Twenty Years Ago Today, Daily Racing Form, 1924-02-18

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, Twenty Years Ago Today Chief Turf Events of Feb. 18, 1904 Racing at New Orleans, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Dick Welles preparation for the season campaign has just begun. The great horse h wintering at Respess Farm at Woodlawn, Ohio. If intelligence is an indication of how far Dick Welles will go, no route is too long for him. No horse that Respess has ever owned, and he has had many, ever displayed the intelligence that does Dick Welles. It is not exaggerating a bit to say that the holder cf two worlds records understands the English language; or, to modify that statement, at least a great many words of it. He is all life and fire, not only at this season of the year, but even when he is training. He is one of the few horses which goes to the post prancing and then kicks and plays all the way to the stable after the race is over. Great precautions are taken in bringing Dick out of the stall. He requires about three attendants on such occasions. He wants to play, and in so doing frequently underestimates his strength. It was while Dick was being rubbed off with a rag after having been photographed that he reached down and took the hat off the head of his attendant, shook it with his teeth and then hurled it to one side. The hat was again put on the lads head and" again Dick threw it off as if he wanted the proper respect shown to his position on the turf and wanted all to enter his staT bareheaded. He was about to repeat the performance when the attendant merely remarked: "Now, here, Dick, this is no time to play. When I get through Ill play with you." As if he understood every word the great horse stood motionless for a few moments until the task of rubbing him was completed! "Now, Dick, Ill play with you. remarked the attendant. "First let me see your tongue, so that I may know if youre feeling well," and before the words had been completed Dicks tongue was hanging out between his teeth about three inches. The attendant stroked it and Dick showed his appreciation by standing motionless until the attendant gave this order: "Now, turn around there and dont move until the door is closed." A soldier could not have followed instructions better, for without another word being spoken Dick turned around, facing his manger, and the doors were closed. To see Dick Welles at Woodlawn one has to be accompanied by owner Respess. None of the attendants have authority to show the great colt to anyone.


Persistent Link: https://drf.uky.edu/catalog/1920s/drf1924021801/drf1924021801_2_4
Local Identifier: drf1924021801_2_4
Library of Congress Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/unk82075800