view raw text
CONSPIRACY AGAINST COLORED JOCKEYS 1 "For some time a yarn has been In circulation among turfmen to the effect that the white jockeys on the local tracks were combined in an attempt to hamper and harass the colored riders," say the New York Sun of Wednesday. "Before the running of the fifth race yesterday Tuesday, W. B. Jennings, owner of Shot Gun, took L. Williams, the negro who had been engaged to pilot the horse to one side and told him that he believed the white boys had conspired to keep him from winning. " Look out they dont get you into a pocket, said Jennings. I believe they will try to shut you off. " Never fear, boss, replied Williams, with a laugh. When I get ready to come to the front Ill bust through as sure as you live. They cant stop me boss. "The race was under way but a short distance when Shot Gun was pocketed. On the far turn Williams tried to come through with him, but Lyne, who rode Prince Hamburg, shut him off by pulling over in front of him. As they turned into the stretch Prince Hamburg had the rail, with Shot Gun to his right a short distance behind him, and Oxford on the outside. Instead of hugging the rail Lyne pulled his horse away from it, making a sort of wedge with Oxford, through which Williams boldly drove Shot Gun at the sixteenth pole. Prince Hamburg incidentally interfered with Robin Hood, whose Iwy, Nicol, had to pull up. It was a clear case of foul riding, and the stewards, who probably knew of the alleged conspiracy to interfere with the colored riders, particularly Williams, lost no time In disqualifying Lynes mount, which nlaced Robin Hood in third place. Williams wore a grin from ear to ear when he met Jennings in the paddock after the race. " They didnt do me, boss, he said, but it looks as if they tried mighty hard. I brushed my way through them and got the money. You bet I can take care of myself if they want to begin rough riding. "Lyne is a Kentucklan, but whether a hatred of the colored race prompted him to interfere with Williams or not will probably never be disclosed. The stewards will keep their eyes open in future for similar incidents, as the Jockey Clubs motto has always been a square deal for all, regardless of color or creed."
