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REFLECTIONS L By Nelson Dunstan Twilight Tear First 44 Champ Defeats Durazna in Dorcen Stewards Rulings Should Stick Lord Adare Now Buying Mares NEW YORK, N. Y., June 29. The first championship of the 1944 season was practically settled when Twilight Tear defeated Bell Song, Harriet Sue, and Durazna in the Princess Doreen Stakes at Washington on Wednesday. Turf fans have long awaited this meeting between the Calumet filly and Durazna, who had won her last five starts. This brings Twilight Tears record to eight consecutive victories, and if Ben Jones keeps her in her own division, it is doubtful if shi will be beaten this year. During her career, Twilight Tear has never been out of the money, winning 12 of her 15 starts, once second and. twice third. At the close of the 1943 season, many veterans were of the opinion that Miss Keeneland would prove a better filly than her stablemate, but as events have turned out, Twilight Tear has shown herself to be a true champion, worthy of ranking with the outstanding members of her sex of bygone years. The Princess Doreen Stakes was actually a testimonial to Bull Lea for not only did he sire Twilight Tear, but also; Harriet Sue, who finished thjfd, and Durazna, who was fourth. ; You know, of course, that Mc-Creary rode Twilight Tear in her stirring victory at Chicago. Even before the race was run, people were asking us "what did McCreary really do that the stewards set him down for the Arlington meeting?" Beyond what was announced we could not answer for the reason that we were in New York and not Chicago when the offense was committed. Frankly, with all our deep respect for Ben Jones, whom we look upon as one of our closest friends on the American turf, we applauded the Arlington stewards for their action. But we were somewhat taken Hack when we 1 that the Arlington stewards modified their ruling against Jalumet jockey. He either did, Oi- lie did not, hold jockey Bodiou, who was riding Blue Skimmer in the race last Monday, which brought about his suspension. If he did hold the other jockey, he is deserving of the same punishment that a jockey i for a lesser known stable would be given under the circumstances. The Arlington stewards gained nothing in the respect of racegoers by lessening their sentence. All jockeys should be treated alike and all sentences, regardless of who the jockey is riding for, should stick. Recently we stated that Lord Adare had reserved three services to Bahram, who is standing at Lt. Walter Chryslers North Wales Stud in Virginia. We have just received word from Kentucky that Lord Adare has purchased two mares from Peter A. B. Widener, one being Waterford full sister to Unbreakable, by Sickle Blue Glass and in foal to Chance Shot and Yucca winner ,in France and half-sister to Gossip, best two-year-old of her year, by Pharos Tatule, by Alcantara H., also in foal to Chance Shot. These mares might well be called the first move of British breeders to look to America to replenish their bloodstock. It is Viscount Adares intention to return these mares to England after they are bred to Bahram in the 1945 season. He intends, however, to sell the produce of these two mare in 1944 and 1945 in this country. In talking with Walter J. Salmon, who will sell the largest group of yearlings this season, we told him of these two purchases by Lord. Adare. He expressed the opinion that the chances for abolishing the Jersey Act are fairly good. Personally, we are not so optimistic but, like Mr. Salmon, agree that an international stud book, including the thorough-breds of all countries, would be a boon to the American thoroughbred breeding industry. The annual convention of State Racing Commissioners will open in Chicago on Monday. In keeping with the times, the program is mostly one of business and some of the most important topics pertaining to American racing will be discussed by the speakers thoroughly acquainted with their subject. If there is a weakness in these annual conventions, it is that little follow up is made once the convention is closed and the members return to their respective States. The greatest good come from the Miami meeting of some three years ago and in which Lincoln Plaut, director of field operations for Daily Racing Form, suggested the highly successful Chicago meeting which brought into being the Turf Committee of America and The Thoroughbred Racing Association. There is hardly a doubt there should be more coordination between the commissions of the various States and it may be that this will be brought about during the next week. If so, it will weld together what could be 6ne of the most powerful units for good in American racing. If there ever was a time when intelligent consideration should be given to the problems for improving the sport, this in the time.
