The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-05-08
WHITNEY'S GUNFIRE
WINS METROPOLITAN
Crack Filly FavOrite in the
Betting at 2 to l.
LOWERS THE TRACK RECORD
Talent Won Heavily on the Popular
Victory of Millionaire Turfman's
Entry in Morris Parks Feature.

NEW 1OfIh, May 80 the OetiSnt
of a good part of the $4,000 people gath
cred yesterday afternoon at the race
goers' paradise, Morris Park, William
c. Whitney's Gunfire, favorite for the
Metropolitan Handicap, won the classic
in magnificent style.
The only ones who did not join in
the acclaim as the bay daughter of
wire in the van of field of fifteen
thoroughbreds, were those spectators
whose financial hopes were trampled
by the flly's hoofs and the sos book
makers perched on their stools who paid
out thousands of dollars on Gunfre's
victory.
Gallant Old England, Green B. Nor
ris' tried campaigner, chased Gunfre
home two lengths in front of Lux Casta,
that erratic daughter of Donovan. Gun
fire to accomplish her victory had to set
new track record of 1881 for the
Withers mile. She displayed speed and
gameness and was the first of her sex
to win this classic.
These three had the race among them
from the start. Articulate, who was
pulled up by his rider, the apprentice,
Larsen. when the barrier rose, ran a
remarkable race and finished fourth,
length behind the tired Lux Casta. yell
low Tall was fifth. Masterman pride
of the Belmont stable, was an inglorious
last, with Herbert and Colonel Bill
closest in front of him.
Race Worth s1I,1so.
Gunire carried 100 pounds, her price
in the ring was 2 to 1, and she won
81, $50 for her owner; Old England, 11S
pounds, was 10 to 1 to win and to l
for a place, and Mr.. Morris won s.. 900
by his victory; while Lux Casta, 102,
took $1,000 as his owners share.
The fractional time OF the handicap
was: one-eighth, 12a seconds; quarter,
"a; three-e ighths, 35 1-5; half, 4S 2-5;
five eishths, 100 4-5, and mile, 13s So.
The official time was made 1881 because
of the time boards used at Morris Park
Wealth and society were we'll repre-
scented, while from end to end the great
stand was crowded. Fourth hands and
automobiles beyond any number ever
seen on an American race course stood
in deep ranks.
Every famous stable in the country
was represented in the great race and
hundreds OF thousands of dollars were
wagered with the largest number of
bookmakers that ever displayed states IN
the vast betting ring.
When the horses paraded for the Met
ropolitan. Francesca, Slave, Leonora
Loring, Luke Ward. Hunter Raine, Bar
lie Due, Royal Summons and Miss Doro-
thy were missing, leaving'a field of fif-
teen to face the starter. All proved tract
able at the post, and They're off" roared
out within three minutes.
Like a shot, Old England jumped into
the lead, with New York two lengths
back Gunfire was ahead when the bar
rier went up, but was bit slow to get
going Along the backstretch Old Eng
land held his lead of length or more,
while New York dropped back, giving
place, first to Gunfire and soon to Lux
Casta. Next to the last away from the
barrier, Cannon rushed up his mount
too speedily trainers thought-and at the
turn was racing neck and neck with Old
England and Gunfire. Like a team they
came around to the homestretch, and
there Lux Casta was beaten.
Racing Side by Side.
Down through the long straightaway
| home raced the Morris and Whitney
horses, side by side. Both riders were
driving to their utmost but while Shaw
rained whip strokes on Old England,
Burns could use but unspurred heels and
the cast of his body to aid his mount
Gunfire looked to be beaten o quarter of
| mile from home. Close on the rail she
seemed to falter, while Shaw, with whirl-
ing whip arm took the big bay neck to
the front.
Burns never stopped riding, however,
and soon Gunfre was neck and neck with
the leader, then a head in front. and as
the leaders reached the grandstand in
closure the Whitney FLY drew clean,
while perfect thunderbolt of "Gunfirer'
roared from every bench. Increasing her
lead. the beautiful daughter of Hastings
and Royal Gun won handily.
Delighted with the result, Mr. Whit
ney shook the hand of Tommy Burns
He said he had felt confident of the re-
suit, but added that Leonora Loring.
stablemate of Gunfre. could beat the