What was the race between the first steam locomotive, Tom Thumb and horse trying to prove?

Question

Also, where was the race held? THANKS IN ADVANCE

Answer 1

he first steam engine to operate on a commercial track in the United States, the Tom Thumb became famous for its race against a horse-drawn car on August 25, 1830, from Ellicott’s Mill to Baltimore. Although Dobbin the horse won the race when the Tom Thumb’s blower belt broke, the days of horse-powered trains were numbered.

Cooper set out to prove that steam power would cause the B&O to grow. ... A race between "Tom Thumb" and a horse took place on the return trip. ...

Answer 2

Not sure of the location but the point was to find out who was fastest.