South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-05-16
Derby Winner and
Gunner Speed East
From L Louisville
Novice of Turf Game Hands
Jockey $4,000 Check for
Coping Classic.
By DAVIS J. WALSH


HARRISBURG. Pa, May IS -
Norwich, the horse. and Benjamin
Block. the man. are speeding east
ward today from Louisville. Ky, the
scene of their now historic triumph
in the 4sth running of the kentucky
Derby at Churchill Downs.
Mr. Block is due 10 arrive in New
York a an early hour while the colt
will follow in his special car some
u hours later, but the reflections OF
each, If they have any at ALL bear
a marked similarity.
The man will think back TO this
time a year ago when he was little
known outside his immediate circle
OF business and personal associates.
The contrast with his position OF
eminence in the turf world today
may strike him as being just a bit
fantastic in its seeming unreality.
Held Humble Stall.
The horse Will remember the early
spring of 1921. when he occupied a
humble stall at Jamaica, living on
the tolerant bounty of a none too en-
thusiastic owner.
Norwich then was waiting for his
first start as a thoroughbred in the
suffolk Selling Stakes. a race that
inaugurated a career in which II
s17S,000 in purses have been won
within 10 months.
And yet the fact that Norwich has
never been beaten did not prevent
him from changing ownership sew
eral times. the uncommon size OF his
knees leading many turf men TO be-
lieve that he would never do.
One of these. apparently. was A.
r. Spreckels. who sold the colt TO
Maxey Hirsch for $4,000 early last
season.
Block Gets Interest.
Maxey himself was satisfied with
a $1,000 profit IN re-selling the horse
10 Fred Burlew, his present trainer.
Fred thought vary we'll Of Norwich.
but needed the financial assistance Of
Mr.. Block in the purchase. and the
latter thus fell heir 10 half interest
in the colt.
He was new 10 the turf game.
and probably this reason alone is
responsible for the fact that he owns
Norwich today and thus has become
something OF a national figure auto
matically
Just before the Saratoga meeting
last August. Al Jolson. the actor.
came 10 Burlew with an offer OF
SIS. 900 for the colt. Burlew. daz-
zled by the price, wished TO accept
even though he realized Morvichs
possibilities. Therefore. Mr.. Block.
who really was little more than a
novice at the racing game. bought
Burlew's interest for $4,000 and
kept the horse IN the family.
He doesn't seem 20 have regretted
the step at any time In fact. one
might say that ne appeared rather
gratifed as he and his party rode
east IN a special car.
Th0mpsOn's Message.
TeIeErarns of congra tulatiors from
men Of prominence in all sections OF
the country were hesped In front
or him one was from William Hale
Thompson. mayor OF Chicago. a
friendly greeting from one sports
man TO another.
our ElAOA = Inc tlAF AEAt N4A4-N
and blue OF our hag. have never sur
rendered 20 the enemy
Another message read.
4 want a bite OF that gold plate"
Il want a pre-war drink out Of
the sold cup" was the gist OF stin
another message.
Just by way Of fraternal courtesy.
Mr. Block and r. T. Wilson. owner
or Pillory. winner OF the Preakness
exchanged fluctuations by wire yes
terday.
BY his 18th successive victory.
Norwich quite materially increased
the bank account OF Jockey Albert
johnson. whose sbillful handling had
much TO do with returning him a
winner. A certified check for So
600 was given the jockey BY Mr..