A GREAT PACES.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 120, 23 May 1928, Page 12

A GREAT PACES.

For the first time since his retirement from the turf, Directum 1., 1.56}, will this season be afforded an opportunity in the stud commensurate- with his merit, having recently been disposed of by Mr. D. W. Cork, of Clarksburg, W., Va., to Mr. J. R. Lucas, of Shinnston, W., Va.

When the great pacers of all time are being discussed by horsemen, not one is credited quite so highly as is the world's champion in the open, writes an American authority. Dan Patch, 1.55J, secured his mark behind a pace-maker, while Directum I. paced almost as fast without this material aid. As a race horse he had no superiors and few, if any, equals, as evidence by the numerous records that he held, and still holds, including that for the fastest heat in a race, for the fastest mile and one-sixteenth, for the fastest mile and one-eighth, the fastest two heats, 1.58, 2.0, etc. His mile in 2.25, over a half-mile track, was a world's record and has been beaten just once since made. He was a truly great horse, one of the most beautiful and attractive that ever graced the turf, and he never wore hopples. In respect to breeding, as well as all other requisites, he qualifies in a way that gives him unrivalled prestige. His sire was the noted Grand Circuit stake winner, Directum Kelly, 2.8 (son of Direct, 2.5}, and Rosa Ludwi®' 2.10, by Anteeo, 2.104), his dam being Izetta, 2.134, by Pactolus, 2.12}, second dam by Shadeland Onward, 2.18 i, his whole material foundation being of the best blood. Izetta won in a single season 12 races and was rated at a 2.4 or better trotter. Directum I.'s performers are all young, several of them having shown exceptional class, the two-year-old filly Ruth J. having, in 1927, paced a half mile track in 2.12, with a quarter in 30s. Ruben Direct, 2.12J, worked in 2.6 at three years and should take a very fast record.