The daily morning journal and courier., 1896-09-19
HALF MILE INSIDE A MINUTE
STAR POTNTER,S ACHIEVEMENT OYER THE MYSTIC PARK COURSE.

" 3SAs IhG HAhh COUHyE. Marks m Epoch in the History of the Turf Also Breaks tho New England TraclS Record for Mile, Covering the Distance in @:0a 1-a-The Half Milo was Paced in
 59 3-4 Seconds-Frank Agan Won Second
 Money and Robert J., Third in the Great Free-For-An Event-Pointer and His Driver Given Great Ovation. Medford, Mass, Sept. 1S.-The crowd at Mystic Park this afternoon was as large as has ever been seen at the park. the great drawing card being the free- for-all pacing contest, in which Robert J., Frank Agan and Star Pointer were entered The spectators were well paid for their trouble, for the race developed the three fastest consecutive heats ever paced, while in the first heat the New England track record for a mile was beaten and worlds pacing record for half-mile established by Star Pointer
 When the horses were sent off in the first heat Star Pointer had the pole. with Robert J. in second place, Frank Agan outside. Star Pointer had a slight lead when the word was given, but all were out for blood and soon were making a fighting race. At the quarter, which was made in 29%, Star Pointer was in the lead, with the others at his heels, Agan having taken second place and when Star Pointer passed the half in 59A, beating all existing pacing records, a tremendous shout went up from. the threats of the thous- ands of spectators. The three quarters was passed in 1:311s, with the positions of the racers unchanged.
 Into the stretch they came at q record-breaking gait, all three working as steadily as engines. As they neared the finish Pointer was holding his own splendidly, while Agan was making q hot bid for the victory, with Robert J. close at his wheel. When Pointer shot under the wire a winner by half q length in 2:O21s and the crowd realized the fast time that had been made tho excitementwas tremendous and Pointer and his driver, McClary, received such an ovation as is rarely seen upon a race track.
 In the second heat Star Pointer led from the start to the end and the rela- tive positions of the horses were un- changed throughout Robert J. made a desperate, though unsuccessful attempt to get second place at the quarter Agan resenting his interference by let ting out another link, leaving Robert J. behind. In this heat Clary did not touch Pointer with the whip and each horse paced the entire mile without the faintest sign of break. Pointer fins ished one length ahead of Agan, with Robert J. third. Time 2:031a.
 The third heat was practically al repetition of the second, until within the last thirty rods of the wire when Robert J.. who had been pushing Frank Agan hard all the way for sec- ond place, passed him and finished about a length behind Pointer. Tina 2:03A
 The other races were, of course, of lit- tie interest compared with the free-for- all
 The 2:14 class trot was easily won by Hastings in three straight Three heats of the 2:17 were pulled off in sec saw fashion, Valence, Sylvester K. and Nicola each taking one and then it was put over till tomorrow. Sufnrna.- ries:
 2:14 Class-Trotting- $1,000. Grace Hastings, b m, by Bay