view raw text
NINE SIXTY TO THE FORE Adds West Virginia State Derby to List of Triumphs — Record Attendance of Meeting Present. HINTING TON, W. Va.. April 17. —Carrying the green jacket of Mrs. J. K Brannon, Nine Sixty added to his already long string of victories, the West Virginia State Derby, when he showed the way home to E. FJ. Majors Torcher and Street Liz, in the sixth and feature race here this afternoon. Near the end he drew clear to win by a length from Torcher. Street Liz was a distant but easy third while the other starters were out run most of the trip. The son of Delhi-Lady McOee was hustled into the lead at once, closely followed by Street Liz. Torcher was racing in third position close up and under restraint. Rounding the stretch turn, Torcher moved up fast and when straightened out for the run home, managed to get on even terms with the winner an eighth out. In the drive which followed Nine Sixty proved best. Taking command at once Frank Fogarty showed the way throughout in. the fifth race in which he eventually won handily. Molinero and Cheer Leader raced in this order in closest pursuit of the winner all during the last half mile. "Derby Day* was the magnet which attracted the record attendance of the meeting to the Tri-State Fair Grounds this afternoon, the crowd numbering about 5,000. Ideal conditions prevailed early in the day but nearing the close of the afternoon the skies clouded. The track was in good condition and a battery of movie men were on hand with their cameras to snap the race. Following the running of the race the winner of the Derby was decorated with a floral horse shoe and his owner showered with congratulations, despite the fact that the field was greatly reduced by scratching. Much enthusiasm was evidenced and opinion as to the outcome was about equally divided between J. L. Rrannons Nine Sixty and the Major representatives Torcher and Street Liz. Finishing with good speed on the outside of his opponents through the stretch Fueblo easily captured the initial race. Knot Grass made a game bid in the stretch and beat Lady Oxford for second place after the latter tired from racing with Lumber Jack, the early loader. Zoona showed the way by a safe margin in the last half mile of the second race. Col. Pat close up from the start, hung on gamely to save second money from Uncle Abe. After disposing of Charles Whitney approaching the stretch turn Bar Light had enough in reserve to stall off Barberry in the final drive of the third race. Widgeon raced in close quarters on the inside for most of the trip, but secured the short end of the purse after keen urging in the stretch. Some good sprinters started in the fourth. Dust Flower, Pelion and Floy Lillie showed the way in turn but the latter proved best in the final drive and scored her third victory here for W. M. Cain. It was only during the last seventy yards that Floy Lillie started to gain her slight advantage over Pelion. Dust Flower was third.
