Black Bird-Prairie Boy trotting match.

SIMPSON, VOSBURG, SKINKLE, LECLAIRE

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 9/15/2008 at 23:08:36

Dubuque Weekly Times, November 22, 1860:

Iowa Ahead!-The trotting match between Black Bird, of Jackson County, Iowa, and Prairie Boy, of Chicago, for a purse of $2,000, five mile heats, best two in three, which for some weeks past has engrossed considerable attention in sporting circles, came off yesterday afternoon at the Twin City track. Owing to the chilly atmosphere and the price of admission to the grounds being fifty cents, the attendance was not so large as it would have been under more favorable circumstances. The horses were in excellent trim. At 2 o’clock they were called to the stand. Messrs. O. Adams, of Chicago, L.V. Skinkle, of Muscatine and J. A. LeClaire of this city, acted as judges. Prairie Boy was driven by S. Anderson, and Black Bird, by J.S. Simpson; upon starting Prairie Boy had the inside. The heat was won by the Boy in 14:21; he came in about half a length ahead. After an intermission of forty minutes, the horses were called for a second heat, Mr. Vosburg(owner of Laplander) being seated behind Black Bird, Mr. Simpson’s arms having given out. The heat was won by Black Bird in 14:34. It was now an even thing, and considerable excitement prevailed among the friends of the different horses. A number of bets were offered, and taken quickly, the Chicago horse evidently having the most monied friends. The third heat was taken easily by Black Bird in 13:8. On the fourth mile Prairie Boy “let down” and the last mile was trotted by Black Bird only. The average time made was 2:53. The fifteen miles were done in 44 minutes.-Davenport Gazette.