09/28/1865
The National Horse Fair at Springfield, Illinois, held over several days, featured exhibitions of thoroughbreds, a demonstation of women's equestrianism, and other events. The highlight of the meeting were the races, taking place on a purpose-built for the event track with very large grandstands. Newspaper reports indicated that up to 10,000 people enjoyed the races on this day. (By John Osborne)
Source Citation:
"The National Horse Fair in Illinois," Harper's Weekly Magazine, October 7, 1865, p. 629.