THE RACEHORSE AJAX

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23688, 21 December 1938, Page 16

THE RACEHORSE AJAX

INQUIRIES FROM AMERICA NEGOTIATIONS FOR PURCHASE i United Press Association) (By Electric Telegrapn—Copyright) NEW YORK, Dec. 19. Mr Neil Newman, the local representative of Mr Neil McCarthy, of Los Angeles, announced that the latter was attempting to purchase the Australian racehorse Ajax through the trainer, Fred Williams, with the object of bringing him to California and eventually entering the racehorse at Santa Anita, etc. Mr Newman said the negotiations at present were in the earliest StHg€S. Local racing circles consider that the deal is likely to be complicated by Ajax's ownership. It is understood here that there are three owners, which -will naturally make bargaining more difficult, particularly since the price is likely to be the paramount issue. It is not thought that some of the extremely wealthy stables, such as Whitney, which are able to pay virtually any price, are involved. On the contrary, Mr McCarthy is a Angeles attorney, and a polo player who has bought and raced horses for a hobby for 20 years without a particularly notable winner except Tick On, which is at present at the stud. While it is known that Mr McCarthy is greatly impressed by Ajax’s record, and is extremely anxious to add him to his stable, it is considered certain that there is a definite limit to the price he is willing and able to pay. Mr Newman told the Australian Associated Press: “ Negotiations at present have reached an impasse. It is not known what the outcome is likely to be. Although Mr McCarthy is anxious to complete prior to January 1, he may not be interested after that. He has not yet discussed the price.”