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James C. McGill. nephew of the late "Pitts- i burgh Phil," and himself now a wealthy ; distributor of automobiles in Los Angees, promised Harvey Elston. youthful apprentice, jockey, the mount on Spic and Span in the recently run Coffroth Handicap. A combination of circumstances brought about this promise. Truly capable lightweight riders are none too plentiful at Tijuana, just as at other tracks this winter. Lightly weighted in a recent race. Spic and Span won with Elston in the saddle. The boy rode the race per instructions. He was forthwith engaged by McGill to ride Spic and Span in the Coffroth. At that time the big ■ race promised to have twenty starters. A muddy track on the day of the race cut the prospective field to twelve. Among the withdrawals was Cherry Pie, to ride which horse the skilled and thoroughly experienced Pony McAtee had come to Tijuana, i Friends of McAtee immediately sought out i McGill and his trainer. Harry Unna. Spic ■ and Span is a renowned mud runner. McAtee was anxious for the mount on a possi- . ble, even probable winner. Yes, McGill would love to have McAtee ride Spic and Span, but — he had promised Elston I the mount. Yet — so happy would McGill be to have the Whitney jockey on Spic and Span that he would gladly pay each of the jockeys ,000 if, of course. Spic won. And — there was the matter of the house and lot given to the winning rider by the Tijuana Club. But. so McAtee said, Elston could have the I house and lot. Mac would relinquish all claim I to that. All right, McGill agreed, then it was up to Elston. If that youngster would but step aside all would be roses and honey. But he had PROMISED Elston the mount and he would not go back on a promise given. And — Elston would not agree. The ego of this self-ccnfident youngster asserted itself and he would not listen to any change. Fresh from having ridden two as stupid races as any jockey ever turned in — both losing ones. Elston insisted that he was certain to win with Spic and Span. McAfees friends cajoled, pleaded. Eston was obdurate. McGill was neutral, and he would not break a promise. Harry Unna supported McGills position. Elston won the argument, but Spic and Span did not win the Coffroth. and Elston did NOT win the ,000 fee and the house ■ and lot in San Diego that Pony McAtee BttTerjr wculd have won for him. McGill kept his promise, and several poc"ketfuls of tickets on Spic and Span. Elston rode just ai bad. amateurish a race on Spic and Span as he had ridden on two i Other horses 48 hours previously. To put the happenings in a few words. Elston ; broke it up badly and finished third with the best horse. Sympathize with McGill. one must. Admire him for his loyalty, also. Pony McAtee did : he told McGill he was glad to know there were such people in the world, men who put their given word above all prizes of money or glory. One may hope his unhappy experience does not weaken McGills ideals. He is a j worthy nephew of one of racings most picturesque, even romantic characters, for | "Pittsburgh Phil" was colorful, he was sue- , i cessful in a field in which few have succeed-Of. [ No impulse of his was ever out of , control, and evidently no impulse of Jim McGills is to get beyond his control.
