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SPONGING CASE AT DOWNS Investigation Reveals Sponge in Left Nostril of Golden Nut Explana ¬ tion for His Recent Poor Races LOUISVILLE Ky May 14 Immediately following the discovery early today of a coarse sponge in the left nostril of the horse Golden Nut owned by Frank P Letellier of New Orleans Churchill Downs officials launched a sweeping investigation in which the assistance of private detectives and other operatives was enrolled It was the first such case to be brought to the atten ¬ tion ot local officials in a number of years yearsThe The obstruction believed to have been placed in the nostril at least five or six days ago was discovered by Dr J R Upton after he had been called to ascertain the cause of a heavy odor and discharge being emitted by the horse For several days Letellier had been treating the horse for what he thought was a common nasal dis ¬ order but when he was unable to relieve the condition the veterinarian was called in HORSE ACTED DULL DULLAccording According to Dr Upton the sponge might have been placed in the horses nostril as long ago as last Saturday on which day Golden Nut a 13 to 10 favorite finished third to Big Gawk and Butter Beans being beaten by four and a half lengths Following that race according to Letellier the horse acted dull and sluggish but continued to eat his rations As he could discover no cause for the noticeable change in his de ¬ meanor Letellier again started the horse on Tuesday when again he was made a 13 to 10 favorite and was badly beaten by Butter Beans and Peggys Peggy Following that race a steady light discharge came from the nostril Letellier said and the head treatments were started As the condition became worse it was decided to have the veterinarian examine the racer
