Trotting at the Park
The Republican Journal October 7, 1864
On Thursday afternoon, for the Society’s premium, offered for best trotting by horse four years old, Jenny Brooks, owned by Henry Edwards, of Brooks, took the premium in match against horse of M.W. Frost, Belfast. Time 3.10 and 3.11. In the afternoon, the premium for best trotter of five years old, was competed for by horses owned by Noah M. Gould and Alonzo Drake, both of Lincolnville. Won by Drake in 3.2, and 3 and 3. The Gould horse made the first heat in 2.58, but the driver lost the heat by violating the rules in endeavoring to take the pole from his opponent.
For the best trotting horse of five years old and upwards, animals owned by H. Hayford and Robert Patterson contested. Won by Hayford in three heats. Time 2.55, 2.57, and 2.58.
The heavy rain of Friday obliged a postponement for the Sweepstakes of $100 to Saturday afternoon. The crowd in attendance was the largest ever assembled in the park, and the excitement as the trot progressed was most intense.
The Sweepstakes was contested for by two Stallions names for Gen. McCellan, one owned by Horace McKenney, Esq., of Monroe and the other by George M. Robinson, Esq., of Augusta. Both horses were driven at the first heat by their owners. The trotting was to be decided by the best three in five heats. The Robinson horse is a dark by, of good trotting figure, with great reach of limb, and showing the marks of careful training. The Mckenney horse is a much handsomer and more symmetrical animal than his competitor, with compact muscle and lively nerve, but encumbered by fat and otherwise showing not a trotting conditions.
At the first heat, McKenney won the pole, and after several false starts the horses got off well together, and the heat was a steady struggle and tug of muscle throughout, amid the most intense excitement of the spectators. The Mckenney horse took the lead and maintained it throughout, despite the utmost exertions of his rival; both horses breaking for an instant during the heat, but soon settling back into a trot. Time 2.29 and 2.31. Mr. McKenney not being in condition to drive, from a recent sickness, Mr. Orrin Shaw, of Bangor, took his place for the remainder of the trot. McKenney’s horse was bleeding in one of his fore feet, from a cut, and was slightly lamed. At the second heat, Shaw had the pole at starting, but Robinson took it on the first quarter , the gigs coming in collision at the time. Robinson came in two lengths ahead. Time 2.31 and 2.32. The third heat was the least exciting of any. Robinson taking the lead, and maintaining it to the end. Time 2.28 and 2.29.
The fourth heat was a most exciting contest throughout, horses and drivers doiong their best, and the crowd of spectators strung up to the highest pitch of excitement. The struggle between the horses was a terrible contest of muscle. On the last half mile, the McKenney horse broke, and his competitor shot ahead, opening a gap of two rods. But he recovered handsomely, rapidly closed, and at the pole lapped his adversary half his length. It could only be said that Robinson won, with hardly an inch to spare. Time 2.26 and 2.27.
Mr. Robinson showed great skill in handling his horse, and the animal himself manifested intelligence and careful training. But the splendid figure and action of the McKenney horse enlisted the sympathies of the spectators from the first, and the belief was freely expressed that, in proper conditions and with fair training, he could repeat the trot and win. Several sporting men offered bets to that effect.
The trot was the best contested ever seen, and we doubt if a match ever again takes place here that will be attended with like interest.
Note: This article was provided through the research conducted by Clark P. Thompson of Bangor, Maine
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