The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-07-11
ABOUT FRED TARAL.
How the Noted Jockey Came to Fol
low the Turf.

Fred Taral is about the most con-
scientious jockey who throws leg
over horse. says The New York Times.
His whole heart and soul is in the busi-
ness. and suffers very much If he is
defeated In a race. 50 much SO that he
has repeatedly refused mounts when
he could not figure the proffered horse
winner. He is kind to u marked de-
gree. He would sooner ride horse for
poor owner or a man out of luck than
for IL millionaire if he believed by his
work he could win for the man and help
him along. He is devoted to his family
and he was tickled considerably when his
baby went to school for the first time.
During the winter Taral never permits
himself to grow out of his natural pro-
portion. He is fond of boxing and all
athletic exercise and takes his daily
work with the gloves or punching the
hag. This year he is sporting the colors
of Marcus Galy at salary If about
$4,000, and rides at about 1l2 pounds.
Tarars first race in the business was
in the West with Mr.. Labold. now the
president Of the Cincinnati jockey club.
In the winter of 1877 one day while
inspecting his and his brothers string
of horses, then In training at Louisville.
MIR. Labold was stopped as he was leav-
ing the grounds of the track by a bright
faced boy, who asked his ear for mo-
men, and with the request granted put
in a strong petition for work.
Struck by the boys honest counten-
ance and seeming anxiety to secure
work. Mr.. Labold retraced his steps
to the stable, and. although he was the
only white boy Trainer McGinty had
employed, at the solicitation of his em-
plOyer he gave him work. taking the
lad. to his cottage to live with him.
So Fred Taral, the great jockey, be-
gan life among the bangtails. The boy
at Once showed an aptitude at the rid.
ing business. and improved so rapidly
in his work that he was long before
spring given the place Of riding the
leader in exercising the horses. The
star Of the string was Montrose. and
the firm had set it's heart and placed
its money on PATHS son to win the
Kentucky derby. The colt did all that
was asked of him. and as time drew
near for the race Taral began persuad-
ing Mr.. Labod to let him ride the colt
in the event.
Taral, knowing MnntrUse's character
istics so well, having worked him all
spring, and rs Stoval, the-jeekey eh--
gagged to ride him. had been claimed
by other people with entries In the race.
and these people had satisfied Judge
Clarke they had first call on that rid
er's services. Mr.. Labold finally con-
sented to take a chance on Taral as
jockey. About two weeks before the
race. however, pimple broke out on
Tarars hand, and few days later
physicians had to be called in to save
the boys arm. as blood poisoning was
about to set in, as the sore traced its
origin to dccayed bone.
Thus Taral's first hope Of winning
big race were crushed, as his injured
hand did not permit him to ride again
until long after the Kentucky derby had
passed into turf history. Fortunately
for hir l.abold he secured Isaac Lewis
to ride the colt and Montrose won the
hiGs race easily.
When the event was over, on his way
to the stable to see how the colt had
cooled OF. AIr J.abCld nearly stepped
on lad lying in the deep grass, crying
as If his heart would break. 1t was
Taral. Between sobs he told his EN-
ployer: II knew he would win"