Regret Retirement of Corrigan: Speculation in East as to Cause -Predicted Great Sacrifices Will be Made at Sale of Stable, Daily Racing Form, 1917-12-20

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REGRET RETIREMENT OF C0RRIGAN Speculation in East as to Cause Predicted Great Sacrifices Will Be Made at Sale of Stable. Xew York, December 19. The announcement of the proposed sale of James W. Corrigans horses and the lease of the Kingston Farm in Kentucky, came as a surprise to horsemen here. It was only a short time ago that Corrigan decided to permit outside service for some of the stallions, including the unbeaten Colin. Corrigans plans were so far advanced that he advertised some of his stallions in the Racing Calendar. His sudden decision to sell all of his stock, lease on the farm and racing paraphehnalia, lias led to much speculation here as to the real cause of the unexpected move. Search was made for Corrigan nt the leading Xew York hotels for an interview, but he could not be found in tlie city and nothing could be gathered regarding his retirement, whether it is permanent or only temporary. Corrigan was introduced into the turf world by his partner, Price McKinney, about four years ago. At that time McKinney was an enthusiastic horseman and bought right and left, taking nearly all the stock of the late James R. Keene. In fact, the only desirable stallion he allowed to get away at the Keene sale in Madison Square Garden, was Peter Pan. It was McKinney who made the sale the success it was, for, without him, bidders would have had little opposition. Again at the Charles Kohler sale at Sheepshead Bay. a little later, he made every bidder "speak up" to get anything worth while. There was no time, that McKinney wished to be known singly as the owner of the Wickliffe Stable. "It belongs to me and Jimmy," was his invariable reply. "We are fifty fifty in everything." Then the late Phil Dwyer made McKinney a present of the old Dwyer colors, the presentation being made at an invitation dinner. "I only hope they art-carried to victory every time they are worn," was McKinneys wish in accepting tlie gift. McKINNEY SELLS OUT HIS SHARE. Everything ran along smoothly until last August, when it was announced at Saratoga that McKinney had sold out his share in the Wickliffe Stable to Corrigan. The latter seemed well satisfied with the deal and associated himself with the late Oscar Lewisohn. Up to the time of McKinneys retirement the stable had not met with much success in the way of winning races. But as time wore on. winners were sent out at the rate of two or three a week, and the credit for good placing and management was given to Oscar Lewisohn. The breach that caused the severance of the Corrigan-McKin-ney partnership was a subject of discussion all through the Saratoga meeting. McKinney, when asked last week if he ever intended to race any more horses, said he had no idea of it at present, but there was no telling what lie might do as soon as the war gave him more leisure. Whether Corrigans retirement is due to the death of Lewisohn is known only to himself and his closest associates. Horsemen generally expressed their sorrow at tlie news of Corrigans retirement, as lie was considered one of the rising young owners and breeders, with botli influence and wealth behind him. There is widespread interest in the coming Corrigan sale. Many of tlie youngsters in the band are royally-bred and the mares and stallions are among the best in this country. It is generally conceded, however, that they w::: not bring anything like their value, as nearly all the farms and racing establishments are well stocked with breeding and racing material. This view is taken from the result of the recent sale of horses belonging to the late Schuyler L. Parsons, when some of the horses did not realize one-half the amount paid for them by their late owner.


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Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800