The morning call., 1894-09-07

! ford, reigns supreme as king of the turf,
and the penpaut waves above his stall at
the State fair grounds. The match race
for purse of $4,000 between Robert j and
Joe Patchen was expected to bring forth
some phenomenal speed, but not one of
the 10000 people was prepared for the ter
rible slashing of records that began with
the word GO" thuDdered from the stand
by Starter Walker at 80 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 forces of men under the direction of
the track superintendent had been at work
constantly since. Nothing had been
omitted, and when the final moment came
not a member of the association present
but was confident, with the condition OF
the track, no blame could be attached to
them if 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 facing the immense audience an
nounced that the race would be the next
feature of the programme. Looking out
on the track he said to Secretary Graves of
the club:
'tLook out for records hare. Both of
these horses are in the best possible condi-
tion and Jack Curry has promised to give
the little horse tho race of his life"
at the stables Of the fliers all was con-
fusion as the final touches were put on the
preparation of the horses for the great con-
test for blood. Gsers has heard of the
boast of Curry and had replied in his Pc
culiar way. "Is that so? well, old boy, we'll
have to 60 some, won't we?" and he patted
the little wonder on the neck in an affec-
tionate manner.
At the same moment that Starter Walker
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 moment
before the stand, the last touches were ad-
ministered to both horses, every strap and
buckle was closely inspected and the two
swept down the track for the word. The
drivers settled themselves firmly in their
seats and neither looked at the other. They
were in no humor for jesting. There was
a set expression upon the face of each
Curry was determined to give the brown
horse the greatest and 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 trem bled. Scarcely
bad the two horses turned for the start
when the brown and black gave great leaps
forward and shot down to the stand at a
terrific pace. Both drivers held back and
Patchen was rendered unsteady by the
lines. Walker saw the situation and called
them back. The second start was a sue
cess. 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.
"Gow 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 :3iA
was announced. 1t was as though the two
great horses were being impelled by some
unseen force as the movement of the legs
on the backstretch could not be seen.
At the half l:02h was called out and the