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Ernestine Bernard
Sobriquet has been assigned to Laura Haiek

Female Muscle Against Horse Flesh

Toronto, Ont June 14, (1879) - An exciting and novel trail of speed took place at the Rink in this city, a few days since in the presence of a small , but enthusiastic circle of specatators. Mlle Ernestine Bernard, from the Hippodrome, Paris, highly celebrated as an expert bicyclist, having been matched to a contest of speed with a horse of local celebrity, at the appointed time the lady appeared, clad in the scant garments appropriate to the occasion.

   The race was to be a three mile heat, and was won by the lady, though, had it not been for a misfortune which happened to the animal, which, in making a short turn, stumbled and fell, it is doubtful if the result might have been different.  As it was, the lady developed a speed and skill with her vehicle which were simply wonderful and, though it is too much to suppose that she could have beaten a  horse of respectable quality doing his best, still the effort was sufficient to show a rate of speed that was remarkable, and, should another match be made, as is probable, there is no doubt that the fair French athlete will find numerous backers under any circumstances.

From the National Police Gazette, 28 June, 1879