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DAYS OF DISCUSSION Racing Commission and the Derby Popular Topics. Await List of Entries and Date of Running of Kentuckys Most Famous Race. LOUISTLLE, Ky., Feb. 27 There 1st considerable discussion here among those interested In racing as to tho personnel of the Kentucky State Racing Commission to be appointed by tho governor shortly. Many predictions have been made as to the probable membership of this body, which has full authority over racing In the Rlue Grass State. However, these rumors they are nothing more, in most cases lack verification, and friends of racing will have to wait patiently the official announcement of tho governors appointment Ilcpe is expressed that the new commission will be named soon and then announce the 1924 schedule of dates for spring and summer racing in Kentucky. Inquiries aro continually pouring in here as to when tho Derby will bo run, but not until the racing dates aro approved can it be definitely stated when that now worlds famous race will be lun, though it is expected that Saturday, May 17, will be the dale. Derby talk is already in the air. Tho publication of the entries will be the signal for much activity among those who aro looking forward to "winter book" speculation, and there is certain to be plenty of action in this respect, judging by the-tallc in racing circles for some time past. Arthur Roard, owner of Rourbon Roy, a prospective Derby candidate, and by the way, more than an ordinary horse, has a youngster under the training of Peter Coyne at Churchill Downs he lias nicknamed Tom Thumb. This youngster is rather undersized, being lcs3 than fifteen hands high, but of perfect conformation. The colt is by Paicines, a stock horse owned by Frank Kelley, the Chicago sportsman. Tom Thumb has all tha earmarks of a real useful racer and, whilo he was being broke, could beat everything tried with him. Looking this colt over it seems as if he would make an ideal polo pony, although Mr. Roard will give him a. thorough trial in two-year-old events in the spring before relegating him to another branch of the sport. Tom Thumb is not the colts real name. It is recalled that the best of the earlier-thoroughbreds were no higher in stature than this colt of Mr. Roards. Eclipse, one of the founders of the English tap-root families, was just about fifteen hands high. Ren Rrush was only 15.2 and the mighty Domino was no taller. Little Minch, which raced with such success for the racing firm of llan-kins and Johnson back thirty years ago, was under fifteen hands.
