The Washington times., 1903-06-26
MILLIONAIRE THOMAS
TO RETIRE FROM TURF
Dissatisfied With His S153.-
600 Investment.

At public auction IN the sales ring n,
Sheepshead Bay E. r. Thomas will dis.
pose of his stable OF thoroughbreds
gathered together for him at the price
OF fortune this year. After an expert
ence of few weeks this young man
OF wealth has had enough of the racine
game to satisfy, or dissatisfy him, and
his determination to quilt was announced
by him yesterday.
! Perhaps IL was Hermis. widely adver-
tised as the king OF all thoroughbredg
that caused Mr.. Thomas 20 tire so soon
of racing. Hermis. for whom $50 900 wa7
paid' has had four starts this year. and
has been disgracefuily beaten In each.
1t followed the defeat OF this disappoint-
ing son Of Hermence that Mr.. Thomas
| called his trainer, w. NJ. Karrick. TO
MIN and gave instructions for the sale
or his entire stable at auction next
week. Mr.. Karrick besought Mr.. Thomas
10 De more patient and to take more
time before deciding to quit the turf.
but 1t was without avail. The order
was repeated, and the sale will take
place on date soon to be announced.
Mr.. Thomas coming to the turf gave
great satisfaction to those most inter-
ested in the racing of thoroughbreds.
IL was thought that he would do credit
to the sport, and when he began pur-
chasing the pick of other stables ne
was wished that success which has not
been his. His friends gave him repu-
tatlon for being a good loser, and they
are still confident that his losses would
not have discouraged him had he been
able to get hold of horses that could
win occasionally. Mrs. Thomas is a more
ardent lover of the thoroughbred than
is her husband. and 1t was to please her
that Hermis was purchased. Mrs.
Thomas greatly desired the honor OF
winning the classic Suburban Handicap.
and her disappointment was great when
Hermis performed so poorly.
To his friends Mr.. Thomas has said
that he was prepared to spend $3.50 900
in getting together a frst-cIass stable.
He has spent more than that amount.
and If performances count for anything
his stable Is far from first class There
are some who believe that Mr.. Thomas
has been imposed upon by men who have
made their living from the turf.
Hermis. which was a winner last year
as three-year-old, being regarded as
far and away the best OF his years. vas
purchased from Louis V Bell for 500. 0cO
Pentecost. another four year-old. was
purchased with the understanding that
If he failed tostrain he should revert TO
John E. Madden. Yardarm. Buttons. and
Onatas, three-year- were purchased
from Mr.. Madden, as were vagary.
Dimple, and st. Valentine. two-year-
For this entire lot Mr. Thomas is under
stood to have paid $4,000. For a half
interest in Pulsus. a -year-oId, Mr..
Thomas paid $4,000 TO W H. May. Mr..
Madden owns the other half interest IL
Pulsus and trains the colt
Needing the services OF a frst-class
jockey. Mr.. Thomas paid $4,000 for the
contract on Rice. That boy is now in
his employ. and Mr. Thomas is re-
sponsible for the fullllment Of the con-
tract.
That makes total of 1888 900 paid on.
by Mr.. Thomas. He is not a plunzer
In the matter Of betting. but he has
made some fairly heavy wagers on hts |
own entries in races and he has failed |
to take any money away from the book |
makers. II is improbable that he will |
ever return to the turf. OF his entire |
stable he Will retain only Buttons. /
which Is IN no condition to be sold and /
which the owner believes may be con-
Yerted into good saddle horse.