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R E F L E C T I O N S by nelson dunstan NEW YORK, N. Y., May 26.— Since our return from Kentucky, we have received many letters discussing the "problems" of racing, and even though the sport is flourishing no one who closely follows it can laugh off the fact that it has many questions to ponder. One of the most serious, by far, was the proposed tax law by the House Ways and Means Committee which would have threatened the livelihood of a great many people engaged in agriculture, breeding and the ownership and operation of racing stables. Happily, the proposal was dropped, but not before it caused country-wide consternation. Another serious subject was brought up by Grant A. Dorland, Kentucky breeder and president of the National Association of Thoroughbred Breeders. He wrote to say, "You have been writing about the new tax law as it affects racing. You have also been one of the » prime movers in trying to form a national over-all organization in racing. I think the trouble we are in at this time might give us an excellent opportunity to go ahead and complete the organization of the American Thoroughbred Racing Council, which was discussed last February in Miami. You will recall that representatives of NATB, TRA, ATA, HBPA and NASRC met at Hialeah to discuss such a council. Dan Chappell and I were asked to write a proposed charter and submit it to the presidents of all five groups. This we did! My outfit, National Association of Thoroughbred Breeders approved the charter at their Ferbruary meeting at Hialeah." AAA We cannot quote Dorlands letter in full, but he sums up by saying, "This is a fine time to strike for approval of the American Thoroughbred Racing Council charter. Grant Dorland Again Urges Racing Council Bell Writes About Inbreeding of Domino Reader Disagrees With Us on Sophomores Col. John Wall Wants Horses, Mules in Army If we ever needed to stick together and fight something in a sensibly set-up and well organized campaign, this is the time. Judging by long distance telephone calls we have had from New York, some of those active in other associations think the breeders can help them right now while making a determined effort, to stay in business ourselves. Having had many, many years of experience in observing the operation of trade associations, it seems to me that it is the height of folly for those engaged in the thoroughbred industry to continue insisting on going their separate ways. It simply does not make sense." Years ago, this writer was of the opinion that a "Racing Congress," as it was called then7 would be a good thing for the sport. We still think so, but knowing of the attitude of some organizations who shout "No! come hell or high water, we will not join,"— we have about given up hope that such a body is possible. The industry is alarmed about the proposals in Washington and we agree with Dorland that an overall organization at this time would be most beneficial. But, it does not exist, so thats that. AAA John A. Bell, Jr., father of John A. Bell m., the breeder of Battlefield", has been interested in the subject of inbreeding for many years. He writes "Your column on the Alexander family, their Woodburn Farm and the great stallion Lexington, was very interesting. When in- breeding is mentioned, all one needs to do is go back -to about the time discussed in your article, or a little later, and note how line-bred or inbred Domino was, with his four crosses to Boston and three to Lexington. Later, Major Daingerfield inbred to Domino so, after all, there is nothing new to it, although it was caused considerable discussion since Battlefield and Count Turf. I sent your article to my son and told him to salt it away and refer to it often so he will see that great men worked with this question many years ago." Domino is one of the most amazing horses in American breeding "annals. He was placed in stud in 1896 by Maj. Foxhall A. Daingerfield, an authority on the American thoroughbred who devoted much thought and indefatigable research in ascertaining the best conditions under which to keep animals meant for the reproduction of their kind. Combined with this, his great knowledge of bloodlines did as much, if not more, for the success of the James R. Keene horses than any other agency. We have always thought that Dominos success traced directly to him, even though the horse did have to have what it takes. AAA A Brooklynite who signs himself W. O. Wolheim, disputes our comment on the quality of this years three-year-old crop. He says, "How can you possibly say this is a good group when they have done nothing but beat one another since the running of Experimental No. 1? In my opinion, and I have been following New York racing for 30 years, they are the most ordinary lot I can recall." This writer has never said this is a good group of three-year-olds. What we did say, and on more than one occasion, is that we are going to withhold judgment until the running of such events as the Classic, American Derby, Tra- Continued on Page Thirty REFLECTIONS By NELSON DUNSTAN Continued from Page Forty vers and Lawrence Realization. It could be that by that time, as in most every year, there will be a standout. As the Kentucky Derby was run, Count Turf was by far the best horse in the race. Bold impressed us greatly in the Preakness. There are others of much promise. We never judge a fight bythe first round, a ball game by the fourth inning, or a group of three-year-olds before the running of the Belmont Stakes. AAA Col. John F. Wall, former chief of the United States Remount and author of many authoritive books on thoroughbred racing and breeding, recently caused quite a controversy when he pointed out the need for horses and mules in Korea. He is now endeavoring to form a group to discuss this matter with the military authorities in Washington, and he writes us, "A few of us have been thinking of jthis cavalry and mule condition in our Army. We are going to do something about it, and although we may lose we are at least going" to try. We do- not wish to deal in personalities, but to stick to what Korea has clearly pointed out to us. It is advisable for those who believe in our four-footed friends as military allies to take action in order that we may keep their worth before all of us." Colonel Wall, who has devoted most of his life to the cavalry since he was graduated from West Point some 40 years ago, is an authority on this subject and if our military Tarass hats agree with him, it will mean a comeback for the horse and mule. Canadian army officers value the horse and mule in their operations, so the attitude of our own military men is puzzling.
