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SIR GARETH CHASE WINNER i Triumphs in Billy Barton Steeplechase Under 157-Pound Impost. Mrs. V. Z. Reeds Silks Victorious for Second Time in Coveted Jumping Race Staged Annually at Pimlico. ♦ BALTIMORE, Md., May 14.— The silks of Mrs. V. Z. Reed, Jr., were borne to their second triumph during the nine runnings of the Billy Barton Steeplechase when Sir Gareth conquered seven other hunters over the three-mile course. Under an impost of 157 pounds, trained and ridden by Noel Laing, the six-year-old Sir Gallahad III. — Sandy Land gelding scored by four lengths over Campbell Weirs Soldiers Fate, with Mrs. F. M. Goulds Stir finishing third, another length away and a nose before Greatorex. Mrs. Reeds other success in the event, held in honor of the international steeplechase star, Billy Barton, was in 1934 with Our Friend. Laing also was the winning rider that year. Billy Barton, second in the Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree in 1928, the year the local race was founded, led the field to the post, being ridden by Dallas Leith of the Hartford Elkridge Hunt Club. A very large crowd of hunts enthusiasts was present for the event and the attendance was the largest of any week-day during the meeting. The weather was clear and much cooler than has been the order during the meeting. The course for the Billy Barton was fast, as Sir Gareth covered the long journey in 6:07%, but the main track was slow from the showers of yesterday afternoon and last night. Sir Gareth was in last place for the greater part of the race, but he was ready when Laing called on him and he moved up steadily on the inside during the final six furlongs to take the lead after making the landing for the final jump, drawing away steadily and easily. Soldiers Fate, which was coupled with The Stag II. as the odds-on favorite, might have proved best, but he was burdened with 160 pounds, which included five pounds overweight, and his rider, J. E. Ryan, was of little help to him. Soldiers Fate forced the pace set by Greatorex but Ryan could not make up his mind whether to go to the front or hold his mount back. Finally, Soldiers Fate took command on the stretch turn only to lose it to the winner right after the final fence. Greatorex tired in the stretch and was passed by both Stir and Well Played, which staged a duel for third place. The latter was the high weight of the field under 167 pounds. Star Trap lost his rider at the fifth jump and The Stag II. fell at the eighteenth hedge when making a bid to take command. He appeared to have crossed his legs as he landed. Neither rider was injured. ♦
