BLACK MARIA AND SLENDER. 229 



challenged, and a sharp rally ensued for about sixty rods. But 

 the set-to commenced too early ; the distance home too long for 

 Maria to live through ; the length began to tell, and although 

 the boy got well at her, it would not do. Slender came in front 

 at the end of the straight side, and swept boldly round the last 

 turn. The black mare's chance was now out, while the bay 

 entered upon the last quarter stretch in good style, winning in 

 a canter. — Time, Y.58." 



Slender, the beautiful winner of this race, was killed the 

 May following, by an accident received in a race with Collier 

 and Eliza Eeilly, at J^orfolk, Va. It occurred on the 25th May, 

 in running four-mile heats. The three entries were locked in 

 the second mile, Slender having the inside track ; when all 

 three were making play for the lead. Slender struck one of her 

 feet against the railing, and fell. Tlie shock was so great as to 

 deprive her of all motion, and she lay apparently lifeless on the 

 track, whence she was immediately removed, and every effort 

 made to revive her ; but it appeared, upon examination, that 

 the spine was broken, and that she had received some internal 

 hurts, which rendered recovery impossible ; she died at 10 

 o'clock the same night. Her fate excited general sympathy, 

 and a deep-felt regret in the gallant turfman to whom this fine 

 animal belonged. To him her nominal value was of little con- 

 sequence, but she was a favorite. Her rider escaped unhurt. 



Betsey Eansom, now owned by Eobert L. Stevens, Esq., of 

 this city, he sent out to England, in company with hi^ celebrated 

 mare Polly Hopkins, in October, 1834. They went out in foal 

 to Eclipse ; Polly Hopkins dropped a colt, and Betsey Eansom 

 a filly foal, which were imported in their yearling form. The 

 filly, called Jessica, Mr. Stevens sold last season, and she is now 

 owned in Missouri ; Mr. P. C. Bush ran her with credit at the 

 fall meeting of the St. Louis Jockey Club, over the Sulphur 

 Springs Course. In England the two mares were bred to the 

 most fashionable stallions of the day ; in 183T a yearling filly 

 by Priam — since imported — and another by Emilius came over, 

 and shortly afterwards Betsey Eansom herself ; she was bred 

 last year to Mr. John C. Stevens' Dosoris, while Polly Hopkins 

 was stinted to Plenipo, and still remains abroad. 



