VODKA TO RACE AT VERNON DOWNS

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27993, 13 June 1956, Page 5

VODKA TO RACE AT VERNON DOWNS

Racing Commission’s

Action [From RON BISMAN] NEW YORK, June 4. Vodka will not now Compete at Roosevelt Raceway next week as expected. Whereas his Christchurch owner-trainer, J. S. Shaw, and all those interested in the New Zealander and his horse, considered that he had qualified for a “B” classification when he trotted faultlessly in 2min 9 3-ssec last Monday night, the New York State Racing Commission has announced that this is not so.

The commission apparently wanted Vodka to record 2min 9sec for one mile, but because he just failed to make this time, it has not even considered placing him in the slower “CC” class.

The commission's decision has brought disapproval from many sportsmen who are following Vodka’s progress. Shaw has suffered the greatest disappointment as Vodka was a very easy .winner in his qualifying heat. Had Shaw known the commission’s requirements, it is certain he co/ild have pushed the gelding a little and recorded a much faster time. If Shaw stayed at Roosevelt he would have to wait another week to qualify, and this has prompted his decision to shift to Vernon Downs Raceway, which is in New York State, but some distance from New - York City. There he will be eligible to race without qualifying, an'i will probably get into the “C” or “CC” class. Stakes will be much smaller than at Roosevelt, but opportunities will be much more frequent and the opposition much weaker. A "C” class race on thi c track could be won in 2min 9sec or 2min lOsec, a time Vodka would have little difficulty recording as this is one of the fastest tracks in the United States. It was on this track that Adios Harry equalled Billy Direct’s world record of Imin 55sec for one mile. A six-furlong course with a starting chute, which offers horses a straight run of two furlongs before passing the winning post the first time, Vernon Downs should suit Vodka He has been striking himself slightly on the half-mile Roosevelt track, and on the roomier course he will have an opportunity to gain confidence.