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L i Here and There on the Turf I I f i Bold Venture, Brevity Superior j Derby Handled in Great Fashion I Closer Vigilance Over Riders J Needed j Winner Made His Bid Too j Quickly j Bold Venture may or may not have been the best horse among the fourteen which competed in the sixty-second Kentucky Derby — that has to be established in some future race such as the Belmont Stakes or Arlington Classic— but there is no disputing the fact that Morton L. Schwartz* colt, and Joseph E. Wideners Brevity were far superior to the others, with the possible exception of Granville. Wm. Woodwards principal representative never had a chance, and those who believe he is capable of taking both Bold Venture and Brevity must await BMther day also. Granville and Bold Ven- ture are eligible to the Preakness a week from Saturday and are likely starters, while Brevity is not a candidate for the Pimlico Stakes fixture and will make the Withers Stakes his next engagement, to be followed by the Belmont Stakes, which may draw the trio as well as several other fine three- r year-old prospects which did not go after L the Derby. I Aside from the race, the Derby was one of the most successful of all time. Accommodations of Churchill Downs, with the exception of the infield, were taxed, but everything went forward in perfect order. Never before has the traffic been handled so skillfully and expediently, while within the gates the immense crowd moved much more freely and a greater number were able to see something of the race. Col. Matt Win, Daniel E. OSullivan. Thomas Young, and the others in the Churchill Downs organization are to be commended for a great Derby show, and it was only appropriate that the clouds rolled away during the afternoon and enabled the program to be offered under almost ideal weather conditions. Derby day was so successful in all respects that all those who can will wish to be back next year — so get your reservations in early. The Kentucky Derby running like the Santa Anita Handicap renewal serves warning on racing officials everywhere to exercise greater vigilance against rough riding. The jockeys must be controlled and the only manner in which it can be done is for the stewards at all tracks to take fearless action. If these officials can not stamp out the practice then it is up to the racing associations to appoint men who are competent. Churchill Downs stewards acted promptly following the Derby and suspended Nick Wall and George Burns fifteen days each for the parts they played in the jam at the start that caused Granville to fall and Brevity to almost do likewise, and Ira Han-ford for a similar period for cutting ever too sharply with Bold Venture when that horse went to the front at the half-mile ground. Unless stiff action is taken against offenders in important races like the Kentucky Derby and Santa Anita Handicap, the jockeys will think they have a license to use rough tactics. It is unfortunate that the Derby start must be made on the turn and everyone anxious Continued on twenty-third page.l I ] j : , , I ! ! [ e 1 " e e it s ■li i I ! : ; | : : ! j . i i 1 HERE AND THERE ON THE TURF Continued from second page. for, truly run races would like to see this condition changed if it can be done so. Am- pie room is available at the head of the Churchill Downs stretch to have the Derby start straightaway, but whether it is feasible ] because of the tracks incline towards the I inside is a matter to be worked out. It is only natural that the horses on the inside shoot out while those on the outside will try for a straight run down the back stretch, so a wedge is imminent. This can only be eliminated by having the starting gate face the stretch head on and by instilling into the minds of the jockeys that they must deal fairly with one another. Racings popularity is not helped any when the classics are attended by such unwelcome occurrences as figured in the Derby running. Regular enthusiasts fully understand the fortunes and misfortunes of the sport but those who go to the races only a few times annually and then for great events like the Derby soon get the impression that racing is not all that it is supposed to be. The Derby and Santc Anita Handicap have taught their lessons and they should be | heeded by all race tracks so that the sport may be cleaner and more wholesome. Racings leaders are called upon to lock the door before the horse is stolen and this can only be done by eliminating foul tactics entirely. It can be done, but only through concerted efforts on the part of competent officials. While most of the experts who viewed the Derby running believe Brevity was the better horse, nothing can be taken away from the performance of Bold Venture. The son of St. Germans and Possible, by Ultimus gave a splendid account of himself and unquestionably is a colt of considerable merit. He too suffered in the jamming in the early stages although not as much as did the Widener hope and he was in eighth position entering the back stretch with Brevity at his heels. However, the latter had made up sev-[ eral lengths on Bold Venture during the first half mile. When called upon in the back stretch, the Schwartz colorbearer moved up so rapidly that he was able to take command at the far turn, but this was the only mistake Hanford made in his afternoons work. Despite his rush to the front. Bold Venture was able to stand off Brevitys courageous bid but he might have done it with more ease if he had not stepped the third quarter in about :23%. He ran the fourth quarter in :25% and the final two furlongs in :25%, while Brevity did it in :25%.
