Horse racing then, as now, was one of the most popular diversions of
multitudes in Kentucky, but the preparations then were quite primitive.
The track was laid in a level piece of ground some miles from Judge
LeMonde's farm. It was in the form of a circle, and was one mile in
circumference. The inclosure was protected by a rough fence, hewn out
of logs. Within the course, near the starting place, and on the inside
of the track, was a stand upon which the judges of the races sat. Some
rough seats were provided for a part of the spectators, but most of the
people stood during the races.

Saturday dawned clear and beautiful. It was a perfect day to bring out
the speed of the racers. The time selected was near the last of August,
and a crispness in the air gave a faint indication of coming autumn.
People from far and wide had come to enjoy the sport. They made the
occasion a holiday. Many came on horseback and by team, and families
brought well-filled baskets of fried chicken, corn pone, blackberry
pie, and other good things to refresh the inner man.

A number of minor races were run by horses in harness and under the
saddle, which only increased the people's appetite for the grand event
of the day. At four in the afternoon the three horses were called for
the two-mile race. Their riders soon brought them from their stalls to
a position in front of the grand stand and judges. The steeds were all
in perfect condition, their glossy coats shining with bright luster in
the afternoon sun. The horses seemed to feel the meaning of the
occasion. They champed their bits and moved about restlessly as though
impatient to be off. Their riders, however, had them under good
control, and now the judges tossed the coin for choice of position on
the track. Zibe Turner secured the inside place, George LeMonde came
next, and Hiram Ketcham, Farmer Ketcham's son of eighteen, was on the
outer rim of the circle, next to the fence.

The grand stand, composed of rough boards, was filled with the best
dressed citizens of the county: while far down the track, and separated
from it by a frail line of fence, stood a great company of tall
Kentucky pioneers with their wives and children. Many negroes were also
in the crowd, interested spectators, and the small boy was much in
evidence.

A silence fell upon the waiting throng as the three horses, bearing
their riders, proceeded up the track a few rods to make a dash for the
line. The signal was given,