Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-16
GREAT RACES.
Splendid Contest Between Ha-
ley and Gene Briggs.
Haley Wins Hottest Race Ever Seen
on the Augusta Track.
Jennie Rolis Wins As Tr0t-Fine Races
Scheduled for Today.

With a cold. raw, lowering day, with a
strong southerly wind and occasional
sprinkles, with tue track heavier than race
had ever before been started, having been
heavily wet down in the night in anticipation
of hot day, 1900 people saw what will go
down in the history of the park as some of
the best racing ever seen on the track.
The 20 trot was a sensation. Haley
was the favorite before the race and after
he had reeled off tive heats in 2.20 3-4 and
90 l-2, he was supposed to have cinch
on first money. Frank Briggs. who arrived
too late to drive the first heat mounted be-
hind Gene Briggs in the second heat aud
sized up the situation.
The third heat was one of the prettiest
ever trotted here, or anywhere else for that
matter. For the entire mile Gene Bripgs
and Haley were not over length apart,
nose and nose for most of the distance. II
was battle royal and the spectators were
carried away by enthusiasm as down the
stretch they came, head and head. One
hundred feet from the wire Gene Briggs
forged slowly but surely ahead and shot
under the wire two-thirds of a length ahead
amid the widest cheering heard on the
grounds for years. Time, 2.l9 IL, Gene
Briggs having trotted the full mile on the
outside.
The fourth heat was walkover for
Briggs, he not being headed once.
At545 the horses came out for the de-
cisive heat. Hardly dozen of the crowd
had left the track, and everybody was Oh
tip toe, cheering both horses.
The start was perfect one. AT the first
turn Haley shot in front of Briggs, and
some claim the cut off was a little too sharp
for perfect fairness. Haley opened out q
good lead on the back side, and the cheer.
ing was wild. Down to the half they came
and under the wire, Haley's speed suddenly
Stacked, he nearly stopped, and his driver
Piled the whip with ali his strength. Hall
way 10 the first turn be again nearly stopped
and Briggs, who was close behind nearly ran
into Hsleys sulky.
Then came fight for life. Haley braced
and struck off with renewed speed and cour-
age How the crowd cheered Brigg,
went his best, and on the back side and
end walked up to the young son of Nelson
Down the stretch like the wind they came,
Haley letting out for all there was in him
and going under the wire length ahead
the winner of the greatest race trotted or
the Augusta track since the memorable one
BY Jack Spratt, Glenarm and Aubine.
The scene was beyond description. The
men jumped the railing, fences and grand
stand, carried Haley's driver on their
shoulders and shouted themselves hoarse
The ladies split their gloves in applauding
and some danced and shouted in their glee
Never was more excitement seen over 8
race. Gene Briggs was not forgotten ant
was petted and praised by all for his gallan
fight.
This was Haley's first appearance on thi'
track in a race and he showed what he il
capable Of by trotiing in 2,20 "a, undel
unfavorable circumstances, within one
half second of his record, . 20 IA, made a
Mystic, under the best of conditions.
Gene Briggs was first seen on this tract
in 1892, as a4-yesrs-old, making record o
35. In 1898 he started here and wa
marked at 2 26 IA. This year as 6
years-od, under adverse conditions, h
takes a new mark of 2.19 1-2, credit ant
honor both for the horse and the track
Following is story by heats of the
2 20 Trot-Purse $500.
The first heat of the 2.20 trot was view
ed with deep interest on account of Hale,
showing high degree of speed. 1t was I
most excellent exhibition of fas
trotting. The start with Hale,
at the pole was very good. 1t woulC
have been prime had Gene Brigg
been length further advanced. Rounding
the turn Haley began to show signs of spec
which would partially spoil the fun for th'
other competitors. c. 7. L. and St. Law
renee were soon left behind to divide as t,
which would have third place if they s,
chose. Nearing the quarter pole it was
fine match between Haley and Gene Briggs
but a careful glance showed that Haley wa
not going as fast as he was able. After tn,
first quarter was passed C. T. L. was quit
a long way in the rear and gthenins
speed to get third place at any rate. Com
ing under the wire at the first half Hale,
was in the lead. closely followed by Gent
Briggs. After flying around the turn fol
the last half Gene Briggs increased bis gait
and which one would get first place looked
doubtful. However, Haley then let ou
another peg and wss seen to gradual,
gain. He took the lead and held it. c. T
L. in the meantime had passed st. Law.