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ON THE WI RE By HUGH J.McGUIRE DETROIT RACE COURSE, Livonia. Mich., June 12. What is believed to be the j greatest amount ever collected for relief in a single disinter relative to the thoroughbred industry was the 1,433 amassed to reimburse in some measure the horsemen who suffered financially in the recent conflagration here in the stable area. Headed by the tracks share in the mutuel handle of a. days racing, augmented by a donation from the Michigan Racing Association, these funds were distributed to replace personal losses such as -clothing, tack and equipment and to reimburse, to some extent, owners whose uninsured horses fell victims to the flames. Jockeys, valets, mutuel employees and many other interests joined forces in a typical American manner when the disaster struck. AAA The local fire was severe and costly and served as a reminder that such unfortunate disasters have a way of striking in widely-scattered areas and without warning. It was this thought that has prompted president Harry W. Lindy of the Michigan division of the Horsemens Benevolent and Protective Association to suggest that a "concrete disaster fund" t set up by the national body of that organization so that funds could be available for such relief payments in from "4 to 48 "mrs after such catastrophies occur. Following the Detroit fire, other divisions of the HBPA r-ntributed 4,000 to the relief p J the Maryland division attempted to run an extra race, the profits of which would be added to the fund. In this, Lindy tells us, they ere unable to secure the sanction of t"- Maryland commission for such a race. However, it was through running such races that Lindy foresaw a possible source of revenue with which the disaster fund could be built up and he was of the opinion that if the. directors of the national body of the HBPA saw fit to approach the various commissions with a definite plan for such a race, a solution could be worked out. AAA Lindy and his directors have been at work on another project in the state of Michtgan. This is the formation of the Michigan Thoroughbred Foundation, which has been incorporated. Aims of this body are, several, but are primarily directed toward fostering a keener interest in. thoroughbred breeding in the state. The purposes of the foundation entertain various channels through which the project would accomplish its goal. Programs of education and research are indicated and these would include grants to state colleges and uhi- Raise 1,433 for Fire Victims All Interests Give Financial Aid Lindy Suggests Disaster Fund versities for promotion of the basic aims of the foundation, scholarships in colleges and high schools, aid to the senior and junior agricultural groups and for medical and research projects. One clause, calls for assistance to groups engaged in charitable and benevolent work, for those engaged in the breeding and racing industry and Lindy confirmed that this might eventually lead to the foundation of a home for aged and incapacitated track personnel. AAA The encouragement of agricultural fairs in the state was linked in a clause that would also establish "studs and other breeding establishments" within the state. Lindy pointed out that there was no reason that a healthy breeding economy could not be established here, but admitted a woeful lack of good stallions. In this respect, "he pointed out that thoroughbreds bred in Michigan already received a five-pound weight concession in open races and that j there were some breeders awards. In this connection also, he pointed out that the second annual yearling show for Michigan-foaled horses would be held on July 21, a date that coincides with the running of the Michigan Futurity. The foundation could not be put into operation, until next year, but Lindy tells us that it has the sanction of racing commissioner Inglis and the approval of the, attorney general of the state. In addition, Lindy stated that the Michigan Racing Association had indicated that it would endorse the project fully and the HBPA was now waiting a favorable opportunity to present the project to the directors at Hazel Park. Present plans are to finance the undertaking by profits from operating the two running tracks in the state for three additional racing days at each course every" year. A A A An example of a harmonious working agreement between the HBPA and the management of the Michigan Racing Association, is seen in the current reduction of purse values at this course. The two bodies had agreed upon a sliding scale of purse distribution based on the mutuel handle at the course and when the handle fell below a stipulated sum, the purses automatically were reduced. Speaking for the horsemen, Dr. Lindy said that his group did not feel that they were "taking a cut" in purses, but were fulfilling their part of an agreement. This certainly is a move in the right direction, for it was not so long ago that such a purse slash would have called for another in a series of strikes which, regardless of the merits of either side to such controversies, invariably j expose the sport to publicity that is detrimental to both sides. A A A One of the effects of, the reduction in purse distribution was seen in the neces- sity to notify all owners who had nomi- nated horses for the many stakes here of i the change in value. A change in the purse value automatically voids a nomination and entitles the nominator to a refund of his nominating fee. Notified nominators now i are in the position of having to accept or reject the new terms. Incidentally, a re-, duction of the nominating fee went with j the reduction of purse values. Fortunately, 1 the situation was made much less acute , because the remaining stakes, with the ex- ; ception of the Rose Leaves on June 19, had not closed for entries. Purses are subject j j to be raised again if business warrants and the two-week period of each condition book is taken as the time element that controls changes. Taking into consideration the 1 1 possibility that these changes may come frequently and cause additional alterations in purses for stakes, there are those among the horsemen who believe that the association may have been hasty in reducing stake values if only for the prestige that point, one horseman volunteered, however, the original values supported. On this that "it was very easy to spend the other fellows money." - AAA In Brief There are very few people at the track who recognize that the man who "drops the flag" for starter John Morris-sey, is-Walter "Gonzo" Homeniuk, trainer of the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team and former assistant trainer of the world champion Detroit Red Wings. Homeniuk is reticent also about telling that he is the only man of his squad who survived the Korean campaign and we received this information from other sources. Incidentally, Gonzo is a resident of Windsor, but some Detroit newspapermen are aiding in expediting his citizenship papers . . . Racing commissioner Inglis of Michigan requires that all personnel licensed by the commission how be fingerprinted. This is the first year that this rule has been so inclusive and some 500 persons received the treatment this season. AAA Foy Allen, who represents the TRPB at this course, plans to attend the school for officials conducted by Marshall Cassidy. This is not being done in the usual search for appointments, but in the belief that a better knowledge of the work of officials will make for more understanding between the two services . . . Joe Kerjenac and John Brennan of the TRPB already have attended the school. . .John Hettche Detroit automobile dealer, furnished complete clothing outf its to 14 victims of the stable fire -at this course-.
