The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-08-06
CREsCEUs KNOCKS FRACTION
OFF OF RECORD.
QUARTER IN LESS THAN 30
Game Down the Stretch Against
a Strong Head
Wind.

Columbus, o. Aug. 2-Cresceus,
champion of the trotting turf, added
more laurels to his fame today by
trotting a mile in 2.02A, reducing by
half a second his own worlds record
of 2:02A made at Cleveland last Fri
day. The first half was trotted in
1914, the first time that the distance
has been covered in less than one
minute by a trotter.
The time by qNlarters was 29A;|
59A 1:30A, and 2:02A. But for the
stiff wind blowing directly UP the
stretch many think Cresceus would
have done the mile in 2:02 OF better.
It was a brilliant assemblage and in
tense enthusiasm vas manifested by
the 10000 people present.
The weather at noon was unpromis-
ing, though cool. The sky was lower
ing and overcast, and a few drops of
rain fell, but not enough to hurt the
track, which was in excellent condi
ton. About 2 o'clock the sky cleared
and the sun came out warm and
bright but the wind did not decrease
in force.
In over night pool selling a great
deal of money went into the box at
odds of rs to II on time against the
trotter. At the track, owing to the
fierce wind, odds against the horse
increased to Is to s, but hackers of
Cresceus We're game, and took tthe
short end as long as pools were sold.
Geo. Ketcham appeared on the
track with Cresceus a little before 8
O'Clock. Horse and driver were roy
ally received and Ketcham was fore
ed to lift his cap as he passed the
stand. The champion logged three
miles slower than three minutes, and
one in 1922. An hour later, he came
out again, and after scoring several
times, stepped a mile in 2:25. At
half past four he worked out for the
last time in 2:15k. He eveidently
had great power in reserve, and the
vast throng waited patiently for the
great test.
It was evident that the wind would
not decrease before dark and at $40
the stallion was brought out for what
proved to be the greatest perform
ance ever accomplished by a trotting
horse. Tim Murrinen, his trainer,
was ready to accompany him with a
runner, and Dan Laho waited at the
half mile pole to take him on from
there.
On the fifth score Ketcham nodded
for the word, but C%resceus was not
in his stride, and he pulled up at the
first turn to try it again. Down to the
wire he rushed once more, the runner
two lengths behind, and this time it
was a go. Gamely the champion
started on his journey, moving along
with apparenent ease at his entire
speed. The runner caught him at the
quarter and there was a sudden muir
muir of excitement as the time went
UP, a quarter or a second less than 80
seconds. Now the wind was at his
back, and realizing the advantage,
Ketcham kept him at his great clip.
The half mile pole was passed in 59A
seconds, a record never before attain
ed, and here the second runner took
him up. Into the far turn and around
it the great stallion Numbered, his
mighty muscles and machine like
stride carrying him as If on wings.
The three quarter pole was reached
and passed in the wonderful time of
1904. Then came the supreme test,
for as Cresceus turned into the
strech the wind beat him in the face
and for the fraction of a second, he
seemed to falter. But Ketcham spoke
to him and, strong and loyal, he
sprang to the great final effort. With
that indomitable courage which
makes him the great horse he is, he
plunged on toward the finish with I'M
weakened stride, and in spite of weari-
ness and the buffeting of the wind,
passed under the wire in 2:02A, win
ner against time.
The enthusiasm which had been re
strained under the intense excite
ment broke loose as soon as the horse
had passed the wire. The crowd rush
ed onto the track to greet the cham
pion, and a huge wreath of flowers
was hung around his neck. Ketcham,
his owner and driver, was carried to
the judges stand, and called on for
a speech. In a few words he express
ed his appreciation of the interest
taken in the attempt, his trust In
Ohio horses and his confidence in his