CHAPTER III 



THE TWO-MINUTE HORSES OF 1 903 



SENSATIONAL performances were numerous dur- 

 ing the summer of 1903. The trotter crossed the 

 two-minute line, but in a way not commended by 

 thousands of thoughtful observers. 



In 1 88 1 the bay mare Sweetness, record 2.21^, 

 by Volunteer by Hambletonian out of Lady Mer- 

 ritt by Edward Everett by Hambletonian, was 

 one of the five mares bred to Santa Claus, son of 

 Strathmore by Hambletonian, and the outcome 

 was Sidney, who paced to a record of 2.19!. Octo- 

 ber 29, 1889, I was at the Valensin Stock Farm, 

 Pleasanton, California, and from a note-book used 

 on that occasion I copy : 



" Sidney, bay horse, eight years old ; straight 

 hip ; plenty of substance and length. Left fore- 

 leg was hurt when he was a colt. Trotted a 

 quarter as a yearling in 37 seconds and then went 

 to pacing. Very quiet in disposition. Good head 

 and neck. Stands 15.2^; breeds large and is a 

 good feeder." 



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