Smyrna times., 1904-08-03
FORDS TROT TING OSTRICH
ATTRACTS LARGE CROWDS
BETWEEN 800 AND 1900 PEOPLE ATTEND
THE MATINEE RACES IN SMYRNA
Exhibition Of the Ostrich Was Olsspuolutuy
as Far as It's Speed Was Concerned, But
Nevertheless II Was Eyed With Interest


Nevertheless 1t Was Eyed with Interest.
Before an attendance variously es-
tlmated between 800 and 1000 specta-
tors, possibly the largest crowd that
ever gathered at the Belmont Driving
Park the matinee races came off
Saturday afternoon with interest and
to the credit of Mr.. John F. Colds
borough, the manager. The grand
stand was packed to its full capacity
and the park was literally lined with
teams. There were more ladies pres
ent than usual. The feature of the
program was the trotting of "Black
Diamond, the pet ostrich owned by
Mr.. William W. Ford, formerly of
Rising Sun this county, aud now
manager of one of the two farms of
the American Ostrich Company at
Jacksonville, Florida. The first birds
were imported from South Africa and
despite the assertion that they would
not live and thrive in this climate. the
ostrich farms are meeting with success.
BLACK Diamond" the famous trottiug
ostrich valued at $4,000, was brought
here by Mr.. Ford, who is on visit TO
Delaware and since its arrival has
Deen exciting much curious interest.
Disappointing as TrOtter, But Very Curious
Manager Goldsborough was success.
ful IN getting Mr.. Ford to have it ex-
hlblt here at the matinee races Satur-
day afternoon, and it proved a great
card. The ostrich which is nine feet
four inches tall and weighs S65 pounds.
was brought here in its cage blind
folded, and in front of the grand
stand 1t was hItched to it's four wheel
pneumatic tire wagon. When the
word was given to start, the blind
fold was taken off, but to the disap.
polntment of the spectators. it went
In tits and spurts and it took consider
able coaxing on the part of it's owner |
before 1T would settle down. There
being no fence around the race track |
and the crowd and teams standing
near seemed to excite the bird and in
It's fright it became stubborn and
baked, but when once out of the wav
OF the crowd 1T would move along
nicely. For this reason it was a
failure as a trOtting exhibition for it
was hoped to lower the track record
OF 2.12. Nevertheless, the novelty of
the event was decidedly interesting to
all those who witnessed it. The os-
trich presented a queer appearance
while trotting. At one time his four-
foot neck would be extended to it's
tull length and at other times it was
drawn and apparently tied in knot.
1t took long strides and showed that
under ordinary circumstances it
might be very feet footed. During
the first exhibition the ostrich after
making the circuit of the track. be-
came unmanageable and upsetting
The wagon, Mr.. Ford could only get it
inder control by Jumping on the
birds back and catching it by its long
neck. The second and last trotting
exhibition was a little better, the os-
rich making the full mile in about
hree minntes.
Horse Racing Was Close and Exciting.
The horse racing was also enjoyed.
The first event was the 2 20 class in
which there were but two starters.
Josh Rawley," owned by Fred
thomas near town, and "Annie H."
'wned by G. W. Hazell of Cheswold.
these two horses gave a very pretty
and were evenly matched.
Josh Rawley" winning both heats in
ast time by a neck. "Happy c."
'Wned by Samuel Fortner, gave an
mile after the first heat of
he 2.2O class. After the second trial
Il the ostrich, one heat of the 2.3O
ace was given, there being but two :
ntries: "Happy c." and Judge
Iilpin, which was easily won by the
ormer. The road wagon race, which
'as advertised, did not come off owing
1t being a busy season with our
armers. q