2i6 The American Thoroughbred 



they were brought to the post a third time, and it 

 would have been difficult to decide which had 

 recovered best. So much feeling was manifested 

 in reference to the horses, that the baser impulses 

 to bet on the result of the concluding heat were 

 almost entirely disregarded ; odds, however, were 

 in a few instances offered on Wagner. 



" In detailing the contest for the third heat, we 

 are compelled to record 



" ' A few of the unpleasantest words 

 That e'er man writ on paper ! ' 



" At the word ' Go ! ' they broke off with a 

 racing stride, Wagner taking the lead by about 

 two lengths ; the pace was moderate, for Stephen 

 on Gray Eagle was expressly charged to pull him 

 steady, and wait for orders. W^agner accordingly 

 led with an easy stroke through the first mile, 

 and being cheered as he passed the stand, he 

 widened the gap soon after to four or five lengths. 

 At the half-mile post Gray Eagle made play, and 

 had nearly closed the gap as they came opposite 

 the Oakland House, when he suddenly faltered 

 as if shot, and after limping a step or two, 

 abruptly stopped ! ' Gray Eagle has let down I ' 

 was the cry on all hands, and when the specta- 



