200 Making the American Thoroughbred 



of The Spirit oj the Times, who witnessed the race, "the 

 high breeding and promise of the colts, the character and 

 respectability of the parties concerned, with the great 

 value of the stakes, induced a great number from all 

 parts of the United States to embrace the opportunity to 

 visit for the first time, the great western Valley, to view 

 her broad, bright streams, her fertile lands, her rising cities 

 and teeming population with steam boats crowding the 

 great highway of waters, like the market wagons of the 

 east then landing at Nashville, one of the most pictur- 

 esque and thriving cities of the West and, as a finale to 

 such a trip, to enjoy such a race meeting as has never 

 before occurred in our country, and which no one can hope 

 to witness again." 



Ample arrangements had been made to take care of a 

 large crowd. 



The only unpleasant feature was the condition of the 

 track. Incessant rain on the yth and 8th, followed by 

 wind and sun on the pth, had left it very heavy with sticky 

 mud. But the day itself, "opened delightfully. The sun 

 shone forth with cheerful effulgence, gladdening every 

 heart and brightening every eye. The attendance was 

 worthy the occasion. About 10 o'clock the crowd took 

 up their line of march to the race course, distant about 

 one mile, and from that hour until i o'clock P.M. the road 

 presented a continuous line of pedestrians, equestrians, 

 omnibusses, carts, drays and carriages of all descriptions. 

 Upon reaching the course the picture was perfect. The 

 stands were crowded the field presented a dense mass 

 of human beings in the highest possible glee. The ladies' 

 stand was illumined with an array of beauty and fashion 

 that would have moved the soul of an anchorite." 



Among the distinguished strangers who honored the 

 course with their presence were Hon. Alex. Barrow and 



