Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-08-04
RECORDS WE'RE BROKEN.
Excellent Sport at the Park Cycle
Club Track

The twelfth race meet of the season,
given by the Park Bicycle Club, was held
last evening at the third-of-a-mile track
on the Conduit road, and the 1850 specta-
tors present enjoyed one of the best meets
that has been held this season The occa-
SION was made more interesting than usual
by the fact that Fred Sims broke second
worlds record, and thereby clearly earns the
title of handicap king, which has for some
time been the title of Nat Butler, the
speedy Cambridge. Mass, rider who up to
short time ago held the handicap records
for the half and the mile, besides having
a reputation of being the best handicap
rider on the track. Not only was a world s
record broken smashed by nearly two sec
onds, but Fred Sims established new local
record for the mile competition, while Bob
Walthour in exhibition event, riding
in fine form, covered the fastest mile ever
ridden IN this city. The additional ilumi-
nation at the park was thoroughly appre-
ciated by the spectators.
The Australian pursuit race was an in
teresting affair. There were eight men
started, each seventy-three and one-third
but Howard Rhine and J. E. Hanger.
From the trainers quarters water was
brought out and thrown upon the riders
This seemed to have bad effect upon
fifth mile he began to show signs of dis
tress. On the first lap of the sixth mile
he was taken i'll. and when on the home
stretch was caught and passed by Hanger.
Rhine i'll that he was assisted
from his wheel, with his hands pressing
his side, and between two officials was
half carried to the dressing room.
The half-mile handicap. however, was
the event of the evening. There were
twelve starters, with Greer limit man,
having ninety yards. Sims crossed the
line about foot ahead of Walthour, while
Wilson, who the opposite side of
the track, could not have been more than
two or three inches behind the Atlanta
boy. The other riders were almost
abreast and with the exception of two
men, were all within three feet OF the
leading man. When the time of the race
was announced the officials were wildly en-
tbusiastic throwing up their hats in the
air, and cheering Sims. Sims was given
an ovation, though he did not ride up TO
the grand stand
The former record for the half-mile han
dicap was held by Arthur Gardiner, who
a short time ago rode the distance In
OBS %, while Sims time was 9o6 80, or
one and four-fifth seconds faster. AT the
meet held Saturday evening, July %, Sims
broke the worlds record for the mile ham
dicap covering the distance III 100 Hat.
This record only serves to show the fast
ness of the track.
Bob Walthour, paced by two ,riplets.
the hard ride he made in the half mile ham
dicap he covered the distance i'll lab 50,
the fastest mile ever ridden this city.
He was paced for two laps a tandem
manned by Wilson, Counselman and
Schade, while the last lap Greer. Mueller
and French, on a triplet, carried him
around.
During the course of the evening Ssmue!
Howard of Chicago gave an exhibition 81
difficult trick and fancy riding The SUM
mary:
First race, one-mile novice-Won by w.
w. Talbert; time, 2.3S As.
Second race, one-mle open, professional
First heat E. L. Wilson, first; Fred Sims,
second; II. r. Steenson, third; time, 2 IL As.
Second heat, Bob Walthour. first: w. Sins.
second: Fred Schade, third Time , 10 j. 5.
Final heat, Fred Sims won; w. Sims, sec
ond; E. l.. Wilson, third; time, 2.13 SO
Fourth race, Australian pursuit race,
amateur-Won by ]. E. Hanger; distance,
five miles one lap: Howard A. F.hlae, sec
ond; time, 1875 40.
Fifth race, half-mile handicap, profess
sional-Fred Sims (scratch) won; Bob Wal
thour (scratch), second: E. L. Wilson go
yards), third; time, 0.56 3-5