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Kentucky By Joe Thomas r High Voltage, Lalun Boost for French CCA Oaks One-Two by Ambiorix, Djeddah 45,600 Paid for War Flower Yearlings LEXINGTON, Ky., June "8.— Even before Sir Galla-had m. and Bull Dog were brought to these shores, French importations played an important part in the development of the American thoroughbred. But of late, there has been considerable criticism of French imports. The recent Coaching Club American Oaks, however, did restore some confidence in French blood, as the winner, High Voltage, is by the French Ambiorix, while the runner-up, Lalun, is by another Boussac-bred, Djeddah. The Belmont fixture removed any doubt I, ViiL-tl nill£ iiigii vmi/ctandco oiiatuo as the best filly of her generation. Lalun confirmed the class she had displayed previously in winning the Kentucky Oaks. French Thoroughbreds Differ From Ours On his recent visit to the Blue Grass, Daily Racing .Forms Paris correspondent, Godolphin Darley, commented that much of the disappointment that Americans have had with offspring of stallion imports from France may be due to their handling. The French thoroughbred is a much higher strung and delicate . animal than our native race horse and normally will not take a lot of training. Yet their distance capacity, id general, is greater. These two characteristics, in Darleys opinion, have worked against them. American trainers, in too many cases, have failed to adjust their routines to fit these horses nature; and the demand for quick speed has interfered with the normal development of their inherent stamina. As an example, this years Epsom Derby winner, the French Phil Drake, was unraced at two and the Derby was only his third start at three. To most American trainers it would be unthinkable to bring an animal to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby with such a background of preparation. Yet that might well be the formula for some of the Goya n.s, Priam n.s, Nirgals Djeddahs, Ardans and Ambiorixes. At the Keeneland fall sales of 1944, auctioneer George Swinebroad sold Miss Mildred Woolwine War Flower for 2,500. Subsequently, for her, he has sold 46,000 worth of yearlings from the mare. The following summer he got 0,000 for the~Heliopolis colt War Flower was carrying the previous fall. This was Ace Admiral. At the 1947 Breeders Sales Company vendue he took a final bid of 6,000 for the Mahmoud colt, Feudal King; in 1948, 5,000 for another Mahmoud, Lancaster. A final offer of 2,500 was made for War Flowers Bull Lee colt in 1949. He subsequently was named Flight Admiral. And the only filly from the mare sold at public auction went for the highest price of all. This was her Alibhai filly, Pageantry, who brought 6,000 in 1951. Helioscope, who was sold in the fall sales of 1952, brought 7,000. Seven Money-Winners From Hyperion Line Blades of Blue Grass: Seven of the top 10 money-winners of 1955 carry the name of Hyperion close up in their pedigrees. Swaps, Determine, Helioscope and Ali-don are by sons of the. great English stallion; Poona U. is by a grandson; and St. Vincent and Sea O Erin are out of daughters. . . . Equine artist Milton Menasco; Brownell Combs, son of Leslie Combs n., of Spendthrift Farm, and a breeder in his own right, and John Alexander, manager of Sam Looks farm, are new members of the Thoroughbred Club of America. . . . Thomas Piatts 23 -year-old Lillian TJhl recently foaled a full sister of the speedy stakes winner Lillal. . . . Reports from Tennessee claim that one of the best yearling in the state is Ed. Potter, Jr.s, gray colt by Mrche, out of Tree Fly. He is said to be a reproduction of his gray sire. The TRAs monthly calendar on stakes closings will be a valuable aid to those trying to keep up with this complex situation. . . . Another important stakes win for the offspring of Norseman, who now stands at Spendthrift, was recorded recently when his Norse-mour won the 1,500 Grand Prix du Printemps at Saint-Cloud. Another of his sons, Highlander n., with six 1955 two-year-old winners to his credit, is the co-leader in this category in North America. . . . The foaling season at Elmendorf ended with a final count of 20 fillies and 13 colts.. One of the last colts was a half-brother of Quiet Step, by Hill Prince. . . . Lady Blaine, a mare purchased last year in England by Crown Crest, has a filly by Hyperion this spring and has been pronounced in foal to the Washington, D. C, International winner, Wilwyn. Work on Centennial Grandstand LITTLETON, Colo., June 8.— Centennial Race Tracks 00,000 renovation of its grandstand and parking lot is scheduled for completion this week, well in advance of the 50-day horse race season opening July 1. General manager Ivan Thomas announced today that painters have ref inished the exterior of the grandstand and are applying bright coats to the seating in a variety of colors. Barns were repainted last winter. Construction crews are in the final phase of grading, resurfacing and armor-coating the vast Centennial • parking lot and approaches to the stand.
