The Washington times., 1902-04-06

Sixth race-Intrusive, to l, won.
Himself, to 5, second.
Fonsoluca, to !, third.
Bright skies and an agreeable change in
the temperature, together with an at
tractive programme of six races, combined
TO draw a big half-holiday crowd to the
pretty Benning race course yesterday af-
ternoon. All in all it was the most sue
cessful and interesting days sport that
has been seen at the track since the open
ing day of the meeting.
The grandstand was crowded with many
ladies and the clubhouse filled with repre-
sentatives of Washington's social set, who
were present TO witness the third run
ming of the Hunters Steeplechase.
Five recognized hunt clubs were repre-
sented in the race, and 1t resulted in the
prettiest and most Interesting event of its
kind that has ever been run at the Ben
ming track. 1t was given a special inter-
est by reason of the fact that the win
ner is owned by Congressman Edward
Morrell, who has only recently gone into
the racing business.
Society Made Happy.
Headland, his entry, was made the ia
vorite in the betting and the horse showed
his quality by winning easily, TO the
great satisfaction Of the society people
IN attendance, as well as the general pub
lie that backed him.
From beginning to end the contest was
an unusually exciting one. All five of the
horses that started cleared the fences
in fine style and not one went down. The
winner was given a hearty round of ap-
plause when he returned to the stand.
Aside from this event, the racing was
exceptionally good, several of the events
resulting in heart-breaking head finishe1.
Indeed. the winner of every race, with
the exception of one, was in doubt till
within few strides Of the wire.
In the last event the best field OF thor
oughbreds that has been sent to the post
this spring faced the starter, and the
race resulted in fine contest, Intrusive
getting home in front only in the last
jump.
Talent Again Humbled
The encounter between the talent and
the books again resulted disastrousIy for
the former, four of their selections failing
TO land.
The track was in excellent condition
and a new record was hung up in the
fifth event, Lamp O'Lee clipping a fifth
OF second of Jefferson's time of AS l-5
for mile and forty yards.
Lamp O'Lee's performance was all the
better because he carried ia pounds,
while Jefferson had up 103 pounds. The
sevcn-furlong record was also in dan
ger, Intrusive running the distance in
1:2s 2-5, within fifth of a second of the
track record made by The Amazon.
Four of the entries declined the issue
in the first race of the afternoon. and of
the trio that answered the call Early Eve
was selected as the best, the filly going
to the post at odds-on. Meistersinger was
a well-played second choice. and Apple
Jack was accorded following on the
strength of a hot tip.
Race Surprise.
The race resulted in a much better
contest than the betting indicated. Apple
Jack was the first to show when the bar
rier went up. but Early Eve at once as
sumed command. and showed the way,
with Meistersinger AT her saddle, to the
turn for home, where she drew away.
Melstersinger, however, had something
left, and when Strengthened out for the
run home, he moved UP again, and Apple
Jack also took a hand.
At the furlong pole Apple Jack was run
ming strong, and ii looked as if he would
get the money, but he failed at the six
teenth pole. The race then resulted in
duel between Early Eve and Meistersin
ger McCue rode a bang-up finish on the
latter, and won the race by a short head.
Red knight, from the Walden Stable,
was made favorite for the two-year- -old
race because Of his good performance a
few days ago. Agio, Mexicanna. and Royal
Ensign were first to show when the
horses were sent away Royal Ensign
went out at once with Red Knight at his
saddle, but Ensign's lead was short-lived,
and he retired rapidly TO the rear. inter
fering with the favorite.
Shot to the Front.
Mexicanna then took the lead, and
turning for home was a length or SO to
the good. with Tribesman running second.
In the last furlong Mexicanna looked as
II she had the race won, but Odom had
got the Red Knight TO going, and fifty
Yards from the wire he reached the lead
er He was gaining inch by inch at the
finish but Mexicanna managed TO get
home in front ny short head. Tribes
man was third, only head behind
The Hunters Steeplechase was next on |
the card Klondyke, Leo Johnson, and
Silent Friend were scratched. and OF the |
others Headland was always favorite. He |
onened at 4 TO s in the betting but this |
was quickly played TO to 2. Champion |
was second choice at threes, while the |
others were at long odds
The horses were on at the second |
break. with Headland, Champion. and