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7^..
THE
^mth Carolina lockcD Club.
CHARLESTON. S. C : RUSSELL & JONES,
1857.
COPYRIGHT vSECURED.
WALKER, EVANS & CO.
PRINTERS & STATIONKES, RROAD ST.. CHARLKSTON.
€>autttiis.
PART I.
rASB
PRELIMINARY REMARKS 7
PART 11.
RACING— ITS ORIGIN, PROGRESS, &c ; , 2
PART III. RACING MEMORANDA FROM 1734 TO THE REVOLUTION 31
PART IV.
RACING MEMORANDA AND CALENDAR OF RACES FROM THE
REVOLUTION TO 1857 1«
PART V.
WASHINGTON COURSE AND ANNUAL REUNIONS OF THE S. C.
JOCKEY CLUB I45
PART VI.
A GLANCE AT THE DIFFERENT RACE COURSES IN SOUTH
CAROLINA 155
PART VII. BRETHREN OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA TURF I61
PART VIII.
RULES OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA JOCKEY CLUB 189
PART IX.
CONCLUSION 201
[* The reader of this work will please observe, that the folios run consecutively to the IVth Part, where, for the convenience of the printer, they recommence.]
Prospero —
Of anything the image tell me, that Hath kept with thy remembrance. Miranda —
'Tis far off, And rather like a dream, than an assurance That my remembrance warrants.
Tempest, Act I., So 1.
f rHiminars gnnaiiis.
The South Carolina Jockey Club, at a meeting held the 9th February, 1856 —
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to collate such documents as may be necessary to preserve the early history of Races in the State, from the formation of the Club, and that the same be published in an appropriate and enduring form for convenient reference in the future.
The undersigned were appointed a Committee under tlie above Resokition. Having understood that one of the officers of the Ckib had instiiuted, many years since, a diligent research among the fast perishing sources and documents that threw any liglit upon the early history of our Turf, to gather ^ip, if jiossible, the fragments that remained, scattered about in all directions, application was made to him for such papers as might be in his possession. Many were placed at our dis- posal, which, upon examination, were found to supply the verrj informa- tion the Club was desirous to obtain — hence the publication of the pre- sent volume.
On perusal, it will be found to contain a mass of information, which not only to our own time, but especially to after ages, will be invaluable, increasing in importanc^e more and more, year after year, as the present generation, reducing in numV)ers day by day, will soon, in the course of nature, not have one left to tell of the events of the earlier days of the Turf in the present century, to say nothing of the wondrous things re- counted by our fathers, as having been done by those who lived in the old time before them.
Without being too elaborate, it is believed that this little work fur- nishes as complete a history of the South Carolina Jockey Club, and as correct a calendar of Races run under its rules, dariny a period of one
hundred and twenty-two years, as can be compiled under existing cir- cumstances. Should anything have been omitted, however, that pro- perly belongs to the subject, and ought, consequently, to have found a place in the following pages, the reader, it is expected, will bear in mind how difficult was the task of the writer, to glean information from old files of newspapers, and less accessible documents, to serve as a link of connection between the last and the present century, and will, with becoming indulgence, echo the generous sentiment of Horace :
" Ubi plura nitent in carmine, non ego paucis OfFendar maculis, quas aut incuria fudit, Aut humana parum cavit natura."
E. P. MILLIKEN, Sec. S. C.J.C., )
J. C. COCHRAN, Treasr. " [ Com.
HENRY C. KING, Solicitor " )
PART n.
$ SEsr)) Cmarning faring— |ts ®ripn anb |0pjJ.
" See the Course throng'd with gazers — so proud and elate, The high-mettled Racer starts first for the plate. "
It has been well asked by one, who has a very lively sense of the beautiful in nature and art, " Where is the artist who could ever paint a cataract ? "
The glassy surface of falling water, ere it breaks o'er the abyss in snowy flakes; the glancing rays of the sun upon the overhanging trees; the rocks, the slight fringe of spray around them, may be represented ; nay even, the thick smoke, that hangs over the cascades, as they fall into the ravines below, like incense, hovering, as it were, with deferential awe, over some altar of Nature, before it ascends to the throne of The Highest !
But where is the motion ? Where are the white and frothing waters that, like wild horses, affrighted and snorting, and at full speed, dash along the sides of the sloping meadows ; or, leaping from declivity to declivity, precipice to precipice, then fall with deep, sonorous, and splash- ing murmurs from the black and shining rocks?
Where is the rush of the current, after the waters meet and commin- gle in the depths below ? Where the busy and tumultuous life, the ever changing glistening, the
avapi5|xov ysXacTfjia of the quick waves ?
This has never yet been done.
We cannot catch a wave, nor Daguerreotype its grace and rocket-like velocity. To do this perfectly is beyond the power of man. So, like- wise, they who essay to convey, by description, the various features : the scenes, and moments of eager and tumultuous joy ; the moving fig- ures ; the phantasmagoria of life, such as are continually presented and occurring on a Race Ground, will, also, fail in conveying aught but a cold, inanimate picture to the mind of the reader ! It is a subject that cannot well be pictured by words — though many attempt it, none can throw in, truthfully, all its shifting shapes and hues, for they are as va- ried and dazzling as are the changes in a kaleidoscope.
A Race Course is, in many particulars, much the same same sort of thing all over the world — the same striking features present themselves — a long line of vehicles of all sorts and conditions,
" Buggy, gig or dog-cart, curricle or tandem,"
12
setting like a stream in one direction, with here and there a counteract- ing eddy, interrupting its progress for awhile, but soon recovering itself, moving on steadily and unitedly as before. The road becomes more thronged, and thicker crowds, stirred by one interest, animated by one absorbing passion, press more eagerly forward as they approach the gates. Race horses, shrouded in all the covering of hood and body-clothes, are led on the ground by their faithful grooms, and followed by their riders. Jockey stands, filled to overflowing with spectators, in their holi- day finery, gazing on the passing scene, with eager, happy, and expect- ant faces ; whilst on both sides of the roped arena, in the vicinity of the starting post, are huddled together carriages, in tiers, three or four deep, with the horses taken off, in the best positions to see the race, packed as closely together, as Sam Slick would say, an pins in a paper. The horses, which have been entered for the coming event, paraded in the en- closure by the starting post, display, in their elastic step, the attributes of racers. Then follows the usual preparations : weighing the riders; the unbuckling of straps and surcingles; blankets scientifically, with a sort of sleight of hand, turned off over the loins and croup of the animals, so as not to disarrange a hair of their glossy coat, exhibiting them in the pride of the highest condition ; rubbing down and saddling the horses ; the expression of opinion in favor of one horse, and of doubts on the others ; the mounting of the jockies ; the anxiety on the part of the grooms to get a favorable start ; the hum of anxiety as the word is given " to go" — and they are off; the diversified colors of the riders — purple, pink, green, scarlet — resembling mosaic work, as they unfold their hues, and blazon, rainbow-like, in the sun ; the excitement of the populace as the coursers change places in the race, the interest increasing with every fresh struggle, till towards the close of the contest, the straining steeds enter the last quarter stretch, urged to their utmost speed and exertion, whips and spurs doing their work, and they near the distance post ; the ground resounds beneath their rapid strides,
" Quadrupedante putrem sonitu quatit ungula campum ; "
the noise of their hoofs increases ; the breathless moment of suspense is at hand ; they are all together ; it is any one's race ; the earth trembles ; they come ; they fly by ; they pass the post ; the welkin rings with the delighted shouts of thousands, and all is over !
Instantly, on all sides, " around and about," there is a sea of human beings moving to and fro : some on horseback, or in vehicles, hurrying from point to point ; some on foot, vociferous, swaying hither and thither ; all animation and anxiety for a while before the race, then breathless,
13
motionless, as long as the issue is in doubt ; but no sooner is the contest over than the close lines of people on either side of the roped arena, suddenly breaking up and pouring into it, impart a new liveliness to the scene, which is again all busy movement. Some rush eagerly in, to catch a glimpse of the winning horse, as he returns to the scale house ; others, to rejoin friends they had separated from, as the horses started, to procure better situations to see the race ; others, with brightened eyes, again to flirt -with the " dark eyed one," to whom a pair of gloves had been lost.
But, whilst every Race Ground presents the same cheerful scene, and many of the same varied objects, yet our Course, perhaps, for divers rea- sons, has attractions peculiarly its own. We arrive at this conclusion, from the fact, that an agreeable impression is generally made upon those who attend our races for the first time ; moreover, that a favorable opin- ion is generally carried away by those who have partaken of the hospi- tality of our Club.
On the morning of a race our city pours forth the sport loving portion of its inhabitants. As the hour for starting the horses approaches, so may be seen an anxious crowd wending its way along the different ave- nues that lead to the Course. First is seen, in the ladies' stand, a gal-axy of beauty — Matrons and Demoiselles — mothers, in the full bloom and maturity of their loveliness ; and daughters, exceedingly beautiful, and very much like their mothers ; the animation of the scene greatly aug- mented by those " who come to be seen, as well as to see ; " vieing with each other in the little coquetries every accomplished belle knows well how to avail herself of, to secure the devotion of some popular beau — among other things, betting with hira upon some pending event.
By-the-bye, alluding to betting, we will just mention an interesting in- cident of other days :
A young lady on the Charleston Race Ground once offered to bet with a young gentleman, not upon the result of the race, but that he would not be married within the year. He thought he never heard the dear thing speak in such sweet tones before, and as it happened to be Leap Year, he was bound to construe the circumstance into an encourage- ment of his well-known preference. He very properly mustered courage enough to reply; that if he was not married within the specified time, it would certainly be her fault !
Now, when this paragraph meets the eyes of our fair young friends, (and we flatter ourselves we will have some readers among them,) they are requested to note it well, and take care, whenever it happens to be Leap Year., how they venture to bet at the Races — we beg them to pon-
14
Aev well upon the little anecdote we have told, and learn from it, the true solution of the mystery, how it comes to pass, that a lady some-- times becomes (even b}^ the slight circumstance o^ a bet) " the better half of another /" — an expression they have, doubtless, very frequently heard, but we venture to say, never before had satisfactorily explained to them.
The following notice of the origin of the custom appertaining to the "ladies privilege" in Leap Year, will be found in an old volume, dated 1601, and entitled '"An act to amend the laws of Courtship and Matri- tnonie :"
" Albeit it is now become part of the common law in regard to the social relations of life, that as often as every Bissextile year doth return, the ladies have the sole privilege of making love unto the men ; and no man will be entitled to the benefit of clergy, who doth refuse to accept the offer of a lady, or who doth, in any wise, treat her proposal with neglect or contumely."
The traditional privilege of the fair sex, to take the initiative in mat- ters of courtship during Leap Year, is familiar to every body, and has often been made the subject of literary pleasantries. We may infer from one instance, as above, how available it was to secure the happiness of one couple, and with what becoming modesty on the part of her most interested, " the consummation so devoutly to be wished" was brought about. We cannot do otherwise, therefore, possessing, as we do, a most philanthropic spirit, than wish, with all our heart, the privilege may be so generously and generally exercise<l during every future Leap Year, that all our young Jockies may have the blessed luck in store foi- them, to experience —
How vast must their advantajje be —
How great their pleasure prove — Who, when the question's popt, consent,
In offices of Love !
In addition to what we have already said, in refei'ence to the attrac- tions of oar annual meetings, we will further observe, that although there is rot in Charleston the motley variety and assemblage to be seen in " merrie old England," on a great field day — elegant equipages of all sorts and styles, " with all the forms, modes and shows" of wealth and rank — flags flying gaily from tent-tops — the rich and the poor — beg- gars, " houseless wretches, that bide the pelting of the )>itiless storm," from year to year — pickpockets, gypseys and gypsey children, all com- mingled— making up a heterogeneous mass of mirth and excitement, yet—
" A looker on here in Vienna,"
15
from the old work], can any day witness on our Course a scene, that can- not fail, from its noveltz/^ to strike the beholder for the first time, with peculiar force and interest — we refer to the Backfiammon Board ap- pearance, a part of our Course puts on, during the running of the heats, black and while groups, dotting the Course here and there, and changing coloi- with surprising regularity — chameleon-like — the black faces turn- ing wliite^ and the ivhite faces looking very black, from time to time, as their respective favorites fail to equal their anticipations.
As it may reasonably be expected in a publication of this kind, that something would be said of the orj^^m and history o{ racing, ■^Whoxxt going as fully into the subject, as we might do, with the materials at our command, we will confine ourself to a brief review, from tlie best au- thorities extant.
Horse racing is so ancient an amusement, it is puzzling to determine to what point of time it is fair to go back, to fix a Starting Post. Let us be content to go back about 3300 years, to the Olympic games of an- cient Greece. Every schoolboy has read of them, consequently knows that horse racing was a tixvorite sport in those days ; tlie running taking place periodically, on a Course regularly laid out for the purpose, vary- ing in length, according to the age and supposed powers of the competi- tors.
The poets Sophocles and Pindar have both written on the subject —
■* the one has a long description of the Olympic Turf, with its exercises,
in his play of The Electro. ; whilst the other has an ode, in which
honorable mention is made of a distinguished winner of the Olympic
crown !
The Equiria at Rome, so called from the races that were run in the Campus Martius, in existence 2450 years ago, were anciently run 'in the open country, and afterwards in enclosures, railed in with wood, to pre- vent the spectators from crowding in too much. To attain the same end, modern race courses are either railed in or roped — many of them, like the Charleston Race Course, all the way round, but none of them are without enclosures at the coming-in post.
Constantine did not think it beneath his dignity to complete the fa- mous Course, Altmeidan, at Constantinople, commenced by his prede- cessor, Alexander Severus.
Racing in Italy is still a common pastime at the present day. At An- cona, by-the-bye, they have a singular, but very admirable method of determining the winner. Across the Course, at the coming-in post, a thread is stretched, saturated in a red mixture, which the first horse
w
16
breaking, leaves a mark upon his breast, which mark, whenever it is a near thing, is deemed decisive of victory.
It may be remarked here, that in one particular, horse racing in Italy differs from all other parts of the world. It is the only part of the civi- lized world, in which horses are started without riders, having only a surcingle round the back, with spurs suspended, the action of the animals serving " to prick the sides of their intent."
Not to be too classical, however, let us now see what are the earliest indi- cations of racing in our mother country. We gather from a little work, on the " Sports and Pastimes of England," that something like racing was set on foot there in the ninth century, during the reign of Athel- stane ; and that several race horses were sent as a present by Hugh Ca- pet to i.\thelstane, when the latter was in treaty tor the hand of Hugh Capet's sister in marriage. The habit of racing, to test the value of horses by their gaits and speed, became more general soon after this period.
In the reign of the Second Henry, Smithfield was the great horse mart, where the knowing ones were wont to assemble, either to buy, or to sell — to prove the excellency of their horses, it is recorded that they were usually matched against each other. King John owned running horses, for their cost and keep are fi-equently alluded to in the accounts of his expenses. Three of the Edwards — the Second, the Third and the Fourth — as, al so, the Eighth Henry, were breeders of horses ; the last named monarch had some stock, which he imported from the East. Ra- cing, then, appears, for the first time, to be more scientifically pursued than previously. In the reign of Elizabeth, and her successor, James, we detect in the sport a new and improved order of things. Private matches among the gentry became more frequent, and several new pub- lic race courses were established — more attention was paid to training, the horses being brought to the post in better condition.
Both Prince Henry and the First Charles were well inclined to all ru- ral sports ; but the one died early, and the other was too much beset by the harassing anxieties of his reign, to afford him leisure to i'ndulge much in the pleasures of the Turf. In his time, however, it is said that the first valuable public prize ever offered, was i-un for in the town of Stamford — it was a silver gilt cup and cover. Soon after this, the Duke of Buckingham's Helmsley Turk, and Lord Fairfax's Morocco Barb, were brought to England, and greatly improved the native breed. Helmsley Turk got Bustler, and Bustler got Blunderbuss ; Morocco Barb got the dam of the celebrated Spanker.
1^
17
In 1640, races were held at New Market, and in Hyde Park, near Lon- don.
Cromwell did not deem it inconsistent with bis religious profession and rigid observances, nor incompatible with the highest official digni- ties, to own and to encourage a good breed of horses — even he, when Lord Protector of England, had his thorough -breds. His stud groom, a man by the name of Place, was It prominent character in those days. The oldest of our pedigrees end with that of White Turk, one of Crom- well's stallions ; and he owned a famous mare, called '• The Coffin mare^'' from her being concealed in a vault, during the sf^arch for his effects at the time of the Restoration.
White Turk got the old Thornton mare, (dam of the Fen mare ;) also, he got Commoner, Wormwood, &c. He, also, got the great grandam of Old Scar, Wyndham, Crutches, Old Cartouch and several others.
It is quite evident that racing was in great favor in the reign of the Second Charles, Tlie king frequently attended the races at New Mar- ket, and other popular Courses, to see his own horses run, which were always entered in liis own name ; and we find the prizes contended for becoming more valuable; and for the first time, various pieces of silver plate, cups, &;c., offered, to be run for.
For many seasons, a golden hell had been the usual prize, but Charles the Second substituted silver boivls or cups, as trophies of victory !
Besides being on the Turf himself, King Charles did
" The State some service, and they knew it,"
by breeding race hordes, having imported marcs fi'om Barbary, and other parts.
He sent abroad his Master of the Horse, (who was said by some to be Sir Christopher Wyville, and by others to be Sir John Fenwick,) to make a proper selection of mares, which, on their arrival in England, as, also, several of their oflspring, purely of foreign blood, were called " Royal mares''' — noted as such in the Stud Book to this day. One of these mares was the dam of Dodsworth, bred by King Charles, and said to be the earliest race horse we have on record, whose pedigree can be prop- erly authenticated.
Dodsworth, though foaled in England, was a natural Barb — he was got before his dam left Barbary. This mare was sold by the Stud Mas- ter at the death of King Charles, being then 20 years old, for 40 guineas, and was then in foal of Vixen, by the Holderness Turk. Dodsworth cov ered several well-bred mares, and produced some good stock.
Holderness Turk, called after the Earl of Holderness, got the J^tump
18
mare, (grandam of Captain,) bred by the Duke of Leeds, out of a iaughter of Lister's Snake. Vixen, mentioned above, was the dam of the old Child mare, grandam of the young Child mare, and great grandam of Whimsey.
Tlie reign of " the merrie monarch" was more distinguished than any of his predecessors, for the extent to which the diversions of the Turf, uncier many new rules and regulations, were carried, and the exertions made to establish and perpetuate them, as a national amusement.
To the Duke of Newcastle belongs the credit of carrying out the then improved system of horse racing.
The Second James, though he lacked some other 1700c? qualities, is ad- mitted to iiave been a good horseman. William and Mary, and the Queen Anne, were patrons of the Turf — not only continuing the bounty of their predecessors, but adding several new plates for public competi- tion. Prince George of Denmark, the consort of Queen Anne, kept a fine stud. The Curwen Bay Barb, and tlie celebrated Darley Arabian, date from the reign of Anne.
The First and Second George did not seem to care much about racing, as a pastime to themselves ; tliey were wise enough, however, not to be inditferent to the preservation of a good breed of running horses in their kingdom ; therefore, encouraged the sport — the former, by instituting the Kingh Plates, as they have ever since been termed ; and the other, by making some regulations, he thought advisable for the su]~)pressiou of Scrub Races — races for lialf-bred horses, which he thought were becom- ing too common, and, if not put a stop to or discouraged, might ulti- mately defeat the legitimate ends of racing. He very properly wished to see the Turf confined to pure blood.
In his reign, the Godolphin Arabian, or as it ought, in the judgment of many, to be written, the Godolphin Barb, appeared, who, with the Byerley Turk, and the Darley Arabian, stand prominently out from all other Turks, Arabians and Barbs, as the three illustrious founders oi English blood stock.
The Byerley Turk was so called from having been Captain Byerley's charger in Ireland, in King William's wars, 1689, <fec. It was not, how- ever, until seventy years after he carried his owner at the battle of Boyne, that his memory was redeemed from oblivion, to be held in everlasting remembrance, us progenitor of the famous King Herod !
Byerley Turk got Jigg ; Jigg got Partner, a capital horse, bred in 1718. Partner was the sire of Tartar in 1743. Tartar was not only an excellent racer, but became highly esteemed as a stallion, for he (Tar- tar) got King Herod, foaled in 1758. 2*
19
The blood of the famous Herod, on the sire side, is thus traced up to the great fountain-head — namely, Herod by Tartar, Tartar by Part- ner, Partner by Jigg, and Jigg by the Byerley Turk.
The Darley Arabian was raised at Palmyra, and purchased from the Arabs by a Mr, Darley, a merchant resident at Aleppo, who shipped him to England in 1703. He got Flying Childers, the swiftest known horse in England up to that time.
From Flying Childers, descended King Herod, through Cypron, (the dam of Herod,) bred in 1750, got by Blaze. Blaze, bred in 1733, was by Flying Childers, and Flying Childers, bred in 1715, was by Barley's Arabian ; thus it is seen that the famous Herod had the Darley Ara- bian blood on the maternal side, as we have shown already a few lines above, he had the blood of the Byerley Turk on the paternal side.
From Herod, descended Highflyer, who was invincible whilst on the Turf — never having been beaten, and never having paid forfeit — unri- valled, likewise, as a stud horse, except, perhaps, by Eclipse and Herod, in the number of winners he produced.
He got more colts than fillies. He got only two chesnuts, and near five hundred colts and fillies, which proved winners on the Turf, He was called Highflyer, from his being foaled in a paddock, in which were a number of Highflyer walnut trees. He was named by Lord Boling- broke, at a large dinner party at Sir Charles Bunbury's — the celebrated Charles Fox was present.
Highflyer got Sir Peter Teazle — a horse uniting the Arabian action^ with an immense stride, giving him wonderful speed, and an ability to get over the ground, without any apparent effort or tire in him.
Delpini was another of the get of Highflyer, renowned whilst on the Turf, and proving very valuable in the stud, also, being the sire of many winners of the best stakes,
Rockingham was another of Highflyer's sons — thought by many to be the best racer of his get, winning more races and money than any horse of his day. As a stallion, however, he did not prove as famous as his sire, or by any means equal to his near relative, St, Peter.
Among all the sons of Herod, it seems to have belonged peculiarly to Highflyer, to perpetuate the inestimable qualities of his illustrious sire ; and to Sir Peter, his son, to continue those qualities down to sub- sequent generations ; for many of the sons and daughters of Sir Peter, inherited all the rare perfections, the speed and " staying qualities," that distinguished this noble race of blood.
The establishment of the St. Leger, Derby and Oaks, in 1776, 1780, was coeval with the brilliant career of Highflyer.
20
About twenty years after the Darley Arabian, the Oodolphin Arabian was purcliased for a small sum in France, and sent over to England. Nothing is known with certainty of his
" Birth, parentage and education,"
although there is no doubt that ho was of the Barbavy breed — his crest ■was of uncommon height, peculiar to the Barb. He was not much ap- preciated, however, until a fortunate circumstance made him the sire of Lath, (out of Roxana.) who grew up to be a horse of great size and beau- ty, and after trial, jiroving himself to be the best horse in PJngland since Flying Childers day. " The Godolphin^'' having thus established his character, he immediately became a very popular stallion, supplied with the best mares in the country. His progeny was very numerous and distinguished — the most noted were Cade, full brother to Lath ; Regu- lus, (thought by many to have been, " take him for all in all," the best son of the Godolphin ;) Babraham, Bajazet, Blank, &e.
The Godolphin Arabian when brought to England was about four years old. He became the property of Lord Godolphin, (lience his name,) who retained him until his death, which happened in 1753, when he vvas 28. at his owner's seat in Cambridgeshire.
Li speaking, a little above, of the Darley Arabian, I observed that he got FlyintT Childers, reputed to be the fastest horse in England, that had ever started in a race up to that time, He got, also. Bulk Hock, foaled in 1718 ; and I mention this, because Bulle Rock was one of the early importations into this country. He was imported into Virginia in 1730.
A great grandson of the Darley Arabian got Eclipse — the Eclipse, known now as Eivjlish Eclipse — without a rival in his two seasons, 1769-70.
Georije the Third, though neither a horseman nor a sportsman, recog- nized and encouraged racing, as a national pastime. Early in his long and eventful reign, the celebrated Eclipse Avas foaled. From this period, it is customary to dote English Racing. The Prince Regent, afteiwaids George the Fourth, delighted in horses, and was a great patron of the Race Course for manv years. Many splendid animals were, year after year, bred and brought before the public;; bi-eeding pursueil upon a co?-- rect svstem of ])hiloso])hy, or rather, as, perhaps, it ought to be said, upon the true principles of physiology. Having thus procured the best of blood by judicious crosses, there was an increased attention given, by skill in training, to put the produce in the best condition, to give it its highest attainable degree of physical power. The necessity of sagacious orders and skilful riding was not overlooked These, with the previous
21
stable management, and preparation for the Course, were carried to such a decree of perfection, that training took rank as a science ; and there is no doubt if. truly became as much of a science, as many of the ad- mitted sciences — as much so certainly as experimental philosophy, for it is experimental philosophy ; as much so as, pJiT/ftic^ for it is a part of the phyiiical art : — like these, it has, to a certain extent, l>cen leduced to rule, a certain routine followed, by which it may be learned. The appellation scientific^ then, as ])ioperly helongs to the art of training now, as to much that at present goes by the name of science !
At no period of the world, nor in any country, was racing ever car- ried to such an extent, or conducted with sucdi an expenditure of care, time and money, and rigid arlherence to, and respect for, the great max- im, tiiat blood rvill tell, as at that which marked the more jtopular days of the Prince Regent's career on the Turf — at one time, his distinction, as a patron of the Turf, was pre-eminent — he won all hearts, by the en- couragement he bestowed upon a sport, so very popular with his loving people, as to become a ruling passion with them; the principal nobility and gentry, men of the highest rank, the utmost distinction, and the most princely wealth, followed the Prince's example, and using their highly influential assistance in the promotion of the same objei't, ra~ cinr/ became general from one end of the kincidom to the other ; there being no less than 120 dift'erent places for races — at many of which, there were two or more meetings held in the year- — at New Market, never less than seven annual meetings.
But more than this — as if to show that racing wfHAthe prevailinr/ taste of the age — it seemed only necessary for the Anglo-Saxon race to intro- duce the sports of their island ancestors to any quarter of the globe, to liave them, then aud there, at once tirmly established, encouraged and patronized, as well as circumstances would permit.
The French, of late years, have become much attached to the favorite amusement of the English, and have afforded great encouragement to the Turf. In France, there are several places where meetings are held — Chantilly, and the Champ de Mars ; Versailles, on the plains of Satory ; Angers, Caen, Nantes, Tours and Boulogne. Ciiantiily and the Champs de Mars are the principal meetings; races take place twice a year at the former. Racing in France first attained to popularity through the influence of the Duke of Orleans, and Lord Henry Seymour. They were the two leading men on the French Turf for many years — the former, to the deep regret of a whole people, is no more ; and the latter has re- tired, giving way to other aspirants. Monsieur Lupin, M. Fould, M. Saba-
22
tier, M. Fasquel and Baron de Rothscliild, were among the most spirited and fortunate of the owners of horses in France for many seasons.
There is an excellent Jockey Club in Paris — it reckons among its members most of the wealthy young men of the day — its founders are said to have been the Princes of Orleans, the Prince de la Moskowa, MM. Ernest Leroy, A. Fould and Charles Lafitte.
Louis Philippe, after the death of his son, the Duke of Orleans, be- came a staunch patron of the Turf. He caused to be laid out at his beautiful estate of Neuilly, somewhat after the fashion and example of the renowned Duke of Richmond, at Goodwood Park, a Course for the amusement of himself and his then loving subjects. From the descrip- tions we have seen, we are led to presume that this place of recreation partook more of the character of the ancient Hippodrome, than a mod- ern Race Course, It is represented to have been 400 feet in length ; its Champs d' Exercise being about 110 yards ; the whole surrounded by a wall, with suitable buildings in the enclosure, to accommodate specta- tors. The Olympian Hippodrome, near the city Elis, was, in like man- ner, enclosed by a wall ; the circuit of the Course adorned by magnifi- cent temples, occupying the places of what, in modern times, would be styled grand stands, booths, &c.
The Emperor and the Grand Duke of Russia formed extensive studs in 1840, to establish races in their dominions. They each imported from England many well-bred horses, trainers and Jockiea.
Racing is proceeding in Germany with great rapidity. In proof of this, it is only necessary to state, that the Grand Diike of Mecklenburgh Schwerin gave the immense price of three thousand guineas for Rocking- ham, a stallion that took his fancy. Baron Biel, from his attachment to the sport, and his endeavors to promote it, has been ''yclept, by the cele- brated Nimrod, (the most admired and popular of all writers on sport- ing subjects,) the Sir Charles Bunbury of Germany.
The Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, in the north of Germany, is a breed- er of the thorough-bred on a very extensive scale. He is well known in Europe, not only as contributing in France to the sports of the Turf, but his name is excellent in all sporting circles, as connected with a very ad- mirable work he put forth on the " Utility and good Effects resulting from the institution of Horse Races."
The Cape of Good Hope is not without its annual meeting. Lord Charles Somerset has the honor accredited to him of establishing races in that Colony, by importing many thorough-bred horses from England, giving various prizes to be run for.
At the Isle of France, races take place regularly once a year.
23
At Ceylon, at Colombo, they are well patronized and attended. Two of the Governors of the Island, Sir E. Barnes and Sir Robert Horton, were very instrumental in giving character and importance to them. Sir E.Bai Ties, being a connoisseur in the sport when he was Governor, estab- lished a jockey club at this place ; succeeded in the office by Sir Robert Horton, that gentlemen, being also fond of the amusement, caused the races, by the countenance and support he gave them, to be kept up with much spirit.
In India, the racing is quite respectable, from the quantity as well as the quality of the sport it furnishes. There are few military stations in India, that have not got a Race Course. Race week in Calcutta and Bengal, is represented to be very attractive, and, like our race week in Charleston, has the power of bringing into these two towns from the adja- cent country, all who have a desire " to see, and to be seen," or to enjoy once a year, in the unsophisticated innocence of their hearts, the animated spectacle within their reach.
At Bengal, some curious stakes have been established — among others, " The ATatrimonial Stakes.'^ The principal condition of this race, is that the rider, who happens to be the winner, is allowed, as the meed of his victory, to choose from the unmarried ladies of the station, one, who, by the rules of the race, is obliged to marry him. She must take him "for better or for worse," though he may prove much worse than she takes him for.
Another very eccentric stake, is called " The Cheroot Stakes." A very graphic description of these stakes, appeared some time since in the London New Sporting Magazine, from a correspondent in India. We will take the liberty of borrowing it. The writer says (this is the Che- root Stakes :)
" Each rider, on starting, is obliged to light a cigar or Cheroot, and to keep it alight until he reaches the winning post, by no means an easy matter to be accomplished. The distance to be run is generally two mile heats, so the quantity of smoke to be consumed is not a trifling one. The start takes place under a perfect cloud, each person puffino- like a steam engine at first, to secure a good light; and at the word "off" away goes the " smoky congregation" at tip-top pace. Some pull sud- denly up, for a reason inexplicable to the looker-on. Others bolt in ihe direction of tlieir bungalows, apparently by mutual consent of horse and rider; whilst some manage to pull through without retaining a lio-ht and, perliaps, one or two most inveterate smokers "come in" in as (hick a cloud as they departed with. The quantity of smoke swallowed is too plainly indicated by the pale faces of those whose Jir.d trial at the
24
"'Clieroot Stakes" lias proved to them that it is not such an easy under- taking as it appears. The second heat is generally left to a select few, as a natural consequence — at tlie termination of which, both winners and losers are glad enough to relieve their smoke-dried palates with bumpers of pale ale ; and for the next month, race dinners, race balls, and gaiety of every description, are the sole occupation to be found at cantonments."
A Race Course has been established in China. A correspondent of the London Sporting Magazine observes that " the Race Course, as you may suppose, approached, as nearly as possible, to the state in which na- ture had formed it, the turns and angles not being upon all occasions the most easy to accomplish ; one in particular, was called ' Promotion Cor- ner,' from the repeated falls and other accidents experienced at that point ; but, strange to say, without the expected, and, perhaps, too fre- quently hoped ibr, result. That everything should approximate, as near- ly as possible, to the manner which things are done in England, we es- tablished a 'Tattersall's,' where Ave all met, and in due form arranged our little bets and other sporting matters.
"The minor amusements contingent to country races, were by no means forgotten ; and throwing at the snuff-boxes, thimble-rig and pricking in the garter, were well supported by the crowds of both soldiers and sail- ors, who, upon every occasion, thronged the Course, and which would have done credit to the olden times, when such games were allowed, either at Epsom, or Ascot Heath."
The passion of the Arabs for Horse Racing is without bounds. Horse Racing occurs on the Island of Zanzibar once a week.
We need hardly say anything about the connection of our own Turf in America with that of the mother countr)^ Is there any one so little acquainted with American Turf history, as not to know that we obtained from England our best and only stock of race horses, and that horses were running with distinction on this continent (in the ancient colony of Virginia), long before any stud book appeared in England ?
Bulle Rock, foaled in 1718, was imported into Virginia in 1730. He was got by the Darley Arabian, the sire of Flying Childers (as I have already stated above), his dam by the famed Byerley Turk, the an- cestor of the English " patriarchs," Partner and Herod, grandam by the Lister Turk, out of a natural Arabian mare.
With regard to the horses of America in different parts of the country, we will merely say, that they originated from various nations. Columbus, on his second voyage in 1493, brought over with him many
25
horses from Spain ; but Cabaca de Vaca was tbe first person who im- ported horses into any part of the country now a part of the United States. He landed them in Florida, in 1527. They were turned loose, and soon increased wonderfully. In 1609, a stallion and six mares were imported into Virginia from England. In 1625, there was brought over a few horses from Holland to New Netherlands, now New York. The first horse brought into the State of Massachusetts was from Eng- land, in 1629. In 1678, horses existed in great numbers in Louisiana, Illinois and Texas ; wild herds, of Spanish extraction, were found roam- ing over our western prairies, when the West was first explored.
Bancroft's History of the United States, also, informs us, that, in 1656, "the horse was multiplied in Virginia, and to improve that noble animal was an early object of pride, favored by legislation — speed was especially valued."
Virginia has Jong been regarded as the race-horse region of America. Her ascendency on the Turf for many years was very decided — how could it have been otherwise, when we take into account her many brood mares of pure lineage, from the times of Bulle Rock, and Dab- ster, of contemporaneous repute with Bulle Rock (they being in Vir- ginia what a Barb or Arabian was in England), which have been crossed with the famed imported stallions from Jolly Roger and Fear- nought, to the days of Medley, Shark, Bedford, Gabriel, Diomed, Ster- ling, Spread Eagle, Archduke, Sir Harry, Chance, and others, especially her own Sir x\rchy, deemed the best American bred stock-getter that ever covered in this country, getting racing stock out of all sorts of irares, being, on both sides, of the best English blood — by Diomed, out of Castianira, by Rockingham — grandam by Trentham, great grandam by Bosphorus. Virginia derived the still further benefit of later import- ations fi'om England (too numerous to mention here), besides having had a visit to the Old Dominion fvoxw the famed American Eclipse, that had for his rivals in the stud such horses as Timoleon, Monsieur Ton- son, Sir Charles, Virginian, and others of the native stallions, most popular in their day.
It is but fair and proper to say in this place, that Virginia was fur- nished with the parent of one, at least, of her best strains from importa- tions into New York — the celebrated Lath and Wildair were both im- ported by Mr. DeLancy of New York, the latter in 1760 or 1761, the former in 1768. Old Messenger, the maternal grandsire of Ameiican Eclipse, was also landed there in 1788. Besides Lath and Wildair, Mr. DeLancy impoi'ted two as I'cmarkably fine mares, and of as good blood, as England in those days could boast. Fair Rachel, a chesnut, foaled
26
in 1753, by Babraharn, son of the Godolphin Arabian, was one of tbem, and " the Cub mare"' was the otlier, by Cub, son of old Fox. From this mare, and the liorse Wildair, Mr. DeLancy bred the noted running mare, Slamerkin. She, after a few years, was bought by the late Mr. Goode of Virginia, the father of Mr. John C. Goode, of Mecklenburg county, in that State. She produced a filly by tlie imported horse Obscurity, a son of Eclipse, which filly was, in course of time, put to imported Robin Redbreast, who was got by Sir Peter Teazle, out of the famous mare Wren by Woodpecker. She produced a filly, which Mr. Goode named " the Robin mare." This mare was for several seasons, successfully covered by Sir Archie, and by him brought the celebrated racers. Rattler, Sumpter, Flying Childers, and Flirtilla.
The result of all this successful breeding in Vii-gina, was gradually to distribute among her sister States the produce of some of her best mares from the old English stock. Though she took care to retain many at home, yet some of their best bred horses found their way North, South, East and West ; supplying weapons that were destined ultimately from time to time to defeat herself with. " She cast her bread upon the waters," and she found it again, to her cost, after many years.
In the infancy of our Turf, " when George the Third was king," South Carolina purchased and transferred to her borders many Virginia brood mares, got by the noted horses Fearnought, Shadow, Lofty and Sentinel. This was the foundation of our racing stock, whence sprung the Ber- trand families; in later times. New York availed herself of the benefit of the blood of Duroc, Henry, and the Lady Lightfoot families ; and now the West is certainly going ahead, performing some glorious achievements with the issue of Bostox.
In this way competition was begun, and has been continued through- out the length and breadth of the land — a fancy for the sports of the Turf strengthening with the strength and spreading with the increase and w'ealth of our people — breeding and running horses in all parts of the country advancing in value, bringing incredible prices — grand matches continually made, and decided in marvellously quick time —
the interest awakened in all such events immense — an enthusiastic de-
»
sire, particularly demonstrated in Hie South and the South- Western Slates, for possessing the best thorough-bred stock, by the wealthy agriculturists, and the high prices paid for animals that took their fancy, atfording ample remuneration to every judicious breeder. Our Race Courses, too, have been gi'catly multiplied, after the example of England, so that we number now almost as many places of meeting as she does. From the best information I can procure, it may be set down
27
•with safety, that there are now about oue hundred known places of sport, or Race Grounds, in the United States, most of which are under the jurisdiction of their own Jockey Club, and subject to its laws. At the majority of these Courses, there are two meetings annually, continu- ing from four to six days each, and races of heats are invariably run, with bat few exceptions, one of which is a single heat of three miles, the last race of every season, over the Washington Course, at Charles- ton, South Carolina. All other races are generally from one to four miles, the horses being graduated to the length of the race.
Many of these Courses are enclosed, affording thereby much conve- nience to trainers, comfort to spectators, and a greater facility in pre- serving order, besides adding considerably to the splendor of the spec- tacle and to the funds of the Club, without being altogether dependent upon the annual subscriptions of members.
On these different Courses, the purses offered may be safely set down at one hundred thousand dollars, besides a considerable sum in colt stakes. Here, then, is a large premium given annually, but given for what purpose ? and to whom ? Why, to the promotion of agriculture, and the enrichment of \h.Q farmer ! Who breeds the horses, and, if he does not breed them, who supplies their neighbors with the feed for them, their grooms, stable boys, &c. ? Who but the farmer ! — to him ultimately all the profits must go, whilst others are content only to par- ticipate in the amusement.
We have harped a great deal upon the fact of the increased value of thorough-bred stock, brought about by racing. We wonder what the people of the olden time would have thought of prcsmij^nces, compared with those they were in the habit of giving. The difference is immense. I will give a proof of it.
It will be recollected by every one, if, as quaint old Chaucer says,
" His study was but little of the Bible,"
that King Solomon, on his accession to the throne, could not, in all his glory^ioWow the example of his father David, ?^^o alivays rode a mule — (by-the-bye, the old gentleman once sent this said mule to his distinguished son, offering him a mount to come and see him ; and it is wi'itten that Solomon, to humor the whim of the old gentleman, threiv his ley over the miclc, and went to meet his father) — and it will be further remem- bered, that King Solomon could not stand the manner in which he found the royal troops accoutred and horsed ; therefore, one of the first things we hear of him, on taking the reins of government, or, to use a
28
more ordinary figure of speech, more classical and artistic (as used by those in modern days, who are more driving than Solomon was in making a bargain), on handling the ribbons of his empire, is his endeav- oring to make a contract with Pharaoh, the King of Egypt, to supply him with horses — Egypt being the only country then where good horses were to be had.
This mode of expression, taking the reins, or handling the ribbons, seemingly so slight and flippant, is, nevertheless, not without authority and precedent, in the profoundest writings — Matthew ITenry, whose Commentaries are well known, writes in this manner on the ixth chapter of Judges : " We are here told," he says, " by what acts Abimelech got into the saddle.''''
Abimelech usurped the kingdom, and got into authority by a very daring act, and, as might have been expected, he soon j-ode over every tiling. Now as, by a very easy assc-iation of ideas (vide Locke on the Human Understanding), a saddle is inseparable from a ride, we account at once for the apt and significant expression used by Matthew B-emy, ^^ got into the saddle;''^ and which, we cannot doubt, has fur- nished a precedent for a great many similar poetic licenses, and equally elegant figures of speech which have come down to us, " taking the reins,^^ " handling the ribbons,"" et id genus omne.
We have said that Egypt was the only country in the time of Solomon where good horses were to be had : now, Solomon was too fond of horses, and too wise a prince, not to have them, if they could be anywhere obtained ; yet it is avouched upon authority be- yond all question, that Pharaoh would not consent to let his finest horses go out of his kingdom, even to his son-in-law Solomon, " without a great tribute''' — that tribute was one hundred and fifty shekels of silver. Now, this is what we want to get at and show, namely, that when Solomon reigned, which was above two thousand eight hundred years ago, picked horses, the best breed in the world then (doubtless pure Arabians, or their descendants), when estimated at the highest possible price, commanded only 150 shekels of silver! (A shekel is about two shillings and four pence halfpenny, English monej, only about half a dollar of our currency !)
I wonder what the great Pharaoh would have thought, and King Solomon also, " with his forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen," of the prices asked now, and sometimes obtained — pairs of well bred horses frequently bringing $1,500 ; very fitst trotters, twice that amount; to say nothing of the value occasion- ally put upon Sk favorite thorough bred, $20,000. This amount, I know,
29
was offered onco for Monarch, and is now asked for Lecompte ! $15,000, it is stated, has been readily obtained, of late, for Lexington ! Priam cost over $25,000, landed in America. Bertrand would have brought, at one time, $35,000, if his owner would have parted with him.
And is tliere no importance to be attached to the having the means within our reach, in case of war, of forming serviceable bodies of cav- alry, at the shortest possible notice, to defend our now annually more and more extending limits ?
Who can put his eyes upon one of our noble coursers, when, like Diomed, as old Homer said —
" He rises on the toe ; — that spirit of his In aspiration lifts him from the earth" —
with head erect, arched neck, and eyes flashing light and intelligence, and not at once think what a glorious charger such a horse would make, or would have made, in the proudest days of ancient chivalry ! Who but at once imagines, that " though the quiver rattled against him, the glittering spur and the shield, he would not turn his back from the sword ; he would smell the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting."
How well does the sight of a fine thorough-bred enable us at once to recognize the grandeur of Job's magiiificent description of a war-horse! When we look at liis loin, do we not immediately see the force of Job's words : " He has given the horse strength ; he paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength !" When we look at liis neck, do we not see, as Job says, that " He has clothed his neck with thunder !" When we look at the fire in his eye, do we not remember this express- ive language : " He cannot be made afi-aid as a grasshopper ; he mock- eth at fear, and is not atfrighted.'' When Ave see his dilated nostrils, still further are we impressed with the tmth and power of the sacred description : "The glory ot his nostrils is terrible !"
And are there not some admirable lessons to be learned from the life and the character of the horse ? What a homily does his obedience furnish ? He is all fire, but he gives not way to the impetuosity of his nature — a bridle is upon ?iis passions — lie feels it his duty to obey, therefore checks his inclinations, whenever they would dispose him to run riot, submitting with patience to the hand that guides him. He is content to lose his own identity, " to live, and move, and liave his being," as it were, by the tuill of another — he receives the chastisements of his master, and immediately amends his ways. In a word, how truly
30
may it be said, that he not only " loves him that is set in authority over Iiini, with all his heart, and with all his mind," but " with all his strength''^ serves him faithfully all the days of his life, and, even more than this, sometimes lays down his life the better to serve him !
What a contrast is this to human conduct! Can we learn nothing from it ?
Yes ! As the sluggard is told to go to the out to learn wisdom and industry — he who lacketh understanding may with like propriety be told to go to the horse, and learn from his docilitg and obedience
The Whole Duty of Man !
Seeing, then, that Racing produced the thorough-bred horse — the noblest and most elegant of animals evev appropriated to the use of man — profitable for instruction as, well as for use; and that Rachig also renders a ve]y important service to the country, by benefiting the agricultural interests, in every n<-ighborhood where a taste for fine horses prevails — with this agreeable view of the subject, we will now say, as every special pleader observes, when he flatters himself he has successfully introduced his case : " We close for the present."
PART III.
Now attest That those whom you call'd Fathers, did be^et you !
Show us here The mettle of your pasture : let us swear That you are worth your breeding.
Shakspeare.
Genus nobilc equorum.
"No common horses, the sons and daughters of the famous something or other. Evei-y proficient in equine pedigree knows that the genealogy of these wonderful be. StS runs through a long list, that exists in a direct line, between them and the patriarchal pair that munched their corn in the Ark."
|ktiiig St^^^^^'^J^A^a,
1734, TO THE REVOLUTION, 1776.
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE CALENDAR,
h. for horse, g for geiaing. m. for mare. 0 for colt. f for filly. b. for bny. bl. for black, br. for brown, gr. for grey, ch. for ohesnut.
ro. for roan.
d. for dun.
y for young.
yrs. for years old.
$ for dollars.
£ for pounds.
h. ft. for half forfeit.
ft. for forfeit.
dr. for drawn.
dis for distanced.
Ages from the first of May.
YORK COURSE, to 1 760.
NEW MARKET COURSE, from 1 760 to 1792.
It is upwards of a century since racintj commenced in Carolina, as a popular pastime. As we cannot find any account of a race near Charles- ton further back than 1734, we may presume to fix that, as the first year of our Turf history. The earliest I'ecord that exists of any public running, appears in the South Carolina Gazette, February lst,l734. The prize was a saddle and bridle, valued at £20. The race was run on the first Tuesday in Febi-uary, 1734 — mile heats — four entries. The horses carried ten stone — white riders. This was one of the stipulations of the race. There was, also, another condition, that the horses should be en- tered on the Saturday preceding the race. This race took place on a green on Charleston Neck, immediately opposite a public house, known in those days as the Bowling Green House. The Course was staked out for the occasion in the vicinity of the spot, wdiich the lower depot of the South Carolina Railroad now occupies.
In the following year, (1735,) owners of fine horses were invited, through the newspapers, to enter them for a purse of £100. This year, a Course was laid out at the Quarter House, to which the name was given of " The York Course^'' after, it may be presumed, the Course of York, in England, which was then attaining celebrity as a Race Ground. The Toivn Moor, at York, had become as well attended, at stated periods, by Northern sportsmen in England, as the Heath, at New Market, hJid been, for many years previously, by the Southern supporters of the Eng- lish Turf; hence it seems probable that, in establishing a new Course at Charleston, the name of York was selected and conferred upon it. This opinion is strengthened by the fact, that, in subsequent years, when another Course was laid out and established south of the York Course, the appropriate name was given to it of New Market.
From year to year, racing was continued over " The York Course, either in the month of February, or beginning of March ; the prize being generally a silver bowl, or a silver waiter, or a silver tankard, about the value of £100 currency, the riders never carrying less than ten stone."
On the 11th March, 1743, a gold watch, valued at £140, was run for.
On the 24th February, 1744, over the same Course, a very amusing race was contested, for a finely embroidered jacket, of the value of £90.
3
3t
Eafh man rode his adversary's liorse; the one that came in last took the jacket.
On tlif; 2d Thursday in March, 1747, races were lield in the Ponds' ol<l field, near Dorchester, for the first time, which were continued for a few yoai's.
Up to this time, not many full hlood horses had been imported into tlie Province ; but soon after, some well-hied liorses and mai'es were brought from En2;!and. Many planters raised their own horses, and sold annually one or more colts, or fillies; South Carolina, as well as Virginia and North Carolina, producing some fine animals.
liefore the year 1754, the horses most regarded in S<nilh Ca!olina,-for general nse, the draft or the saddle, were known as the Chickasaw breed.
This was a stock of horses originally introduced into Florida, by the early Spanish discoverers. They were in gener.'d well-foiined, active and easily kept, but small. The mares seldcmi exceeded thirteen hands and a lialf; but being remarkable for their muscular development and great endurance, when crossed with the imported thorough-bred.s, produced animals of great beauty, strength and fleetness, in)proving thereby the stock of the country in a very great degree.
In consequence of the inconvenient distance of " the York Course" from the city of Charleston, and with a view to slill further encourage and improve the breed of good horses, it was deemed advisable to estab- lish a new Course nearer town.
This was accordingly done by subscription in the year l7o4 ; the new Course being laid out about a mile from the city. It was announced to the public as " The Neio Market Coursed
Races took place on it, for the first time, on the 19th February, 1760, under the proprietorship of Mr. Thomas Nightingale, a Yorkshireman by birth, the grandfather of our highly respected fellow-townsman. Dr. Joseph .Johnson. This Course was situated on the Common on Charles- ton Neck, commonly known as Blake's Tract, through which the Rail- road now runs, immediately on leaving the upper depot. The Course took in the whole of the unenclosed ground between King-street road and the low ground to the east of Meeting-street. Meeting- street road, however, did not exist in those days, and the starting-post was fixed at first at the north-west corner of the field on King-street road ; it was af- terwards moved, when the Meeting-street road was opened, to the west- ern edge of the Meeting-street road, as it now exists, immediately on the rise of the hill, half-way between Mr. Paine's farm and the Lines. For many years, however, after the completion of the Meeting-street road, those two gi'eat outlets from the city, viz., the King-street road and the 3*
35
Meeting-street road, were known by no other appellation than the Big path, and the Little path. Mr. Niohtingale continued a lease of the property, on which he laid out the New Market Course, until the year 1770, when he resigned it to Mr. Strickland ; the Course was very gene- rally called Strickland^s, whilst under the direction of that gentleman but it was the same as the old New Market Course.
There were races in March. l77l, at Cluilifinny.
Mr. Daniel Ravenel, referred to above, bred at his plantation, called, *' Wantoot," in St. John's Parish, many fine horses. He commenced as early as the year 1761. His prin(;ipal brood mares were Gray Pleasant, Moll Slammakin, Lucretia and Paise. His most distinguished colts and fillies were Foxhunter, dropt 1767, out of Gray Pleasant, by Mr. Edward Harleston's bay horse Prince, who was got by Mr. Wm. Middleton's bay horse Spotless — a bay filly called Carolina, dropt 1768, out of Moll Slammakin, by old Brutus, and a bay filly called Lucy, dropt 1773, out of Rose, by Frier (imported). Something more will be said of this celebrated mare in another part of this book.
Mr. Ravenel kept up his bi'eeding establishment on a very extensive scale to the year 1785. He bred at different seasons from Prince by Spotless, Starling, Brutus, Frier, Flimnap, all imported stallions.
Mr. Fi'ank Huger, who lived at Midway, in the same parish with Mr. Ravenel, also owned many fine horses. The late Nicholas Harleston, Esq., of Bossis, in St. Jolin's Parish, (who was himself upon the Turf,) used to sav that Mr. Huger was the most macpiificent horseman he ever saw, and frequently related, in justification of his opinion, the following incident, which he witnessed : — He said, soon after the celebrated im- ported Arabian horse, Abdallah, sixteen hands high, and never ridden, arrived in {lie country, he was visited at his stables l)y all the admirers of horse fiesh in the vicinity. On one of these occasions, Abdallah having been led out before the crowd, one of the bystanders jokingly observed : " Huger, you are an intrepid horseman we all know, but you dare not mount Abdallah !" Mr. Huger, without a, remark, immediately put his hand upon the flowing mane of, the snorting animal, and with one bound x'aulted upon his back. With all the confidence of consum- inate skill, he sat like an equestrian statue, unmoved — like a Centaur, a part of the horse himself, guiding with a steady hand the astonished animal around the enclosure, with an ease and dexterity astonishing to every beholder.
After the year 1760, an increased spirit was manifested in the sports of the Turf in South Carolina. Races were announced to take place in various sections of the low country. In 1768, there were races on
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the 22d of March, at Jacksonboronfjh ; in 1769. in the month of Feb- ruary, at Ferguson's Ferry, and on the 14th of March of tlie same year, at Beaufort; and soon after, th«5y were in successful operation at Childs- hury, or Strawberry, St. John's Parish. Mr. Daniel Ravenel and the Harlestons took an active part in keeping up the ra<'cs at the latter place. The race ground was laid out within a short distance from the Ferrv, a little to the left of the chapel, as you ascend the hill. This meeting was a very popular one for many years, attended by many of the owners of fine horses throughout the State. The races having been discontinued in 1822, the Course was ploughed up and planted. It formed a portion of the estate of the late John Coming Ball, Esq., who bequeathed it to his nephew, Dr. J. B. Waring, its present proprietor.
It is probable many will suppose that the contests which took place up to this period on the South Carolina Turf, could have been little better than what would be regarded in the present day as scrub races; but this was far fiom being the case. It is tiue many of the horses that ran were without pure pedigrees, generally the sons and daughters of old Brutus, out of half bred mares, yet Shadow and Centinel, and some others, were in training "of equally just renown," all of whom will be particularly noticed in the progress of this history.
The first race in South Carolina which seemed to produce any very imusual excitement, was a match January Slst, 1769, between Mr. Wm. Henry Drayton's roan horse Adolphus, 6 years old, by Brutus, and bred in Carolina, and Mr. Thomas Nightingale's imported b. h. Shadow, aged, bv Babraham, carrying 9 stone each, 4 mile heats, over the New Market Course. Shadow won both heats easil)', in 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Although at starting the otids were three to one on the winner, there was an immense excitement growing out of the race, it being the first match that was run between an imported and native horse. Shadow, after winning this match, challenged any liorse in the province.
Shadow covered twenty mares in the spring of the same year, (1769,) at £5 sterling. He stood at Walnut Hill, near Dorchester. He after- wards was removed to Col. Singleton's plantation at Goose Creek, where he remained until the season of 1771.
The most distinguished running horses in the infancy of the Turf in Carolina, were Shadow, Centinel, Borrock Billy, Young Brutus, Babra- ham, Skim, Noble and Flag-a-Truce.
Shadow was bred in England by Lord Northumberland, foaled in 1750, by Babraham, Bolton Starling, Coughing Polly, by Bartlett's Childers.
Centinel was an imported ch. h., bred by the Duke of Ancaster, by
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Blank, out of a mare by Cade, out of the dam of Spectator. He was brought into the province in 1767. Having won several races in Eng- land, immediate!}' on his arrival he challenged any horse in South Caro- lina, to run four mile heats, carrying 10 stone against 9 stone, for 100 or 200 pounds. His challenge was, in the course of a few days, accepted by the owners of a remarkably powerful horse, named Goliah, provided each would carry 30 stone. Such an unreasonable proposition was, of course, not responded to.
Borrock Billy was by old Cade, a son of the Godolphin Arabian, out of Eastby Snake, by Partner.
Young Brutus was by old Brutus, and Babraham by old Babraham.
Skim was a very speedy horse. He was by Cullen's Arabian, imported as a five year old from England, in November, 1760. He ran for some time successfully both in Charleston and Georgetown, and races in the vicinity. He afterwards covered at Mr. John Mayrant's plantation at Santee, at £20.
Noble was another very distinguished horse ; he was, perhaps, the most successful native horse of his day. He was by old Brutus, out of Squirt, g. dam by Starling, g. g. d. by Bettel's Arabian, g. g. g. d. by Cham- pion, g. g. g. g. d. by Barley's Arabian, who was the sire of Flying Chil- ders. Noble ran successfully up to the spring of 1767, proving himself possessed of great speed and endurance. The famous Centinel was of his day, but they never met. This the owner* of Noble were anxious to bring about. They followed him, therefore, from place to place for some time; at last they tendered a direct challenge to liiin or any other horse in the world, lo run a m;itc,h, four mile heats, over the New Market Course, near Charleston, S. C, for one thousand guineas, weight for age; but, as the ownei's of Noble were particularly anxious to meet Centinel, they proposed that if he (Centinel) would accept the challenge, to give up seventeen pounda of the weight Noble had a right to from ditference of age. Centinel had previously, on his arrival from England, oftered to run agaisist any horse in America, but did not think it prudent at this time, from one of tliose " many ills that all flesh is heir to," to take up the gauntlet thus boldly thrown down by Noble.
There is a tankard now in the possession of the " Mathews" family, which was won by this horse (from Gov. Morton), when owned by Col. "Wilkinson of the Continental Army. The tankard is a large an<l richly carved vessel of English manufacture. A member of the Mathews famil}', in reference to this subject, writes me word, "that I am induced to think it was a match race from what my mother relates, as well as from the circumstance of its having Gov. Morton's coat of arms engraved
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upon it. She seems to think that her grandfather, Col. Wilkinson, staked the tankard of his family plate against this of Gov. Morton."
Flag-a-Truce, an imported br. h., by Sober John out of Creeping Kate, ran well prior to 1*767. His owners, naving implicit confidence in his superior blood and ability, offered to match him against any horse of his day, weight and distance to be agreed on by the parties. This chal- lenge not being accepted, he was advertised to be let to mares, season of 176Y, at the plantation of Mr. Peter Sinkler in St. Stephen's Parish, and at Mr. Williamson's plantation near Rantowle's, at £35.
With a view of improving the breed of horses in the Province, some very valuable importations of blood-stock took place about this time. As many of the fancy stock of the present day are the descendants of the horses brought into Carolina before the Revolution, they will be enumerated, as particularly as information will allow them to be, from the most authentic sources.
Brutus, a ro. h., (imported,) foaled 1*748, by Regulus, out of Miss Layton, by Partner, bred by Mr. Martindale.
Oronooko, an imported hi. h., foaled in 1745, by Crab, out of Miss Slamerkin, by young True Blue, bred by Lord Portmore.
Slouch, an imported ch. h., foaled in 1747, by Cade, out of Little Hartley mare, by Bartlet's Childers, bred by Sir John Moore.
Matchless, an imported b. h., foaled in 1754, by the Godolphin Ara- bian, out of a Sorelieels m., bred by Mr. Panton.
Sweeper, a bl.h., (imported,) foaled in 1751, by Sloe, dam by Mogul, a son of the Godolphin Arabian.
Toby, a ch. h., rather undersized — only 14|- hands high — got by old Janus in England. He was owned by Col. Alston, of North Carolina.
Cade was a very popular stallion, imported in 1762, as a 5 yr. old. He was descended from Old Cade, a son of the Godolphin Arabian, his dam by Hutton's famous Wormwood, a mare in great repute in England. Cade's sister, belonging to Mr. Duncomb, won the 1,200 guineas at New Market, in England, 24th of March, 1761, beating six other.s, and in August following, she Avon the King's 100 guineas, at Black Ham- bleton, in Yorkshire, beating seven others. Cade's brother, belonging to Mr. Warren, called Sportsman, won the 100 guineas at New Market, England, 16tli of x\pril, 1761, beating a large field, besides winning sev- eral other plates and prizes.
Cade covered season of 1763, at Mr. Williamson's plantation, near Rantowle's bridge, at £35, where he continued as late as the season of 1768. He received none but mares got by running horses.
Nonpareil, a famous horse, imported in 1762, covered in the same
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year at Mr. Daniel Iluger's plantation, in St. John's Parish, at £20 cur- rency.
A b. h. railed Prince, by Herod, bred by Lord Farnham, out of Helen by r)lank, foaled in 1773, was also covering, subsequently, at the same place.
Pharaoh was the name of another horse, of good blood, imported, in 1762, from England ; he covered near Ashley ferry for several seasons — was a bay, by Moses, foaled in 1753, out of a Godolphin Arabian mare, bred by Lord Gower.
Tarquin, imported the following year, 1763, stood at Mr. John Izard's plantation, on Ashley River. He was the son of old Tarquin, by an Ara- bian horse.
Pam, imported by Mr. Fenwiclce in 1764, covered at his plantation, on John's Island, at £50 currency. Pam was a horse of high blood, by Re- guliis, dam by Cade; won in 1761, '62, and '63, several fine races at New Market, in England, and other places.
Abdallah was the name given to a famous Arabian horse that was first carried to Gibraltar from Arabia, thence brought to Beaufort, Port Royal, by Capt. Barnes, in the year 1767. He covered at £l5 his first season. In February of the same year, 1767, Mansell, Corbett & Co. imported, in the ship Heatlicott, Capt. Hooper, from London, two very fine stal- lions, one was named Sportsman, a dark chesnut, strong and bony, and perfectly sound, got by a son of Blaze, whose dam was by Mr. Leeds' Second, a son of Childers. Sportsman's dam was by the Golden Bay; his g. dam by a son of Lord Bedford's Arabian, and his g. g. dam by Bay Bolton.
The other was a fine ch. c, 4 yrs. old, named Sprightl}-. He was a colt of wSportsman, mentioned above, out of a Cartouch mare, g. dam by old Cade. Sprightly had been trained in England, and won a plate at Ludlow, and ran second in a large field for a stake at Salop.
Tartar, an imported horse, belonging to the estate of Robert Hume, covered for several seasons at Goose Creek. He was alive as late as the season of 1767.
Immediately after the Charleston Races of tliis year, in March 1767, several English and half-English blood mares and colts were sold on the Course, belonging to the estate of Robert Hume. Capt. Parker, of the Nancy, having just arrived with the following thorough bi'eds frouj Eng- land, they were also put up and disposed of to the highest bidders:
A b. st-iUion, 8 yrs. old, by Bosphorus, out of a mare by Tartar, dam by Regulus, g. dam by old Cade, g. g. dam by Bay Bolton.
A br. stallion by Snap, out of Vanessa by Regulus.
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A ch. f., 3 yrs. old, by Turpin, out of a mare by Babraham, g. dam by old Partner.
Moro, an imported horse, covered at Mr. Wm, Henry Drayton's plan- tation, at the Horse Shoe, at £o sterling, season of '69. Moro was by Moro, dam by Regulus, g. dam by Rib, g. g dam by Partner, g. g. g. dam by Greyhound, g. g. g. g. dam by the Curwin Bay Barb.
It is an interesting fact, not generally known, that the agent that im- ported Moro had nearly succeeded in importing the celebrated Eclipse in his place. He liad looked at him and made an oflPer, which, not coming up exactly to the terms proposed by the owner, the offer was rejected. A few days after, the owner of EcHpse made some abatement in his terms, which would have been acceded to had not the American agent purchased Moro in the mean time. By the merest trifle, then. South Carolina failed in obtaining possession of the most remarkable race horse the world ever saw.
Fallower, imported by Mr. Fenwicke in 1*766, covered for several sea- sons in Carolina, esteemed in England a horse of the highest blood. He was by Blank, his dam by Partner, g. dam by Bloody Buttocks, his g. g. dam by Greyhound, g. g. g. dam by Makeless, up to Dodsworth, out of a Layton Barb mare. Mr. Fenwicke sold this horse very soon after his arrival in this country.
Old Starling was an imported horse from England ; he covered in St. John's Parish, from 1767 to '72, at £.35 currency ; the property of Wm. Moultrie, Esq. He was bred by Lord Rockingham ; esteemed by good judges the handsomest horse in America; he was by Starling out of a mare by the Godolphin Arabian, his g. dam by Childers, g. g. dam by True Blue, g. g. g. dam b3' Cypress, out of the Duke of Rutland's fa- mous mare Bonny Black.
Antaeus, another imported horse, bred by John Ward, Esq., of Kent, in England, was by Spectator; he covered season of 1771, near Jack- sonborough, at £35 currency.
Snipe, imported, covered near Jacksonborough, at £35 currency, in 1772 and '7.''. Snipe was bred by the Duke of Cumberland, got by Snap, a son of Snip, a son of the Devonshire Childers. Snipe's dam was by Blank ; her dam by the Ancaster Driver, his g. dam by Smiling Tom, her g. g. dam by Oyster Foot, g. g. g. dam by old Merton.
Mask, an English horse, by young Babraham, out of a mare by old Cade, with a pedigree running up to the Curwin Bay Barb, covered at Santee in 1771, at £35 currency.
Babraham, a b. h. by old Babraham, out of a Second mare, out of a
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mare by Starling; and Lofty by Snap, both imported horses, covered in 1772, at Mr. Arthur Middlelon's plantation, on Ashley River.
DafFodill, advertised as a thorough bred horse, covered at a place called Cane Acres, at five guineas sterling.
Frier, an imported stallion, was by South, out of an own sister to Sir James Lowther's Babraham. South was by Regulus, his dam by Sore- heels, out of Sir Ralph Millbank's famous Makeless mare. Friar's dam was got by old Brabraham, his g. dam by Golden BaU, g. g. dam by the Hampton Court Childers, out of Sophonisba. Friar was foaled in 1760, bred by Sir John Moore; he was imported into Carolina in his six year old form; covered his first season, 1767, at Mr. Thomas Boone's plantation, Pon Pon ; afterwards, up to season of 1774, at Beach Hill, at £35 currency.
Fhmnap, an imported b. h., foaled in 1765, by South out of a Cygnet mare, (Cygnet was by the Godolphin Arabian,) g. dam by Cartouch ; g. g. dam by Ebony, by Childers, g. g. g. dam by Ebony, by Basto. He was bred by Sir John Moore, who disposed of him to Sir Watkin Wil- liam Wynn. At the saie of this latter gentleman's stud, Mr. Mansell, of the firm of Mansell, Corbett & Co., of the City of Charleston, purchased him, and shipped him to South Carolina, a little prior to the Revolution, where he beat all the best horses of the country, among others, Mr. Nightingale's celebrated black horse Careless. Flimnap was a horse of much celebrity, and held in high estimation in England. He covered at Spring Grove, St. Paul's Parish, at £35 currency, season of 1774. He became afterwards the property of Major Isaac Childs Harleston, who removed him to his country seat at "Irishtown," St. Thomas' Parish, S. C, where he stood to mares for many years, his produce proving good runners, and highly formed. Although rather undersized, only fourteen hands and half an inch in height, Flimnap was nevertheless possessed of the bone and sinew of a horse of sixteen hands.
The following is an extract from Josiah Quincy's Journal, when on a visit to Charleston. S. C, 1773 :
'■'■March 3. — Spent this day in viewing horses, riding over the town, and receiving complimentary visits.
'■'■March 16. — Spent the morning, ever since 5 o'clock, in perusing public records of the Province, &c., &c. ; am now going to the famous Races.
"The Races were well performed ; but Flimnap beat Little David (who had won the last sixteen races) out and out. The last heat the former distanced the latter. The first four mile heat was performed in eight minutes and seventeen seconds, being four miles. £2,000 were won and
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lost nt tliis Race, and Flimnap sold at public vendue the same day for £300 sterling.
"At the Races I saw a fine collection of excellent though very high priced horses, and was let a little into the ' singular art and mystery of the Turf.' "
In reference to the horses of South Carolina, Hewitt also observes in his work, (2d vol. p. 303) published in 1779 :
"The horses of the country, though hardy and serviceable animals, made little figure, and therefore, to improve the breed, many have been, of late years, imported from England. The planters being fond of fine hoi'ses, have been at great pains to raise them, so that they now have plenty, of an excellent kind, both for the carriage and the Turf."
Wars, and rumors of wars, now began to have their effect upon the popular pastimes of the Carolinians. The independence of the country having been declared, no event of interest on the Turf occurred for many years. Not only were all the horses thrown out of training, but on the appearance of Lord Cornwallis' army in the low country, they were either used as chargers by those who had taken up arms in the de- fence of the country, or they were hid in the swamps, adjoining the dif- ferent plantations on which they were bred, to prevent them from being carried off by the British. Several anecdotes, illustrative of the times which " tried men's souls," have been communicated to me, not inappro- priate to my subject.
At the close of the year 1784 the American army, under Gen. Greene, moved into the lower country, to protect their provisions for the winter, acting wholly on the defensive. The British troops, at the same time, retreated either within their fortifications in Charleston, or its vicinity. Lord Cornwallis had an encampment at Silk Hope, in St. Thomas' Par- ish, for some time, whilst Gen. Marion, with his gallant brigade, kept hovering around, watching the movements of the enemy from the neighboring swamps.
As both armies lay encamped, comparatively inactive, the incursions of the British soldiery, upon the adjoining plantations, were productive of great distress and annoyance. Of those who were well disposed to the American cause, there were few who had not their houses and plan- tations repeatedly visited and rifled. The will of the strongest was the only law recognized. Listigated by the love of plunder, the most wan- ton dejn'edarions were committed. Delicate females were frequently obliged, at the dead of night, to abandon their homes, and fly to the ■woods and swamps to escape insult. These outrages, however, were not
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altogether confined to the British troops ; our own people, of bad char, acter, emerged from their hiding places in the swamps, and appropriated to their own use whatever came in their way. This state of things more or less continued until Governor Rutledge returned to the South, and by his influence and abilities restored order and security of property.
Within two iniles of the spot on which Lord Cornwallis pitched his camp at Silk Hope, stands, or it ought rather to be said, stood, at that time, the ancestral residence of the Harleston family. It was then a noble building, the abode of Major Isaac Childs Harlestou, a gentleman of fortune, surrounded " by all the means, and appliances to boot," of a well stocked and productive estate. What a melancholy contrast it ex- hibits now to its former condition. It has unhappily undergone the fate of all sublunary things. Solitude its only portion ; the house roofless, and crumbling into dust ; like Ophelia's violets, " its hopes seemed all to wither when the old folks died." All is hushed about it ; nothing dis- turbes the silence of the scene, save occasionally the song of the poor Whip-poor-will, or a wild deer started from his form, stirring the boughs with its branching antlers; the stillness as serene and unbroken as at that hour when, as the ancients used so poetically to say, Pan sleeps, and all nature holds her breath so as not to disturb him !
In contemplating the rude wilderness through which the visiter lias now to pass in his approach to the old niansion from the high road, thick as the thickets of Boboli, and woody as the woods of Cascini, de- scending into a deep and thickly wooded dell, at the bottoni of which runs a bold stream, frequently impassable from its swollen waters, it is no wonder that Gen. Marion, though outnumbered by the enemy, felt secure in such a neighborhood. Like the fastnesses of Cominius, in wdiich, ■when the Romans were at war with the Tuscans, a party of the latter, after a well fought battle, had set the former at defiance by retreatino- into its forests, "these woods, and wilds, and melancholy glooms" could not fail, in like manner, to aftbrd a safe retreat to a discomfited battalion in the hour of its utmost need !
To this spot the ladies of the Harleston family retired, during the troubles of the Revolution, supposing, from the solitariness of its situa- tion that there, at least, they would escape many of the evils and incon- veniences of the war.
It being well known that Major Harleston had been extensively en. gaged in breeding blood stock, and kept at this place his finest horses, the celebrated Flimnap among the number, a very tempting bait Avas thus offered to the British cavalry in the vicinity, commanded by Col. Tarleton. Repeated efforts were made to get possession of this horse,
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but unsuccessfully, the negroes remaining faithful to their charge. The horses were led out, on the approach of the enemy, and concealed in the swamps. One n:iorning a detachment from the British camp seized one of the stable boys, and tried, by every possible artifice, and promises of rich rewards, to make him point out the spot where the horses were con- cealed, particularly Flimnap, but nothing could extort the secret from him. At lengtli they threatened to hang him, and did actually suspend him from the limb of a tree before the house. They then retired, leav- ing him for dead. As soon as they were gone one of the servants about the house ran out and cut him down. Life was found not to be extinct, and he was, after assiduous care and attention, resuscitated.
As soon as it was considered safe to venture through the country, a trusty groom belonging to Major Harleston, removed Flimnap into North Carolina, where he continued until South Carolina got rid of her invaders.
Some time subsequent to the above occurrence, another search was made for the horses by a detachment of British troops. The party, however, was, on this occasion, defeated by the timely appearance of an American force. After a skirmish, in which Major Harleston himself, the owner of the horses, then in the continental army, under (Jeneral Greene, was engaged, the British soldiery retreated. On reporting at their head quarters the unsuccessful issue of the day, a Col. Campbell, who, for his furious, violent conduct, was nicknamed " Crazy Campbell," vowed immediate vengeance, and that he would kill, burn, and destroy every thing on the place. The negroes gave the alarm that Crazy Campbell was coming in great fury, and vowing vengeance. The ladies were in the greatest alarm. Panic seized the negroes, and they scat- tered in every direction.
Now it liad fortunately happened, previously to the ladies of the fam- ily retiring into the country, that one of them, at the house of a tory relative in Charleston, who was in the constant habit of entertaining the British officers, by balls and dinners, had met, among others, this very officer. Col. Campbell, and he had manifested, on many occasions, a marked interest in her. She immediately bethought her of this ac- quaintance, and resolved to turn it to the best possible account. As Col. Campbell rode up the avenue, she went out to meet him. The mo- ment that lie saw her his purpose seemed changed ; his countenance as- sumed a smile, he waved his troops back, sprang from his horse, forbade his soldiers doing any injury, walked into the house, made a long and a pleasant visit, and finally took leave of the family in the kindest and most friendly manner.
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I have recorded one instance, already, of the fidelity, even unto death, of a groom intrusted with tlie protection of liis master's horses ; it is in my power to furnish many others. Mr. John Iluger, who owned the Hagan, in St. Thomas' Parish, had a very faitliful servant, byihe name of Mino-o, to whom he intrusted all liis property during the war. By the will of Mr, Hiiger, Mingo received his freedom, with that of his wife, left to him cmphaticall}' as an handmaid. The benevolence of his mas- ter ended not there. He bequeathed him, out of his estate, ten guineas a year, for himself, and three guineas for his wife. Mingo, after his mas- ter's death, remained upon the Hagan plantation, keeping his horse, drawing his rations, blankets and provisions, equally with the other ne- groes, to the last day of Ids life. Mingo must have been a remarkably faithful character, and if ever a master had a right to calculate upon the fidelity of his slave, that master was Mr. Huger. In a very interesting record ke})t by Mr. Huger, for many years, of the business of his es- tates— still in possession of his descendants — he continually speaks of his r\evvoQS as a part of his fatnily, and manifests, in a thousand indescri- bable ways, the parental solicitude he must have extended to all his people.
Notwithstanding, however, the sleepless vigilance of Mingo, Quarter Master Jack, who had his head quarters at Brabant, was in the constant habit of levying contributions upon the wealthy neighboihood in which he found himself quartered. Of course "the Hagan," within a few miles, did not escape spoliation. On one occasion two Highland sol- diers removed a fine Brutus mare ; whilst on another occasion, " at one fell swoop," a pai'ty from the same encampment carried oft', beside many othei' articles ol value, twelve valuable blood mares, five fillies, and two colts.
A slave of Mr. Daniel Ravenel, by the name of Tommy, must not en- tirely be passed over. He is certainly entitled to a brief notice, as well as Mingo.
At Wantoot, the seat of Mr. Ravene], the place where tlie British army encamped and remained for six weeks after the battle of Eutaw Springs, and on which Mr. Ravenel had an extensive breeding establishment, Tommy proved so remarkable for his fidelity, that his master did not hesitate to give him, during the continuance of the war, the sole control and charge of all his horses, among others his famous mare " Lucy," out of Rose by imported Frier.
There is an interesting anecdote preserved in reference to this mare.
During the war it was, of course, of the highest importance tliat the oflBcers and men of the Revolutionary Army sliould be mounted on as
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good horses as the country could supply. Many gentlemen possessing fine horses willingly lent them to their friends. Mr. Ravenel's Lucy got
into the hands of Col. , who never rode her himself, but mounted
his servant on this, the finest horse in his command. Mr. Ravenel was detained at home by unavoidable circumstances when his favorite mare went out of his stable, but soon after, mounted on a common plantation tackey, but properly armed and accoutred for service, he presented him- self at the head quarters of Col. .
"Sir," said he, "I have come to serve ray country, but as it is indis- pensable I should be well mounted, I desire you to let me have the use of one of my own horses." He named Lucy.
To his great surprise and mortification Col. declineil. alleging,
as an excuse, that he had already appropriated and could not spare her.
"Then," said Mr. Ravenel, "I do no duty until you alter your deter- mination."
Soon after this conversation Mr. Ravenel was invited to breakfast with
Gen. Marion. On entering his tent, he found Col. present. In
the course of the repast. Gen. Marion introduced the subject of his refu- sal to do duty. The circumstances having been explained. Gen. Marion, drawing a slip of paper from his portfolio, promptly wrote an order, ad- dressed to Col. himself, for the immediate and unconditional sur- render of the mare. He handed the order to Mr. Ravenel. remarking that, as no man had bred finer horses in the country, so no one deserved to be better mounted. "Besides, sir," the General added, " who has the best right to the mare, your servant, or Mr. R., who owns her ? "
There is another anecdote of a mare, celebrated during the Revolu- tion, fi'om which some of our present stock has descended. It is of an English mare, known in those days as the " Red Doe" She belonged, dui'ing the war, to an ofiicer in the British army, in Col. Coates' com- mand, it is believed. An American soldier, by the name of Hunter, having been taken prisoner, was thieatened with instant death if he did not give the British commander some information he deemed it import- ant to procure. The man, hesitating, was ordered to be shot, but the officer to whovn this duty was assigned, not wishing " to kill his unpre- pared soul," gave him a little respite for i-eflection and prayer. This offi- cer was the owner of the Red Doe, and was mounted on her at. the time. Hunter, saw but one chance of escape left to him, and bravely resolved to avail himself of it if possible. He entreated the ofticer to dismount a moment, as he had something of importance to communicate. The offi- cer complied, but no sooner was his foot clear of the stirrup, than with one bound Hunter jumped into the saddle, and uiging the affrighted
47
* horse, dashed into the woods, and was out of sight before the astonished soldiery had time to fire. This aet of intrepidity happened near the Santee, which river Hunter swam on the mare, nifdiing the best of his wav to tlio American camp, which was then at Wadhoo. This famous mare, after the war, got into the possession of Col. Thomas Porcher, of St. John's, Berkley.
After the war many inquiries were made about the "Red Doe" by her former owner arvd by those acquainted with her good qualities, and thus her pedigree and performances, when on the Turf, became known.
We will mention one other instance of the advantage of having been well mounted "in the days that tried men's souls." It is a reminiscence of one of Marion's " meriy men " A^ho escaped, on two occasions, from the British, on a " good steed," when our invaders were ravaging the en- tire Snow's Island country, in the vicinity of the Pee Dee River. The animal alluded to was a well known mare in the neighborliood, called " Roebuck." Her pedigree is not mentioned, but to judge from her tleet- ness and good qualities, the presumption is, she was loell hred, like her owner, coming from a c/ood stock. I will give the incidents exactly as I find them on record in a public journal :
" He made his escape on his little mare called Roebuck. A great ani- mal was that.
" In the vicinity of ' Snow's Island ' my grandfather lived, but he and my uncles wei'e gone to the wars, (they were then on -'Snow's Island.") My grandmother was as true a Whig as any of the women of that day, and Captain James, the surest scout of Marion, would usually manage to get there on his return to the island from his night scout, to get a warm breakfast, which he knew always awaited him. The Tories and British, posted thick in the neighborhood, got wind of his movements, and a Captain and squad waylaid him there. Before sunrise the British Cap- tain had his horsemen in their .saddles in the back yard, unperceivable from the front, and the Captain was in the house. A gate, some two hundred yards fronr the house, opened upon an avenue up to the yard. James was always cautious. Riding up to the edge of the piazza, he struck his wdiip upon the floor, as a signal, when out walked the British Captain, with a polite invitation to Captain James to alight. At the same moment a whoop was heard from the rear. At one leap Roebuck was twenty feet from the ])iazza, and flying for the gate, with the squad of liorsemen in close pursuit. But alas ! the gate was shut, and one of the troopers was gaining on him. He reached the gate, with one hand he unloosens the latch, and with tlie other his pistol holds the trooper a moment in check ; he glides through the gate and pulls it to after him,
48
and thus gains a few jumps the start. Half a mile off, runs Muddy Creek, a miry slough at that place, near thirty feet wide. The race is desperate; the trooper's yell rings closer; he gains the summit of the hill, reins up Roebuck, reaches the edge of the slough, and at one leap his noble little animal lands upon the firm earth beyond He gallops leisurely up the opposite slope ; down come the troopers en masse ; in the 7Tiud they plunge, and not a horse or rider can extricate themselves. James waves his hat at the muddy crowd. And in a short time the merry men of 'Snow's Island ' gather around the General's fire to bear James relate the story of his escape."
The second escape on "Roebuck" is thus related:
" My grandfather had a horse called Roebuck, fit for such exploits as he was frequently called upon to perform. On one occasion he was taken prisoner while on a scout. He was one of those who could expect no favor, and the Tories had determined to hang him as soon as tliey had despatched their breakfast. They were busy at their meal, and he was guarded by a single soldier, who walked back and forth near him. Just before the soldiers had finished their meal, the guard stopped a moment at the end of his promenade next the fire. Roebuck was tied to a limb, not more than thirty feet off. Choosing that moment, my gi-andfather sprung for his horse, leaped into the saddle, and slipped the bridle olf his horses head, and was gone. Shot after shot whistled close by, and he was pursued by the crowd ; but in vain, it was another escape. "
PART IV.
I see you stand like Greyhounds in the slip,
Straining upon the start. Shakspeart.
Who look'd as tho' the speed of thought
Were in his limbs. Byron'$ Mazeppa.
I did hear The galloping of horse. Macbeth.
plating P^emomiiba,
CALENDAR OF RACES
FROM THE REVOLUTION
1857.
Ages from 1st of May. Mares, fillies and geldings allowed 3 lbs. Weights carried to 1810, on the 4 and 3 mile days ; aged horses 133 lbs.; 6yrs. old 129 lbs.; 5 yrs. 120, 4 yrs. 106 ; 3 yrs. 92 ; 2 yrs. a feather. On the two mile day — free only to colts and fillies — 4 yrs. 112 lbs., 3 yrs. 98 lbs.. 2 yrs. a feather.
NEW MARKET COURSE, to 1792.
WASHINGTON COURSE, from 1792 to 1857.
The war being over, and peace duly declared, n^t only a new era for politics commenced, and a new itjetbod of thinking had arisen, but a new and more vigorous impulse was given to the sports of the Turf.
Of the gentlemen of South Carolina, who went upon the Turf, after the Revolution, we refer with pride to the spotless names of General Hampton, Colonel Alston, Colonel Washington, Colonel McPherson, Colonels J. B. and J. P. Richal-dson, "Major Thompson, Mr. Scott, Mr. Burns, Mr. Sumter, Mr. Fenwick, Mr, Wigfall, Mr. McPherson, Mr. William Moultrie, Mr. John B. Irving, Mr. St. Johns, Mr. Hughes, Cap- tain Field, Mr. Chisoim, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Clifton, Mr. Bellinger, Mr. Seabrook, Mr. Fuller, Mr. Jenkins, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. C. Richardson, Cap- tain Warren, Captain Davis, Captain, O'Brien Smith, Mr. N. Harleston, Mr. Quash, Mr. Lynch, Mr. Thornton,*Mr. Farr, Colonel Ashe, Mr. Rose, Mr. T. Alston, Mr. Haig, Mr. Wainright, Mr. Clement, Mr. Benjamin Ferguson, Mr. J. R. Pringle, Mr. T. H^Hutchinson, Mr. William Taylor, Mr. Clitherall, Mr. Philip Sraitfe, Mr. F. B. Fishburne, Mr. C. Sinkler and Mr. Aydelott.
These gentlemen, either descended from a well-bred racing stock in this country, or educated in England, very early in life imbibed a love for the Turf. Possessed of ample means, they established extensive studs of their own, promoting thereby a greater love for racing, " at home," among their immediate associates, and gentry of the country." The old York Course, and the New Magket Cpurse, it is true, had existed before their time in Carolina, and some advances had been made in the art of breeding, training and running-^occasionally a well-contested race, grow- ing out of the competition of riW stables — yet comparatively little was effected towards giving perpetuity to racing, previously to these gentle- men coming into their respecti^-e properties. It certainly remained for them to give a fresh and powerful impulse to the different meetino-s within their reach, and to lay tbe foundation of that zeal apd success, in the improvement of our breed of horses, which have been so trium- phantly displayed in later times .in our State. Some of these gentlemen were not content to confine theftiselves to the materials our own country afforded, but imported, from time to time, " bits of fancy blood" from England.
Among the imported stock soon after the Revolution, was Dancing
Master, a bay colt by Woodpecker, out of Madcap, by Snap, foaled in 1788, and bred by Lord Derby; and Prince, a b. h., bred by Lord Farnham, foaled in 1773, got by Herod, out of Helen by Blank.
Justice, foaled in 1782, got by Lord Grosvenor's Justif-e, out of tbe noted Miss Timms; she a full sister to Conundrum, Ranthos, Pumpkin, Maiden, Riddle, Misgjf^urity — all capital runners. Miss Purity was the dam of the renowned Rockingham, who sold for 2,500 guineas, and was allowed to be the best running horse'fn England : at six years old, he won 17 times out of 18, several of which were King's Plates, carrying 12 stone. Rockingham and Justice wei'e very nearly allied, as they were both got by sons of Herod. The dam of Justice was by Squirt ; g. d. by Mogul ; Camilla by Bay Bolton. He was imported by Major But- ler, and covered for many years near Askepoo Bridge, at £10 sterling.
Marplot, an imported horse, got by Highflyer, his dam by Omar, out of a Godolphin Arabian mare, (sister to Cripple,) his g. g. dam Blossom, by Crab. He figured from the year 1785 to 1790, with great eclat on the English Turf, and afterwards was successful in the island of Jamaica, West Indies. He was thence imjjbrted into South Carolina, and stood to mares for many seasons. He ^s owned at one time by Mr. Laurens, of Mepkin, St. John's Parish, Bei-ilfley. He was sold by Mr. Laurens to a man by the name of Brightmaft, a sporting blacksmith in the city of Charleston, who took him to Georgia, 'vfhere he died.
Matchem, a bay horse by Matchem, o^it of Lady, by Sir Charles Tur- ner's Sweepstakes, foa^d in 1773, bred Jpiy Lord Grosvenor, and import- ed into South Carolina by Mr. Gibbs. Bajazet and Gimcrack covered at the Hagan plantation in St. Thomas Parish, season of 1800. The for- mer, Bajazet, considered the^est-four year old of his year, was the sire of many fine horses — Sjnong the n^lmber was Godfinder, the property of the gallant Mayham of Horry's ^avajny, .•ittached to Marion's Legion. He was foaled 31st March, 1784, -by B|uazet, his dam by Col. Edward Lloyd's Old Traveller, his g. dam a" bay^are, imported by Col. Lloyd.
Star, a dark bay horse, eif capital m-f^ and size, foaled in 1784, got by Highflyer, dam by Snap ; g. dam Riddle, by Matchem. He was bred by Richard Taylor, Esq., and ran N^ith considerable credit for inany years in England. Star did not answer^publi(<* expectation as a foal-getter in South Carolina. He died inPendlieton District, in 1811. Imported by Gen. John McPherson, wh^^'also importe'd the following young stock at the same time : .• *'
Firebrand, a chesnut colt, -foaled' in 1802, by Buzzard, out of Fanny, own sister to King Fergus, bi^d by the Duke of Grafton. Died on the passage out to this countiy, or soon after landing.
Cinderella, a br. f., foaled in 1801, bred by Mr. Edward Harris, got by Sir Peter, her dam by Mercury.
Sir Peter Teazle, a roan colt, foaled in 1802, own brother to Cinde- rella, above. This colt was trained, but never ran. He was purchased by Dr. Fassoux, stood in St. John's Parish, Berkley, and died in the Dis- trict of Chester.
Hyppona, a large bay filly, foaled in 1802, bred by the Earl of Derby, got by Sir Peter, dam by Woodpecker,
Psyche, a grey filly, low but strong, foaled in 1802, bred by the Earl of Derby, got by Sir Peter, out of Bab, by Bordeaux. This filly went into the stud stable of Mr. Singleton.
Isabella, a dark brov,n filly, with tan muzzle and flanks, foaled in 1802, bred by the Earl of "(^rniont, by Trumpeter, out of Demirep, by High- flyer. She was sold t6* O'Brien Smith, Esq.
Creeping Kate, a Sganish mare, was also imported by Gen. McPher- son, soon after the Revolution.
Sterling, a bay stallion, foaled in 1791, bred by Mr. Thomas Sterling — imported intq^^irginiaj/frora London, by John Hoomes, Esq. He was reputed among the best^acers that ever appeared in England. He was got by Volunteer, (one of the best sons of Eclipse,) his dam Harriet, by Highflyer. Sterling waS brought to Carolina in 1800, and stood to mares at Gen. McPherson'^ -plantatiou at Stoney Creek, at $50 the sea- son.
Commp?Tt', a beaufiful bay horse, bred by Gen. McPherson, foaled 18th March, '1790. He was g#'t by Cephalus, who was by old Frier. Com- merce's dam was got by thre imported horse Sweeper. Commerce stood at the plantation of John Singleton, Esq., on the High Hills of Santee, at £5 sterling, season jof 1801.
The following inforftaation respecting some of the most distinguished blood horses in South Carolina from 1779 to 1808, may be relied upon as correct. It is extracted from the stud-book of the late Col. Wm. Alston of Waccamaw^>. The public is indebted for the information to Col. Ferguson of this St-^te, who, with a view of preserving the pedigree of tlie blood horses in •'South Carolina, of " by-gone days," applied to all the gentlemen whose families had formerly owned race and other fine horses. Having obtained the stud-book of Col. Alston, Col. Fergu- son, with characteristic accuracy and zeal, arranged it, and, as will be seen, has succeeded in perfecting a valuable condensation of the whole subject.
Brilliant Mare, bred by Mr. Edward Fenwick, foaled in May, 1779, got by the imported horse Matchem : her dam (imported by Mr. Fen-
8
wick, sen.) by Brilliant ; grand dam by Tartar, out of a daughter of Lord Halifax's Bushy Molly, which daughter was got by a son of the Devonshire Flying Childers ; g. g. dam by the chesnut Litton Arabian ; g. g. g. dam by King William's "White Barb, called Chilaby ; g. g. g. g. dam by the Byerly Turk, out of Sir William Ramsden's ch. Farmer mare.
1789 : b. f. Symmetry^ by Mr. Gibbes' Flimnap, sold to Mr. N. Harleston.
1'791 : ch f. Atalanta, by old Slouch.
1*793 : ch. c. Gambado, by Florizel, gelded, and sold to Mr. D. Flud.
1795 : ch. c. Highfiyer, by Marplot, sold to Capt. Hails.
1797 : b. c. Brilliant, by Marplot, given to Mr. Joseph Alston. [NoTK. — The Brilliant mare was sold to Gen, McPherson. I do not
know how many foals she afterwards had ; but I know she produced a b. f called Milksop, by the imported horse Justice, and died shortly after.]
Nancy Dawson :
1790 : b. c. Meteor, by Comet, sold to Mr. Benjamin Alston, sen. 1791 : gr. f. Jilt, by Ajax, sold to Mr. Paul'Michau.
1792 : gr. i. Ludee, by old Slouch, given to^Sir John Nisbitt, 1798.
1798 : g. f. Jane Grey, by old Slouch, sold."to Mr. Robert Withers. 1795 : ch. f. Iris, by Marplot.
1797 : b. c. by Marplot, died in 1801.
1799 : b. f. by Justice, sold to Mr. Jos. Lesesne, 1803.
1800 : a mule. ^*
[Note. — I think the produce by Justice ifi 1799, ran under the name of Eliza, as the property of Mr. Laborde aud then of Mr. Philip Smith.]
Tartar Mare, bred by Mr. Edward Fenwick, foaled in 1780, got by old Flimnap, her dam by old Pharaoh, her grand*'dam (imported by Mr. Fenwick, senior), got by Tartar, her dam by Young Sweepstakes, grand dam by Mogul, g. g. dam by Bay Bolton, g. g. g. dam by Pulleyn's ch. Arabian, g. g. g. g. dam by Rockwood, g. g. g. g. g. dam by Bustler.
1791 : ch. c. Cade, by Ajax, sold to Mr. Find.
1792 : ch. c. Cassius, by old Slouch, broke his neck in breaking. 1794 : b. f. Hebe, by Florizel, given to Dandy Griggs.
Atalanta, bred by Mr. William Alston, foaled in 1791, got by old Slouch, out of the brilliant mare.
1798 : ch. c. by Marplot, sold to Mr. O'Brien Smith.
1801 : ch. f. by Marplot, sold to Mr. Screven.
1803 : ch. c. by Spread Eagle.
1804 : a mule.
9
Kitty Fisher^ purchased in 1789, by Mr. William Alston, from Mr. John Thornton, got by Oscar, her dam by the imported horse Vampire, out of old Kitty Fisher, imported by Col. Carter Braxton, died in Sep- tember, 1798.
1792 : gr. f. Desdemona, by Comet, sold to Mr. Ransom Davis.
1794 : br. c. Wonder, by old Flimnap, sold to Gen. Hampton.
1795 : ch. f. by Marplot, sold to Mr. Alexander Nesbitt.
Hope, bred by Mr. Charles Thornton, foaled April 24, 1788, got by the imported horse Shark, her dam by the imported horse Fearnaught, grand dam by the imported horse Monkey, g. g. dam by the imported horse Dancing Master, out of an imported Spanish mare, called Creep- ing Kate ; sold to Gen. McPherson.
1793 : r. c. Pilot, by old Flimnap, sold to Mr. Alex. Nesbitt.
1796 : b. c. by Marplot.
1798 : b. f. by Marplot, exchanged with Gen. McPherson. '
Circs, bred by Mr. Beckwith Butler, foaled May 26, 1784, got by Ariel, out of Lady Northumberland, who was imported by the late Hon. John Tayloe, of Mount Airy, and was got by Northumberland, her dam by Shakspeare, grand dam by Regulus, g. g.dam by Parker's Snip, g. g. ^. dam by old Partner, g. g. g. g. dam by Bloody Buttocks, g. g. g. g. g. dam by Greyhound, g. g. g. g.g. g. dam by Makeless, g, g. g. g. g. g. g. dam by Place's White Turk, g. g. g. g. g. g. g. g. dam by Dodsworth, out of a Layton Barb mare.
1794 : br. c. Jupiter, by Florizel, sold to Francis Tyre. 1796 : gr. c. by old Slouch, given to Mr. Ransom Davis. Betsey Baker :
1795 : b. f. Stella, by Marplot, sold to Mr. R. P. Saunders.
1796 : ch. f. by old Slouch, sold to Mr. Ransom Davis. ] 797 : b. f. by Marplot, died in 1801.
The bay mare, by Florizel, out of the Tartar mare. Query : is not this Hebe, who was given to Dandy Griggs ]
1799 : ch. f. by Justice, died in 1803. 1801 : ch. f. by Marplot.
/m, bred by Mr. William Alston, foaled in 1795; got by Marplot out of Nancy Dawson.
1801 : br. c. by Mai-j^lot, died young. 1803 : b. c. by Spread Eagle, sold to Mr. Joseph Lesesne. 1805 : b. c. by Bedford, gelded and sold to Mr. Russell. 1807 : ch. f. by Bedford, sold to Mr. O'Brien Smith. 1809 : ch. c. by Star.
10
Marplot Mare, died March 28, 1802, bre'S by William Alston, foaled in 1797, got by Marplot out of Betsy Baker.
1802: b. c. by Marplot.
Miss Ingleshy, bred by , got by , her dam by old Flimnap.
1802 : b. c. by Brilliant, by Marplot, out of the Brilliant mare.
Kitty Bull, purchased from Gen. Hampton, got by John Bull, out of Lord Grosvenor's Isabella, by Eclipse : she was imported.
1802 : b. c. by Stirling, exchanged with Gen. Hampton.
Grey, mare, got by Slouch, her dam by the imported horse Medley, out of a full bred mare.
[N.B. — The dam of the above grey mare was brought into the State by W. Aylette Lee, Esq., who sold her to Dr. L-vine, and gave the above pedigree.]
1802 : g. c. by Jupiter, (by Gimcrack.)
Anvilina, bred by Mr. O'Kelly, foaled in 1796, got by Anvil, out of Augusta, imported by John Tayloe, in 1799, into Norfolk, Virginia, in the Industry.
1803 : ch. f. Lottery, by Bedford, sold to Mr. Singleton. 1805 : ch. f. Charlotte, by Gallatin, sold to Mr. Richardson. 180G : b. c. Rossicuician, by Dragon, sold to Mr. Richardson. Peggy, bred by the Earl of Claremont, foaled in 1783, got by Trump-
ator, out of Peggy, sister to Postmaster, Died in 1805, in foal to Dragon.
1803 : ch. f. Peggy, by Bedford, died in possession of Col. Hampton. 1805 : ch. f. by Gallatin, given to Mr. Joseph Alston.
(Copy.) London, June 11, 1787.
A chesnut filly, bred by Lord Grosvenor, two years old, got by Mam- brino, out of a sister to Naylor's Sally.
(Signed) Richard Tattersall.
1800 : ch. c. Gallatin, by Bedford.
1804 : b. f. by Bedford, sold to Gen. Hampton.
1805 : ch. f. by Bedford, sold to Mr. Singleton.
Stirling Mare, bred by , foaled in , got by Stirling, out of
the imported Mambrino mare, 1808: b. c. by Bedford.
Having furnished an account, as above, of the pedigrees of the horses belonging to the most distinguished clafs of their day, it is proper now to enumerate some of their individual performances. We will com-
11
mence with the proceedings at the New Market Course at Charleston, S. C, season of 1*786 ; and here it may be remarked, that if ever there was "a golden age of racing" in South Carolina, or rather, if ever there was a period destined to be the commencement of a new era in the annals of racing in this State, that period is the one to which we are now referring.
Whether we consider the elevated character of the gentlemen of the Turf, the attraction that the races possessed at that time, and for many subsequent years, " for, all sorts and conditions of men " — youth antici- pating its delights for weeks beforehand — the sternness of age relaxing by their approach — lovers becoming more ardent, and young damsels setting their (;aps with greater taste and dexterity — the qualiti/ of the company in attendance — the splendid equipages — the liveried outriders that were to be seen daily on the course — the gentlemen attending the races in fashionably London made clothes — buckskin breeches and top boots — the universal interest pervading all classes, from the judge upon the bench to the little schoolboy with his satchel on his back — the kind greetings of the town and country — the happy meetings of old friends whose residences were at a distance, atfording occasions of happy inter- course and festivity — the marked absence of all care^ except the care of the horses — the total disregard of the value of time, except by the com- petitors in the races, who did their best to save and economise it — everything combined to render race-week in Charleston emphatically the carnival of the State, when it was unpopular, if not impossible, to be out of spirits, and not to mingle with the gay throng.
The best idea we can give of the moral influence of race-week (as exerted formerly), is to state that the courts of justice used daily to adjourn, and all the schools were regularly let oict, as the hour for start- ing the horses drew near ; with one consent the stores in Broad and King streets were closed — all business being suspended on the joyous occasion, the feelings of the good people partaking of the rapidity of the races themselves — in fact, it was no uncommon sight to see the most venerable and distinguished dignitaries of the land, clergymeyi and judges, side by side on the course, taking a deep interest in the animated and animating scene around them !
With such a stimulus to propriety and the preservation of good morals, no wonder that order, and sobriety, and good fellovrship, pre- vailed as abundantly as they did in those days.
We must not omit to notice, that in the early days of racing in South Carolina, the gentlemen of the Turf, like the ancient nobles Hiero and others, never ran their horses for the pecuniary value of the
12
prize to be won, but solely for the honor that a horse of their own breed- ing and training should distinguish himself. Mr. Daniel Ravenel, and many others of the high-minded turfmen of those days, expressed great disapprobation at any departure from the good old customs of their fathers, and did all in their power to prevent a change, when it was proposed. The prize used to be, not a purse of gold or silver, but a ■piece of plate. Several of these tokens of success are in the possession of the descendants of those who formerly, owned race horses in the State.
Such were the races in South Carolina ! Let us hope, then, that we of the present generation will never feel less attachment than our fathers did, to the sports of the Turf ; and that, whatever other changes may occur in our State, no change will ever take place in the celebrity of our horses ; that the animating spirit of the chase will, in all time to come, continue to call our youth to the woods, and the rational amuse- ment of the course, our sportsmen to the Turf I
After the Revolution, racing was revived in South Carolina in 1Y86. During that and the following season, however, only a few gentlemen trained their own horses and those of their friends that were thought to give any great promise. Hence the number of horses trained was few, and not many races were run in public. A grey horse, called Ranger^ the property of Col. Washington, seems to have been the cock of the walk in the State, winning all the' principal events, until beaten by the celebrated Comet in 1*788, carrying 140 pounds, 4 mile heats, over the Newmarket Course (the exact location of which has already been described) near Charleston. It must have been a fine race, and a very sporting affair, according to tradition.
Comet was a black horse by Mark Anthony, bred by Mr. Nash, in North Carolina. He was a wonderfully great little horse, very small, only fourteen hands and a half high — some accounts say only fourteen hands. He was a black, with blaze face, and had eyes, in which the iris was of a very light grey color, and all his legs were white to the knees — he ran with his hind legs very much apart, but he could run all day. He was a winner from Petersburg to Charleston. He was first brought to South Carolina by Mr. Twining. Comet was sometimes entered by Col. Alston, and sometimes by Gen. Hampton.
Ranger was a descendant of an imported horse by the same name, (got by Martindale's Regulus, a son of the Godolphin Arabian,) im- ported into Maryland about the year 1767, by Dr. Thomas Hamilton, of Prince George's county.
13
Mark Anthony, the sire of Comet, was the rival and successor of Janus in the southern part of Virginia, and along the northern border of North Carolina. He was an American bred horse, foaled on the banks of the James river, the property of Mr. Lee. He was got by Partner, out of a fine imported mare. Like his son Comet, he was almost black — his two hind feet white, and was a little over fifteen hands high. It is recorded of him that he was excellent as a race-horse in Virginia, and stood many years in that State and in North Carolina, He became, in his later days, the property of Mr. Peter Morgan, of Halifax, in whose possession he died, about 1794.
Cub, a beautiful bay horse, by Yorick, out of a mare by Silver Legs, bred in England, covered at the plantation of Mr. W. C. Snipes, near the Horse-shoe, season of 1788.
NEW MARKET COURSE.
1789. — 4 mile heats. Betsey Baker, the property of Col. Alston, beat Comet. Betsey Baker was a ch. m., bred by Mr. Wiley Jones, of North Carolina. She was by old Flimnap, and, like most of his get, was remarkably handsome. She was small and delicate.
1790. — Wednesday, March 2d. — 4 mile heats. — Col. Washington's ch. m. Rosetta, by Imp. Centinel, beat in two heats Col. Alston's Betsey Baker, Mr. Fen wick's Ciucinnatus, and Mr. Scott's Independ- ence.
Thursday, March 5d. — 3 mile heats. Gen. Hampton's Great Mogul beat Col. Washington's Flora, and Mr. Fenwick's Dungannon. Dun- gannon bolted in second heat.
Friday, March 4th. — 2 mile heats. — Col. McPherson's Wanton beat Capt. Hughes' Cephalus, Mr. Davis' Plenipo, Mr. Harleston's Corn- planter, Mr. Quash's Diana, Mr. Moultrie's gr. m. Deianeira, and a mare entered by Col. Washington. Cephalus won the first heat — Wanton the second and third heats.
Saturday, March 6th. — Col. Alston's Betsey Baker heat Col. Thomp- son's Slouch two mile heats.
Same day. — 3 mile heats. — Come if, entered by Col. Alston, beat in two heats Col. Washington's Apollo, and Mr. Scott's Independence.
14
1*791 — March Id. — New Market Course. — 4 mile heats. Col. Alston's ch. m. Betsey Baker ^ aged , 9st. 4, beat in two heats, after a fine contest Col. Washington's ch. m. Rosetta, 6 years, 9st.
March 3d. — ?> mile heats. Mr. Burns' Cincinnatus beat Mr, Sum- ter's Plenipo, Col. Thompson's Whistle Jacket, Mr. Fenwick's Dungan- non, Mr. Wigfall's Mercur}^, and Mr. McPherson's Wanton. Plenipo took the first heat, Cincinnatus winning the 2d and 3d.
March 4th. — 2 mile heats. — Gen. Sumter's Ugly beat Mr. William Moultrie, jr.'s, Pantaloon, Mr. Fenwick's Angeline, Mr.John B. Irving's Battledore, Mr. St. John's Munster Lass, Mr. McPherson's Wanton, Mr. Hughes' Cephalus, Mr. Fuller's Sampson, Mr. Washington's Childers, and Mr. Bellinger's ^]olus.
I have said that Betsey Baker was rather small and delicate. Like her famous competitor Rosetta, she was a chesnut, but she was unlike her in size — Rosetta being nearly sixteen hands high, with a prodigious shoulder. Betsey Baker and Rosetta, like Shark and Commerce after them, were rivals for several years. They often met, running with alter- nate success, as will be seen by the above summary. Rosetta, after leaving the turf, produced a bay colt, Achilles, by Marplot; General Washington gave him to Mr. Ancrum, who sold him to Mr. Nisbitt. He was large, but of no account as a racer. Betsey Baker, also, had produce by Marplot ; none of them ever distinguished themselves.
An attentive friend writing to me in reference to the contests be- tween Betsey Baker and Rosetta, "remarks : " I was quite young when I witnessed their races, but I recollect the enthusiasm which prevailed on those occasions. I I'emember meeting Betsey Baker at the corner of Friend and Tradd streets, on her return to Col. Alston's stables in King street, after having beaten Rosetta in 1791 — a great crowd following her."
This was the last year of the races over the New Market Course. In the following year (1792) the South Carolina Jockey Club moved to the Washington Course, where it has ever since continued to hold its meetings.
The original proprietors and owners of the Washington Race Course near Charleston, S. C, were Gen. C. C. Pinckney, Gen. Washington, O'Brien Smith, John Wilson, Jas. Ladson, Wm. Alston, H. M. Rutledge, Gab'l Manigault, Gen. Read, Col. Mitchell, Gen. Wade Hampton (three shares, bought of A. Johnson, Jas. Miller, and Dr. Moultrie), James Burn, Capt. White, L. Campbell, Wm. Moultrie, Gen. McPherson, Col. McPherson, Col. Morris, E. Fen wick, Wm. McCleod, sold afterwards to John Parker.
WASHINGTON COURSE.
1792, — Wednesday, Feb. 15, — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. — Weight for age.— Was won by Mr. Lynch's Fox Hunter, after a well-con- tested race of four heats, beating Mr. Sumter's Ugly, who won the first heat ; Col. Washington's Rosetta, who won the second heat ; Captain Alston's Betsey Bater, Mr. Thornton's Fair Rosamond, and Mr. Burns' Cincinnatus.
Thursday, Feb. 16. — .Jockey Club Purse — 3 Mile Heats. — Was won by Mr. T. Alston's Corn Planter, beating in two heats Mr. Farr's Wanton, Mr. Bellinger's ^olus, Mr. McPherson's Cephalus, Col. Washington's Childers, Mr. Fenwick's Boxer, and Mr. Sumter's Plenipo.
Friday, Feb. 11. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats, — Was adjudged to Mr, Fenwick's Boxer — five started. Boxer won the first heat, beating
Diana, Mr. Rose's Coquette, Mr, 's Mary Ann, and Mr. Davis'
Paul Jones. In the second heat, Paul Jones came in first, and Boxer second ; but the rider of Paul Jones having jostled, was declared dis- tanced, and the purse given to Boxer.
The owners of Paul Jones then challenged Boxer to run another heat, which being accepted, produced a fine and close contest, which termina- ted in favor of Paul Jones.
Saturday, Feb. 18. — City Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Was won by Mr. Burn's Cinciyinatiis, beating in two heats Col. Washington's Rosetta, Capt. Alston's Betsey Baker, Mr. Thornton's Fair Rosamond, and Col. Hampton's Comet.
Figure, a bay horse, by old Selim, out of an imported mare, by Traveller, bred by J. Galloway, Esq., of Virginia, covered this season at the plantation of Mr. Joseph Morrison, near Saltcatcher Bridge.
1793. — Wednesday, Feb. 13. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. — Col. Washington's Rosetta beat Mr. Burn's Paragon, Mr. Fenwick's Pan- taloon, and Col. Ashe's Mercury. Pantaloon took the first heat ; but in running for the second heat, the riders of Pantaloon and Paragon pulled up their horses, through mistake, at the completion of the third mile — on which, Rosetta sprang ahead, and distanced them. Col, Ashe's Mer-
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cury contended well for the 3d heat, but Rosetta beat him, and won the Race.
Tliursday, Feh. 14. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Mr. Bel- linger's ^olus beat in two heats Col. Hampton's Ugly, Mr. Davis' Paul Jones, Mr. Richardson's Flimnap, Mr. T. Alston's Cornplanter, Mr. Rose's Coquette, and Mr. J. B. Irving's Poor Jack.
Ugly was bred by Gen. Sumter, but usually entered by Gen. Hamp- ton. He was reputed a good four mile horse. He was ugly by nature, as well as by name. On one occasion, after he had distinguished him- self, a gentleman in the crowd remarked, on looking at him as "he halt- ed by," as if " He had been sent into this breathing world before his time, scarce half made up, and that lamely and unprofitably." " Well — loho would have expected S7(ch a performance from such an ugly brute .'" Gen. Hampton, overhearing the observation, promptly replied, with his characteristic humor, " Perhaps, Sir, you do not know who trained him!"
Friday, Feh. 15. — Jockey Club Purse. — Two Mile Heats. — Was won by Mr. Fenwick's Boxer, beating Mr. Alston's Symmetry, Mr. Haig's Florella, Mr. Wainwright's Dumourier, Mr. Richardson's Farmer, Mr. Davis' Slut, Mr. Warren's Echaw, and Mr. Thompson's Yorick. The 1st heat was won by Symmetry — the 2d and 3d by Boxer.
1*794. — Wednesday, I3th Feb. — Washington Course. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. — Col. Washington's Rosetta, in two heats, beat Capt. Warren's Echaw, Mr. Ashe's Mercury, Col. Alston's Betsey Baker, Col. Fenwick's ^olus, Capt. Davis' Paul Jones, and- Mr. Richardson's Farmer. 1st heat, 8 m., 20 sec; 2d heat, 8 m., 25 see.
Thursday, 14th Feb. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Mr. John Mcintosh's Dictator, bred by Col. McPherson, beat, in three heats, Col- Washington's Shark, Mr. McPherson's Escape, Mr. Burns' Paragon, Mr. Rose's Coquette. Shark won the first heat, Dictator the second and third. First heat, 6m., 34 sec; 2d heat, 5 m., 58 sec; third heat, 6m.^ 8 sec.
Friday, Feb. 15. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Col. McPher- son's Commerce beat, in two heats, Capt. Saunder's Cornelia, Col. Wash- ington's Actaeon, Capt. Davis' Picture, Capt. Alston's Meteor, Mr. Rose's Flirt, Capt. Moultrie's Tristam Shandy, Mr. Richardson's Farmer, and Mr. Field's Peter Pindar. First heat, 4 m.; second heat, 4 m., 1 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 16. — City Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Was won by Col. McPherson's Dictator, beating, in two heats, Mr. Ashe's Mercury, Col. Washington's Soldier, Mr. Clement's Dorrick, Col. Alston's Betsey Ba- ker, Captain Warren's Echaw, and Mr. McPherson's Pantaloon. Time of first heat, 6m., 2 sec; 2d heat, 6 m., 1 sec.
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On the Monday preceding the Races of this year — Feh. 11 — a match for 50 barrels of Rice, between Col. Fenwick's Boxer, and Mr. Fields' Peter Pindar, was decided on the Washington Course, two mile heats. Peter Pindar won the 1st heat ; Boxer 2d and 3d. It was a very sport- ing match, and well-contested in every heat. Time — 4 ra., 9 sec; 2d heat, 3 m., 55 sec; 3d heat, 4m.. 4 sec.
Some discussion took place this year, as to the proper weights to be carried — no change was made, however. They were continued as be- fore— namely, on the first and second days, 4 and 3 mile heats, for aged horses, 133 lbs.; 6 yrs. old, 129 lbs.; 5 yrs., 120; 4 yrs., 106 ; 3 yrs., 92 lbs.; 2 vrs., a feather — mares, fillies and geldings, allowed 3 lbs. On the third day, 2 mile heats — free only to colts and fillies — 4 yrs. old, 112 lbs.; 3 yrs., 98 lbs.
1795. — Wednesday, Feh. 11. — Washington Course. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. — Col. Washington's Shark — 4 yrs. old, 106 lbs. — beat, in two heats, Captain Warren's Echaw — 6 yrs., 129 lbs.
Thursday, Feh. 12.— Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Col. Wash- ington's Rosetta beat Cot. McPherson's Dictator, and Col. Alston's Sym- metry, in three heats. Dictator, that had distinguished himself so much the previous year, won the 1st heat ; Rosetta the 2d and 3d.
Friday, Feh. 13. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Mr. Benja- min Ferguson's Commerce beat Mr, Bellinger's Justice, in three heats ; Justice winning the first, after a sharp contest.
Saturday, Feh. 14. — Shark won a Handicap Purse— 3 mile heats — winning easily.
1796. — Wednesday, Feh. 17th. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats, — Mr. Fenwick's c. h. Commerce, 5 yrs. old, beat Mr. Bellinger's bl. h. Matchem — commonly called Justice. Matchem won the 1st heat, but bolted in the 2d.
Thursday, Feb. 18th. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Capt. Warren's Echaw beat, in three heats, Col. McPherson's Dictator, (who won the 2d heat,) Capt. McPherson's Pickle, Capt. Davis' Atalanta, Capt. O'Brien Smith's Sportsman, and Maj. Thompson's Hiero. Time — 1st heat, 6m., 8 sec; 2d heat, 6 m., 7 sec; 3d, 6 m., 28. Track heavy.
Friday, Feh. 19th. — Jocke/Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Capt. Da- vis' Telegraph, 3 yrs., beat, in two heats. Captain McPherson's Ajax, Col. McPherson's Mentor, and Mr. Harleston's Ploughboy. 1st heat, 4 m., 4 sec; 2d heat, 4 m., 17 sec.
Saturday, Feh. ^Oth. — Mr. Fenwick's Commerce beat, in a race of three mile heats, Capt. O'Brien Smith's Tally-ho, Col. Moultrie's Banker, and Col. McPherson's Touch and Jump. 2
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The pleasure of the South Carolina Jockey Club Races was very much enhanced this season, by the novelty of a match race between Sir John NiSBiTT, of Dean Hall, of the ancient house of Nisbitts, near Edinburg, but who vyas at that time a resident of South Carolina, and John Ran- dolph, of Roanoke, in Virginia, each gentleman riding his own horse. Mr. Randolph won the race, after a close and exciting struggle ; but tra- dition says, Sir John Nisbitt, who was a very elegant gentleman, a gal- lant gay Lothario,
" Shaped for sportive tricks, And made to court an amorous looking-glass," " Capering nimbly in a Lady's chamber, To the lascivious pleasing of a Lute,"
Won the prize from beauty's eyes. Many of the enamored fair ones were heard to confess, after the race was over, that although Mr. Ran- dolph had won the race, Sir John had won their hearts, and that they much prefen-ed him in a match, to his more successful competitor.
1797. — Monday, Feb. 6. — Sweepstakes, £1200 — 2 mile heats.
Gen. Washington's b. h. Shark, 6 years, 129 lbs., .... 1 1 Mr. Alston's g. f. Alborac, 4 years, 103 lbs., 2 2
Col. Hampton's ch. g. Hazard, 3 years, was nominated, but paid forfeit. 1st heat, 3 m. 54 sec ; 2d heat, 3 m. 57 sec.
Tuesday, Feb. 7. — Match race. — Gen. Washington's bl. f 4 yrs., full sister to Shark, paid forfeit to Mr. Alston's filly Atalanta.
Wednesday, Feb. 8. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats :
Mr. Fenwick's Commerce, 11
Col. Hampton's Lath, 2 dr.
Thursday, Feb. 9. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Mr. War- ren's Echaw, aged, 133 lbs., beat Capt. Davis' Patriot, 3 yrs., 92 lbs., Mr. Porcher's Cupid, 4 years, 106 lbs., Capt. McPherson's Ajax, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., and Mr. Alston's f Atalanta, 4 yrs., 103 lbs.
Friday, Feb. 10. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Col. Alston's g. i. Alborac beat, in a good race. Gen. Washington's Telegraph.
Saturday, Feb. 11. — Handicap race for a purse given by the citizens.
3 mile heats.
Gen. Washington's b. h Shark, 6 yrs., 129 lbs., .... 1 1 Col. Alston's g. f. Alborac, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., . ' . . 2 2
1798. — Monday, Feb. 12. — Jockey Club Subscription Purse of
81000. Heats, 4 miles.
Mr. Fenwicke's b. h. Commerce, aged, 133 lbs., ... 1 2 1 Gen. Washington's b. h. Shark, aged, 133 lbs., ... 3 1 2 Col. Hampton's Patriot, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., ... .233
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First heat, 8 m. 16 sec; '2d heat, 8 m. lY sec; 3d heat, 8 m. 32 sec. Course very heavy ; an exciting race.
Tuesdaij, Feb. 13. — Sweepstakes for 3 year olds, carrying 98 lbs.,
tvyo mile heats, was won by Capt. McPherson's Merry Andrew, beating
in two heats Mr. Alston's Wonder, and Mr. Fenwick's Highflyer. Mr.
Nisbitt's Drone, ami Mr. Pinckney's Busybody, were nominated, but
■"paid forfeit.
Time — 4 m. 7 sec. 2d heat, 3 m. 59 sec.
Wednesday, Feb. 14. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats. — Col. Hampton's Harpoon beat in two heats Capt. Warren's Echaw, and Mr. Bellinger's Oronooko. In the 2d heat, Echaw threw his rider, and bolted.
Thursday, Feb. \b. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Col. Mc- Pherson's Ajax, carrying 120 lbs., beat in two heats. Col. Hampton's g. Lath, 117 lbs., and Mr. Bellinger's Oronooko, 120 lbs.
Friday, FebAH. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Mr. Bellinger's Mogul, 4 yrs., 112, beat Capt. Davis' colt Vidette, 3 yrs., 98 lbs.
1799. — Wednesday, Feb. 13. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats. — Gen. Washington's b. h. Shark, aged, 133 lbs., beat Col. Hampton's gelding Harpoon, 6 yrs., 126 lbs., and Mr. Singleton's ra. Greyhound, 6 yrs., 126 lbs. First heat was run in 8 m. 10 sec; 2d heat, in 8 ra. 8 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 14. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Maj. Mc- Pherson's Merry Andrew beat in two heats Mr. Bellinger's Mogul, Mr. Nisbitt's Alborac, Col. Hampton's Lath, Mr. Burns' Highflyer, and Mr. Singleton's Highlander.
The rider of Highlander fell ; Highlander was, in consequence, out of the race. 1st heat — 6 m. 6 sec; 2d heat, 6 m. 59 sec.
Friday, Feb. 15. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Mr. Single- ton's Highlander in two heats beat Gen. McPherson's filly Maid of All Work, Mr. Burns' colt Pincher, and Mr. Quash's Busybody. 1st heat — 3 m. 56 sec. ; 2d heat — 3 m. 56 sec
Saturday, Feb. 16. — Handicap, three mile heats. — Gen. Washing- ton's Shark, aged, 138 lbs., beat, after a severe race of four heats, Mr. Nisbitt's Alborac, 6 yrs., 126 lbs., Maj. McPherson's Merry Andrew, 4 yrs., 109 lbs., Mr. Singleton's Greyhound, 6 yrs., 126 lbs., and Col. Hampton's Harpoon, 126 lbs.. Merry Andrew won the first heat in 6 m. 4 sec ; Alborac won the second heat in 6 m. 6 sec. ; Shark, the 3d and 4th heats in 6 m. 6 sec. and 6 m, 16 sec
To ensure at all future meetings of the club a purse to be run for on the Saturday of each race week, it was determined this year by the
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stewards, O'Brien Smith, James Burn, and Alexander Nisbitt, to lay a tax upon carriajD^es and horses going within the enclosure of the race ground.
1800. — Wednesday, Feb. 12 — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats.
Col. Hampton's Maria, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., ... - I walked over. Mr. Singleton's Highlander, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., ..12 dr.
J. McPherson's Merry Andrew, 5 years, 120 lbs., . - broke down. Gen. Washington's Shark, aged, 133 lbs., . . - dis.
First heat, 8 m. 24 sec. ; 2d heat, 8 m. 21 sec.
Thursday/, Feb. 13. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Col. Hampton's Harpoon, aged, 130 lbs., beat Gen. McPherson's Maid of All Work, 4 yrs, 103 lbs., Mr. Alston's Eliza, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., and Mr. Jenkins' Mogul, 6 yrs., 129 lbs. Maid of All Work won the fifst heat; Harpoon the 2d and 3d heats.
Friday, Feb. 14. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Col. Hamp- ton's Rattle, 3 yrs., 98 lbs., beat in two heats Gen. McPherson's Beau- fort, 3 yrs., 98 lbs., Mr. Bellinger's Furiosus Celsus, 3 yrs., 98 lbs., Mr. Alston's g. Pilgarlic, 3 yrs., 95, and Capt. Warren's Nominal, 3 yrs., 98 lbs.
Saturday, Feb. 15. — Handicap, 3 mile heats.
Col. Hampton's Maria, .11
Gen. McPherson's Maid of All Work, - 2
Gen. Washington's Shark, - dr.
It is worthy of notice, that Col. Hampton won every day during the week.
1801. — Wednesday, Feb. 11. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats. — Col. Hampton's Lady Bull, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., beat in two heats Maj. Mc- Pherson's Merry Andrew, 6 yrs., 129 lbs., and distanced Gen. Wash- ington's Shark, aged, 133 lbs., and Mr. Alston's Adelaide, 4 yrs., 106 lbs. Time — 8 m. 8 sec; 2d heat — 8 m. 22 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 12. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Mr. Jen- kins' Mogul, aged, 133 lbs., beat Col. Hampton's Highlander, 5 yrs., 11 Y lbs.. Gen. Washington's Young Medley, 106 lbs., and Mr. Quash 's Miranda, 4 yrs., 103 Ib.s. Time : 1st heat — 8 m. 10 sec. ; 2d heat, 8 m. 10 sec.
Friday, Feb. \Z. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Col. Hamp- ton's filly Arabella, 4 yrs., 112 lbs., heat in two heats Mr. Bellinger's Furiosus Celsus, 4 yrs., 112 lbs., Mr. Quash's Ragamuffin, 3 yrs., 98 lbs., Gen. Washington's Lavinia, 4 yrs., 112 lbs., and Mr. Alston's colt Slouch, 4 yrs., 112 lbs.
Saturday, Feb. 14. — Handicap, 3 mile heats. — Col. Hampton's f. Lady Bull, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., beat Maj. McPherson's Merry Andrew, 6
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yrs., 129 Ihs., Mr. Jenkins' Mogul, aged, 133 lbs., and Gen. Washing- ton's Shark, aged, 133 lbs.
Col. Hampton nearly came in for the same good luck he had last year, when he won all the Jockey Club Prizes in one week, given by the South Carolina Jockey Chib. This season, he secured three out of four.
1802. — Wednesday/, Feb. 10. — Jockey Club Purse, |1, 000. — 4 mile
heats.
Gen. Washington's Ariadne, 4 yrs., by Bedford 11
Maj. McPherson's gr. g. Leviathan, aged, by Flag-a-truce, . . 2 dr.
Time — 8 m. 12 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 11. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Gen, Washington's br. f. Triimpeter, 4 yrs., beat in two heats Col. Alston's Maria, 6 yrs. old, R. Singleton's bl. m. Dorocles, 5 yrs., T. B. Seabrook's b. h. Furiosus Celsus, 5 yrs., and Mr. Jenkins' Mogul, aged — . 1st heat, 6 m. 8 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 9 sec.
Friday, Feb. 12. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — Gen. Mc- Pherson's br. f. Roxana, 3 yrs., by Mai'plot, out of Juliet, by Imp. Mexi- can, beat in three heats Col. Alston's ch. g. Expectation, 3 yrs., (who won the first heat,) Capt. Fields' Buonaparte, 3 yrs., by Justice, and Wm. Harleston's br. c. Dragon, 4 yrs., by Flimnap, who bolted in 2d heat. 1st heat — 3 m. 58 sec; 2d heat. 3 m. 58 ; 3d heat, 4 m. 11 sec.
1803. — Wednesday, Feb. 9.— Jockey Club Purse, $1,000. — 4 mile heats. — Col. Alston's bl. m. Maria, aged, by Shark, carrying 130 lbs., beat in two heats Maj. McPherson's g. g. Leviathan, aged — , Gen. Washington's b. \n. Ariadne, 5 yrs.. Gen. McPherson's br. f. Roxana, 4 yrs., Capt. Fields' b. c. Buonaparte, 4 yrs., and Mr. Chisolm's ch. c. Live Oak, 4 yrs. Time: 1st heat, 8 m. 9 sec; 2d heat, 8 m. 35 sec. Ari- adne favorite at starting, 2 to 1.
A letter from Col. Alston to Col. Tayloe states that Ariadne had beaten Black Maria a few weeks before, 3 mile heats, in three heats, carrying 8 st. 5 lbs., to 9 st. 4 lbs., owing to Maria being too fat. Maria won the second heat in 5 w. 14 sec, the Course where this trial took place being 149 yards short of a mile. After her races at Charleston, Ariadne was sold to Mr. Hoomes, of Virginia, for $1,200.
Thursday, Feb. 10. — Jockey Club Purse, $750.-3 mile heats.
Col Alston's ch. c. Gallatin, by Bedford, out of Mambrino, filly, 1 1 (Gallatin, 3 yrs., carrying 92 lbs.)
R. Singleton's mare Dorocles, 6 yrs., 2 dis.
Capt. Fields' Belle Rattle, 4 yrs., dis.
Mr. Clifton's Republican, 4 yrs., ....'. dis.
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Gen. Washington's Achilles, 3 yrs., dr.
Mr. Bellinger's Miss Tims, dr.
Mr. Seabrooks' Furiosus Celsus, dr.
Time: 1st heat, 5 ra. 57 ; 2d heat, 5 m, 53.
Friday, Feb. 11. — Jockey Ckib Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Mr. Clifton's b. c. Dm'C Devil, 3 yrs., by Dare Devil, beat Col. Alston's ch. f. jSTimble, 3 yrs.; Mr, Bellinger's cb. f. Miss Tims, 4 yrs.; Gen. Washington's Surry Doe, 3 yrs., and Mr. Singleton's ch. c. Charles Fox, 3 yrs. First lieat, 4 m., 6 sec; second heat, 4 m., 2 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 12. — Handicap, — 3 Mile Heats.
Col. Alston's ch. c. Gallatin, 3 yrs., 92 lbs., 11
Gen. McPherson's br. f. Eosana, 0 0
Gen. Washington's b. m. Ariadne 0 0
Capt. Fields' Belle Rattle, 0 0
Capt. Fields' b. c. Buonaparte, . • dis.
Major McPherson's g. g. Leviathan, aged, dis.
Time — 1st heat, 5 m., 52 sec; 2d heat, 6m, This was a beautiful race — the time made very good, as the Course was sloppy and muddy, owing to a heavy fall of rain on the morning of the race. This race is the last report we have of Leviathan as a racer — we will, therefore, take leave of him, by saying that he was a gr. g., by gr. h. Flag-a-Truce, bred by Mr. Turpin, of Gooceland County, in Virginia. Leviathan's career was very brilliant in Virginia for many years — it was not until he was aged, and worn down by hard usage, that he was purchased by Maj. Mc- Pherson, and brought to South Carolina. The amount paid for him was £180.
A written pedigree of Leviathan was drawn up by Col. Tayloe, and was transferred with the horse, when purchased by Maj. McPherson — it was mislaid ; but it is well known he was out of a mare by imported Med- ley, his sire being Flag-a-Truce, by Goldfinder. Leviathan was, unfor- tunately, altered, from having been as a colt, somewhat overgrown and unpromising.
Pedigree of Gallatin. — Gallatin, (Expectation,) ch., foaled 1799; bred by Hay Baittaile, Esq., of Caroline County, Virginia ; was got by im- ported Bedford ; bis dam, imported, by Lord Grosvenor's Marabrino, (the dam, also, of the celebrated running mares, Fairy and Ariadne, and of Eliza, Bertrand's dam, by Bedford ;) his grandam, in England, sister to Nailor's Sally, by Blank, Ward, Merhn, Pert, St. Martin. Thus running back at once from Blank, by the Godolphin Arabian, almost to the ori- gin of the English racing stock, from the Arabians, Barbs, <fec. St. Mar- tin, the last horse in Gallatin's pedigree, was by Spanker, out of a natu- ral Barb mare. Spanker, by the D'Arcy Yellow Turk, (Lord Fairfax's
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Morocco Barb,) out of Bald Peg, an Arabian mare. Bedford's crosses are the best (through Dungannon and Highflyer) from Eclipse and Herod, the ne plus ultra blood.
1804. — Wednesdmj, Feb. 15. — Jockey Club, Purse |1,000.— 4 Mile Heats. — Col. Alston's ch. c. Gallatin, 4 yrs., by Bedford, walked over.
Thursday, Feb. 16. — Jockey Club Purse, 1700. — Col. Alston's Nancy Air, 4 yrs., by Bedford, 103 lbs., beat, in two heats, Mr. Bellinger's Gus- tavus, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., and Mr. Clifton's Young Dare Devil, 4 yrs., 106 lbs.
Friday, Feb. IV.— Jockey Club, Purse $500.-2 Mile Heats.— Col. Hampton's Dungannon 4 yrs., by Bedford, 103 lbs., beat, in two heats, Mr. Bellinger's Gustavus, Maj. McPherson's Milk Sop, and Col. Alston's Gabriel. 1st heat, 4ra., 1 seij.; 2d heat, 4 m., 5 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 18. — Handicap Race. — 3 Mile Heats.
Col. Alston's Gallatin, 4 yrs., by Bedford, 106 lbs., .... 1 1 Col. Hampton's Dungannon, 4 yrs, by Bedford, .... 2 dr. Mr. Clifton's Young Dare Devil, 4 yrs., 3 dr.
10 to 1 on Gallatin against the field.
The Bedford Stock, it will be seen, distinguished itself this season. The first day, Gallatin, by Bedford, walked over. The second day, Nancy Air, by Bedford, won with great ea.se. (This mare subsequently became the dam of Transport, and grand dam of Bertrand.) The third day, Dun- gannon, by Bedford, won ; and the fourth day, Gallatin, by Bedford, won, and Dungannon, by Bedford, was second in the I'ace.
As Nancy Air was destined to play a conspicuous part on our Turf, we subjoin the following interesting account of her origin :
" An old gentlemen cf Caroline County, Virginia, in the neighborhood of Col. Willi.s, often described the Colonel's little tackey, (about fourteen hands high, apparently^ worth about |30, on which the children rode to school,) that was put to the famous imported Shark, and brought An- - nette. It was not supposed she had any pretensions to " blood." Annette was put to imported Bedford, and produced Nancy Air. The late Col. Tayloe having run her successfully under the name of Phantasmagoria, Annette's next foal, the Maid of the Oaks, by imported Spread Eagle, was entered in the great sweepstakes at Fredericksburg, in 1804 ; she bolted, and the purse was won by Col. Tayloe, with Mr. Carter's Caroline, by imported Mufti. The Maid of the Oaks won all her subsequent races, until she was trained off, beating the best horses of her day — Surprise, Oscar, Floretta, Top Gallant, Peace Maker, &c. Nancy Air acquired great fame in South Carohna. Both have since become equally distin- guished as brood mares — the one in South Carolina, the other in New
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Jersey. Their stork are now of the first celebrity ; Nancy Air was the dam of Transport, stated by Mr. Richardson to have been the best racer of her day. By Bertrand, she brought Bertrand Jr. and Julia ; and by Sir Archy, Sir William, the sire to Little Venus and Plato. The Maid of the Oaks produced by Duroc, Marshal Duroc, (a good racer, and sire to the renowned Count Piper ;) and his own sister, Cinderella, dam or grand dam of Celeste, Massaniello and Lalla Rookh, by imported Expedi- tion, the dam of Medoc and Midas, and grand dam of Goliah, by Hick- ory ; the Lady of the Lake, dam of Mr. Orme's Jessie, and of Maryland Eclipse, a good racer, and sire to Mr. Dorsey's fleet filly, Ann Page ; and by American Eclipse, Orphan Boy, now a popular stallion in the west, and a colt of great promise, until he was curbed. The Maid of the Oaks may have produced others, besides the five we have enumerated ; but if so, we are uninformed. Thus a little insignificant poney was grand dam of renowned racers, one of them of the first fame in her day, and the ancestor of many first rate horses that have been at the head of the turf — Marshal Duroc, Count Piper, Medoc, Midas, Goliah, Celeste, Bertrand Jr., Julia, Little Venus and others. Her descendants have been worth largely over $50,000, at a moderate calculation. Is not such success, though a remarkable instance, sufficient to encourage our unpretending farmers to breed from thorough bred horses, even if they have no blooded mares to begin with ?"
1805. — Wednesday, Feb. 20. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. Weight for age.
J. P. Kichardson's ch. c. Sertorius, 4 yrs., by Alderman, ... 1 1 Col. Alston's ch. h. Gallatin, 5 yrs., by Bedford, .... 2 2
First heat, 8m., 16 sec; 2d heat, 8m., 18 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 21.— Jockey Clnb Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Col. Al- ston's b. m. Nancy Air, 5 yrs., by Bedford,' beat Col. Hampton's b. g. Dungaunon, by Bedford, and Gen. McPherson's Cinderella, by Sir Peter Teazle. Time of both heats the same — 5m., 55 sec.
Friday, Feb. 22. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Gen. McPher- son's ch. c. Blue Beard, by Sterling, beat Mr. Singleton's ch. f. Gourdseed, by Commerce, and Col. Alston's Gabriella. Time — 1st heat, 3m. 45 sec; 2d heat, 3 m., 56 — a fine race.
Saturday, Feb. 23. — Handicap Purse. — 3 Mile Heats.
J. P. Richardson's ch. c. Sertorius, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., .... 1 I Col. Alston's b. m. Nancy Air, 5 yrs, 117 lbs., 2 2
This was a splendid and very sporting race. Time — 1st heat, 5m., 53 sec; 2d heat, 5m., 52 sec. Sertorius covered himself with honor : it was quite glory enough for one week to have defeated two such cracks
25
as Gallatin and Nancy Air. Gallatin, however, was not up to the mark. When Richard is himself again, and he should meet Sertorius, as was said of the famed John Gilpin,
" Should he ever start in another race, May we be there to see."
Col. Alston determined this year, after having run some of the best horses that ever started in South Carolina — namely, Maria, (the dam of Lady Lightfoot,) and Gallatin, cum multis aliis — to quit the Turf. He bred, also, Lottery and Peggy. He, therefore, offered for sale all his race horses, and young stock, most of them got by Bedford, Marplot, Sterling and Spread Eagle. Three of his mares, that were afterwards sold, were imported — namely, the dam of Ariadne and Gallatin ; another called Peggy, bred by Lord Clermont, and Anvilina, got by the Prince of Wales famous horse Anvil, out of O'Kelly's celebrated mare Augusta, by his stallion Eclipse. His whole stud was put under the hammer, soon after the Charleston Races in 1807 ; and by it, Messrs. Singleton and Richardson were enabled for Aany years to keep up very strong stables. Previous to the general sale taking place, Mr. Richardson trained and en- tered Nancy Air, and Mr. Singleton Lottery.
ISOQ.— Wednesday, Feb. 19.— Jockey Club, Purse |800.— 4 Mile Heats.
John p. Richardson's b ra. Nancy Air, 6 yrs., 126 lbs., . Mr. Stanard's Monticello, 4 yrs., by Spread Eagle, 106 lbs., Col. McPherson's Blue Beard, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., ....
First heat — Yra., 50 sec; no time kept of 2d heat. Thursday, Feb. 20. — ^Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats.
Mr. Stanard's Top Gallant, 1
Gen. McPherson's Psyche, bolted <fc dist.
Friday, Feb. 21. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Mr. Stanard's Monroe beat Gen. McPherson's Diable, and J. P. Richardson's Belvide- ra. First heat, 3m., 59 sec; second heat, 3m., 54 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 22. — Handicap Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — Gen. McPher- son's Psyche, 3 yrs., 89 lbs., beat Mr. Richardson's Nancy Air, 6 yrs., 126 lbs., and Mr. Stanard's Monticello, 4 yrs. First heat, 5 m., 56 sec; second heat, 6 m., 2 sec.
Psyche is agr. f., foaled in 1802, bred by Lord Derby, at Knowsley, in England, (near Liverpool.) She was got by Sir Peter Teazle, out of a mare called Bab ; she by Bordeaux, out of Speraza, who was got by Eclipse, and was own sister to Saltram. Psyche was bought in 1803,
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from Lord Derby, by Gen. John McPherson. She was the dam of Blank, Mark Time, Lamballe, and Grey Beard. She had great strength and good action, with much speed ; yet not having length in her stride, could not be depended upon to go four miles. Three miles was her forte. 1807. — Wedneaday, Feb 18. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats,
Col. McPherson's g. f. Psyche, 4 yrs., by Sir Peter Teazle, 103 lbs., 1 1
Col. Hampton's Messenger, 6 yrs., by Messenger, 126 lbs., ..22
Time — 1st heat, 8 m., 24 sec; 2d heat, 8 m., 29 sec, Thursday, Feb. 19. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats,
Wm. Alston, Jun.'s ch. f. Peggy, 3 yrs.,
Col. Hampton's b. c. Merchant, 3 yrs., by Commerce,
E. B. Fishburne's Eclipse, 6 yrs.,
First heat, Peggy ran in 5 m., 56 sec.
Friday, Feb. 20. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. R. Single- ton's f. Lottery^ 3 yrs., beat Col. Hampton's colt Omar, 3 yrs. ; Daniel Flud's f Little Witch, 3 yrs.; P. Smith's ch. f. Orange Girl started, but bolted the first mile of the first heat, and threw her rider. First heat, 4 ra,, second heat, 3 m,, 50 sec.
This was the famous Lottery's first appearance in public.
Saturday, Feb. 21. — Handicap Purse. — 3 Mile Heats, — Wm, Al- ston's Per/r/y, 3 yrs., beat E. B. Fishburne's Eclipse, 6 yrs. and Col. Mc- Pherson's Psyche, 4 yrs. — a fine- race. First heat, 5 m., 56 ; 2d heat, 6 m.
lu this year, the imported horse Star, a dark brown horse, by High- flyer, out of a mare by Snap, chosen for South Carolina, from the supe- riority of his blood and performances, covered in St. Andrew's Parish, at $50 the season. Star died in this State, in 1811. Also, another stal- lion, Recruit, a ch. h., of remarkable size, bone and muscle, stood at the plantation of John P. Richardson, Esq., near the High Hills. Recruit was bred by S. Ruffen, Esq., of Brunswick County, Virginia ; foaled in Spring of 1801 ; got by imported Sterling, out of Camilla, by Wildair.
1808. — Wednesday, Feb. l7-:^Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats.
R. Singleton's ch. f. Lottery, 4 yrs., by Bedford, 103 lbs., ..11 O'Brien Smith's eh. f. Peggy, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., .... 22
First heat, 7 m. 56 sec. ; 2d heat, 8 m. 8 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 18. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — O'Brien Smith's b. c. Merchant, 4 yrs., by Commerce, 106 lbs., beat in two heats J. B, Richardson's br, ra, Nancy Air, aged, 130 lbs.. Col. Hamp- ton's b. f Caroline, 3 yrs., 89 lbs., Philip Smith's ch. f. Orange Girl, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., and John P. Richardson's ch. h. Eclipse Herod, 5 yrs., 120 lbs. 1st heat, 5 m. 56 ; 2d heat, 6 m.
27 Friday, Feb. 19. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats.
O'Brien Smith's b. c. Farmer, 3 yrs., by Dare Devil, ... 1 1 W. Hampton's br. c. Milo, 3 yrs., by Dragon, .... 2 2 J. B. Richardson's g. Pegasus, . 3 3
A beautiful race between Farmer and Milo. 1st heat, 4 m. 2 sec. ; 2d heat, 3 m. 57 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 20. — Handicap purse, 3 mile heats. — O'Brien Smith's b. c. Merchant, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., beat P. Smith's ch. f. Orange Girl, 4 yrs., 103 lbs., J. B. Richardson's br. m. Nancy Air, aged, 130 lbs., and J. P. Richardson's ch. h. Eclipse Herod, 5 yrs., 120 lbs.
1809. — Wednesday, Feb. 15. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats. — W. Hampton's g. c. by Diomed, 4 yrs., beat J. P. Richardson's b. h. Cerberus, 4 yrs.. Col. McPherson,s b. h. Pluto, and Mr. Clither all's ch. h. Duke of Limbs. Time — 8 m. 17 sec. ; 2d heat, 8 m. 33 sec. ; track heavy.
Thursday, Feb. 16. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — R. Single- ton's ch. m. Lottery, 5 yrs., by Bedford, beat Maj. Smith's b. c. Farmer, 4 yrs., by Dare Devil, W. Hampton's ch. c, 3 yrs., by Bedford, J. R. Pringle's ch. c. Pocotaligo, 3 yrs., by Bedford, and Phihp Smith's ch. m. Orange Girl, 5 yrs., by Oronooko. First heat, 5 m. 58 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 15 sec.
Friday, Feb. 17. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. — W. Hamp- ton's br. c. Milo, 4 yrs., by Dragon, beat Mr. Hutchinson's b. c. Monti- cello, 4 yrs., by Bedford, R. Singleton's ch. f. 3 yrs., by Bedford, J. R. Pringle's ch. c. Crescent, 3 yrs., by Star, and J. B. Richardson's ch. f. Charlotte, 3 yrs., by Galllatin. Charlotte threw her rider, and was dis- tanced. 1st heat, 3 m. 52 sec; 2d heat, 3 m. 52 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 18. — Handicap, 3 mile heats, — R. Singleton's ch. m. Lottery, 5 yrs., 117 lbs., beat Maj. Smith's b. c. Farmer, 4 yrs., 106 lbs., b. h. Merchant, 5 yrs., 120 lbs., W. Hampton's g. c. 4 yrs., 106 lbs;, and J. B. Richardson's g. c. Cerberus, 4 yrs., 106 lbs. 1st heat, 6 m. 56 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 6. sec. Course very-lieavy.
Col. J. E. McPherson was elected this year President of the South Carolina Jockey Club, which office he filled, (with the exception of 1811, 1812, and 1813,) to 1834, with the most marked urbanity and signal advantage to the Club.
1810. — The weights were this year reduced from the heavier weights previously required to be carried. They were fixed as follows :
On the 4 and 3 mile days, aged horses, 126 -lbs.; 6 years old, 120 lbs. ; 5 years, 112 lbs. ; 4 years, 102 lbs. ; 3 years, 90 lbs. ; 2 years, a feather. On the 2 mile day, (no horse allowed to start that is not un-
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der 5 years,) 4 years, 106 lbs. ; 3 years, 94 lbs. ; 2 years, a feather. Mares, fillies, and geldings allowed 3 lbs.
Wednesday, Feb. 28. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 mile heats, free to all ages.
R. Singleton's ch. m. Lottery, 6 yrs., by Bedford, .... 1 1 O'Brien Smith's ch. m. Peggy, 6 yrs., by Bedford, .... 2 2
Time — 1st heat, 8 m. 3 sec. ; •2d heat, 8 m. 10 sec. Thursday, March 1. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 mile heats. — Condi- tions as before.
J. P. Richardson's ch. c. Virginias, 4 yrs., by Diomed, dam by
Chatham, .......... 1 1
R. Singleton's b. f. Bellissima, 4 yrs., by Bedford, .... 4 2
T. H. Hutchinson's b. h. Monticello, 5 yrs., by Bedford, 2 dis.
J. B. Richardson's g. g. Privateer, 5 yrs., by Dragon, ... 3 dia.
First heat — 5 ra. 59 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m.
Friday, March 2. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. Colts and fillies, 4 year olds, 106 lbs.; 3 year olds, 94 lbs. ; two year olds, a feather.
Maj. Smith's ch.c Buonaparte, 4 yrs., by Bedford, ... 1 1
J. B. Richardson's b. c. Rossicuician, 3 yrs , by Dragon, ... 2 2
J. P. Richardson's ch. g. Stride, 4 yrs., by Bedford, ... dr.
Wm. Taylor's ch, c. Leonidas, 4 yrs., by Bedford, . . . dis. -
Time — 1st heat, 3 m. 53 sec; 2d heat, 4 m. 2 sec. Saturday, March 3. — Handicap purse, $457, 3 mile heats.
J. P. Richardson's ch. c. Virginius, 100 lbs., T. H. Hutchinson's b. h. Monticello, 85 lbs , R. Singleton's b. f. Bellissima, 85 lbs.,
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1st heat, 6 m. 9 sec. ; 2d heat, 5 m. 58 sec; 3d heal, 6 m. 10 sec. 1811. — Wednesday, Feb. 21. — ^Jockey Club Purse, $430.68, 4 mile heats, free for all ages.
Col. Richardson's ch. h. Virginius, 5 yrs., by Diomed, dam by
Chatham, 2 11
Maj. Smith's b. h. Farmer, 6 yrs., by Dare Devil, ... 1 2 2
Time — 1st heat, 8 ra. 14 sec; 2d heat, 8 m. 2 sec, ; 3d heat, 8 m. 13 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 28. — Jockey Club Purse, $323. — 3 mile heats. — Weight for age.
J. B. Richardson's b. c. Rossicuician, 4 yrs., by Dragon, ... 1 1
Maj. Smith's ch.m. Peggy, aged, by Bedford, .... 3 2
Wm. Taylor's ch. c. Hepl^estion, 3 yrs., by Buzzard, ... 23
R. Cunningham's b. g. Mountaineer, 5 yrs., by Bedford, . dis.
1st heat run in 5 m. 50 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 3 sec.
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Friday, March 1. — Jockey Club Purse, $215.44. — 2 mile heats. — Colts and fillies.
O'Brien Smith's ch.f. Claudia, 3 yrs., by Bedford, .... 1 I J. B. Richardson's b. c. Financier, 3 yrs., by Buzzard, ... 2 2
Time — 1st heat, 3 m. 50 ; 2d heat, 3 m. 53 sec.
Saturday, March 2. — Handicap purse, $300, 3 mile heats.
Wm. Taylor's ch. c. Hephestion, 90 lbs., ...... 1 1
Col. Richardson's ch. h. Virginias, 112 lbs., 2 2
1st heat, 6 m. 2 sec. : 2d heat, 5 m. 50 sec Virginius the favorite at starting.
1812. — Wednesday, Feb. 26, — Jockey Club Purse, $425, 4 mile
heats, free to all ages, weight for age.
Wm. Taylor's ch. c. Hephestion, 4 yrs., by Buzzard, out of Imp.
Castianira, ......... 1 1
J. B, Richardson's b. h. Rossicuician, 5 yrs., by Dragon, . 2 2
J. Aydelott's b. c. Postboy, 4 yrs., by Noseley, .... dis.
Time — 1st heat, 8 m. 9 sec; 2d heat, 8 m. 58 sec. Thursday, Feb. 27. — Jockey Club Purse, $319. — 3 mile heats. — Conditions as before.
Chas. Richardson's b. c. Financier, 4 yrs., by Bedford, ... 1 1
Wm. Taylor's b. f China-eyed Girl, 3 yrs., 3 2
.J. B. Richardson's ch. h. Virginius, 6 yrs., 4 3
J. Aydelott's g. g. Sour Grout, aged, 2 4
Capt. Cunningham's b. m. Golden Eagle, 5 yrs., .... dis.
1st heat, 6 ra. ; 2d heat, 5 m. 58 sec.
Friday, Feb. 28. — Jockey Club Purse, $212.-2 mile heats, for colts and fillie.''.
.J. B. Richardson's ch. f. Claudia, 4 yrs., by Bedford, ... 1 1 Wm. Taylor's ch. c. Tom Pipes, 2 dr.
The first heat Avas run in 4 m. 14 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 29. — Handicap Purse, — 3 mile heat. — Free for any horse that had run the preceding days.
Chas. Richardson's b. c. Financier, 102 lbs., C. Sinkler's ch. h. Virginius, 110 lbs., J. B. Richardson's b. h. Rossicuician, 107 lbs., L. Aydelott's g. g. Sour-Crout, aged, 101 lbs., .
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Time — 1st heat, 6 m. 36 sec ; 2d heat, 5 m. 52 sec.
Financier was bred in South Carolina, by (''ol. John Richardson, He is a bay, of fine size, about 16 hands high, of fair speed and great beauty. He is by Imp, Buzzard, out of Dorocles, by Imp. Shark ; — Dorocles, full sister of Black Maria, the dam of Lady Lightfoot.
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1813.— Wednesdat/, Feb. 24.— Jockey Club Purse, $473.76.-4 Mil© Heats, weight for age, as in preceding year.
C. Richardson's b.h. Financier, 5 yrs., .... 211
A. Middleton's b. h. Rossicuician, 6 yrs., . . 1 2 dr.
A waiting race on both sides, as the time denotes. 1st heat, 8 m. 30 sec. ; 2d heat, 9 m. 37 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 25. — Jockey Club Purse, $355. — 3 Mile Heats, con- ditions as before. Col. Richardson's ch. m. Claudia., 5 yrs., by Bed- ford, walked over.
Friday, Feb. 26.— Jockey Club Purse, $236.88. — 2 Mile Heats, for colts and fillies only.
J. B. Richardson's ch. f. Miss Fortune, 3 yrs., by Star, ... 1 1 C. Sinkler'sb. f. Corinna, 3yrs., by Florizel, . ... 2 2 AV. S. Bull's f. Gabriella, 3,3
Saturday, Feb. 27. — Handicap Purse, $193. — 3 Mile Heats.
J. B. Richardson's b. h. Rossicuician, 6 yrs., 120 lbs., .211 R. Cunningham's b. h. Slap Bang, 5 yrs., a feather, ..122 C. Richardson's b. h. Financier, 5 yrs., 112 lbs., ... 3 3 3 W. S. Bull's Gabriella, a feather, saddle slipt, . . . dis.
Time — 1st heat, 5 m. 48; 2.1 heat, G m. 2 sec. ; 3d heat, 6 m. 5 sec. 1814. — Wednesday, Feb. 23.— Jockey Club Purse, $268.71. — 4 Mile Heats, free to all ages ; weight for age.
W. S. Branch's b. h. Massena, 5 yrs., by Citizen, ... 2 1 1 Col. Richardson's ch. f. Miss Fortune, 4 yrs., by Star, ..122
Time — 7 m. 57 sec. ; 2d heat, 7 m. 58 sec. ; 3d heat, 8 m. 10 sec. ; a highly exciting race.
Thursday, Feb. 24. — Jockey Club Purse, $201. — 3 Mile Heats, con- ditions as before.
Mr. Laborde's b. h. Slap Bang, 6 yrs., by Bedford, Col. Richardson's ch. m. Claudia, 6 yrs., by Bedford, Mr Branch's b. m. Capella, 4 yrs., by Nosey,
1st heat, 6 m, 5 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 4 sec. ; 3d heat, 6 m. 17 sec. ; 4th heat, 6 m. 26 sec.
Friday, Feb. 25. — Jockey Club Purse, $134. — 2 Mile Heats, colts and fillies.
W. S. Branch's ch. c. Little Billy, 4 yrs., by Florizel, ... 1 1 J. B. Richardson's b. f. Corinna, 4 yrs., by Florizel, ... 2 2
1st heat, 3 m. 55 sec; 2d heat, 3 m. 58 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 26. — Handicap Purse, $119. — 3 Mile Heats. W. S. Branch's ch. c. Little Billy, 4 yrs., 102 lbs., ... .11 Mr. Laborde's b. h. Slap Bang, 6 yrs., 120 lbs., .... 2 2 J. B. Richardson's ch. m. Claudia, 6 yrs., 117 lbs., .... 3 3
Time — 5 m. 58 sec. ; 2d heat, 5 m. 53^.
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1815. — Wednesday, Feb. 22. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats.
R. Singleton's ch. c. Johnny. 4 yrs., by Potomac, . . . 1 q ^ Glasscock & Edmington's ch. g. Bernadotte, 4 yrs., by Gallatin, 0 1 0
J. R. Richardson's b. m. Corinna, 5 yrs , by Florizel, ..000
1 1
Thursday, Feb. 23. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats.
Mr. Sparrow's ch. h. Little Billy, 5 yrs., by Florizel,
Col. Richardson's ch. m. Miss Fortune, 5 yrs., by Star, ... 2 2
Time — 1st heat, 6m. 17|- sec; 2d heat, 6 m., 2 sec. Friday, Feb. 24.— Jockey Club Purse.— 2 Mile Heats.
R. Singleton's b. c Warsaw, 4 yrs., by Potomac, .... 1 1 Glassoock & Edmington's ch. c. John Randolph, 3 yrs., by Florizel, 2 2
1816. — Monday, Feb. 21. — Purse $1,000. — Given by the Proprietors of the Washington Course. — Mile Heats. — Best 3 in 5.
Wm. Wynn'sr h. Ringleader, 5 yrs., by imported Wonder, 1 11
J. B. Richardson's ch. m. Miss Fortune, 6 yrs., by Star, ..000 Col. Dent's ch. g. Rattler, 5 yrs., by Gallatin, .... 0 0 0
Time — 1st heat, 1 in., 53 sec; 2d heat, Im., 54^ sec; 3d heat, 1 m.. 57 sec
Wednesday, Feb. 28. — Jockey Club Purse. — 4 Mile Heats. — weight for age.
R. Singleton's ch. h. Little Johnny, 5 yrs., by Potomac, . Col. Richardson's b. f. Lady Jane, 4 yrs., by Potomac, . W. Wynn's g. m. Young Favorite, 5 yrs. by Bedford,
Time — 1st heat, 8 m., 31 sec; 2d heat, 1 m., 53 sec. Thursday, Feb. 29. — Jockey Club Purse. — 3 Mile Heats. — J. E. Mc- Pherson's ch. c. Lycurgiis, 3 yrs.. by Virginius, beat in two heats Col. Richardson's ch. m. Miss Fortune, 6 yrs., by Star ; Mr. Wynn's r. h. Ringleader, 5 yrs, by Wonder, and Mr. Mulligan's b. f. Peggy, 3 yrs,, by Bell Weather. First heat, 5m., 57 sec; second heat, 6m.. 11 sec
Col, McPherson relinquished his claim to this purse, to aid in defray- ing certain expenses incurred by the Club — whereupon the following Resolution was passed : " That the members of the Club are sensibly aware of the liberality and delicacy of Mr. McPherson, in appropriating, to the use and benefit of the Club, the amount of the purse won by his horse Lycurgus, this day ; that they recognize, with the greatest gratifi- cation, and with peculiar pleasure, a feeling so genuine in its nature, and so eloquently speaking the Sportsman and the Gentleman
Friday, March 1. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 Mile Heats. — Colts and Fillies. — Mr, Wynn's ch. f. Merino Ewe, 4 yrs., by Jack Andrews, beat Col. Richardson's ch. c Echpse, 3 yrs., by Virginius ; R, Singleton's b.
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g. Independence, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, and Mr. Sparrow's b. c. Embargo, 4 yrs., by Bedford. Eclipse won 1st heat in 4.m; 16 sec; Merino Ewe the 2d and 3d heats, in 3m., 53 sec; and 4 m., 1 sec.
1817. — Monday, Feb. 24. — Colt Stake. — 2 Mile Heats. — Was won, with great ease, by Mr. Wynn's noble colt Timoleon, 3 yrs., by Sir Ar- chy. The 1st heat in 4 m. ; 2d heat, in 3m., 49 sec A colt of Mr. R. Singleton's contended for both heats. Mr. William Taylor, Mr. James Sparrow and Mr. English, had colts in this stake, but withdrew them.
Tuesday^ Feb. 25. — Silver Cup, given by the Proprietors of the Wash- ington Course. — 2 Mile Heats. — Free to All, weight for age.
Mr. Wynn's br. f. Lady Lightfoot, 4 yrs. by Sir Archy, ..211 Mr. Watson's br. m. Black Eyed Susan, 5 yrs., ... 4 3 2 R. Singleton's b. f. Young Lottery, 4 yrs., . ' . . . 1 2 3 J. B Ricbardson's b. m. Lady Jane, 5 years .... 3 4 4 D. Roe's b. g. Orlando, 4 yrs., dis.
C. Richardson's b. f. Little Witch, and Mr. Brown's Maria, were en- tered, but withdrawn before starting.
Time — 1st heat, 3m., 55 sec; 2d heat, 3m., o& ; 3d heat, 3m., 59 sec
Wednesday, Feh. 26.~Jockey Club Purse, |1,000. — 4 Mile Heats, weight for age. — Col. J. B. Richardson's famous b. m. Transport, 4 yrs., by Virginius, beat R. Singleton's ch. h. Little Johnny, by Potomac ; Mr. Wynn's ch. m. Merino Ewe, 5 yrs., by Jack Andrews ; P. Brown's ch. m. Maria, Thomas Watson's ch. h. Director ; E. Green's b. g. ^o- lus; B. Ferrell's b. m. Fanny. First heat, 7 m., 54 sec; second heat, Vm., 58 sec.
Thursday, Feh. 27. — Jockey Club Purse, $600.-3 Mile Heats, weight for age. — Wm. Wynn's ch. c Timoleon, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat R. Singleton's b. f. Blank, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy ; Col. J. B. Rich- ardson's ch. c Lycurgus, 4 yrs., by Virginius; Mr. Watson's br. m. Black Eyed Susan, 5 yrs.; 0. Ree's b. m. Lady Jane, 5 yrs. First heat, 5m., 51-^ sec; second heat, 6 m., 2 sec,
Timoleon, foaled in 1813, was got by Sir Archy; his dam, by im- ported Saltram. He was bred by Mr. Benjamin Jones, of Greenville County, in Virginia, and is esteemed as good a horse as ever run. He is a great grand son of English Eclipse — very few horses are so nearly al- lied to him — none of the present day, nearer. The resemblance between them, in color, form, size and powers, to judge from descriptions that have come down to us, are deemed very remarkable.
Friday, Feh. 28. — Jockey Club Purse, |400. — 2 Mile Heats, weight for age. — Mr. Wynn's br. f. Lady Lightfoot beat Col. Richardson's ch. c Eclipse, 4 yrs., by Virginius ; Mr. Green's b. g. Bedford ; R. Single- 3
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ton's ch. f. Young Lottery, (bolted) and Mr. Taylor's ch. c. Playfair. First heat, 3 m., 56 sec; second heat, 3m., 59 sec.
Hitherto in this Race over the Washington Course, 4 yr. olds have been required to carry 106 lbs. — 3 yrs., 94 lbs. This rule is now abol- ished ; so that in future, the weights on this day will be the same as in the preceding days of the week — iiainelv, for 4 yr. olds 102 lbs.; 3 yrs. 90 ; 2 yrs. a feather. Fillies and geldings allowed 3 lbs.
Saturday, March \. — Handicap Race. — 3 Mile Heats. — Lady Light- foot, 4 yrs., cariying 99 lbs., beat J. B. Richardson's renowned b. f. Transport, 4 yrs., 99 lbs.; R. Singleton's ch. h. Little Johnny, 6 yrs.; Mr. P. Brown's ch. tti. Maria, and Mr. Wynn's ch. m. Merino Ewe. First heat, 5 m., 54 sec; second heat, 5 m., 53 sec. This was a very sporting affair, and a remarkably fine race.
Lady Lightfoot, in this week, accomplished the unprecedented triumph of winning three days out of four, beating some of the best horses in the State. What a field, for instance, was that on the last day's race, (Saturday, March 1) composed of the famous Transport, Little Johnny, Maria and Merino Ewe. No horse ever achieved as much in one week.
The following tribute was paid by Gen. Wynn to the great quaHties of this fine mare : He said, " of all the nags I ever saw, she was the sa- fest and best at any distance, having the best and most imiform constitu- tion— being very fleet, and of the most perfect bottom."
She was in constant training from three years old to eleven years of age. By a computation made at one period of her racing career, of one hundred and ninety-one miles she had nm, she won one hundred and fif- ty-nine miles.
1818. — In consequence of Thursday being set apart as a day of Hu- miliation and Prayer, there was no Race this year on that day. The Races, therefore, were ordered to commence on Tuesday, and continue on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
Tuesday, Feb. 2. — Jockey Club Purse, |850. — 4 Mile Heats, weight for age.
R. Singleton's br. f. Blank, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, .... 1 1
R. Johnson's m. Lady Richmond, 4 yrs., by Eagle, .... 2 dis. First heat, 8m. 31 sec; second heat, 8m., 30 sec.
Wednesday, Feh. 3. — Jockey Club Purse, |>600, weight for age. — 3 Mile Heats.
J. B. Richardson's b m. Transport, 5 yrs., by Vijginius, . . 1 w'd over.
R. Singleton's ch.f. Cynisca, 4 yrs., by Hephestion, . . . . 2 dr.
Timoleon was entered, but did not start. Time — 1st heat, 6 m . Friday, Feh. 5. — Jockey Club Purse, |400, weight for age. — 2 Mile
Heats.
3
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Mr. Johnson's b. g. Kcaphook, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... 1 1 Mr. Rowe's b. f. "Vanity, 4 yrs., by Gallatin 2 2
Mr. Singleton's ch. o. Kosciusko was entered, but did not start. Time, 1st heat, 4 m., 2d heat, 4 m., 1 sec.
Saturday, Feb. 6. — Handicap Race. — 3 Mile Heats. — J. B. Richard- son's b. m. Transport^ 5 yrs., 109 lbs., won the race. The celebrated Timoleon started ; but having had the distemper recently, he was in bad condition, and was under the necessity of being stopped. This, and the race Reality beat him, (he beat her afterwards) it is said, were the only two races Timoleon lost. During his brilliant career, he not only met and conquered some of the best horses in Virginia and South Carolina, but made the best time of modern days. In a notice of him in the Turf Register, it is stated that the spring he was three years old, he ran the mile at Petersburg in 1 ra., 4Y sec; and that fall, the two miles in 3m., 49 sec; 3 m., 47 sec, and 3 m., 48 sec It appears, by computation, that in the fabulous (as it has been thought) exploit of " Flying Chil- ders, in his fastest race, he was moving at the rate of a mile in 1 m., 42 sec." — but four seconds faster that Timoleon's unquestionable time in an undoubted mile. $5,000 was refused for him the spring h-- was four years old. The veteran Wynn believed Timoleon to be "superior to any horse that ever ran on any course in the United States*" In the words of Wm. R. Johnson, Esq., who had seen him run all his faces in Virginia, " his performances, from one to four mile heats, have been such as would do credit to the best runner in either this country, or Europe ; and his style of going is the most superior action. His size and blood entitle him to rank first rate as a stallion."
Of his pedigree, we will merely remark that, besides being " the best son of Sir Archy," his dam was by imported Saltram ; not only one of the best racing sons of the unrivalled Eclipse — almost the only victor over Dungannon and Phenomenon — but, in England, the sire of Whis- key, the best horse of his day — the siie of the renowned Eleanor; and in this country, the sire, also, of Sir Hal's dam, to whom he may chiefly owe his racing celebrity. (Saltram, by Eclipse ; dam Virago, by Snap ; Regulus.) Timoleon's grand dam was by " Wildair, the best son of Fearnought, out of a Jolly Roger."
1819. — Wednesday, Feb. 2. — Jockey Club Purse, $1,000,— 4 Mile Heats, weight for age. Geo. F. Randolph's br. m. Blank, 5 yrs,, by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Richardson's ch. g. Young Timoleon, 4 yrs,, by Sir Archy.
Thursday, Feb. 3, — Jockey Club Purse, $750. — 3 Mile Heats, weight
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for age. R. Singleton's ch. c. Kosciusko, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Richardson's ch. c. Mark Anthony, 4 yrs., by Hephestion.
Friday/, Feb. 4. — Jockey Club Purse, ^500. — 2 Mile Heats, weight for age. No horse allowed to start that is not under 5 years. Mr. Richardson's gr. f. Favorite, 3 yrs., by Florizel, beat Mr. Randolph's b. f. Village Maid, 4 yrs., by Bedford, and Mr. Richardson's br. g. Robin- son, 3 yrs., by Rossicuiciun.
Saturdmj, Feb. 5. — Grold Cup, value $500. — Handicap Race, 3 Mile Heats. — R. Singleton's ch. c. Kosciusko, 4 yrs., carrying 102 lbs., beat Mr. Richardson's ch. h. Mark Anthony, by Hephestion.
\%20.— Wednesday, Feb. 2.— Jockey Club Purse, |1,000.— 4 Mile Pleats, weight for age.
Mr. Wynn's ch. c. Rattler, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, .... 1 1 R. Singleton's ch. h. Kosciusko, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... 2 2
Time — 8 ni. 11-^; 2d heat, 8 m. 38 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 3. — ^Jockey Club Purse, $510.70. — 3 Mile Heats. — Mr. Singleton's ch. f. Sylph, 3 yrs., by Hephestion, beat Mr. Wynn's ch. g. Eclipse, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy. 1st heat, 6 m. 20 sec. , 2d heat, 6 m. 20 sec.
Friday, Feb. 4. — Jockey Club Purse, $325. — 2 Mile Heats. — Mr. Wynn's b. f. Beggar Girl, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Singleton's g. c. Envoy, 3 yrs., by Hephestion, and Mr. Richardson's ch. g. Corvisart, 3 yrs., by Virginius. An exceedingly fine race. Envoy won the 1st heat in 3 m. 57^; Beggar Girl the 2d heat in 3 m. 57^, and also the 3d heat in 4 m. 2 sec. No horse allowed to start -that is not under 5 years.
Saturday, Feb. o. — Gold Cup, $500. — 3 Mile Heats, Handicap Race. Beggar Girl, 4 yrs., 99 lbs., beat ch. f. Sylph, 3 yrs., 87 lbs. The heats were broken, and handsomely contested.
Kosciusko was in no condition to make a good race on Wednesday : he was too fat. So little satisfied was Col. Singleton with the result, that he sent Kos<;iusko to Virginia, to give his sporting friends there a taste of his quality. Contending in a race of 4 mile heats with Reality, Contention and Napoleon, at New Market, he broke down. He was ahead at the time the accident occurred. He was brought home, and stood some seasons in South Carolina, where he got some racers of the first class, among others Multiflora, and Clara Fisher. He was ulti- mately sent to the West.
1821. — Wednesday, Feb. 7. — Jockey Club Purse, $1,000. — 4 Mile Heats. — Mr. West's ch. c. Shawnee, 4 yrs., by Tecumseh, beat Mr. Spann's ch. g. Coi-visart, 4 yrs., by Virginius, Mr. Watson's ch. h. Con-
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tention, and Mr. Singleton's gr. c. Ganymede, 4 yrs., by Hephestion. Contention won the first heat in 8 m. 27 see. The second and third heats were won by Shawnee, in 8 m. 8 sec, and 8 ra. 29 sec, weight for age.
Thursday, Feb. 8. — Jockey Club Purse, 1700. — 3 Mile Heats, weight for age. — T. D. Watson's ch. c. Sir Charles, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. West's b. c Sir Payton, 4 yrs., by Tecumseh,, Mr. Spann's b. m. Transport, aged, by Virginius, Mr. Singleton's cli. f. Sylph, 4 yrs., by Hephestion, and Mr. Dingle's Rosinante, by Virginius. Time — 6 m. 6 eec; 2d heat, 6 m. 13 sec.
Friday, Feb. 9.— Jockey Club Purse, |500.— 2 Mile Heats.— Mr. Wynn's ch. c. Flying Childers, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Spann's b. f. Virginia, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, Mr. Chas. Richardson's ch. f. Gold- finder, 3 yrs., by Virginius, Col-. Richardson's ch. g. Stride, 4 yrs., by Virginius, and Col. Hampton's ch. f. Young Peggy, 3 yrs., by Hephes- tion. No horse allowed to start that was not under five years, weight for age.
Saturday, Feb. 10.— The Gold Cup. value $500.— A race of 3 Mile Heats was won by Mr. Wynn's ch. c, Flyiny Childers, beating Mr. Singleton's gr. c. Ganymede, 4 yrs., by Hephestion, Mr. Watson's ch. c. Sir Charles, 4 years, by Sir Archy, Mr. Spann's ch. g. Corvisart, 4 yrs., by Virginius, and Col. Richardson's b. g. Ploughboy, 4 yrs., by Virginius. 1st heat, 5 m. 53 sec. ; 2d heat, 5 ra. 58 sec
19>22.--Wednesday, Feb. 6.— Jockey Club Purse, $488.-4 Mile Heats, weight for age.
R. Singleton's b. f. Maria, 3 yrs., 1 - I
Col. Richardson's ch. g. Corvisart, 5 yrs.. .... - 1 -
Mr. West's b. c. Shawnee, 4 yrs., by Tecumsch, ... - 2 -
Capt. Spann's b. f. Virginia, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, . . fell.
Time — 1st heat, 8 m. 22 sec. ; 2d heat, 8 m. 23 sec ; 3d heat, 8 m. 29 sec. The Course was unusually heavy from recent rain.
The winner, Maria, or, as sometimes called, Duck Filly, was bred by Col. Singleton, and got by Virginius, out of Sally, by Imp. Buzzard, grand dam Roxana, by Imp. Marplot. She was sold to the late John C. McRae, of Camden, subsequent to this race, and at his death passed into the possession of Mr. John M. Huger. She had produ(;e by Cru- sader, and Godolphin. V>y Crusader, a ch. f Maid of Perth, and ch. c in 1833, and a bay colt, 1835, by Godolphin. She was then put to Argyle.
Thursday, Feb. 7. — Jockey Club Purse, $368. — 3'Mile Heats, weight for age. Mr. Wynn's ch. h. Sir William, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat
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Col. Richardson's ch. f. Goldfinder, 4 yrs., by Virginius, Mr. West's b,
f. Sally Alston, 5 yrs., by Gallatin, and Capt. Spann's ch. f, Irvina, 3 yrs., by Virginius. Time — 1st heat, 6 m. 30 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 5 sec.
Friday, Feb. 8. — Jockey Club Eurse, §240. — 2 Mile Heats, weight for age. Mr. Spann's br. f. Betsey Richards, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. West's br. c. Van Tronip, 3 yrs., by Sir Hal, Mr. Wynn's b. f. Dutchess of Marlborough, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, and Col. Richardson's ch. f. Desdemona, 3 yrs., by Virginius. No horse allowed io start that was not under 5 years.
Saturday, Feb. 9. — Handicap Race, 3 Mile Heats. — A Silver Cup, the value of |500. Mr. Wynn's ch. h. Sir William, 5 yrs., handicap'd to carry 112 lbs., beat Mr. West's ch. c. Shawnee, 4 yrs., by Tecumseh, 102 lbs., and Capt. Spann's b. f. Virginia, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy.
1823. — Wednesday, Feb. 12. — Jockey Club Purse, !^670. — 4 Mile Heats, weight for age. Col. Spann's ch. c. Sumpter, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Singleton's b. f. Pocahontas, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy. Time — 1st heat, 8 m. 10 sec. ; 2d heat, slow.
Thursday, Feb. 13. — Jockey Club Purse, $502. — 3 mile heats, weight for age. — Mr. Wynn's ch. h. Flying Childers, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Spann's b. m. Virginia, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, and Col. Richardson's ch. g, Corvisart, 6 yrs., by Virginius. 1st heat, 6 m. ; 2d heat, 5 m. 59 sec.
Friday, Feb. 14. — Jockey Club Puise, |335. — 2 mile heats. — Mr. Spann's b. f. Betsey Richards, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Wynn's ch. f. Princess, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, and Col. Richardson's b. c. Leonidas, 4 yrs., by Virginius. 1st heat, 3 ra. 56 sec; 2d heat, 4 m. 1 sec. ; weight for age. No horse allowed to start that was not under 5 years.
Saturday, Feb. 15. — Handicap Purse, $330. — 3 mile heats. — Mr. Wynn's ch. li. Flying Childers, 5 yrs., carrying 112 lbs., beat Mr. Spann's b. f. Betsey Richards, 4 yrs., 99 lbs., and Col. Richardson's ch.
g. Corvisart, 6 yrs., 107 lbs.
1824. — Monday, Feb. 23. — In a stake of $200, subscription, Ber- trand received forfeit from Gen. Wynn's Flirtilla, Col. Singleton's Mark Time, Mr. Richardson's William, and beat Mr. Singleton's Cherokee.
Tuesday, Feb. 24. — Jockey Club Purse. — Receipts of the gate-money on Monday, added to an entrance of $50. Mile heats. Best 3 in 5, weiglit for age, was won by Maria, the Duck filly, in 7 heats, beating, Bull-Driver, (who took the first heat,) Tyro, (who ran a dead heat with him the third heat, and won the fourth heat,) and several others. Maria won the three last heats.
Wednesday, Feb. 25. — Jockey Club Purse, $760. — 4 mile heats,
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weight for age. — Col. Spann's b. c. Bertrand, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat in two heats Mr. Richardson's ch. c, William, 3 yrs. by Sir Archy, Mr. Singleton's br. m. Pocahontas, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, and Mr. Bacon's b. m. Maria, 5 yrs., by Virginius. First heat, 8 ra, 1 sec ; 2d heat, 8 m. 11 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 26. — Jockey Club Purse, $570, — 3 mile heats, weight for age.
R. Singleton's gr. g. Mark Time, 3 yrs., by Gallatin, - - - 1 1 Mr. Spann's ch. c. Tyro, 4 yrs., by Constitution, - - - - 2 2
1st heat, 6 m. 5 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 25 sec.
Friday, Feb. 27. — Jockey Club Purse, $380. — 2 mile heats, weight for age. No horse allowed to start that is not under 5 years. — R. Singleton's b. f. Pocahontas, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat .Mr. Fitzsimons' b. c. Cherokee, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, CoK Richardson's b. c. Sir Richard ,
3 yrs,, by Sir Archy, Mr. Wynn's Vanity, 3 yrs., by Herod, and Mr. Mill's f. Lalla Rookh, 3 yrs., by Young Whip.
Saturday, Feb. 28. — Handicap Purse, $370. — 3 mile heats.-Col. Spann's b. c. Bertrand, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, carrying 90 lbs., beat Col. Singleton's b. f. Pocahontas, 4 yrs., 90 lbs., Mr. Bacon's gr. g. Mark Time, 3 yrs., 87 lbs., and Mr. Richardson's William, 3 yrs., 90 lbs, 1st heat run in 5 m, 56 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 5 sec.
1825. — Wednesday, Feb. 23. — Jockey Club Purse, $835. — 4 mile heats, free to all ages. Aged horses, 126 lbs. ; 6 yrs., 120 ; 5 yrs., 112 ;
4 yrs., 102 ; 3 yrs., 90 ; 2 yrs., a feather. Mares, fillies and geldings allowed 3 lbs.
Capt. Spann's b. h. Bertrand, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy. - - 1 walked over.
Capt. Harrison's Creeping Kate. 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - 0 dr. Capt. Richardson's Blucher, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - - 0 dr.
Time — 1st heat, 7 m. 47 sec.
Thursday, Feb. 24. — Jockey Club Purse, $625. — 3 mile heats. — Con- ditions as before.
Mr. Moore's Fairfield-, 3 yrs., by Virginius, ----- 1 1 Mr. Richardson's William, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - - - 2 2
Time — 1st heat, 5 m. 54 sec. ; 2d heat, 6 m. 3|. Friday, Feb. 25. — Jockey Club Purse, |420. — 2 mile heats; weights as before.
R. Singleton's Aggy, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - - - 3 1 1 Col. Spann's Cherokee, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - - - 1 2 2 Mr. MUls' Phenomenon, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - - 2 3 3
Time — 1st heat, 3 m. 52 sec; 2d heat, 4 m. \^; 3d heat, 4 m. 4 sec. No horse allowed to start that was not under 5 years.
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Saturday, Feb. 26. — Handicap Purse, $485. — 3 mile heats.
Mr. Moore's Fairfield, 3 yrs., by Virginius, carrying 87 lbs., 1 - - 1
Col Spann's b. h.Bertrand, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, 102 lbs., 2 2 12
Capt. Harrison's Creeping Kate, 4 yrs, by Sir Archy, 95 lbs., - 1 2 -
Mr. Richardson's William, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, 98 lbs., . . - .
R. Singleton's Aggy, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, 87 lbs., ....
Time — 1st heat, 6 m. ; 2d heat, 6 ra. 4 sec. ; 3d heat, 5 m. 48| ; 4th heat, 5 m. 54 sec.
This was a great race on the part of Bertrand, and will be memor- able for all time to come. The following facts, without extended com" ment, will speak for themselves, and show how Bertrand, single-handed, unaided and alone, contended against the field. The 1st heat was won by Fairfield, Kate dropping just within the distance. Kate went for the second heat, which she won, Fairfield this time just dropping within the distance. The 3d heat, Creeping Kate made play again, and, hav- ing plenty of foot, was with difficulty locked by Bertrand; after a severe struggle, however, he beat her out in the fine time of 5 m. 48^; Fair- field ^ again, as before, just dropping within the distance. The 4th heat was won by Fairfield, after having rested the two previous heats, though not without being closely pressed by Bertrand, who gallantly contended to the end. '
1826. — Tuesday, Feb. 21. — Mr, Harrison's Creeping Kate, 5 yrs.,
won a race of 2 mile heats, beating Mr. Cooper's Potomac, and a colt
entered by Mr. Allen.
Wednesday, Feb. 22. — Jockey Club Purse, $577.61. — 4 mile heats.
Free to all ages ; weight for age.
Capt. Spann's b. h. Bertrand, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, out of Eliza, by
Bedford, 11
Mr. J. J. Harrison's ch. f. Lady Le Grange, 3 yrs, by Sir Archy, - 2 dr.
Thursday, Feb. 23. — Jockey Club Purse, $433.20. — 3 mile heats. Conditions as before.
Mr. J, J. Harrison's br. h. Aratus, 5 yrs., by Director, - - - 1 I Col. Spann's b. h. William, 5 yrs. old, by Sir Archy, - - - 2 2 R. Singleton's b. h. Saxe Weimar, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, - - 3 dr.
Time — 1st heat, 5 m. 54 .sec. ; 2d heat, 5 m, 46 sec.
[Note. — Saxe Weimar, full brother of Kosciusko and Crusader, was a fine looking horse, 16 hands 2 inches high, arit-h deep bay, legs black above the knees, with rings of white between the hinder ankles and feet ; he was excellent in all the points that indicate the real courser, though he did not distinguish himself on our Course. He was sent to Tennessee, and stood in 1834 at the stable of Mr. H. M. Crier, two miles west of Gallatin, Tenn.]
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Friday, Feb. 24. — Jockey Club Purse, $288.81. — 2 mile heats. Weights the same. Col. Spann's b. 'c. Seagull^ 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, beat Mr. Singleton's b. f. Juliet, 3 yrs., by Kosciusko, and Mr. J. J. Harrison's ch. c. Frantic, 3 yrs., by Director. This was a race of in- tense interest throughout. There were four heats before the race •was decided ; each of them run under whip and spur. Seagull won the first heat in 3 m. 52 sec ; Frantic took the second heat in 3 m. 50 sec. ; Juliet won the third heat in 3 m. 51^ sec. Then came the deciding heat, which was a beautiful trial of speed and bottom between the three. It was finally won by Seagull, in 3 m. 57^ sec. No horse allowed to start that was not under 5 years.
Same day. — Second Race. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats. Feather weights. Mr. Litle's b. h. Shylock beat Mr. Cooper's h. Stride, and Mr. Harrison's Susan, 3 heats. Time — 1st heat, 3 ra. 50 sec. ; 2d heat, 3 m. 52|- ; 3d heat, 3 ra. 57^.
Saturday, Feb. 25. — Handicap Race. — 3 mile heats, — As this is one of the most gallant races that has been run in our country up to this time, we insert here "a full, true, and particular account," which was published in the New York Sporting Magazine, March, 1833. It is decidedly the best account of the race that we have seen, " take it for all in all ;" but reviewing the original report, as we are now doing, after the lapse of years, by curtailing it a little here and there, we think we have succeeded in toneing down the article somewhat, without injuring any of its life and spirit.
We recollect the race well ; who is there, whose good fortune it was to witness it — " who is there, with soul so dead "■ as to forget it ? It was a glorious sight, to see the style in which Bertrand, after having contended for every heat, answered to the call made upon him by his jockey in the last quarter, and though almost fainting from desperate distress, coming again, with genuine pluck, like one of the " right sort," as he was, and with an almost electric burst of speed, collaring his gallant antagonist, and beating him on the post by half a neck 1 It was a brilliant finish, " a glorious sight, indeed, to see !"
GREAT RACE AT CHARLESTON, S. C, FEB., 1826.
The Annual Races over the Washington Course, Charleston, South Carolina, ended on Saturday, February 25, 1826, with a Handicap Purse, three mile heats. The horses named to the Stewards, as compe- titors, were —
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Col. Spann^sh.h. Bertrand,hy Sir Archy, 5 yrs, old, handicapped, 112 lbs.
Mr. Davenport's br. b. Aratus, by Director, 5 yrs. old, 112 lbs.
Capt. J. J. Harrison's Creeping Kate, by Sir Archy, 5 years old, 109 lbs.
Aratus and Creeping Kate were both trained by, and from the stable of Mr. J. J. Harrison, of Virginia. Bertrand had that week won the purse, 4 mile heats ; Aratus, that of 3 mile heats, and Creeping Kate the Sweepstakes.
Col. Spann, in consequence of both his opponents being under the control of Capt. Harrison, had decided not to run his horse ; and it was at one time expected there would be no race ; upon which, Capt. Harrison agreed to draw one of his horses; whereupon Col. Spann, not to be outdone in courtesy, consented that they should both run, although he saw the disadvantage he labored under. This being made known, all was alacrity. . In the betting ring, it was even, Bertrand against the field, and taken freely ; a good deal was done in this way, among the " business men.''''
At the call, they all appeared, and stripped in fine condition. The order being given, " Mount," the boys were up ; all was breathless anxiety. At the word, they went off well together ; Aratus, in the first quarter, took the track, Bertrand keeping close up, Kate falling back. It soon became evident that Aratus was to " cut the ivork out^'' while Kate " waited wpon tliemr In this way, they went along at a telling pace, Aratus leading in gallant style; about the middle of the second round, Bertrand " chcdlenged^'' and a struggle for the lead was had for two or three hundred yards ; Aratus, however, was not to be headed, and held his place, after a sharp burst ; Kate, all this time, something more than half a distance behind. Aratus kept his rate under a steady pull, Bertrand close upon him, ready to profit by any error or mishap; they kept it up steadily at a racing pace, until they had rounded the first sweep in the last mile ; here Bertrand again challenged, and made severe running, but it would not do, Aratus kept the track — was " pulled well together," at the turn, and came handsomely round ; Ber- trand again, gallantly " made play" for the rally home ; it was " go along," every yard — Aratus has it by half a neck, Kate dropping within the distance.
Time — 5 min. 48 sec.
Confidence in Bertrand was now shaken — Aratus against Bertrand was freely offered and taken.
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Second Heat. — At the summons, they all appeared undaunted ; Ara- tus had the pole, Bertrand next, and Kate outside. They went away at a rattling pace ; Aratus on the lead, was soon taken in hand ; Kate, in the first round, now went up, and " made play," came in front, and went awav at a tell-tale rate, Bertrand waiting upon her, Aratus trailing ; Kate kept it up the remainder of this and during the second round, Bertrand close upon her, Aratus (not running for the heat) lay back. As they went down the back part of the course, in the third round, Bertrand's ri- der received instructions to give away the heat — upon which, lie took a pull at his horse, and fell back. As soon as Bertrand was pulled, Kate was, also, taken in hand. The rider of Bertrand seeing which, and aware that this management could be productive of no benefit, (except that of a fourth heat,) with more judgment than his instructor, aban- doned his intention, stole up, and made a dash for the lead ; but Kate went away at a " killing pace^'' keeping Bertrand at work upon her off quarter. Bertrand made severe running round the turn, but Kate had the iDole. As they entered upon the quarter stretch, Bei'trand's rider went resolutely to work, clapped " the persuaders'''' to him, at the same moment " let out,'''' but not in time to overtake his nimble footed oppo- nent, who passed under the string by half a length before him — Aratus just came within the distance. Time — 5 m., 47 sec.
Great consternation now appeared among the backers of Bertrand. The odds after this heat were four to three, the field against him, and much excitement existed. After the usual lapse of time, the call for the horses sounded — all three appeared, prepared to renew the contest ; Kate inside Bertrand next, and Aratus outside. The order was heard, " come up," and almost instantly, the signal for the start resounded. They got off" cleverly together ; Kate leading under a hard pull, followed closely by Bertrand ; Aratus trailing, as in the last heat. In the first round, Bertrand " made play ;" Creeping Kate was pulled back, and the horse went in fi'ont. All was staked upon this heat ; the great speed of Kate being manifest, Bertrand's only chance was '■'■ gatne^^ and '■'■stoutness ;" he went away at a killing pace, Kate lying closely by him; in the third round, going down the back stretch, Kate made a push for the turn, and severe running ensued ; but it would not do, Bertrand was well laid in for it ; they swept round in gallant style, both going " the pace ;" Bertrand kept it up — a sharp rally took place up the stretch ; but the length had told upon the mare, and Bertrand came in about eight k^i in front — Aratus again dropped within the distance. Time — 5 m., 52 sec.
Each had now taken a heat, the fourth, and that which was to decide the contest, was now to be run. Aratus had been nursed during the two
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last, while Bertrand had contested every inch ; the trial was severe, and one calculated to put game to the test. The time for rubbing down hav- ing expired, and the call made for the horses, Bertrand and Aratus only appeared, Kate being drawn. It was now evident to all, that this would be a " go along" heat ;" " blood and bottom" was to decide it. At the word, the boys were up, Bertrand had the pole ; the signal being given, Aratus made a run for the lead, and succeeded in taking the track i he lead off fearlessly, with a fine rating stride, under a steady pull, with bold Bertrand in his track ; thus they went at a telling pace ; the first round, when past the first sweep of the second mile, Bertrand went up and challenged ; they were now locked, and a severe run ensued for the turn. Aratus, having " taken well q^," made it handsomely, hugged close round, and went along full of running ; Bertrand was compelled to "• pull to him^'' and drop behind — away went Aratus, " and away went he," with Bertrand " at his heels."
The Carolinians were all anxiety and apprehension, a desponding si- lence prevailed ; yet their champion, if vanquished, had maintained the unequal contest nobly, and the '• honest glow of manly pride" consoled every backer. Aratus pursued his rapid and deadly career, giving no quarter. They now came up the stretch, passed the stand, both " going the pace," and entered upon the third mile, Aratus still leading ; round the turn he went, leaning well to the pole, with the speed of a quarter- horse. Here, as a last effort, Bertrand again went at him, and " made his besu play ;" to it they went — a desperate struggle ensued for the pole at the last turn ; not a whisper was to be heard ; many a pulse beat high, and many a heart quailed ; " such a pace" must tell ; Bertrand has out- lasted Aratus, and now leads him.
Aratus, however, was too game to give it up ; he kept his pull, and lay close to him round the bend. They were now at the commencement of the straight run in — Aratus had yet something left in him ; he went up and gallantly renewed the contest ; here a last and severe rally took place — ^the excitement approached to madness — a thousand tongues were heard — Aratus is up ! he is going past ! — no, Bertrand leads ; they are a dead lock. In this way, they came home so fast, that the riders " did not know how they came."* Bertrand winning by half a neck. Time — 5 m., 52 sec.
To the above Report, the Secretary of the South Carolina Jockey Club adds, that Bertrand in three years — from three to five years old —
*In the great match race between Hambletonian and Diamond, at Newmarket, Oakley, wlio rode Hambletonian, describing the pace from the turn of the lands, said, " they came so fast, that I did not know how they came."
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never lost a four mile race — thirteen fine races may be set down to his <;redit, and though beaten, when 4 years old, by Fairfield, in a race of three mile heats, he lost no reputation by the defeat. He will leave the Tuif uninjured — sound in wind and limb — terminating his South Caro- lina career, as a racer, by winning the Jockey Club Purse at Charleston of $1,000 on Wednesday ; and on the following Saturday, making his memorable exhibition of fleetness and game in the Handicap Race, as reported above, three mile heats, beating Creeping Kate and Aratus — on which occasion, in four heats, thrice round, (the Course forty-two feet short of a mile,) carrying 120 lbs., he ran twelve miles, (less one hun- dred and sixty-eight yards,) in 23 m., 22 sec. Bertrand is a fine blood bay, full 16 hands high ; bred by Col. J. R. Spann, of South Carolina, and foaled on the 9th day of April, 1820. He was got by Sir Archy. out of Eliza, (own sister to the celebrated running horse Gallatin ;) Eli- za was by the imported horse Bedford. We repeat, what we have al- ready said of this distinguished Racer elsewhere, " Ihat he was one of those horses who answer to a pull," and " come again," under any amount of distress.
182Y. — Washington Course. — Monday^ Feb. 26. — In a Colt Stake. — 2 mile heats. — Four Nominations. — $200 Each. — Col. Singleton's ch. c. Bed(/auntlet, 3 yrs., by Sir Archy, out of Sylph, by Hephestion, beat Sir Archy, Jr.
Wednesday, Feb. 28.— Jockey Club Purse, 1754 23-lUO. — 4 mile heats. — Col. Singleton's ch. c. Redgauntlet walked over, no competitor starting against him.
Sayne Day — Second Race, — For a Small Purse given by the Club, $70. — Col. Hampton's b. m. Nondescript beat Col. Harrison's b. h. Madi- son. The former won first heat, and galloped over for the second.
Redgauntlet is a remarkably promising colt — of splendid appearance, and of the purest blood — foaled Spring of 1824. He is a bright ches- nut, 16 hands high. He was got by Sir Archy; his dam Sylph, by He- phestion ; grand dam Lottery, by imported Bedford. Col. Singleton thinks very highly of him ; and from having trained him and the cele- brated Ariel together, he is induced to put him into the hands of Mr. Harrison, to be taken on to Virginia, to run in a great inside stake, over the Tree Hill Course, 4 mile heats, against Gohanna and others, entrance $500, in addition to the purse of |1,000.
Thursday, March 1. Jockey Club Purse, |565 68-00. Three mile heats, weight for age.
Col. Singleton's gr. f. Ariel, 4 yrs., 11
Mr. Graves' ch. m. Lady Ezras, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... 2 2 Mr. Harrison's h. Roderick. . • dis.
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Same Day. — Second Race. — Jockey Club Purse. — 2 mile heats.
Mr. Lindsay's Shylock, 211
Mr. Atcheson's Pompey, 12 2
Mr. Nolan's Old Hickory, dis.
Time — 1st heat, 4 m., 10 sec; 2(1 heat, 4m, 15 sec; .3d heat, 4 m., 16 sei!.
Friday, March 2. — Jockey Club Purse, -^SYV. — 2 mile heats, weights as before. No horse allowed to start that is not under 5 yrs.
Col Singleton's b. f. Nondescript, 4 yrs., by Kosciusko, ..211 Mr. Graves' ch. c. Nebo, 3 yrs., by Timoleon, .... 1 2 2
Same Day. — A match for |50. — 2 mile heats. — Between a gr. c. of Col. Calhoun's, and a b. f. belonging to Mr. Cotton, which was won by the former ; the b. f. bolting.
Saturday, March 3d. — Handicap Race, ^345 50-100. — Three mile
heats.
Col. Singleton's gr. f. Ariel, 4 yrs., 99 lbs., 11
Mr. G-raves' cb. m. Lady Ezras, 5 yrs. 2 2
Col. Singleton won every day this week, as Gen. Hampton did in 1800.
A Small Purse was given by the Club for a Second Race, which wa.s won by Mr. Harrison's b. h. Madison, beating three others.
1828. — Tuesday, Feb. 26 — Heats, 2 miles. — A Gold Cup, given by the South Carolina Jockev Club, to be liable to challenge hereafter, and must be won by the same gentleman three successive years, or held xmchallenged during that period, before his property in it is complete. Weight for age.
Col. Singleton's ch. f. Sally Taylor, 4 yrs., by Kosciusko, ..11 Col. Spann's g. e. Rapley, 4 yrs , by Bassanio, .... 4 2 Mr. Shannon's ch. c. Richmond, 3 yrs., by (Jallatin, ... 2 dr. Mr. Harrison's b. f. Eliza, 3 yrs., by Madison, .... 3 dr. Mr. Moore's ch. c. Erin, 4 yrs., by Knickerbocker, . . dis.
Wednesday, Feb. 21. — Jockey Club Purse, $622.44, and a bet of $1,000. — 4 mile heats. Weight for age.
Col. Singleton's ch. c. Crusader, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... 1 1 Col. Wynn's gr. m. Ariel, 5 yrs., by Eclipse, 2 2
Time not kept — heavy, and even betting ; a very close race. Cru- sader is a horse of immense size, 16 hands 3 inches high ; in color, a chesnut, without white, except a small star on the forehead ; with fine action, notwithstanding his height; his stride is said to be 25 feet. After retiring from the turf, he stood for some seasons in this State ; he was, in 1831, taken to Tennessee; he stood in that State till 1834, when he was removed to Russelville, in Kentucky.
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Thursday, Feb. 28. — -Jockey Club Purse, $466.83. — 3 mile heats.
Conditions as before.
Col "VVynn's ch. m. Sally Hope, 5 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... 1 1 Col. Singleton's b. m. Nondescript, 5 yrs., by Kosciusko, . 2 2
Mr. Harrison's ch. f. Lady Lightfoot, 4 yrs., by Virginius, ..33 Col. Spann's b. c Archy, 4 yrs., by Sir Archy, ... .44
Time — 1st heat, 5 m. 51 sec. ; 2d beat, 6 m. 3 sec. Same day — Second Race. — A Match, 2 mile heats.
Mr. Cotton's b. f . Maxy, Oil
Col. Spann's gr. f. Carolina 0 2 2
A. beautiful race ; the 1st heat a dead heat ; the 2d and 3d heats handsomely and closely contested : no time kept.
Friday, Feb. 29.— Jockey Club Purse, $3 1 1 .—2 mile heats. Weights
as before. No horse allowed to start that is not under 5 years. .
Col. Wynn'sch. g. Weehawk,