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NEW APPRENTICE RULE DISCUSSED Owners Suggest Changos in Jockey Club Draft of Amendment Papp Still Improving. New York, December . 24. More than ordinary interest is being shown by horsemen in the proposed changes in the jockey apprentice rule, which conies up for argument at the meeting of the Jockey Club, some time next month. Numerous suggestions on amendments to the original Jockey Club draft of the rule have been made, and few believe the measure will be adopted without change. One change suggested that has the support of a great many owners, provides that the present twelvemonth rule stand, with an amendment that apprentice allowances bo extended until a jockey has ridden forty winners. Under this plan, jockeys would be given the allowance for the term of one year, regardless of the number of winning mounts to their credit, and in case they did not have forty winners, would continue as apprentices until that goal had been reached. Max Hirsch, trainer for the Loft stable, who a few days ago made some flattering predictions regarding the future of Papp, has returned to the subject in greater detail. Hirschs opinion of the Peter Quince colt is reflected in his statement that, though some horses may beat Papp iu his three-year-old form, he intends to back him to win in any field in which he starts. Hirsch gives many reasons for his optimism, chief of which is the conformation of the horse and his possibility of improving over his two-year:old form. BIG COLT IS PAPP. "Papp is sixteen hands, one inch high," said Hirsch, "and I think he weighs 1,100 pounds. He is doing exceptionally well and his mean disposition is gradually leaving him. Whether he will start in the Kentucky Derby is a question of condition at that time, but he is going to be nominated. Some owners think it is a little early to give a young three-year-old a strenuous preparation. I dont agree with them. I trained Norse King for the Derby and started him. lie was unfortunate in the race at a critical time, almost going to his knees just as he was about to make his run. But for that he would have been a contender, as he afterwards showed what a good colt he was. It is the line on Norse King that makes me differ with some horsemen regarding strenuous work for young three-year-olds. Norse King had an abundance of work for the Derby, yet he came back here and ran good races, showing no ill effects of his early campaign. Some horses that have weak spots may suffer from early training, but, in my opinion, good sound horses are not affected." Jockey Allen, who rode Papp in most of his winning races, Hirsch says, is still in bad condition. The fracture of the shin bone is a slanting one. and it is not healing as rapidly as it should. Every known scientific remedy lias been applied without satisfactory results.
