view raw text
REHABILITATION OF AMERICAN TURF. Eugene Leighs Retu-.n to Sport Here Only One Instance to Prove Recovery. There is no surer sign of the rehabilitation of the American turf than that provided by the return of prominent trainers, who went abroad in consequence of the anti-betting laws enacted while Charles K. Hughes was governor of New York state. Moreover, enough now owners have taken up the sport to insure a live-lihood for the masters of the art of training who were practically forced to seek their living abroad, and who in many cases handled the horses of Americans who were deprived of racing facilities at home. The latest prominent horseman to obtain a position is F.ugene Leigh, who went to France before the rush and who for several years was the- leading trainer of steeplechasers in that country. Tin- re-entry of Eugene Leigh into Amorie-an racing activity also marks the appearance of what promises to be a formidable stable of steeplechasers and fast runners. I,eigh has lieen engaged by Edward B. McLean of Washington as general manager and director of the horses recently acquired by Mr. McLean, and which, it is believed, will cut unite a figure in the events of the coming season. The engagement of Leigh calls attention to the fact that nearly all of the principal Americans who went abroad have not only returned, but have obtained good positions on this side of the water, the most prominent still on the other side being Fred Burlew. who has charge of Clarence H. Mackays stud in France. Sam Hildreth was one of the first to make the return trip, and he was quickly engaged by August Belmont, for whom he lias turned out some good winners. Jack Joyner, who handled the strings of Harry Payne Whitney when racing was flourishing in England, came back when the sport was limited there. He is now employed by George D. Widoner. and has some fine horse-s in his can for the- coining season. Tom Welsh, who trained for J. E. Widene-r in Frane-o. also came back to America and now is looking after Mr. Wideners horses hero. Preston Bureh was ongagid in taking care of John Sanfords horses in France- when the war broke out. He, too. has come back and is the active manager of the large stable of Mr. Sanford at Hurra-ana Farm. T. Murphy, who had a post as traine-r for the late- Herman B. Duryoa. is now employed by Oscar Lewisohn. who races under the name of Klk-weeod Park Stable-. Nash Turner also returned with the horses of T. P. Thorne. who will in future race-in this country instead of in France — New York Times.
