Hutchans v. Gent.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume I, Issue 82, 20 December 1887, Page 4

Hutchans v. Gent.

THE RACE EVENTUATES—A GRAND TUSSLE.

Tkese noted (print runners managed to run their 120yds match for £lOO aside and the championship at Gateshead, England on October the 29th. Contrary to expectation, quite 4000 assembled on either side of the course. This number would have been trebled 1 ’Y* I’® 1 ’® it B °t for fear of another riot •uniliar to the London fiasco. As it was, hundreds, unable to pay the increased tariff, settled down on the faille opposite, but their tight was obstructed by canvas hastily hoisted. A wild roar gave evidence of a turbu. lent spirit, and, in anticipation of a disturbance, several advised the remoral of the covering i but. luckily, the outsiders were satisfied with a glimpse of the proceedings, and were appeased. In attendance was a strong contigent of stalwart men from the Durham constabulary, and, in addition, persons with white caps were ranged along the line to preserve order, one of the officers taking his stand on the far side of the worsted to prevent any mischievous individual breaking it during the race. It will be thus seen that every precaution was taken to quell disorder, and so admirably were the arrangements carried out, despite the fact of only a thin line intercepting the left phalanx, who stood three and four deep, not a single individual left his post until the race was finished, Hutchens was first to put in appearance, and, as he strolled leisurely down the ground, Gent joined him. 7to 2 was offered against Hutchens, but speculation was almost nil, people being afraid of a repetition of the Lillie Bridge riot.

Hutchens won the toss, and choose the side nearest the rails. There were over 4000 spectators present at this time, and when the men toed the mark the ground was as still and quiet as though tenantless, but a flash from the starters pistol, followed by a report, created a perfect frenzy and a terrific yell. In the opinion of almost every one on the ground Hutchens moved first, but, in reality, Gent was quicker away, though Wilkinson declares there was not a hair’s breadth between them. In any case, it was a grand start, and worthy of the veteran, who has by long experience and honesty, secured the confidence of the entire sporting world. Once in motion they commenced at a marvellous pace, Gent undoubtedly with the lead. Traversing fifty yards the Darlington man was half a yard in front, and both were urged on by dint of the most uproarious cheering. Forty yards from the end Hutchens made a wonderful effort to draw level, and by many he is believed to have succeeded. Here Gent put more life into his running, and, throwing all his energy and marvellous speed into his movements, tore away like an infuriated demon, dlosely pursued by Hutchens. One of the best races ever witnessed now ensued, and, after a desperate finish, Gent won, amid a volley of cheering, by three-quarters of a yard. Time, taken with a chronometer, by Kendal and Dent, of Cheapside, llfsec. Harry Gent was born in Darlington, is twenty-six years of age, stands oft 9fin high, and weighs list 9jlb. He was prepared for his engagement at Aylestone Park Grounds, Leicester, by Fred. Paylev, whom the champion describes as the best trainer in the world. Henry Hutchens, of Putney, weighs 12st 91b, is thirty-one years of age, and the same height as Gent. Richmond was his training ground, and Courtney superintended his work to the satisfaction of the ex-champion and his supporters, In commenting upon the race the Sporting Life of Oct. 81 says:— “Whatever may be said for or against the Lillie Bridge race, over which it is better to draw a veil and allow it to finally pass out of memory, there cannot be two opinions about the honesty and integrity of Saturday's proceedX Naturally enough, fear pre1, and a repetition of the London plan of campaign was by no means unexpected, hence the absence of (peculation. But to prove the bonafidss or the match, men who would not travel fifty yards to see what is vulgarly termed a 1 erook * wore present, and risked the consequences rather than miss the race. Concerning the lack of betting, that can be best explained by advancing the theory of Hutchens’ inability to win, though expected to make a good race, as he did four yards inside evens, and Gent could not beat * levels ’ in a trial on Wednesday, but it was well known that he had suddenly found a few yards when he was tried in the dark on the Friday prior to the contest. In point of condition Gent was the better man, and his handsome appearance and clear complexion atamp him as the beau ideal of an athelte. Hutchens has, of course, passed the line of youthful demarcation, and in his clothes looked somewhat jaded. But when stripped a good deal of his wonted life and vigour shone out prominently, and as soon as he took his preliminary, not a few declared him to be almost at his best, and likely to win.”