H^bat a Thoroughbred Mare may do I'jc) 



In the hands of a gentleman less regardful of 

 the gratification of the public and more alive to 

 his own interests, it is very doubtful if Black 

 Maria would not have run many years longer and 

 brought many thousands of dollars home with 

 her. John C. Stevens was first and last a sports- 

 man, and Black Maria was his racing pride. 



Her very first try was in a produce match for 

 $5000 a side when she was a three-year-old. Her 

 opponent was Colonel William R. Johnson's 

 brown colt Brilliant, by Sir Archy. This match 

 was made on blood before either colt was foaled, 

 and naturally excited more than ordinary interest, 

 although it was the first start for the mare that 

 was afterward to be so famous. 



It was another one of those North vs. South 

 races, which, it may be interesting to note, pre- 

 ceded but briefly that personal rivalry between 

 the two sections that had so unfortunate a cul- 

 mination in 1 86 1. It being the first appearance 

 of both performers, little or nothing was known 

 outside of the stables of the speed or endur- 

 ance of either. Maria looked like a good 'un ; 

 but then Brilliant was brought to the post by 

 a first-rate judge and crack trainer. Colonel John- 

 son, who showed that he knew a hawk from a 



