Thompson on the Hanlan-Trickett Race.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 918, 16 February 1881, Page 5

Thompson on the HanlanTrickett Race.

Thompson, the Leviathan, has written to a friend in Syney giving his opinion on the Hanlan and Trickett race. He says : —“ As in all past events, you will hear how the defeated man was overdone, and how haggard he looked. I hope you will give men like Harry Kelley and Laycock credit for knowing a rowing man’s condition. Trickett himself declared, both before and after the race, that he was never fitter or more confident in his life. Laycock, who did all his work with Ned, put over £BOO odd on it, Trickett the same. They gave me their money, and whatever odds I got to it they were satisfied. You know a man like Laycock never before had over £5O on a boat race in his life. They even put their color and boat money on it. I never saw men so sanguine. On the morning of the race, the Newcastle contingent came pouring in, besides thousands of American commission money. All my “ sugar ” was done, and they offered 2 to 1 in thousands. I took £5OO to £2OO, being my last “ bob,” and I looked upon it as finding the money. The men backed up to the post and shook hands amid great cheering. At the word from the umpire, go, Ned took the water first and momentarily had the advantage. Both men pulled scull for scull at what appeared to be a rapid pace, and neither could get the advantage. The shouting from both sides was immense. As we saw Ned hold him for the first mile we were certain he must row him down. At a mile and a half the struggle was severe, and I knew from when I saw Harry Kelly stirring Ned up, that Hanlan first showed signs of distress. They went up together up to Hammersmith Bridge, when I thought I saw Trickett struggling. Hanlan led him half a length through the bridge, and poor Ned with clenched teeth and leaden color in his face showed signs of compounding. The pace was that merry that one had to crack, and we cracked first. From this out Hanlan did as he liked, lying backward in his boat and going through a lot of antics, for which the press has reproved him. Trickett continued to struggle hard, and occasionally spurted after him, but with no avail. I was glad when it was over, for it looked too bad to see so good and game a man exerting every effort against all hope. At the finish of the race they shook hands, when Trickett said to him, ‘Ypu have beaten me and I acknowledge my defeat, but more than a man’s power has done it. You are cleverer than me, and I give you credit for it. When I possess the same amount of ingenuity as you do I’ll beat you.’ Trickett referred to Hanlan’s boat. Hanlan’s boat at the bow when in the race lifted clean out of the water a couple of feet forward. While Trickett’s boat was going through the water, Hanlan’s was skimming on top. Trickett said he could understand being beaten but not played with after two miles. Another circumstance which astounded us was, he had previously done the time to the Bridge one minute quicker than the race and not fully extended. Mr. Ward, the chief mentor of Hanlan, a verv shrewd and apparently fine man.

told Charley Lett that Trickett and Laycock were the two best men in the world properly fitted. There is something in it. I mean following the Hanlan party to the States. They like me, and if possible, I’ll find it out. I am heartily sorry for the Australian losses. I have never left a stone unturned for success. You don’t know what I have gone through. I never left the boat for a week, sleeping in the cold sheds every night, in fact working the flesh off to do all I could. The trip has been an unfortunate one for me, but there’s no use fretting over it. I thought Trickett would break his heart over the affair. He said he not only wanted to win, but desired to win for his friends ; but old man, Trickett and Laycock both stood up penniless after the race.