THE AMERICAN TROTTER AND PACER 



59 



The speed of the trotter is the main factor influencing values, 

 and the speed record of an animal or its relationship to such 

 will essentially affect its selling price. As might be expected, foals 

 occasionally change 

 hands at large prices 

 based on pedigree and 

 speed records of the 

 family. The speed of 

 the trotter has been 

 constantly improved, 

 until the end of 19 19 

 saw records that would 

 not have been thought 

 possible by persons 

 living a generation 

 ago. All of the stand- 

 ard racing records 

 have been materially 

 changed during the 

 last fifty years. The 

 following statement 

 shows how this record, representing horses in harness and not 

 under saddle, has been lowered between 1845 and 19 18. Not 

 every reduction in time is given, but enough to show the gradual 

 process by which it took place. 



Fig. 17A. Dan Patch, i:5SJ, by Joe Patchen. The 

 fastest pacer of record up to date, and one of the 

 leading sires of pacers. Purchased for ^60,000 

 by M. W. Savage, Minneapolis, Minnesota. From 

 illustration by courtesy of Mr. Savage 



1 Timed with f Mft^^frfD^lW^'eaopbemaker in front. 



