FRITZ'S NEW RECORD, 2.14.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 35

FRITZ'S NEW RECORD, 2.14.

Mr Buckland's champion Vancleve gelding has, since his return to New Soulh Wales, made two attempts to lower his own record of 2min 14 4-ssec, made at Moonec Valley j (Vie.) in 1896, and in one of these trials, as already reported by cable, Fritz met with success under difficulties by clipping off the fractional part of a second. Sydney Referee has a good account of both goes. At the Dubbo meeting Fritz had a galloping pacel maker, and got off at the first attempt. He I came up at a dashing clip, and flying past the official wa-tchholder, started off amidst a i round of cheers calculated to startle him, but they had no such effect. The furlongs were put past very fast, the half-mile being taken at Imin 6^sec. The last half was not so fast, the time being 2min 15|sec officially, though all the private watches made it faster. There was betting on the event, bookmakers betting even money that 2min 18sec was not beaten, on which terms a good deal of money changed hands. Fritz and his driver were lustily cheered, though the record was not beaten. It should be mentioned that he attempted it on a grass track, not favourable for a trotter to perform on. Three clays later, at Brighton, Fritz made his record. The track had been specially rolled, but the rain had left it a trifle soft in places. It was, however, fairly good going. Afier a preliminary spin Fritz rattled up to Mr J. (.4. Deeble, who held the flag, with his pacemaker alongside. He dashed off with a fine burst of spted, and when he had gone a couple of furlongs the timists reckoned he was good for carrying out his contract against 2min 14- 4-ssec. His half-mile was ticked at Imin b^ec, and the second in Imin 7£sec, time for the mile 2min 14scc. Then the crowd cheered and escorted Fritz to the weighing yard, whore Mr Buckland was freely congratulated on his achievement. The private watches were all agreed on this occasion, accounted for by the fact that the start was opposite where the people stood, perhaps. There is no doubt it was a very fine performance, with no attempt to " go up " on Fritz's part. His owner drove him right out, but did not use a whip.