view raw text
WmJl S Maryland * By Teddy Cox Dr. Palmer Opines on Gen. Dukes Injury Praises Decision to Scratch From Derby Noted Vet Familiar With Similar Ailments PIMLICO, Baltimore, Md., May 6.— Dr. George R. Palmer Jr., who has grown in stature as one of the ranking veterinarians serving horsemen on eastern courses, was quite naturally reluctant to express an opinion concerning Gen. Dukes injury, not having examined the colt. But he was quite emphatic in congratulating the wisdom employed in withholding the fine colt form the Kentucky Derby. "Of course, there is no way for me to diagnose the injury," the big powerful young man explained, "but Ive had considerable experience with injuries that first were regarded as bruises or stone bruises and in many cases the seat of the trouble were actual fractures that are often undetected by X-rays. Just recently I treated a horse for Mike Freeman and we made 20 pictures of an injured hoof and the results were positively negative. Yet, we knew there was something seriously wrong with the foot, so we tried one more X-ray taken from a very unusual angle, shooting up into the hoof. This last picture showed the horse definitely was suffering from a chipped bone in his foot." "Thoroughbreds are usually proud and game and unless the pain is severe they wont often complain by favoring various parts of the body," Dr. Palmer continued. "So when they favor a leg. you can bet theres something wrong, even though it cant always be located by X-rays or other modern methods employed in veterinary medicine. Many horses are further injured when they are raced after they have previously taken an odd step or two in cooling out." Son of Veteran Turf Official Palmer is the son of the noted turf official, George R. Palmer Sr., who has been one of the nations most capable starters and stewards for many years. The young man is thankful to thoroughbred horse racing for his education and his present flourishing practice. When he was 14 years old he was among the assistant starters at Charles Town and he worked with his dad at the gate until he was eventually inducted into the service. His favorite uncle also contributed to his goal, for the GI bill contributed to his expenses while he was attending the University of Pennsylvania veterinary school. He was a paratrooper during World War n. and still maintains a peak in physical condition. Shedrow Shavings: Hitex and Torch of War are now competing for Stephen C. Rowan and Mrs. Mary Perino, respectively, with ,500 claiming tags. Both competed in stakes company just a few years ago, but their class keeps them going, in spite of their impeding ailments. . . . Charlie Johnsons Pimlico Preakness brochure is one of the finest ever distributed among members of the press. . . . Neither Bernard P. Bond or the apprentice, Howard Grant, could be found to accept their rewards on Laurels closing day. The track annually awards the leading owner and jockey a prize, usually a silver plate of split-second watch. Incidentally, Mrs. Elmer Grant, of Cincinnati, saw her clever son win a race for the first time last Friday. The "General" was the first X boy to lead Laurel riders since Willie Hartack enjoyed the apprentice allowance in 1953. Laurels Jack of All Trades Johnny Owens, of the publicity staff at Laurel, is a man of many jobs. An around-the-clock tour with Owens might find him galloping horses in the morning, serving as the track photographer, working on the film patror and making a jocks book. On one occasion, he was seen astride a great while stallion dressed up as Gen. Robert E. Lee during Texas Day ceremonies at Laurel. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Boniface, of Pikesville, Md., are preparing to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. They are the parents of Bill, turf editor of the Baltimore Sunpapers; and Jack and Sidney, who have both been licensed trainers. Mr. Boniface himself was a former trainer and is now semi-retired. Tom Lloyd, Blue Choirs faithful groom, was a former rider and once represented the Czar of Russia. He also trained horses for Dave "King" Feldman, of the Blossom Stable, which is enjoying success at Sportsmans Park. Feldman is the turf editor of the Chicago American. Toms favorite trick is to allow Blue Choir to take a piece of candy from his own lips. This would be a dangerous pastime for anyone else, for Blue Choir is a six -year-old stallion and often becomes somewhat rough when in his usual playful mood. If you did not know Mrs. Joseph M. Lingles Lord Jeep were a four-year-old gelding and has been raced many times, you would be inclined to tab him as a young horse who races so greenly that he requires much education. He has a strange manner of tossing his head about and his stride is anything but a picture of rhythm. Still, he is a runner, good enough to be backed into 2 to 5 favoritism. Hard-riding Steve Brooks, who was at Laurel to pilot Mrs. John R. H. Thourons Lough Ree in the Laurel Spring Handicap, will abandon Chicago during Contiiwed on fog* Forty-One MARYLAND By TEDDY COX Continued from Page Six the Arlington and Washington Park meetings for a New York campaign. His services will be employed by James E. Ryan and Moody Jolley, who will have some of the top horses in the East. The McCook, Nebr., reinsman will once again have his engagements made by Harry Howard, a former rider who is regarded among the sharpest agents around. Brook tried New York many years ago but did not enjoy too much success and returned to his Windy City happy hunting grounds. With greater opportunity, he can be expected to hold his own this j time against Arcaro, Atkinson, Boland and company. Paul J. Bailey, who came into his own as a top drawer pilot around Chicago, was among the leaders in New York last season. . . . The Lautel attendance and wagering figures are somewhat ambiguous, in that last spring there was opposition from New York and New Jersey. This time, without sustained opposition, the figures skyrocketed. A number of punters and horsemen agreed with the observation that appeared in this column recently regarding cold water bandages in the paddock. The "eyesores" hold a powerful influence over those who are attempting to judge their selec- tions on their conformation and general appearance. On the final day at Laurel, the ,500 plater Eland, walked around the paddock with heavy red, white and blue bandages on one of his front legs and he was a heavy favorite in the wagering. Needless to say, there were many who avoided the horse who won smartly after their paddock visit. . . Eldon Nelson, now back in his very best form, will ride out the Pimlico meeting, then heads toward Delaware Park. . . . Charlie Cohen, Baltimore attroney who is related to the Pimlico Cohens, entertained a group in the turf club.
