New-York tribune., 1901-08-03
CRESCEUS TROTS IN POP IA
THE GREAT STALLION MAKES A NEW
WORLDS RECORD.
GOES AGAINST HEAD WIND AND DOES
FIRST HALF-MILE IN LESS
THAN A MINUTE.

Columbus Ohio Aug. 2-Cresceus. champion
OF the trotting turf. added more laurels to his
fame to-day by trotting mile in 2:02A re-
ducing by half second his week old record of
z:o2A made at Cleveland last Friday. The first
half was trotted in O:59A, the first time that the
distance has been covered in less than min
ute by trotter. The time by quarters was O:29a,
O:o93i 1:30A and 2:02A. Only a stiff wind blow
ing directly up the stretch kept Cresceus from
stepping faster than 2:O2. More than twelve
thousand people journeyed to Driving Park to
see the great trotter In action. 1t brilliant
assemblage, and intense enthusiasm for the
morse was manifested The weather at noon
was unpromising The sky lowering and
overcast and few drops of rain fell but not
enough to hurt the track, which was in excellent
condition, or to keep the crowd away. At about
o'clock the sky cleared and the sun came out
warm and bright. but the wind did not decrease
in force.
In the overnight poolselling great deal of
money went into the box at odds of 81 to $17
on tine against the trotter. At the track. owing
TO the fierce wiEd, the odds against the horse in
creased to S25 10 s., but the hackers of Cresceus
were game. and took the short end as long as
pools were sold. George Ketcham appeared on
the track with Cresceus a little before ; O'Clock
The horse and driver we're royalty received. and
Mr. Ketcham was forced TO lift his cap they
passed the stand. The champion logged three
miles slower .han three minutes and one in 2:22
An hour later he came out again. and after
scoring several times stepped a mile in Do
Stl later he worked for the last time in
2:1515. He evidently had great power in re-
serve, and the vast throng waited patiently for
the great test
1t was evident that the wind would not de-
crease before dark and at $40 O'Clock the stall
HOD br1u for he l.
Tim" Murrnen. his trainer. ready to ac-
company him with a runner. and Dan" Lahoe
waited at the half mile pole to take him on
from there.
on the fifth score Ketcham nodded for the
word but Cresceus was not in his stride. and
ne pulled up at the first turn TO try II again.
Down to the wire he rushed. the runner two
lengths behind. and this time IT was a go.
Gamely facing the breeze the champion started
on his journey, moving with apparent ease and
8 his greatest speed. The runner caught him
AZ the quarter. and a shout went up from the
throng the time went up-a quarter of a
second less than thirty. Now the wind was at
his back, and realizing the advantage Ketcham
kept him AT his great clip. The half mile pole
vas passed in 0:593l. a record never before at
tanned and here the second runner caught him
up Into the far turn and around II the great
stallion rushed The three quarter pole was
reached in .3Ult
Then came the great trial for as Cresceus
turned into the stretch the bitter wind beat
him In the face and held him back by force.
For the fraction OF a second he seemed TO talter,
but his drivers voice encouraged him. and on
- caHae. With Indofnitable courage he plunged
IN toward the finish with unweakened stride.
and in spite OF weariness and the buheting OF
the breeze he flashed under the wire a winner
against time But for the wind II is believed
his time would have been a second faster. 1t
the most wonderful mile ever trotted on
any track.
Enthusiasm broke loose soon as the horse
had passed the wire The crowd rushed onto
the track to greet the champion, and huge
wreath OF flowers was hung around his neck.
Mr.. Ketcham, owner and driver, was carried 10
the judges stand and called on for a speech In
a few words he expressed his appreciation OF
the interest taken in the attempt, his trust in
Ohio horses and his confidence in his own great
trotter. CresCeus not unduly faugued oy
his effort and half an hour later seemed ready
for another mile.