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EPINARD DANGEROUS COLT French Champion Needed the Labor Day Race to Fit Him Expert Horsemen Are of Opinion That Eugene Leighs Charge "Will Show Well in Latonia Special BELMONT PARK RACE COURSE, NEW YORK, N. Y., Sept. G. The victory of Wise Counsellor in the first race of the International Sweepstakes series was gratifying to American horse lovers. But the most patriotic and sentimental must confess to a regret that better fortune did not fall to , Epinard, the gallant invader. One good horse was beaten by another good horse, and the victory was no more glorious than the defeat. As the race was run, the result cannot be deemed decisive nor is it indicative ot how the other engagements scheduled for Epinard in this country will result. The invader was repelled on his first attack, but he has not been crushed. He is but rally- ing for the next assault. It is the opinion of expert horsemen that Epinard, after what he has shown, must be considered far more formidable in the mile of the Aqueduct race, the mile and a quarter at Latonia and whatever other events trainer Eugene Leigh may elect to enter him in, than he was in the 3-4 mile dash at Belmont Parle Epinard has proved his quality beyond doubt, and he will be infinitely better for his unsuccessful initial effort. His performance clearly indicated that the fears expressed by Pierre Wertheimer before the race was justified. Epinards owner ventured the opinion that the colt needed a race to tighten him up for his best. It is doubtful if the bad breaks in racing luck suffered by Epinard were wholly responsible for his defeat. Wise Counsellor also had handicaps to overcome. He made his run and came from behind Epinard after tho latter was clear. Wise. Counsellor, perhaps, would have beaten Epinard in a two-horse race on Labor Day. But it is no certainty that Frederick A. Burtons colt, or any other mans horse, will do so in the races to come.
