Aftermath Of The Kings Plate., Daily Racing Form, 1911-05-24

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i AFTERMATH OF THE KINGS PLATE. Barry G hidings, who won the Kings Plate a Woodbine last Saturday with St. Data, is a native of Toronto who area! to Europe a generation ago with harness horses, which he raced ill Great Brit aba, Prance, Italy. Hungary. Austria and Germany, lie returned several times for a fresh supply, and eventually settled in Austria. at Waidhofen. where he was married, and where bis son Harry was born. Having the skill and method; oi the American harness horseman, and some well-bred mares, lie made a great SUCCi -s of breeding and racing, most of his stock being by Russian stallions from American mares. When he was Lost •quipped to meet just sueh a situation, it happen, d thai the Austrian Hotting authorities decided to confine all rich stakes to native-bred horses, and be -wept tin board for several se:.s..ns. lie bad re tailed some valuable property on one of the busiest corners of Torontos streets, ami w lien he wetil back to .mala to live, he took a house in Toronto. That did not suit Mrs. Giddmgs, though, as she is teo fond of the out of door, and of live stock, to live in a city. So Cedar Grove Farm, at Oakville. Int.. was | .in-chased, and it has sinee been added to and kaproved In many ways. It is n bappyland for live stock, for everything aliout the place is a sort of pet. inly thoroughbreds are raised and not many mares are kept. The result is that the foals receive l care and attention lacking where they are taised in numbers. It was not good luck that pro duced such a grand-looking colt as St. Bass, lie is the lestiniony and proof of continual attention and personal interest. Hind kelp would not have developed a champion from the progeny of Basst tlaw and the iiuknov, n mare. Lady Betz. Nor was it luck that gave Mr. Giddmgs, from the unsuccessful steeplechase mare. Lady Lightfoot, the famous three brothers. Wire In. War Whoop and WickUght, whose sale brought him some fifteen thousand dollars. The training of St. Pass fell to Harry Ghi dings, the younger, though he had the advice of his father. There was ■ pretty little ceremony in connection with the presentation of King Georges guineas and the enp offered by the Ontario Jockey Club to Mr. Giddings. Earl Grey, governor general of Canada. made be presentation and said: "I congratulate you upon being the possessor of such a tine bone, with Neb a frame, and the blood of St. Simon, the horse. I hope, will have a great and successful career. It was a beautiful race an I you have every reason to be proud of the triumph of the eolt and the supreme skill of the Jockey who piloted hiin to victory." As Mr. Giddings, who bore his honors with becoming modesty accepted the gift. J. E. Seagram. with his characteristic smile, observed; "Mr. Old dings, you have a beautiful colt, but I will have to get one to boat him." "Success to you, replied the proud owner of St. Baas. "I hope you will get one which will reduce the record made by st. Ba~ ." I am glad Mr. Giddings, who is an enthusiastic admirer of thoroughbreds, won the great race., added Mr. Seagram. "He had easily the best eolt in the race. So far as my own harass were concerned, I am not the least bit disappointed at their showing." Col. John S. Hendrie was proud of the achievement of Powderman. the most dangerous contender in th" race, which finished in second | lace. "1 am not SO soltish a- to cornea the honor o: capturing the Kings Plate every year." observed the colonel. laughingly. "St. Bass fully demonstrated that be is a colt of marvelous speed. Powderman, however, made a good effort, and I feel satisfied tiiat before the close of the meeting he will demonstrate tl, i be, likewise, possesses more than ordinary class. It was a giaml race and I have no hesitation iu frankly admitting that the best horse won." As .Mr. Giddhigs, carrying the coveted "Kings Plate Trophy," emerged from the directors quarters he expressed himself as delighted and too full of joy to tell his admirers how grateful he was. After some persuasion, however, he lapsed into a talkie-.: mood. "My instructions to jockey Uugan." proceeded Mr. Giddings. "were lo take St. BUM to the front at once. I was confident he would win. Las; year the colt demonstrated to my Mtisfaction that he was a real racer, and it was then that 1 deebb d lo save him for the race he has just won. So for a -speed is concerned. I dont think he has struck his limit ye!. I have never placed a price on him. 1 have received numerous offers, varying from .0°O to 7,000, but as I fully realize that he was a eolt destined lo make a mark on the Canadian tracks. I positively refused to part with him, even had 1 been offered .ooo. Good colts are scarce, and my policy is to keep them when they show high class. When 1 raised War Whoop and Wire In I was told that I had reached my limit, but I am inclined to think my latest Province-bred is the real find of the ear." Asked if he would enter him in any stake races in the United States. Mr. Giddings replied: "The Canadian tracks are good enough for me. I will just race him in Province bred events. His next start will be in the Breeders Stakes on Tuesday, and in another race on the losing day."


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