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BETWEEN RACES By Oscar Otisl HOLLYWOOD PARK, Inglewood, Calif., June 12. Nothing quite like it has ever been seen in. Southern California before. Or perhaps the nation. We refer, of course, to the press conference at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Friday, at which time Clint Murchison, the soft-spoken Texan, quietly voiced the opinion that he and Sid Richardson would attempt to buy as many American race tracks tracks as as possible, possible, all all tracks tracks as as possible, possible, all all to be run for JBoys, Incorporated, a national charity, and that their acquisition of Del Mar was a sort of a test. Murchison also revealed that negotiations were under way with some eastern tracks looking toward their purchase for this same worthy purpose. Later, in response to questions by reporters, he elaborated somewhat upon the details of his plan, which, reduced to essentials, means that eventually the Boys, Incorporated, will own the tracks, lease them back to operating companies, and that 90 per cent of the profits would accrue to the Boys fund. AAA Murchison spoke without emotion, and it took a matter of minutes for the enormous import of his words to sink in. But its daring was breathtaking. Murchison left no doubt in the minds of everyone, however, that he and his partner, Sid Richardson, had ample means to acquire a lot of tracks. "Of course, wed like everyone in America," he smiled, but his tone indicated that he thought this might be impossible, at: least in the near future. "But a lot, maybe." A A A C. Ray Robinson, western attorney for the Murchison-Richardson interests, and who confirmed what Murchison already had told us, that their California holdings i are expanding jrapidly, quite apart from the Del Mar venture, called us aside and said, "The matter is before the Internal Revenue Bureau in Washington rightnow, and un- Texans Turf Plans Breathtaking Del Mar Bought as Pilot Plant Walter Marty Executive Director til we get a decision, all formal plans for the non-profit aspects of Del Mar must be held in abeyance. But legally speaking, and practically as well, we have reason to believe that our setr-up meets all the requirements of the law in regard to charity. You know, this is the first press conference Mr. Murchison ever attended, and he wouldnt have done it for any business deal excepting one involving the Boys. He thinks more of the boys project than he does of the New York Central Railroad. 4 "You noticed what a representative board of directors he has named to Del Mar, plus the putting of the direction of the racing in the hands of an experienced, capable operator, Walter C. Marty. In selecting Marty, Murchison and Richardson insisted upon more than mere capability, for they placed first a top premium, upon a man of integrity and ideals. Where these people go from here nationally remains to be seen, but the racing at Del Mar this summer will serve as a testing ground for these ideals and methods of operation and the state and nation can be the judge." Murchisons racing background has been outlined by our colleague, Leon Rasmus-sen, in his news coverage of the historic press conference in the .Beverly Wilshire. We would like to. add a personality note. Murchison has been a more or less steady racegoer for the last several years, and of course, his brother Ken is well known in the breeding world as the producer of thoroughbreds on a small scale at a farm near Dallas. Murchison has found Del Mar a pleasant . place to summer, the last two years, and, together with Richardson, were often seen at a table in the Turf Club. They said little, but observed everything. This writer once asked Richardson, at Santa Anita, if he wasnt getting interested in owning horses, and he smiled, and replied, "not yet, but Im sure having a lot of- fun handicapping my own horses from the Daily Racing Form." And to show how cautious a man Murchison is, he decided a few years ago to test racing out as an owner, and to that end purchased Mur-cain Stables a few cheap horses. When .he felt he knew the problems of an owner, and some of the answers, he stepped into more select company with the acquisition first of "Company B., later some yearlings, via Gordon Guiberson, from "Bull" Hancocks farm, Claiborne. A A Just when the idea of buying Del Mar and operating it for the Boys, Inc., is not known, but it is probable that it occurred ! last winter at Santa Anita. At that time, the Texans made the acquaintance of ! Walter Marty, and the two became close friends. But in any event, the Messrs. Murchison and Richardson invited Mr. and Mrs. Marty to be their guests in Louisville Derby week, and, during a series of between races conferences there, the "go ahead" was decided upon. Upon Martys return to California from New York, preliminary negotiations were undertaken, and overe brought to a successful consumation just on the eve of the Beverly Hills announcement. Final details were worked out on Wednesday. Perhaps the hardest ordeal ! Murchison had to face during the whole proceedings was posing for television cam- j eras, which he consented to do again, I anything for the Boys, Inc., even though j all" his life he has shunned such public appearances. I AAA Murchison replied to all questions quietly, but with an air of confidence. He carefully considered each, query before making liis answer, but when it did come, it was with an air of assurance. He introduced the new turf club president, Marine General Holland M. "Howlin Mad" Smith, who led the assault of Marines on many a South Pacific Japanese bastion. We chatted with General Smith, too, who told us, "I have long been a racing fan, and particularly like the sporting traditions and atmosphere of Del Mar. I am civic minded, and if I can serve the people of our community and the state and perhaps the nation, I am greatly honored."
