THE TWENTY-MILE RACE. 237 



Several interesting reports of this remarkable race have 

 been pnblished, but the most accurate and graphic one that has 

 met our eye was penned by a distinguished member of the 

 l!^ew York bar — a gentleman whose taste and judgment in 

 every thing pertaining to horse-flesh, is only equalled by tlie 

 extent and variety of his legal acquirements. It appeared as a 

 communication in the " Turf Register," in the number for De- 

 cember, 1832, and was to the following eifect ; — 



" After the horses were brought upon the ground, much 

 anxiety was exhibited as to the event of the coming contest ; 

 and the interesting little Trifle appeared to be the favorite 

 among the betters, as well as the spectators. — ' Five to four, 

 Trifle against the field,' was current betting ; and ' five to three, 

 Trifle against Black Maria,' were repeatedly off"ered and refused. 

 Indeed, this ofi'spring of the far-famed Lady Lightfoot seemed 

 to have but few friends or well-wishers, comparatively speaking ; 

 and bets were repeatedly oflfered that she would not take a heat. 

 Prepossessions, in favor of the Southern mare, appeared to exist 

 among a decided majority of the spectators ; and, as she was 

 foaled ' south of Mason and Dixon's line,' it seemed a matter 

 of course that she was to win. Indeed, if unfailing spirits, 

 beauty of form, and a peculiar quietness of manner, could sup|)ly 

 the defect of size, Trifle would not be considered as such in any 

 thing but oiame. She is race-horse in every just sense of the 

 word, but a race-horse of the smallest pattern — not over four- 

 teen hands and a half high — of just proportions, undoubted 

 bottom, and considerable power. Her color a bright chestnut, 

 with a blaze, indicating sj)irit and blood. 



" Black Maria, in size and general appearance, is in all re- 

 spects unlike her rival, as is well known to Southern, as well as 

 JSTorthern sportsmen. Her color is indicated by her name ; and 

 her great size, strength and stride, show her a worthy daughter 

 of a noble sire. Indeed, in her the blood of Eclipse and Lady 

 Lightfoot are in no way disgraced, as this race will most fully 

 prove. 



" Lady Relief and Slim were almost unknown to fame ; but 

 certain individuals present were aware that the former had, 

 upon a previous occasion, won the last half of sixteen miles ; 

 and they looked for sport, unexpected by others, if it should 



