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New Jersey — By William C. Phillips I Garden State Park Boasts Fine Jockey Colony Leonard May Outpoint Big Four1 This Year Hartack, Grant, Culmone, Boulmetis on Scene GARDEN STATE PARK, Camden, N. J., May 9.— A maxim of the turf declares that good horses make good racing. However, let us not neglect the other half of the act — the jockeys. In any contest it takes "two to tango" and even the best thoroughbred may resemble a mule if he has a donkey on his back. "New Jerseys "Golden Triangle" of racing fortunately is able to boast of both, good horses and good jockeys, and it is this combination that has aided the three Jersey tracks in being among the most successful in the nation. The arrival of three-time riding champion Bill Hartack on Friday brought the local riding fraternity to full complement and set the stage for a renewal of the seasonal rivalry for predominence between Hartack, Grant, Culmone and Boulmetis. They have been the "big four" of New Jersey in recent seasons, but are far from being the only accomplished reinsmen on the scene. Jack-Leonard and Robert E. Corle have gained a large following among the public and horsemen since invading New Jersey last year. Leonard, with the backing of the powerful Mrs. Ada L. Rice stable, managed the notable feat of taking command in the initial stages of the season, and a continuance of his excellent form could establish him as the New Jersey champion. As this is written young Leonard, only 18 years of age, is vying with Joe Culmone. Howard Grant settled into stride slowly but already is challenging, while Hartack has not yet had time to make his seasonal bid. The New Jersey group of jockeys is patently the best outside of New York, except during the winter when the reinsmen concentrate their activities in Florida and California. Hartack and Grant are the recognized leaders, of course, and their saddle artistry Jias been one of the outstanding attractions in New Jersey for the past few seasons. The last two years Hartack has lost the local title by default through his frequent departures for stakes and Chicago campaigns during the height of the Washington-Arlington season. The younger Grant has been more constant on the local scene and his ambition is spurred by his quest of the national title. Last year he was second only to William Shoemaker. He holds the same spot as of the moment, but with a better chance of ultimately reaching the front as Shoemaker becomes more inclined to vacation during the autumn months in order to enjoy the rich harvest of his success. Premier Money Rider Sam "the man" Boulmetis has been less spectacular in number of winners since the ascendancy of Hartack and Grant but is still one of the premier "money riders," not only in Jersey, but the entire eastern seaboard. Boulmetis held an iron grip on the title after the retirement of Jimmy Stout a few years ago, and until supplanted by Culmone and Hartack. Although only 31 years of age, he is considered the "elder statesman" of the circuit. Culmone, who emigrated from Italy after the war, is 28. Hartack is one year younger, and Grant is 20. "Jumping Joe," incidentally, was Shoemakers first challenge when he tied with the latter for national honors as an apprentice in 1950. He is a "jockeys jockey," the one whose vigorous and competitive style is most admired and feared by his fellow riders. The geographical location of Jersey between New York, Maryland and Delaware also invites the frequent appearance of the top reinsmen from these other sectors. There are week ends when Eddie Arcaro seems more familiar to the Jersey fans than to his own New Yorkers. In addition, there are the other solid regulars like veteran Gayle L. Smith, the "longshot king"; William McKinley Cook, Walter Blum, Larry Gilligan and George Hettinger. Chris Rogers is eagerly sought when he remains long enough in one place. Then there are the capable newcomers, such as Carl Landers, Arthur Chambers, Charles OBrien, Buck Thornburg and George Gibb. No apprentice has yet lighted the fires of fame that burned brightly for Corle • last year, but there is some promising kindling in the bin. Most notable among the tinder are Richard J. Hurley a personal preference, James Kirk, James Bennett, Howard Cruz, Frank Prozzillo and Anthony Presti. Competition Among In-Laws The Homestretch: Two young riders beginning their careers this meeting are related through marriage to older reinsmen who have found success at this course. Roger LeBlanc is wed to the sister of apprentice Victor Castagna, and Louis Olah is married to the sister of apprentice Pete Brandt. The latter incidentally, rode in the first race of his career last Thursday. From Howard Grant he borrowed the required safety helmet. Then who beat him at the wire but his benefactor. . . . Bill Hartack has been engaged to ride John W. Kanes Ebbies Girl in the 5,000 added Rancocas Stakes on Wednesday. . . . The daughter of Murano finished a soundly-beaten third to Harford Stables Miss Thing in a prep this week but lost enough ground on the turn to account for several lengths. Mrs. B. S. Wright Jr.s Improve, who likely will be ridden by Grant in the Rancocas, also had an excuse when she was bounced between rivals leaving the gate, and she closed courageously finishing second.
