Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-04
RAMAPO'S SPLENDID RACE.
The Great Horse Defeats Sir Walter
In Finest Contest OF the season.

The New York World gives the follow
ing account of Ramapo's great race OF
Tuesday:
II was a great privilege TO have been
present al the Coney Island Jockey Clubs
track yesterday afternoon and 10
have seen the contest between Ramapo
and Sir Walter in the second Long Island
Handicap. The finish between these
two great thoroughbreds was not only
the most exciting of the season. but IL
was one OF the most stirring and gallant
battles ever witnessed on an eastern
race-course. So profoundly were the
spectators stirred that after the horses
passed the Judges and Ramapo's number
was run up as the winner there was a
moment Of absolute silence before the
great burst Of applause came. During
the rest of the afternoon in the paddock.
on the lawn. and In the clubhouse the
race was the only thing talked about.
and on the boats and trains coming
home turfmen still eagerly discussed II.
Eight horses started in the Long Island
Handicap, and as the entries in
Guided Ramapo. Lazzarone, Sir Walter,
Peacemaker Matt Byrnes. Sister Mary,
Redskin. and Beldemere, the speculation
was continuous. and the public divided in
it's choice. Ramapo was favorite at D to
and Z to 8. with Sir Walter, who car
ried a tremendous stable commission.
close second favorite. The others were
all supported at varying odds. Frank
Boards Suburban winner. Lazzarone.
bearing most of the outside money
Ramapo got off slightly in front when
the flag fen. but Griffin. after securing a
good place next TO the rail. pulled his
horse back into fourth place. and allowed
Peacemaker and Beldemere to race off in
the lead. while RamapO ran easily be-
hind them.
On the turn out OF the backstretch
Sir Walter who was back behind Ra-
mapo, moved up on the outside and when
the field swung around the last turn
he was in the front rank. Just as the
stretch was reached there was an open
ing and Griffin shot through with RAJ
mapo On the outside. twenty yards
away. Sir Walter. with Doggett up
was clear of his field. and perhaps half
a length to the good
In dozen strides the two great
horses had slipped away from their
rivals. and set out TO fight the battle
together through the stretch Ramapo
has the courage OF a lion; Sir Walter is
considered the bravest horse on the
turf. For full quarter of a mile these
two splendid thoroughbreds. both of I'M
questionable courage ana lnNOnlldble
resolution, strained and struggled side
by side, their lean heads stretched out
and hardly the width Of hand separating
them.
At the furlong pole Sir Walter looked
the winner and he was at least a head
before his rival. At the sixteenth pole
II was Ramapo's head that was in front.
Griffin was driving Ramapo with his
heels. while Doggett was plying whip
and spur on Sir Walter. Fifty yards
from the finish both horses were side
by side. As they swept up to the
judges. almost In the final stride. Griffin
raised his whip. and gave his mount
swinging cut across the side. Eamapo
responded generously, and with last
final desperate effort. pushed his chest
nut head over the line winner by a
margin so scant that his hackers held
their breath until the numbers were
raised Four lengths behind Sir Walter
came Peacemaker. who beat Lazzarone
for third place by head. Lazzarone
got off badly. and ran remarkably
good race. all things considered. The
applause which greeted Griffin was de-
served: he rode one OF the best races
OF his life.