SPECULATION ON THE MATCH. 321 



ton, quoted above, that this journal was the f/rst to allude to the 

 fact that Lexington was pulled up at the finish of his third mile 

 in the second heat of his second race with Lecomte. Whether 

 Lexington could have beaten Lecomte in that race is another 

 matter. " Doctors differ ! " It was our expressed opinion that 

 if Lexington had been ridden in the second heat by the jockey 

 engaged for him, the result might possibly have been different. 

 For the expression of this opinion, we have been most grossly 

 abused by three correspondents of the Kew Orleans press ever 

 since. Much good may it do them. We " let them up light." 

 Lecomte, a son of Boston and Keel, could naturally be " nothing 

 but a good 'un." We never had a doubt of his immense turn 

 of speed, or of his thorough game. His sire was the best race- 

 horse, barring an infirmity of temper, and his dam second to 

 none, save Fashion, that ever gloriously illustrated the fact that 

 " BLOOD WILL TELL ! " Their performances and triumphs will 

 live in the annals of the turf, as of those " high-mettled racers," 

 Flying Childers and English Eclipse, to which, in our humble 

 judgment, they were not inferior. 



Before entering into the reports and details of the match, 

 we have thought it would not be uninteresting to our readers to 

 have the speculations of two New Orleans daily papers — sup- 

 posed to be well advised — on the morning before the race. 



We quote from the "Picayune," of the 1st instant. 



The most remarkable racing event of modern times, and 

 indeed of all time, will come oft' to-morrow over the Metairie 

 Course, should the weather prove favorable up to the time of 

 starting, which is announced for half past three o'clock, p. m. 



Lexington, a son of the world-renowned Boston, is matched 

 to perform a feat which he has never yet performed, which 

 Lecomte accomplished under perhaps the most favorable cir- 

 cumstances of good order of the course, fine weather, balmy 

 atmosphere, and his excellent condition. 



We learn that a gentleman representing the Yirginia party 

 arrived in this city a few days ago, invested with plenary 

 powers. The judges and timers have been appointed, and a 

 better selection could not have been made than in his Excellency 

 Gov. P. O. Hebert, Gen. S. W. Westmore, and John G. Cocks, 

 Esq., the President of the Club, as judges, and Hon. D. F. 

 Vol. L— 21 



