THE FUTURITY STAKES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 40

THE FUTURITY STAKES.

Special interest attached to America's great two-year-old race this year, the Futurity Stakes, run on the 25th August, from the money-despising conflict that was going- on between Mr J. R. Ele&ne and the ±£on. W. C. Whitney, millionaires, who were said to be spending loO.OOOdol a-piece in preparing for the 33,000d0l that was the value to the winner 'of the stake. As one oi the icems ol expense, Sloan was brought from England for the ("Whitney stable at a cost of 10,000dol. The 2Le&ne colours were borne bj- two of the get of Domino — Olympian, out of Belle of Maywood, and Cap and Bells, out of Ben-My-Chres, and by the well-tried colt Tommy 'Atkins. It was a formidable trio, and critics surrounded them in the paddock and asked -each -other, ' "How can you beat them?" Mr (Whitney relied on Elldiorn, by 'Eolvidere, rid-d-en by Turner, and on Ballyhoo Bey, by Kingston, ridden by Tod Sloan. Turf, Field, and Farm says that when Ballyhoo entered /the paddock, under the watchful eye of John 33. Madden, he kicked up his heels in lively fashion and was" the centre of observation. Sloan was in a thoughtful and nervous mood, owing to the fact that he had ridden Jean Serna.ud poorly in the Fail Handicap. He liad been last in getting away, and was in. the tail of the procession at the finish. It .was enough to dampen the enthusiasm of any jockey who had a reputation to guard. The jstarters which did not command so much attention were Blues by Sir Dixon, Sweet Lajvender by Goldfinch, Belario by Belvidej*e, Golden Age by Golden Garter, All Green by Knight of Ellerslie, Lady of the Valley by St. Saviour, and Tower of Candles by Candlemas. The Keene stable was the- favourite, although many thousands of dollars were staked on the success of the Whitney stable. The flag fell to a good start, and there was a display of superb jockeyship. Spencer was first away with Cap and Bells, and he held his place tintil he leached the bend. Here Sloan took advantage of an opportunity to shoot Bally•hoo Bey on the rail, and, having nursed the speed of the colt, was in shape for a rousing .finish. Henry was hard after him with the grandly-formed Olympian, but the chestnut eon of Domino had not the power or speed „to head his rival, and the thunders of apfplaus'e were for Ballyhoo Bey and Sloan. It -,Was a. magnificent racfe, run in the fast time of Imin lOsec, and, as the Ecene horses failed 'to land the prize, 'it was some consolation to itlnd two qf them., Olympian and Tommy AtIkins, placed. Ballyhoo Bey is by Kingston {son of Spendthrift) out of Ballyhoo, by Duke of Magenta (son of Lsxington) from Baby, by English-bred Strachino, son of Palmer^ton. It Was a gratifying moment for Sloan, albeit he refused to be carried around in the floral horseshoe. Mr Keene is in Europe, and he •is another such good sportsman that regret is expressed that disappointment should have come to him. Nevertheless, with two Futurities to hw credit, it must be admitted that fortune has not been unkind to him. The Fu■turity of 1900 was truly run, and it is conceded that the best colt at the weights was first over the finish line.