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Here and There on the Turf Victory of Black Gold. Chance in Other Derbys. Conditions of Preakness. That Bedwell Ruling. It would take a wide stretch of the imagination to make the field for the Louisiana Derby measure up to a Preakness Stakes or -a Kentucky Derby field. These races, to be decided in May, are of an importance that bring together the cream of the three-year-old division. They arc races for the giants of the turf and prizes that are the coveted goal of every sportsman; races for which horses are mated and races that stimulate breeders to produce the best. But the Louisiana Derby has jumped into an importance that has never before been enjoyed by a three-year-cld race at this time of the year. Gadson D. Bryan, Jr., and his associates of the Jefferson. Parish Fair Association at New Orleans have made of their Derby race that means much. To add 5,000 to such a raca was a big thing for this winter racing association, and the promise that it would be increased to 7,500 next year is to be commended. It is a value that will induce the early appearance of better horses every year and a race that ought to work great and lasting good for New Orleans sport. Another part of the plan for the 1925 Derby is to have the entries close in October, and that will undoubtedly add considerably to its value. This year the closing was a late one and the results were satisfying beyond expectations, but with an October closing it is a prize that will certainly attract a larger list of entries and the nomination fees will increase the value materially. This is not where the Louisiana Derby is to stop. The promise is that from year to year other increases in value will be made as they become warranted. While on the question of the importance of the Louisiana Derby it is well to say a word of the triumph of Mrs. R. M. Hoots Black Gold. This sterling son of Black Toney and Useeit raced like a champion over the Jefferson Park course in footing that was muddy and difficult to negotiate. He took up his weight of 126 pounds, conceded from nine to fourteen pounds to all of those that opposed, him and won with ridiculous case. That may not make him a Preakness Stakes or Derby colt to be feared, but it must entitle hm to more consideration than was his before his victory. Of course, it will be argued that Black Gold did not beat much. This remains to be seen. But what Black Gold did demonstrate beyond all argument was that he could take up his weight and race well over a considerable distance of ground. That in itself is of importance. There had been some fears that he would not show to the best advantage when the distance was stretched out to a mile and an eighth, but he has answered that question, He took the lead in the Derby and was under restraint all the way and going so easily at the end as to suggest that he was ready for a mile and a quarter or even a mile and a half. Prob- ably the muddy going was a help rather than a hindrance to the son of Black Toney, but that is not the question. It was the fact that he gave away so much weight and fin- i ished out the journey under a pull. It is entirely possible that this same Black Gold, should Churchill Downs be muddy on May 17, will keep the best of the three-year-olds exceedingly busy. Trainer Webb brought Black Gold up to the Louisiana Derby with rare skill. He did not find it necessary to race the son of Black Toney into condition, and there were many who doubted his ability to have his charge ready without a more strenuous preparation. Black Geld was only started twice this year before his Derby triumph. He went to the post a fresh horss and the result was the Derby proved his easiest victory of the three star;?. B!ack Gold will assuredly improve over his showing of Monday, and that showing warrants, the belief that he is at least entitled to a try among the best of the colts. It is well that the Maryland Jockey Club has changed its rich Preakness Stakes from an allowance race to weight-for-age. This change will reduce the number of nominations that will be received cn April 8 and it may reduce the number of starters. But it should bring an infinitely better race. Such races should always be at the scale. That is the test of merit, and it has always been and always will be the only adequate test. There are races enough where penalities arc imposed on the big winners, but such penalties do not belong in the Preakness Stakes any more than they belong in a Derby. The good horse may always be beaten by the inferior horse by a manipulation of weights, but the good horse should have adequate opportunities under weights prescribed by the scale. Penalities and allowances are of real value in bringing about good contests among all classes of horses, but after all the handicap takes care of that pretty effectively. The allowance frequently gives the near great horse his only chance to possibly beat the champion and, of course, if all races were at weight-forage a half dozen horses would take down all big races each year. There must be races that will give all the horses a chance, but at the same time the adequate test for aspirants to the championship is to have them meet at level weights. It was not exactly surprising that the stewards of the Jockey Club should order that the stake entries of H. G. Bedwell be refused. That is to say, it was not surprising to those who were conversant with certain happenings of 1920. And not alone the happenings of 1920, but of the following year. Bedwell was under investigation for rule violations and it will be remembered that in 1921 he made no application for a license to train in New York, or if he did there was no report made of action on that application, except that Bedwell did not enjoy a license. The stewards did not act hastily in the cass of Bedwell. The case was thoroughly investigated and the only ruling that can be called to mind at this time is that J. K. L. Ross, by j whom Bedwell was employed at the time, was informed that the Jockey Club would not recognize him as the agent for his employer. This was strictly in accordance with the rules of racing and the refusal to accept Bedwell as an agent came after the investigation of his violation of the rules of racing. For a time Bedwell appeared to think that he was bigger than the rules, and in his insubordination he brought about no end ol confusion that for a time threatened to bring an open rupture between the Jockey Club and the Maryland State Racing Commission. Fortunately this was averted and the relations at this time arc as cordial as could be desired, but Bedwell had no hand in the making of peace and his offense is just as great now as it was at the time heuvas found guilty. There always must be obedience to the rules : and respect for the governors of racing if the sport is to endure, and it is well that the officials of the Jockey Club insist on that obedience and that respect.
