New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-10-01
GIVES AWAY DERBY PURSE
W. I. WHITNEY MARKS HIS WITH
DRAWAL FROM THE ENGLISH TURF
BY A LARGE CHARITY-WHY
HE BRINGS RACERS HOME

Ihe appended letter from William c. Whitney
giving his reasons for deciding to leave the
English turf and race his horses hereafter
almost exclusively upon American tracks is a
document of interest and Importance in the ewes
of every racegoer in the country. Mr. Whitnev's
assertion that the tone of racing has been raised
in this country of late and that he considers II
his duty to aid the efforts OF those who are
working TO this end Is worthy OF especial atten-
tion, as well as his denial that his action WAS
caused by any dissatisfaction with the treat
ment he has received In England.
Mr.. Whitney announced this spring that Mas
turtium, for whom he paid than $4,000
would be sent to IN the English Derby
next year, and Yankee, whom Mr.. Whitney now
owns entirely, entered also for the great
classic. while his fine flly Blue Girl named
Tor the Oaks. Later il was discovered that
owing TO the failure TO record the partnership
III YANKEE and Blue Girl between Mr.. Whitney
ana John r Madden. neither of these racers
was eligible for the big races and the announce
inent OF Mr. Whitney's withdrawal from the
English turf followed 1t now appears that his
reasons were broader and deeper than the
mere ineligibility of two or three horses for
certain races. Mr. Whitney's letter follows:
To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: | think it necessary to ask sufficient space
10 state. in my way my reasons for with
drawing from racing abroad. The publication
ana during my absence from town at October
mountain. 1t was premature, and has given rise
TO incorrect differences and conjectures
The dominating reason for withdrawing my
stable from England is the success of the efforts
or late years to raise the standard of racing in
inns country Certain gentlemen have devoted
most of their time to this work. and considered
IL my duty. as one who derives great satisfac-
tion from horses. to second their efforts in every
way. It was for this reason that | co-operated
with them to revive the Saratoga Association
and abandoned a contemplated trip abroad this
summer
The sending of our best horses abroad depre-
cldtes the quality of the sport at home and
diverts needed revenues which should he CON
tlouted 10 enrch our own stakes and en-
courage breeding here. I make exception in
my own mind Of the in which has an
eligible horse likely to win one of the classic
races, like the Derby. the Oaks. the St. Leger.
Winning one Of these races reflects credit
our breeding. and is properly a matter of pi.ide
may he found trying for ore of these again.
The intmation has been made that my reason
Tor Withdrawing from racing abroad was dis
satisfaction Uith the treatment my horses re-
ceiVed My main purpose in making this state
lntimaton. Nothing could he further from the
truth. l have received nothing but courtesy
and fair treatment abroad We Americans have
invaded England with new methods of train
ing and riding, and with American bred horses
nave Won fair share of stakes II would have
been perfectly natural n these successes had
given rise to some jealousy in sporting circles
hut have never had evidence of the existence
of such feeling. Under these circumstances, I
than the criticism these suggestions inpute 10
me of conditions and discretons 10 which all
competitors are alike subject he they native n.
foreign
think ] make my sentiment IN this
point clear by stating that some months ago
announced my intention, n mark OF appre-
citation of the courtesy which I. a single Aueri-
can. have received. and also as an expression OF
my esteem for Lord William Beresford to ask
the stewards OF the Jockey Club 10 place with
some benevolent racing fund the $1,000 ! won as
stake incident 10 the Derby Lord William
Beresford (my partner in the Heath House
training establishment. took Volodyovski as
yearlnE and developed and raced him as a two
year-old. Death alone deprived him of the
distinction of winning the Derby so highly
valued by every true sportsman and racing
man in England. Some months ago commu-
nicated this intention 70 Lord Marcus Beres-
ford, and the delay In executing it has been
caused only by uncertainty as To the most eff
fective method Of associating Lord William
Beresfords name with the fund
W. G. WHITNEY.