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L /" "** * 91 MRS. JOHN HERTZ — Her homebred Count Fleet, scored the most decisive victory in recent years in the 1943 renewal of the Belmont, finishing 25 lengths in front. Belmont Renewals of the Past BELMONT PARK, Elmont, L. I., N. Y.,* May 31. — The Belmont Stakes follows the Kentucky Derby and Preakness each year and invariably attracts small fields because three-year-old "form" is fairly well established. The largest "field in the history of the Westchester Racing Associations fixture started in 1875, when Calvin led home thirteen rivals. In recent years eleven has been "tops," that number of horses going to the post in 1924 and 1932. Only one horse opposed each of the following winners: Hanover 1887, Sir Dixon 1888; Patron 1892;, Sweep 1910 and Man o War 1920K The late James Rowe established a Belmont Stakes record which may never be equaled, saddling eleven winners during his long career as a trainer. Rowes victors were George Kinney 1883, Panique 1884, Inspector B. 1886, Hanover 1887, Sir Dixon 1888, Commando 1901, Delhi 1904 Peter Pan 1907, Colin 1908, Sweep 1910 and Prince Eugene 1911. "Sunny Jim" Fitzsimmons leads contemporary conditioners with five winners, Gallant Fox 1930, Faireno 1932, Omaha 1935, Granville 1936 and Johnstown 1939 Jockey J. McLaughlin rode six Belmont Stakes winners in seven years, a feat which may never be surpassed. His successful mounts were Forester 1882, George Kinney 1883, Panique 1884, Inspector B. 1886, Hanover 1887 and Sir Dixon 1888*. His last five winners were owned by the Dwyer Brothers and trained by James Rowe. Arcaro leads the riders who are now active with three winners, Whirlaway 1941, Shut Out 1942 and Pavot, last year. The winner of tomorrows renewal of the Belmont Stakes will earn approximately fifty times the ,850 Ruthless, who captured the first running in 1867, garnered for his owner, F. Morris. The value of the Belmont has fluctuated considerably. The "high" from 1867 to 1909, inclusive, was in the latter year, when Joe Madden earned 4,550. The "low" year was 1915, when The Finns share of the purse was a mere ,825. Richest running until today went to Belair Studs Gallant Fox, who earned 6,040 in 1930. Forty of the seventy-seven Belmont Stakes winners were favored in the wagering. Three of these successful choices were 1-20 chances. They were Hanover 1887, Man o War 1920 and Count Fleet 1943, Long shot victors in the mile and a half stake have been comparatively infrequent. Biggest price paid by a winner was the 20-1 quoted against Comanche in 1893. When Bounding Home registered in 1944, at 16-1, he was the most pronounced outsider to score since Comanche surprised. - In recent years the weatherman has been good to the Westchester Racing Association, which operates Belmont Park. The track was fast for the last ten renewals of the Belmont Stakes, the longest succession of firm strips in the fixtures history. The late J. R. Keene owned six winners of the Belmont Stakes, leading the field in that department. Keenes first victor was Spendthrift, who defeated Monitor in 1879. Twenty-two years later Commando scored for the noted sportsman, who then won the race in 1904 with Delhi, in 1907 with Peter Pan, in 1908 with Colin and in 1910 with Sweep. Keenes record is in no danger of being equaled this year, but remains in jeopardy, because Belair Stud has captured five Belmonts and, although not represented in todays renewal, generally comes up with a dangerous contender. Every winner of the Triple Crown, with the exception of Sir Barton, was bred by the man whose colors he carried when he won the Belmont. Sh Barton was bred by John E. Madden and bore the silks of Com-! mander J. K. L. Ross, a Canadian.
