view raw text
HORSES RECEIVE ACID TEST IN TEN FURLONGS CONTEST The Kentucky Derby is a true test — an acid test for only the greatest of thoroughbreds. Some five or six thousand thoroughbreds are foaled each year, but only ten to twenty of them grow strong and sturdy and great enough to compete in this sterling ; race. j I Its always a gruelling race. Sprinters, I stayers and plodders contest in it, with a I killing pace prevailing throughout the mile and one-quarter. Only a brave-hearted colt can withstand such a tough test. j As soon as a good juvenile distinguishes himself in each years racing the veteran1 horsemen immediately focus their keen sight j on him, to determine if he has a .possibility , of becoming timber for the noted classic. One of the best of these judges is James j Fitzsimmons. He well knows what is required of a Derby horse and each year he brings out some fine prospect for it in a colt which has raced well as a two-year-old. Gallant Fox and Omaha, father and son, are two winners of the Kentucky Derby which won for Fitzsimmons. Ben A. Jones, who trained last years winner, Lawrin; George Conway, Max Hirsch, R. A. "Bob" Smith, Clyde Van Dusen, Fred Hopkins, H. G. Bedwell, Henry McDaniel, Frank M. Taylor, Pete Coyne, C. E. Durnell, | Charles H. Hughes, J. C. Cahn, John H. Morris and other living horsemen who saddled victors in the race, also many astute trainers who have not won the race, are keen judges of what it takes in a two-year-old to foretell the youngsters developing into a possible Derby horse.
