Horse Race 1845
Boston and Fashion did not meet again, although there was much clamor for it. Instead a new rival from the South, a mare called Peytona who'd amassed more money over a shorter career than Fashion, appeared. Peytona won more money by racing in one particular event, an affair very reminiscent of today's "futurites" where bets are placed well in advance of a race, in this case years in advance. By the day of Peytona's winning race, only four horses showed up, Peytona won a huge pot, and the organizer lost his shirt. But now there was a public outcry for Peytona to meet Fashion. Peytona was huge. They said her stride was 27 feet ( m) would have rivaled the great Longfellow's stride. She was undefeated. The public could not wait to see the two mares meet. The match was set for May 15th, 1845, once again at the Union Course. This was going to be the last of the epic match races at Union Course, although no one knew it at the time. The crowd estimate was a possible 100,000 people. Fashion was only the slight favorite. The biggest betting was not on who might win, but on the time the race would be run in. On the morning of the match, reports come down to us that Fashion was under the influence of her estrous cycle, but nothing could stop the race. Fashion, smaller, carried 123 pounds. Peytona, huge, carried only 116 pounds. Peytona won in straight heats and the South rejoiced. However, Fashion came out of the match in good condition while Peytona came out feverish in both of her front legs. Both mares had been entered in the Jockey Club Purse a few days later but only Fashion competed, winning easily, so easily she was pulled up to a trot at the finish. When Peytona and Fashion met again, this time Fashion won, and again so easily she was pulled up at the end to a trot. It was pretty much the end of Peytona's career.
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Photo credit: © Historical Art Collection (HAC) / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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