view raw text
Royal Vale Lowers Mile and Quarter Record at Delaware Course to 2:002/s Whips Pacesetti rig Post Card* By Neck in Sussex Handicap For Sixth 1953 Stakes Win By PALMER HEAGERTY Staff Correspondent DELAWARE PARK, Stanton, Del., June 27. — Solidifying his claim to the runner-up position behind Tom Fool in the current handicap picture, Mrs. Esther duPont Weirs Royal Vale this afternoon clipped one and three-fifths of a second off the Delaware Park track standard while being timed in 2:00% for the mile and one-quarter of the Sussex Handicap. Just a neck behind the winner came Mrs. Walter M. Jeffords Post Card, who was responsible for the near sensational early fractions of the race. In third position, three lengths in arrears, came North Downs Farms Risque Rouge. One Count, who was coupled with Post Card, finished fourth, with Jack Amlels Count Turf, the only other starter. In winning his sixth major stakes event of the year — he had already accounted for the Miami Beach, Bowie, Gallant Fox, Dixie and Massachusetts — the English-bred Royal Vale raced under 130 pounds, much of which was in the person of jockey Jack ► Westrope. The winners share of the 8,900 Sussex purse was 9,750, sending Royal Vales seasonal gleanings to 88,850. He was heavily favored in the wagering by a crowd of 20,382 and returned only .10. The previous ten-furlong record over the local strip was held jointly by Stymie, Flying Missel and Cochise, each of whom was timed in 1:02 while winning the Sussex in previous years. That a new record would be established became apparent with each quarter-mile flash, as Post Card was timed in :22% for the quarter, :45% for the half, 1:09% for six furlongs and 1:34% for the first mile. Post Card had little trouble in assuming the early lead and was bouncing along with a four-length advantage going past the stand the first time with Sam Boulmetis glancing back several times to assure his position. Closest to the leader early was Risque Rouge, the former King Ranch colt, who arrived only recently from Canada. Royal Vale was content to race along in third position, about eight lengths off the lead, while Count Turf raced ahead of One Count. Westrope, who had won the preceding Continued on Page Fifty Royal Vale Takes Sussex In NewTrack Record Time Runs Mile and Quarter in 2:00% To Whip Post Card by Neck Margin Continued from Page One race with Common Cause, was satisfied to bide his time, apparently awaiting an anticipated bid from One Count. The latter made his. bid soon after leaving the back-stretch, securing room along the inside. Royal Vale was forced to race outside on the elbow, but staved off One Counts challenge and set sail for the leader, who was showing very little signs of wear. With Boulmetis working earnestly on Post Card, the game son of Firethorn stuck to his task surprisingly well and made a valiant effort to turn back Royal Vales challenge The English horse was not to be denied, however, and he had his head to the fore in the vicinity of the sixteenth pole. Westrope and Royal Vale had their rival measured thereafter, however, and were coasting a bit in the final strides. Royal Vales margin at the wire was but a neck, but it seemed that he could have won by daylight had his rider elected to have him do so. Then too, it must be remembered that he was conceding a chunk of weight to Post Card— 17 pounds, to be exact.
