are in the best possible con-
dition, and Jack Curry has promised to
give the little horse the race OF his life"
At the stables OF the flyers all was contu-
sion as the hnal touches were put on the
preparation of the horses for the great
contest for blood. Geers had heard OF The
open boast Of Curry and had replied in
his peculiar way: lis that so; we'll, old
boy, We'll have to go some. won't we ?"
anu he patted the little wonder on the
neck in an aftectionate manner.
At the same moment that Starter
Walker mad made the announcements 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 DreathleSs as the
horses came together and pulled out for
little warming up down the stretch. Five
minutes later they halted moment be-
fore the stand, the last touches were ad-
mlnistered to both horses, every strap
and buckle was closely inspected, and the
Two swept down the track for the word,
Both drivers settled themselves firmly in
their seats, and neither looked at the
other. They were in no humor for Jest
ing.
There was a determined and set ex-
preston upon the face of each. Curry
was determined to give the brown horse
20 CrTta nSf 1T1 hnf tnGf n |, ,ie.l
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 trembleG.
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 terrific pace. Both drivers
held back, and Patchen was rendered un-
steady by the lines. Walker saw the
situation and called them back. The
second start was a success. Both horses
were at their stride and less than neck
apart. Down the track they came at
terrible pace, with perfect motion and
even stride.
60" 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 0:3lL
was announced. 1t was as though the
Two great horses were being impelled by
the legs on the backstretch could not be
seen. AT the half l:024 was called out.
and the crowd cheered. Still the two
horses remained together, Curry hanging
stubbornly at Geers' wheel. The latter
turned his head slightly and seemed to be
studying his chances. He saw the situa-
tion at a glance. He was in the race of
his life. with an opponent that was worthy
OF his steel. de forged ahead a nose as
the two swept into the turn, and there
was a slight check noticeable as the last
curve was being cut down. Both drivers
gathered their reins for the stretch, and
1:34 at the three-quarters was yelled from
the stand.
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 re-
venge himself for former defeats. He
came up TO even terms and with dis
tended neck and flaming noStrils thun-
dered along at the little browns side. It
was surprise TO the little wonder him.
self, who was unaccustomed to having a
horse at his side on that part of the track.
He shook his head angrily and attempted
TO draw away, but Geers held him with a
steady hand. 1t was not yet the mo-
ment for the last great effort. He allowed
the black TO retain his place and the two
rushed down the track at mad pace
Someone IN the crowd yelled IN trlu IN Oh
as he saw the worlds record in danger.
and Starter Walker called out for silence
until after the horses had passed the
wire. Up they came like a whirlwind
and left the crowd in uncertainty as to
the victor. Geers spoke to Robert J.,
and Curry made a low exclamation of
encouragement TO the black Both un-
derstood and responded. The little
brown seemed to be surprised at the
audacity of his big rival and as he dashed
under the wire stuck out his neck and
with mighty stride gained a nose. 1t
was a grand finish to the grand race and
the crowd yelled itself hoarse.
a moment later, when 2:03a was hung
up, great wave of extravagant delight
dashed across the amphitheater, and the
air trembled as the great roar OF triumph
went up. Terra HauIe, the rival. had
been surpassed, and Fort Wayne was ex-
celled.
But before the second heat, it was conf
IDENTIFY said the great heat had passed, and
some left for home. II was the general
impression that both horses had done
their best, and slow time was looked for.
Regret was freely expressed that the heat
had not been a quarter of q second faster.
E'orty-hv minutes later the track was
again cleared, and the two horses came
out. 1t was now realized that the track
was faster, and both horses in the very
pink of condition. Not only this, but
Curry was proving that his boast was not