view raw text
TRAINER BED WELL AND HIS SECRET. Close Attention to Bodily Health of His Horses Great Factor in His Success. H. G. Bedwell, whose horses have been figuring so prominently in the results at Empire City this week, has come to the front as an owner-trainer with rapid strides during the -past year, and has fairly earned the right to be considered one of tin; fore-most American trainers of the- present day. Ix-dwells successful training methods, as exemplified by the results attained at Euijilre City and other points where Jiis horses have of late been I raced, have excited the wonder and admiration of horsemen throughout the country. In the east, where he was least known, the frequency with which his horses have been winning since the opening of the Empire City meeting, amounts almost to a sensation. While Hedwell is disposed to keep to himself the details of the training methods that he employs with such signal success, he makes no secret of the fact that his success is largely based upon an ability to keep ids horses in the best of bodily health, Before he became a trainer of race horses Hedwell was a chemist in Colorado, and his professional knowledge comes Into play nicely in the handling of his horses. He is a great lieliever in the value and etlicacy of tonics, and 1:1s horses get plenty of that sort of stuff. Building up a run-down horse Is one of the particular things in which Bed-well excels. It is noticeable that his horses are able to stand longer and more exacting campaigns than the average racer. The careful attention that their physical condition constantly receives unquestionably contains the explanation. It is a common saying among horsemen that Bedwells horses appear to thrive on racing, rather than the reverse. Whenever one of them goes to the post Its appearance betokens perfect physical condition. One of Bedwells strong noiuts is an Intimate understanding and appreciation of the peculiarities of eaeli individual in his racing string. Each horse receives the special treatment best adapted to its particular needs, thanks to Bedwells faculty in that direction. Besides being an exceedingly clever man with horses, Bedwell is a man of sound judgment In other directions. Last fall, when Jockey Taplin was an unknown apprentice, he predicted upon seeing him gallop a horse one morning that the boy would surely become a clever rider and lost no time in acquiring the contract on his services. His judgment of the ability of horses is also exceptionally good. Bedwell is not a big bettor. He can content himself with small wagers on his horses and frequently allows them to rim unbacked so far as he is concerned, relying upon their purse winnings to compensate him for his efforts. Aside from ttie pleasure that he derives from training his horses, his chief recreation is autoinobillug. He is a daring and expert driver and takes keen delight in- piloting a high speed car. In 1908 Bedwell saddled sixty-one winners and finished the season in third place among American trainers. Already this year he has surpassed his 1908 record, having sent sixty-nine winners to the post since January 1. So far this year he has won more races than any other trainer at each meeting in which he has participated. If he maintains the same percentage during the coming five months he will finish the year with more than 100 races to his credit. Following is the record of his achievements since the first of the year: Meeting. 1st. 2d. 3d. Won. Oakland 42 29 35 3,215 Churchill Downs 8 5 3 2.513 Latouia 14 10 S 0.775 Empire City 5 1 1 2,200 Totals .09 45 47 4,703
