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Here and There on the Turf Simms Spent Fortune in Racing I i Was One of Greatest Plungers I ! Van Dusen to Exploit Torchilla j Has Made Remarkable Record j II . . --4 The death of Edward F. Simms removed from racing one of its most remarkable personalities, although he had been a rare visitor to the tracks during the past few years. With an inherent love for horses, Colonel Simms went into racing as a young man, left it to acquire a large fortune in the Texas oil fields and returned to become in a comparatively short time one of the countrys most important breeders and owners. At Xalapa Farm, he not only established an extensive thoroughbred nursery but a show place among the show places of the Blue Grass region. It has been estimated that he spent as much as ,000,000 in beautifying the 2,700-acre estate and constructing houses, barns, other buildings and roads, not to mention the vast sums invested in breeding stock. Probably the most noted of the Simms horses is Eternal, the fine son of Sweep and Hazel Burke with which he won the Hopeful, Brooklyn Handicap and other races. Another of his stars was Leonardo II., likewise a Hopeful winner. Frequently business prevented him from visiting the tracks as often as he wished, and so the master of Xalapa Farm sent his yearlings to the Saratoga sales. For quite some time, Xalapa was one of the big three of Saratoga yearling consignors, the others being A. B. Hancock and P. T. Chinn. During recent years, the name Xalapa Mexican for "paradise" all but disappeared from racing- annals, but it came smashing back this season with the appearance of Xalapa Clown, a son of the aging Eternal. Sporting the silks of Mrs. Kenneth Franzheim, step-daughter of Colonel Simms, Xalapa Clown was unbeaten in three starts, including the Ardsley Handicap. When he was most active in racing, Colonel Simms was very fond of backing his judgment, sometimes to the extent that he must be considered one of the greatest plungers of all times. He was not the type to take a short price if the exercise of patience made a difference. There were numerous instances in which he carried a horse for a protracted length of time in the expectation of getting higher odds. A New York track usually was selected for the coup de main. During his last illness the noted Kentuckian frequently expressed his disappointment at being confined when Xalapa Clown made his debut, perhaps remembering the pleasureable moments of earlier days on the turf. Withal, Colonel Simms was a splendid judge of a horse and a profound student of breeding. Surprising news was the announcement that Clyde Van Dusen had resigned as trainer for Charles T. Fisher, whose Dixiana silks were made very prominent throughout the Middle West during the eight years they were developed and trained by the former jockey. Van Dusens connection with Dixiana hasnt been entirely severed, however, as the Detroit sportsman will give him eight or ten thoroughbreds next season as Jimmy Smith, likewise a former rider, looks after the main division. What horses Van Dusen will receive hasnt been made public, nor does he profess to know himself, and speculation is rife as to whether they will include Allegro. This son of High Time made a fine Continued on twenty-third page. HERE AND THERE ON THE TURF Continued from second page. impression last year, just failing to top off his campaign by a victory in the Breeders Futurity, and despite his breeding is mentioned by some observers as a formidable Kentucky Derby candidate. Now that he will not have to devote so much of his time to Dixiana affairs, Van Dusen will concentrate on giving his stallion, Torchilla, a greater opportunity for success. The fourteen-year-old son of Torchbearer and Chilla, himself a fine individual, has made a remarkable record with limited opportunities, and at the last accounting his get had averaged more than four victories each this season, ranging up. to two miles and a furlong in distance. Van Dusen maintains a modest stud at his Few Acres Farm and in addition to the band of Dixiana horses he will train next season, he will have the products of his own establishment. His yearlings are at Keeneland now. Among the Van Dusen brood mares is the well known Betty Kerr, a daughter of Sir Galla-had III. and half-sister to Clyde Van Dusen, the horse. She was bred to Blue Larkspur tj obtain the same nick as was in the breeding of the ill-fated Sky Larking.
