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J. W. CORRIGANS ACTION A SURPRISE Decision of Cleveland Turfman Entirely Unexpected in View of Recently Announced Plans. Louisville, Ky., December 17. The published announcement that J. AV. Corrigan would next month dispose of his extensive thoroughbred holdings without reserve, with the intention of quitting the sport of racing, both as .i breeder and owner, came as a distinct shock to horsemen and well-wishers of the sport in this vicinity. The announcement came as a greater surprise, inasmuch as no intimation of his intention had been given. Not even the stable attaches, with the exception of trainer John Whalen, knew of his contemplated retirement And even Whalen was in the dark unUl suddenly summoned to Cleveland last Thursday for a conference, during which Mr. Corrigan apprised him of his plans. An indication of the suddenness of the change is noted in the fact that a few days previously trainer Wlialen, on the occasion of a former call to Cleveland,- received instructions to arrange for the shipment of a portion of the stable quartered at Churchill Downs to Hot Springs, to prepare the horses for the spring meeting at that-point. Mr. Wlialen had completed all such arrangements, when the last summons from ills chief arrived. Mr. Corrigans decision has caused widespread regret. Although a comparatively recent addition to turf circles, his stable, by the lavish use of money, and a judicious selection of the best blooded thoroughbreds, had risen rapidly until it was considered one of the most representative establishments in the country. OTHER BUSINESS DEMANDS HIS ATTENTION. The reason assigned by Mr. Corrigan for his sudden determination, is that his vast business interests demand that he devote all of his time during the war to the filling of extensive government contracts. "While this country is engaged in warfare, I will not have time to afford myself the pleasure of witnessing a race, owing to stress of business and there is no object in owning and racing a stable if one cannot see his horses perform," said Mr. Corrigan in explaining his withdrawal from racing to Mr. Wlialen. Trainer Whalen has already started to take an inventory of the horses and other property at Churchill Downs and will transfer everything to Lexington, where the sale will be held. Mr. Wlialen has been with the stable since November 1, 1910 and has a contract that has almost another year to run. Owing to his reputation as as a skillful trainer, it is not believed lie will have any difficulty in securing another position. He lias been affilliated with racing for thirty years and during that time lias trained for such well-known owners as August Belmont, Dave Gideon, Oscar Lewisohn, C. 11. Bobbins, M. J. Leonard and his present employer. Mr. Whalen may decide to purchase some of the Corrigan horses and race them in his own colors. The contract that Mr. Corrigan holds on jockey Andy Schuttinger and which does not expire until the close of the season of 191S, will probably be purchased by some other owner. S.chuttinger is spending the winter at his home in Laurel, Md, Jockey Benny Kleeger is also under contract to the stable, Iiis term of -service ending the first, of next June. He is at present riding at New Orleans.
