The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-30
(From Sundays Second Edition.)


READVILLE, Mass, Aug. 2S.-The Chi
cago pacing stallion Star Pointer owned
by James A. Murphy, to-day wiped out the
two-minute mark and ended the contro-
Versy when has been going on for years
as to the speed qualities of the light har-
ness horse Accompanied by q runner the
big bay Tennessee-bred stallion wiped out
the mark and had three-fourths of a second
to spare when he went under the wire. This
wonderful performance was witnessed by
about 5000 people 1t was the more Won
derful, for on Friday Joe Patchen, with
Geers behind him, had made shoot at the
mark made by John r. Gentry last october
and had failed by d second and a half. Be
cause Of this it was not thought that his
greatest rival in the race would get down
below the even time mark.
The first quarter was at an even two
minute gait, in 30 seconds, and then as
McClary called on his PAGER to move the
second quarter there was great cheer,
for he was breaking two minutes all to
pieces, and got to the half in :5924, with
the second quarter in :29a4 seconds. The
third quarter was the fastest of the mile.
The distance was covered in 29A. a 10y
gait Around the turn Pointer seemed to
Waver the smallest fraction of a second,
but McClary had him right almost be-
fore one could see it, and then they
Strengthened into the stretch, the runner
moving up even closer Both PAGER ana
runner were asked to step along. McCar
thy laid the whip on the runner, but Nc
Clary spoke only a word of encouragement
to his horse At the drawgate Star Pointer
was reefed a little. The great pacing stall
lion appeared to freshen IN the last lew
strides gathering fresh strength and cour-
age as he neared the wire, and finished IKE
a lion in the record breaking time of 1884.
Since 1894, when the game little race horse
Robert j. paced a time mile in 2:0l42, the
horse world has been looking Tor the Two
minute mark to be reached. In 1879 1t looked
as though the gelding or John X. Gentry
would get to it, but the season went by and
last year even some Of the more ardent IN
their belief were inclined in the middle of
the season to think that it would be many
years in coming as the candidates then
did not look promising. But IN september
Star Pointer forced John r. Gentry to
race record of 2:0l12 at Glens Falls, and
then both horses were counted likely can
didates Billy Andrews, with Gentry got
a chance at the mark at the Rigby track
at Portland in October but on Pointers
near it, and took the crown which to-day
was wreSted from him. To-day was the
first time that Pointer was really sent Tor
the mark. His owner has been content to
SCOOP in race honOrs, but after having de-
feated Joe Patchen twice out of three times
and John r. Gentry the only time he got
a chance at him, and as no other can
didateS were in sight, the owner decided to
take time honors. Summary:
To beat worlds pacing record, 2:0Oa.
Star Pointer, b. c., by Brown Hal, dam
Sweepstakes (McClary) .................... l
Time-:30, :59a, 1884, l:5914.
The other races were, of course of sec
ondary Importance, although close in many
instances and but for the superior at
traction of the PAGERS trial would nave
easily proved a most attractive programme.
w Ii. @. won the 220 pace in best time
of 2:O91I; CresceuS won 220 trot in 2:11A;
Dan A. won Pill pace in 2:0S12 and King
Egbert the PIG pace In 2:lO44.
According to some of the record books
Flying Jib, with a running mate, paced an
exhibition mile at Chilicothe, o., in 1:5SA
on Oct. 4, 1884