The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-09-09
Cor. zfh and
Robert SIS.

The old story of a prophet being without
honor in his own country was being prov
ed true, and Sloan kept on doing what he
doubtless would have done in the West
had he been given equal opportunities
with the best jockeys-namely, riding
winners.
After that summer his success was as
sured. He became one of the most sought
after Jockeys in the country and had prac-
tically his pick Of mounts one year after
he had left the West with the reputation
of being only mediocre class of jockey.
His riding at other tracks proved that it
was no fortuitous combination of circum-
stances which had enabled him to win
as he had done, but that 1t was really
skill of the highest order.
IN ENGLAND.
Three years ago he went to England.
His advent was not welcomed by the
English sporting writer's, who bitterly
denounced the American style of riding
in general, and Sloans style in particu-
lar. In reality their opposition was based
on a haunting fear of what was after
wards to happen-the utter extinguish-
ment of their own Jockeys by the Ameri-
cans Willie Simms the we'll known
negro jockey of that time, had been
taken to England the year before by one
of the Dryers, and his constant success
es had given the English dread of what
was to come. Upon Sloan's arrival, there
fore, they were virulent to the last de-
| gree in regard to Americans on the turf.
Sloan was not dependent upon the
whims of English turfmen for his mounts,
however, but was under contract to the
Lorillard- Beresford stable which con-
tanned some of the best handicap horses
in the country. His success over the
stiff backed English Jockeys, to whom
i TOOL r111al In ON1Tn
and whose attitude gave them little
power over their horses, was even great
er than his work in this country. He
scored win after win for the American
| horses. and at the end of the year was
| offered a fabulous salary by the Prince
| of Wales if he would contract himself
to the royal stable for the next season.
| The offer was accepted, and it is note
worthy fact that the first American
Jockey ever engaged by an English noble
man was Sloan and that the noolemah
was the Prince of Wales.
IN CALIFORNIA
Sloan returned to America that winter
and went back to England the following
season, in which, by the way, his success
uac not so marked as in the previous
wear. there was no move made by the
Prince to re-engage him. The thought
that he possibly was losing his attract
fyeness as a jockey was the most Whole-
some lesson Sloan has ever had' ana
since that time he has SHOWN erea.
sagacity in his business affairs as wen
&C in the conduct of his profession His
contract had once been handed back TO
him Inv w c. Whitney's trainer, Sam
tJildreth. when Sloan refused to ride
horse he had been ordered to, ana MS Two
exneriences have completely cured MN
of many of his former conceits, winch
would otherwise have proved disastrous
10 his success as a jockey
LOST CoNCEIT.
For the past year or so he has kept on
excellent terms with his employers ana
his combination Of business sense win
his skill at riding has kept him in the
front rank of his profession. During the
early part of the past summer ne rooe
in ENGLAND with great success, and his
work in the summer OF 1888 was also eA-
cellent A couple of weeks ago ne was
brought TO this country by w c. whitney
at an estimated expense of $4,000 to ride
tbe colt Balyhoo Bey in the Futur1ty Ills
ride in that race proved that he has lost
none of his old-time skill
Sloan is now twenty-seven years OF
age He is extremely small and shght'
as NAV be guessed from his weight
which is slightly over ninety pounds, but
does not appear III oliS WcAS "
build. He is distinctly good-looking upon
inspection. and always dresses in the
height Of fashion. His expenses are ire
mendously heavy. and he generally trav-
els with about twelve trunks and valet.
His full name is James Todhunter S!oan,
the middle name being corrupted mo roo
He carries himself well while walking and
has rather gift Of conversation, this last
being aided by his absolute sef-conh-
dence.
STYLE OF RIDING.
The style of riding which has made him
famous is rather common in this country,
although he bends over his horses neck
more than most jockeys and takes
shorter grip on the reins. His judge Of
pace is wonderful, and he can ride
horse a mile in almost exactly given time,
riding each quarter at the speed tod him.
His power over his horse al the finish is
due to his short grip on the reins, and
his strong arms are accountable, with
this knowledge Of pace, for his success.
That Sloan is wonderful jockey there
is no question It cannot be sad. how
ever. that he is the best that America has
produced. His continued success, how
ever, and the breadth OF his riding oper-
ations will do doubt enable him to finish
his career with reputatio unequaled by
any other Jockey in the world.