258 THE HOKSE. 



and Musiclora had given way in training ; Picton was in Ten- 

 nessee, and complaining ; Occident's trials would not justify his 

 starting ; Billy Townes and Mary Yaughan were on the ground, 

 but not up to the mark in condition. From the day the stake 

 closed, the betting had been going on with spirit in different 

 sections of the country, increasing daily in amount as the race 

 drew nigh. From the first Wagner was decidedly the favorite ; 

 and when it became reduced almost to a certainty that not 

 above six would start, the betting was about 50 to 75 on him vs. 

 the field. For many months previous to the race, and before it 

 was known how many would start, odds were offered, from New 

 York to New Orleans, on Wagner and Billy Townes against the 

 field. Immense sums were laid out at odds, in Kentucky, on 

 Grey Eagle's winning the first heat, and in many instances he 

 was backed against Wagner for the race. In consequence of 

 the unlimited confidence felt by the Kentuckians in the " foot " 

 of Grey Eagle, it was resolved by the Wagner party not to run 

 for the first heat, unless circumstances should occur which might 

 render it an easy thing for their horse. But the day before the 

 race, a commission from New Orleans was received, offering a 

 large sum on Wagner's beating the gray the first heat, which 

 induced them to change this determination ; indeed, the induce- 

 ment to run for it was a pretty substantial one, for they could 

 lose nothing, and might win several thousands — we do not feel 

 at liberty to say how many, or who were the parties ; it is enough 

 that they were keen, and also successful. Two days before the 

 race, Mr. McCargo gave Billy Townes a trial with Missouri and 

 Texana, and though the result was entirely satisfactory, so far 

 as his action was concerned, he soon after cramped to such a 

 degree that it was at once declared that he would not be started. 

 Mary Yaughan, we believe, was plated for the race, but not 

 being quite up to the mark, she also paid forfeit. On the morn- 

 ing of the race, it being understood pretty thoroughly that 

 Wagner, Grey Eagle, Queen Mary, and Hawk-Eye only would 

 start, out of the ten nominations, "business" commenced in 

 earnest, Wagner being freely oftered against the field, and as 

 freely taken, while Grey Eagle was backed at small odds for the 

 first heat. 



The " call " for the horses was sounded at a quarter to one 



