Hopeful for Future of Racing: August Belmont Will Continue to Race Best of His Horses in America, Daily Racing Form, 1911-11-07

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HOPEFUL FOR FUTURE OF RACING. August Belmont Will Continue to Race Best of His Horses in America, New York. November C. "I never will give up the American turf for that of Europe until I am forced to do so. I would much rather race my horses in this country for purses than for stakes abroad." In these words August Belmont, chairman of the Jockey Club, denied a rumor that he would ship all of his race horses abroad this fall and confine his racing ventures to England and France next season. He found time at the United Hunts race meeting on Saturday to talk about the future of the turf in this, country. "Then you are hopeful tliat there will be racing here again?" "Why, yes. Why not?" was the reply. "There is no public clamor against racing. On the contrary, there are at least 2,000,000 persons in this state who thoroughly enjoy horse racing, be it between thoroughbreds or trotters. The only opposition to if comes from those who do not seem to favor anything that smacks of pleasure. "I do not intend to send my horses yibroad at least not for some time to come," he added as an afterthought. "I am so hopeful of the future that I have reserved all of my best . yearlings for this country. These yearlings arc a tine lot about the best. I think,, I have ever had. if I had any idea that, there would hot be racing here next year, I would ship them abroad. But I believe that the request of the Jockey Club that the so-called directors liability law be removed will some day come to pass." "Is it true, as reported that S. C. Hlldreth, who recently sailed for England, will train your lot of racers now at Newmarket, in conjunction with his own string?" "No," was Mr. Belmonts reply. "The few horses I have in Kugland will remain in Watsons charge. I will not make any change of trainers. Hlldreth asked me before he sailed if I would send over Watervalc and Prlscllllan so that he could train them in England. To Priscillian I objected. Ho had one trip, abroad and wa a failure. He did not train very well. About Watervalc I have not yet made up my mind. The colt is a trifle lame, so he will not ho shipped with the Hlldreth horses next Saturday. But when Watervale recovers I think I may ship him to England. "Watervalc, you kuow," he added with a touch of pri,de ,in his voice, "was the best three-year-old colt of the year.. He is by Watercress out of one of my favorite mares. Ladv Violet. If I determine to send him abroad and if the trip and climate agree "with him. I am certain he will win. "Do you know that therewere 2,200 thoroughbred foals registered with the Jockey Club this year? Isnt that a. surprise? It was beyond all expectations. So many stallions and broodmares were sold . In 1910 and shipped out of the country that I thought the bottom had fairly dropped out of the breeding industry. But this shows that there are many breeders who still have faith in the future of racing and are not afraid to breed race horses."


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1910s/drf1911110701/drf1911110701_1_5
Local Identifier: drf1911110701_1_5
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800