HISTORY OF QUEENS COUNTY with illustrations, Portraits & Sketches of Prominent Families and Individuals. New York: W.W. Munsell & Co.; 1882.pp. 57-59. History of Queens County enter name and hit return
CHAPTER III.
THE CRADLE OF AMERICAN HORSE-RACING- COURSES AND COURSERS OF OLD.
THE county of Queens has been of old famous for its two race-courses, New Market and Beaver Pond. Daniel Denton before 1670 says: "Toward the middle of Long Island lyeth a plain 16 miles long and 4 broad, where you shall find neither stick nor stone to hinder the horses heels, or endanger them in their races; and once a year the best horses in the Island are brought hither to try their swiftness, and the swiftest rewarded with a silver cup, two being annually procured for that purpose." A London book (1776) says: "These Plains were celebrated for their races throughout all the Colonies and even in England. They were held twice a year for a silver cup, to which the gentry of New England and New York resorted." The first course was established on Salisbury Plains, near the present Hyde Park station. Governor Nicolls in 1665 appointed a horse-race to take place in Hempstead, "not so much for the divertisement of youth as for encouraging the bettering of the, breed of horses, which through great neglect has been impaired." Governor Lovelace also appointed by proclamation, about 1669, that trials of speed should take place in the month of May in each year, and that subscriptions be taken and sent to Captain Salisbury, of all such as were disposed to run for a crown of silver or the value thereof in wheat. This course, named New Market (and in 1764 called ,"the ‘new course ") from one in England, was in the course of years (perhaps in 1804) removed under the same name to a large level field east of the old court-house, and there continued till about 1821, when horseracing was transferred to the Union course, on the western borders of Jamaica, after the passing of an act by the Legislature allowing of trials of speed in Queens county for a term of years, during the months of May and October. In 1834 the time was extended for "years more, the racing to be between April 1st and June 5th and from September 1st to November 5th yearly. This course, over a mile in circuit, was on a level surface, with a nearly oval track. Connected with it was a jockey club of above 250 members, who contributed $20 each yearly to the "jockey club purses." This course was afterward owned by the "Union Association," capital $100,000, formed upon the act of the Legislature of August 2nd 1858. On the 27th of May 1823 was run over this course match race of four-mile heats for $20,000 a side, between "Eclipse," 9 years old, bred by General Nathaniel Coles, of Dosoris, and carrying 126 pounds, and "Sir Henry," 4 years old, carrying 108 pounds, bred in North Carolina "Eclipse" won in three heats. It is supposed that $200,000 was lost and won on the exciting occasion, and that from forty to sixty thousand people were at the race. On May 10th 1842 there was another match for $20,000 a side or this course, between the Virginia horse "Boston," 9 years old, and carrying 126 pounds, and the New Jersey mare "Fashion," 5 years old, and carrying 111 pounds. "Fashion" won in two heats. From fifty to seventy thousand spectators were computed to be present, including a great many ladies. There was a trotting course formed in 1825 at Centreville, a mile southeast of the Union course. A railroad now runs through it. Here on October 4th 1847 "Albany Girl" was matched for $250 to perform 100 miles in harness in 10 consecutive hours. She broke down after traveling 97 1/2 miles in 9 1/2 hours. May 31st 1854 the National Association or "National Race-course," with a capital of $250,000, was formed and November 26th 1855 the " Fashion Association" was formed at Newtown, under the act of the Legislature for improving the breed of horses, passed April 15th 1854. The "Fashion course" was broken up in 1865 by having the Flushing Railroad pass through it. There was a famous race-course of a mile in length around Beaver Bond in Jamaica. The date of its first establishment seems unknown; but it was before 1757, for in that year, on June 13th, the New York subscription plate was run for and won by Lewis Morris junior’s horse "American Childers." These races were held spring and autumn yearly till or after the close of the last century. There were other inferior race-courses; one at Newtown (1758), one (1781) at Timothy Cornell’s Poles, Hempstead, and another at Captain Polhemus’s, New Lots, 1778. There were also several races of the "Huckleberry Frolic" in Hempstead, and they are continued to this day. We annex some old advertisements which will show something of the spirit and tastes of the earlier sporting characters. 1750, June 4th.-On Friday last there was a great horse-race on Hempstead Plains, which engaged the attention of so many of the city of New York that upwards of seventy chairs and chaises were carried over Brooklyn ferry the day before, besides a far greater number of horses. The number of horses on the plains, it was thought, far exceeded one thousand.-N.Y. Postboy. 1758, Noventher 10th.-A purse of £10 is to be run for at Newtown on December 5th, the best of three heats, one mile each. Entrance, one dollar, to be paid the day before the race to Daniel Betts.-N.Y. Mercury. 1763.-New York Free Masons’ Purse of $100 to be run for April 25th, the best two of three heats, each heat three times round Beaver Pond, Jamaica, each horse to carry nine stone weight and to be entered with Mr. Thomas Braine, paying 30s. entrance. The entrance money to be run for next day-the whole to be under the inspection of three Free Masons.-New York Mercury. 1764.-To be run for, April 12th, on the new track on Hempstead Plains a purse of $50, the best of three four-mile heats, each horse carrying nine stone and paying 50s. entrance or double at the post. On Friday a purse of £20 and upwards, free for half-bred horses only, six years old and under, carrying eight stone, the best of three two-mile heats. Horses to be entered with Mr. John Comes, Jamaica. Not less than three reputed horses to start, and to be subject to the King’s plate articles. Judges will be appointed to terminate all disputes.-.N.Y. Mercury. 1764.-New Market Races-To be run for, over the new course, Monday October 8th, a purse of £50, free for any horse carrying nine stone, the best of three two-mile heats. On Tuesday a purse of £20, free for any horse bred in the province of New York. Entrance at Mr. John Combs, Jamaica. Certificates, under the hands of the breeders, must be produced, of the ages and qualifications of the horses that run on Tuesday.-N.Y. Mercury. 1764, October 9th.-Purse, £50.-Races at New Market, by Mr. Smith’s bay horse " Hero," Mr. Thorne’s grey horse "Starling," and Mr. Leary’s bay horse "Old England." All imported from England. "Starling" gained the first and second heats with ease.-N.Y. Mercury. 1765, March 25th.-To be run for round Beaver Pond, at Jamaica, Thursday May 2nd, a piece of plate of £20 value, free for any horse bred in this government, carrying ten stone. The horses to start at the distance-post and run twice round, and as far as the Tree the third round, for each heat-the best two of three heats. The entrance money to be run for next day by all but the winning and distanced horses. Entrance with John Comes 10s., or double at the post.-N.Y. Mercury. 1768.-New Market Races, Friday October 2 1st; purse, £50. The best of three four-mile heats, free for any horse. Saturday, a purse of £50 for four-year-old horses; 50s. entrance. Horses to be shown and entered at the starting post the day before running, in presence of the judges. Disputes will be decided by a majority of the subscribers present. The winning horse each day to pay 50s. to put the course in order. No less than three reputed horses to be allowed to start, at 12 o’clock each day.-N.Y. Mercury. 1771, September 12th..-The purse of £100, by the Macaroni Club, was run for at New Market last Monday, by Mr. Delancey’s horse "Lath " and Mr. Waters’s horse "Liberty," which was won with great ease by the former. As a field could not be made the next day for the purse of £50, the matter was postponed until the next season. 1772.-Races-The Macaroni purse of £100, at New Market, June 2nd, was won by Captain Delancey’s "Bashaw," beating Mr. Richard Thorne’s mare "Rainbow," and Mr. Waters’s "Slouch." The £50 purse, next day, was won by Mr. Waters’s horse "King Herod," who beat Captain Delancey’s filly.-N.Y. Gazette. 1778, October 14th.-The races at Captain Polhemus’s New Lots, are changed to Jamaica. Purse, 20 guineas. 1779, Jamaica Races, October 26th.-20 guineas, 3 heats around Beaver Pond course twice to each heat. 1779, November 6th.-New Market Races, Hempstead Plains, on Wednesday; a purse of 20 guineas; the best of three two-mile circular heats, free for any horse except "Dulcimore." Also a bet of 100 guineas, one two mile heat. "Cyrus" and "Doctor." A match between the noted horse "Dulcimore" and the roan gelding " Kettlebander," for 400 guineas, two miles. God save the King! 1781, March 14th.-Fifty Joes to be run for by "Eclipse" and "Sturdy Beggar," at Captain Tim. Cornell’s Poles, Hempstead Plains, a single two-mile heat. 1782, October 19th.-To be run for around Beaver Pond, a purse of £50 the best two in three one-mile heats, free for any horse except " Mercury," "Slow-and-Easy" and "Goldfinder." One guinea entrance, to be paid at the sign of the King’s Arms, Jamaica. 1783, June 28th.-To be run for Wednesday next around Beaver Pond, a purse of 100 guineas by the noted mare "Calfskin" and the noted horse "Lofty," of Boston. 1783.-A match for 200 guineas, May 29th, over New Market course, Hempstead Plains, between John Talman’s "Eclipse" and Jacob Jackson’s "Young Slow and Easy," the best two in three four-mile heats. 1785, May 5th.-New Market Races-Will be run for, on June 4th, the Hunters’ subscription purse and sweepstakes of ten guineas each. June 6th-a whip to be run for, presented by the sportsmen of the army and navy, and the name of the winning horse to be engraved on it. No horse that has not been a fortnight in training on Hempstead course can run. 1785, October 19th.-Last Friday were the sweepstakes over Beaver Pond, Jamaica. Heats one mile by The black horse "Ariel," - - - 1 1 Bay mare " Matchless," - - - 3 2 The gelding "Sloven," - - - 4 3 The horse " Brilliant," - - - 2 4 The second heat was admirably disputed and won by a neck, from the mare, which was the proud winner a few months ago. 1786.-Far Rockaway Races, Wednesday September 6th, at 3 P.M., on that convenient and spacious ground (a mile course) near Jacob Hicks’s inn. £20,the best three of two-mile heats. The next day a £10 purse, the best three of one-mile heats. No crossing, jostling or foul play countenanced, or if detected the rider will be pronounced distanced. J.H., from a wish to gratify a number of gentlemen who visit his house, particularly sportsmen, is induced to set on foot so noble and manly s diversion, and wishes the same principle may excite gentlemen to contribute to the purse. 1794, October 8th.-The Beaver Pond races took place on Tuesday last. Six horses ran for the purse of £100 "Polydore," of New York, took the first and second heat and purse. On Wednesday a purse of £50 was run for by seven horses, and taken by "Young Messenger," from New Jersey, over "Gold Toes," of New York, who won the first heat. On Thursday a purse of £47 10s. was run for by six horses, and taken by "Red Bird." There were between two and three thousand spectators and no accident happened.-N.Y. Journal. 1795, October 31st-At the New Market course, on Wednesday last, was a match race for $500 by Mr. Seabury’s horse "Polydore" and Mr. Allen’s mare "Virginia Nell." The latter won. They ran the two four-mile heats. The running was equal, if not superior, to any before. "Polydore" has traveled too much of late.-N.Y. Journal.CHAPTER IV....The Timber Growth of Queens County- Its Uses-The Nursery Growths. HISTORY of QUEENS COUNTY MAIN RETURN to QUEENS MAIN RETURN to BROOKLYN MAIN