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Here and There on the Turf Foreign Stake Entries. That Tijuana Fire. Need for Stable Protection. Donaghee at New Orleans. It would seem from the foreign responses to the early closing New York stakes that the international races have already had a beneficial effect on our turf. There have been a greater number of foreign entries than ever before and, even though there should be no more of the special international contests there is every chance for the foreign-bred horses coming over to have a try for the regular offerings. Of course, there is another excellent reason for the nominations that were received for the stakes of the Westchester Association from foreign breeders. That reason is that American sportsmen have been good buyers in both the French and English markets. The fact that the offerings have American engagements would make them doubly attractive, so that after all foreign entries do not necessarily mean that foreign sportsmen arc to try for the prizes. Foreign breeders, just as our own breeders who would enhance the value of their foals as much as is possible, nominate them liberally. The race horse value, when he is top class, is largely determined by his engagements. Time and again the fact that a good one has only had meager engagements has chiseled much from his sale price. He might be of real championship quality, but without the engagements he is of lesser racing value than an inferior celt that is more liberally engaged. But it is always well to attract these foreign entries, whether they come from breeders for market reasons or from the sportsmen who will come over and campaign in this country. It all means that our rich prizes are attracting a wide attention and it is the sort of advertising that is most to be desirad by the sport. Rumor has it now that the Tijuana fire was of incendiary origin. If this should be definitely determined, there should be a prompt and drastic punishment of the vandals who were guilty. It was something mora than the mere destruction of property that was bad enough but the endangering of the lives of the hors2S. The horse is a peculiar animal in a fire. He goes absolutely leco and he will plunge into the flames rather than away from them. The man who is guilty of arson seldom takes into account the graver crime of destruction cf life, but there is something so absolutely inhuman in firing stables, with the known traits of the horses during a fire, that his crime is doubly heinous. This fire also emphasized the fact that many race tracks are not adequately protected against fire. The fire fighters with their engines and hose had to make the long run from San Diego, seventeen miles away. Even in these days of the motor truck it is readily appreciated what a tremendous start a fire could have with aid that far away. There was nothing but a bucket brigade to fight the flames. This same condition holds true of many another track of greater importance than Tijuana. On race courses where there arc thousands upon thousands of dollars worth of thoroughbreds, there will be found no better protection against fire than a volunteer "bucket brigade." That is a question that could well be taken up by various racing associations. It is not expected that every racing association should have its own fire department, but better protection could readily be offered. It would be entirely possible to have water piped through the racing plants with several hydrants placet! . i 1 ; s i ; - i r j - t where they would do the most good, with leads of hose always available. This would have saved much property in the past and it is high time that associations should afford such protection. It surely would be a welcome addition to racing property among the horsemen. Donaghee is to race in New Orleans. This colt will be a decided acquisition to this winter sport and the manner in which ha rounded out his season at Bowie will make him a prime favorite with the racing crowds. Of course, Donaghee was started just once too often when he was saddled for the Thanksgiving Handicap, but h3 accomplished plenty before that running and he ought to be a particularly good horse for the winter sport. It is usual for New Orleans to develop a winter champion. Last year it was J. Mc-Millens Flint Stone. This year it is possible that it may be James Beans Donaghc;. About this time last year the prospects for the 1924 steeplechasing seemed to be particularly bright. There was the subscription plan of Joseph A. Davis that resulted in several made jumpers being brought to this country. Then there were a number of other importations of horsss that cost much more than those imported by the subscription plan. Altogether the outlook for brilliant steeplechasing was exceedingly bright. There was an improvement in the cross-country sport, but it hardly came up to what had confidently been expected. There was not the sustained interest that was desired and in the real steeplechasing weather the fields fell down somewhat both in size and quality. John McE. Bowman and his associates of the United Hunts Racing Association did great work as far as their two meetings were concerned and there were others who were untiring in their efforts to keep interest alive in the picturesque end of racing. But they did not always have the full support of those who campaign crosscountry stables. Th;re is only one way that steeplechasing can endure in this country and that is by constant and combined effort on the part of those who have already done much to bring it back. They must not let down in their efforts and thire is reason to expect they will. John Troxler made one serious error in his effort to compare the running of King Nadi with that of Georgie. As a matter of fact his explanation of the running of his horse was in no manner convincing and when he knew so little of the condition of his campaigner, as his own statement suggests, it is high time that he employ a trainer rather than train his own. All of what Troxler has said in extenuation of the performances of King Nadi may be gospel truth, but nothing has been said to excuse the two races and nothing has been said to suggest that the commission had made any mistake in withholding his license. It only took jockey Zucchini two days to earn a suspension of ten days at Jefferson Park. This lad was S3t down for rough riding Friday and it was a punishment that should have a lasting effect on the other youngsters riding at the Shrewsbury course. Too often riders do not have a proper respect for the stewards at one of the winter meetings. Too often they have an idea that they can "get away with anything." That day went by long ago and the rider of today has to watch his step just as closely from No-vember to March as has from April to November. It is well that the Jefferson Park stewards began the meeting right by severely punishing foul and rough riding.
