296 Tbe American Tborougbbred 



so high that they put out all the money they 

 had brought to town on equal terms. They 

 reasoned that if Lexington could perform a four- 

 mile heat in 7. 19 J, there was no reason why 

 Lecompte should not also do it, if required, for 

 the contest now stood equal between them, and 

 it must not be forgotten that in Lecompte's vic- 

 tory in 7.26 he had trailed Lexington, and then 

 turned out and passed ahead of him. 



" It was, moreover, said on their side, that the 

 7.i9jwas not as good as the 7.26 of Lecompte, 

 for that by running alone and choosing the close 

 side of the track, Lexington saved nearly two 

 seconds of distance in each mile, and likewise 

 had the advantage of a long start, and of receiv- 

 ing the word ' Go ' at full speed instead of be- 

 ginning 'from the jump' as in match fashion. 

 Hope told a flattering tale. 



"On the strength of these calculations there was 

 considerable betting on time, but with none did 

 I hear it set at less than 7.26, while many be- 

 lieved — though I heard no bet to that effect — 

 that the heat would be achieved as low down as 

 7.15 or 7.16. I do not know that anything can 

 furnish a better idea of the revolution made in 

 racing time by Lecompte and Lexington than 



