Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-03-09
McCHESNEY's OWNER.
Conversion of Mr. Smathers Said to Be
Permanent.

The recent sale Of McChesney to E. L.
Smathers, the well-known eastern trotting
horseman, undoubtedly means more than
the mere transfer Of a high-cass race
horse from one owner to another, says the
New Orleans correspondent Of the New
York Telegraph. Mr.. Smathers does not
state that he expects to Immediately
branch out on the running turf as he has
previously done among the trotters. But
there is little doubt but that his purchase
of McChesney may be considered the en-
terfng wedge for a career on the running
turf.
Il bought McChesney," said Mr.. Smath-
ers. because I made UP my mind that he
was good horse. and / thought would
like to own a good runner.
mo- do not intend to desert the trot-
ters. nor can I say that I expect to buy
all the good race horses that may be Of
fered for sale. Possibly later on I may
buy some running material to keep Nc
Chesney company. 1t will depend on cir
cumstances."
Mr. Smathers having sent McChesney to
Memphis will let him fill his engagements
there, after which he may be sent either
to Nashville or Louisville.
On account OF the uncertainty as to Dur
nelfs standing In the east the horse was
not entered In eastern events. Mr.. Smath-
ers made the purchase. however. in time
to get him in all the important Saratoga
fixtures for three-year-olds and upward.
and the son Of Macduf, If he trains on
without mishap. will no doubt be one Of the
drawing attractions Of the Saratoga meet
ing.
There should be plenty Of opportunity
to bring McChesney and Hermis together
at Saratoga" Mr.. Smathers stated. with
out the necessity of a match race. The
pair will undoubtedly meet In some of the
fixtures there under weight conditions that
Will afford q fair test of their merits OF
course. II Mr.. Bell wants a match, a spe-
cial meeting of the horses can be arranged
at any time.
Mr. Smathers is reticent as to his future
plans. In fact. SO much will depend on cir
cumstances that probably he does not vet
know himself what will be McChesney's
movements prior to the Saratoga meeting
On account of a lack of eastern engage
ments, however, 1t Is reasonably certain
that the horse will campaign on some Of
the western tracks In the early part of the
season.
There has been some question as to
whether the Memphis track, which Is very
sandy and trying on horse will suit Nc
Chesney. He likes hard going. The Nash
VILE track is fast and would suit him.
Just how long Durnell may continue to
train McChesney is quite as problematical
as other matters pertaining to the horses
movements. Hildreth and Wishard. have
both been spoken Of as likely trainers of
the Macduff colt later on. Durnel has
shown such degree of cleverness In ham
ding the horse since he has had him that
Mr.. Smathers will no doubt feel inclined
to leave him In charge OF Durnell as long
as possible. Durnell however, will have a
big string OF horses OF his own to look out
for by the time the spring season Is well
under way
Mr. Smathers intimates that McChesney
may run at the Washington Park meeting.
He has engagements at all the Chicago
tracks. He Ii drawing attraction there,