CRESCEUS BREAKS THE WORLD'S TROTTING RECORD.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XII, Issue 715, 19 November 1903, Page 10

CRESCEUS BREAKS THE WORLD'S TROTTING RECORD.

A MILE IN Imin 59-2 sec

Cresceus is again king (says the Breeder and Sportsman” of October 24) At Wichita, Kansas, last Monday he broke the two minures record held jointly by Lou Dillon and Major Delmar, trotting a mile in 1:59-1 and is again the champion of all trotters. It was a wonderful mile, and adds one more to the list of wonders that have been accompl-shed during this year of 1903. The old stallion had been classed with the has-beens, and after making a heavy season in the stud this yeai w2s not 'looked to be in any condition to reduce his own former record of 2.02*, let alone trot a mile within the two minutes mark. It is true that he reduced the world’s half-mile record to 1:08 this ,ear and had trotted in public in 2:06* and shown quarters m his work in 29sc ’ c > but few horsemen imagined he could be nut into condition to carry his giea speed over a mile track no matter how favourable all the conditions of weather and footing might be. But he has done it and again proved himself the most wonderful'trotter that ever lived. bhen he trotted two miles last year 111 4:17 reducing the world’s record iQsec horsemen said it was the most wonderful of all his performances, lhe despatch sent out by the Associated Press giving the account of Cresceus mile in 1:59 4 is as Wichita, Kas., October 19.—Such an ovation as was given Cresceus when he trotted a mile in 1:592 to-day and made a new world’s record has been rarely witnessed. The stallion was nearly smothered to death, so eager were the spectators to pat or get near enough to touch hniK The day was simply perfect and the track in prime condition. Cresceus was paced by a running mate, Mike the Tramp, to a sulky. Cresceus had no wind break whatever. The first quarter was made in 0:30 and the mile in 1.5 J*. George H. Ketcham, who owns Cresceus, and who drove him to-day, said tois the best track out of doors and the conditions were perfect. When 1 was here the week before last the track was wet, but I saw its advantages and determined to come back. The result justified my expectations. I knew before the race that the stallion would beat his record, but I did not expect a triumph so complete. I shall go to Oklahoma City and Fort Scott right away to keep engagements and that will, be the last time he will appear in public.” Ketcham worked the horse out in 2:lo kefoie the final test and then sent him Hying for the record. He broke when he first- scored for the word, but on the next attempt was sent off, going the first quarter in 0:30 flat. There v.as a cheer when he reached the half in 0.59*-, and when the three-quarters was passed in 1:30 the cheer became an uproar. Justbefore he reached the wire Cresceus broke, and it is believed lost fully three-quar. (rs of a second. He caught handily and’ flashed under the wire in 1:59-3.