The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-23
DAN PATCH PAGES IN 1:66 IA.
CHAMPION REGAINS HISLAURELS
ON MEMPHIS TRACK.
Clips 1hree.tluarters OF . Second From
the Worlds Record Held by Prince
Alert--Ile Easily Beats His Own Pre-.
yiOus Best Figures by 81 Seconds.

Alert--lAe EASILY boNts HN UWn fTos
yiOus Best Figures by 2 81 Seconds.
MEMPHIS, Tenn, Oct. 22.-Dan Patch,
former pacing champion. this afternoon
regained all his lost laurels and added
new lustre to his fame by setting new
worlds pacing record Of 1854 in trial
against time on the track Of the Memphis
Trotting Association. The son OF Joe
Patchen went the mile with ease, and
showed no fatigue as result of his phe-
nomenal performance. At the finish he
pushed the runner who set the pace for
him so closely that only few inches inter-
vened between his nose and tho back Of
the driver in the forward sulky. The trial
was made with a strip Of canvas between
the wheels OF the sulky which preceded
him.
No one Of the many notable performances
made on the Memphis track has ever called
forth such burst OF enthusiasm or such
wild demonstration as that which was made
this afternoon in honor OF the new king Of
PAGERS as he flashed under the wire at the
close of his wonderful mile. The crowd
in the grand stand arose a. one individ-
threats Of the multitude was thunderous
and prolonged. The enthusiasm increased
with each moment as the horse slowed
down, and as he approached the judges
stand, after flashing under tho wire, the
climax was reached in hoarse, exultant
roar that fairly shook the grand stand.
Driver Myron McHenry was kept dofnng
his hat and bowling for many minutes, while
the spectators cheered themselves noarse
and the women were wrought into frenzy
of excitement, waving dainty lace handker-
chiefs and wildly ella piping their hands.
Dan Patch was sent against his own
mile record of 1850, and the betting was to s
that he would beat this. Sentiment was
evenly divided. 1t was readily recognized
that track and weather conditions were
ideal and II the PAGER could not beat his
record at this trial there was little chance
for him to regain his former title Of cham
pion. While many expected that he would
equal or even better his record bit.
not even his most ardent admirers were
prepared for his startling performance.
for his own record was excelled by two and
three-quarter seconds, and the worlds
record Of 81. held by Prince Alert, was
such ease that 1t seems hardly reasonable
to think that the new champion has yet
put forth the best in his power.
With few preliminary Greetings before
the grand sta nd to familiarize him with
the track. Dan Patch was sent away with
two runners pacing him. As he passed
the wire, every muscle was playing in per-
feet harmony, and the beat of his hoofs
upon the smooth surface Of the track was
as regular as clockwork. The first quarter
was reached in 20 seconds; the half IN 50,
and the three-quarters pole in 1:27 IA.
Up To this point the grand stand had not
breathed, but when these figures were
flashed out across the track o half sup
pressed gasp OF excitement burst forth:
But this was checked in it's inception. and
the breath Of all was caught for the final
effort. which brought the PAGER under the
wire at a rate of speed that drew him closer
and closer to the running horse ahead.
until it seemed as II the driver inthe forward
sulky must draw aside and give the pacing
horse the right of way.
Dan Patch, to beat 1.59, pacing:
Dan Patch, b. s., by Joe Patchen-Zeca ONO
Time by quarters--O2e, OBS, l:27h. 1854