The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-05-19

Black Gold was pounds the best
fact that his actual margin OF VI
1t was simply a case Of the de-
ciSion being easier than it looked
and the Hoots colt Is confidently
expected to prove it in the three
stake engagements he has remain.
ing on his schedule. The first Of
these is due for Saturday next at
Maple Heights, where Black Gold
has been nominated as a starter in
the Ohio State Derby at q mile and
an eighth. Trainer H. Webb will
reach decision on Black Colds
readiness for this test within two
days.
Black Gold also is eligible for the
Latonia Derby ana the Independent
Handicap, and will surely start in
both, If right. He has no engage
ments in the East, which is just as
well for Eastern prestige, still reel
Ing under the shock OF seeing -FOUR
Western colts-Black Gold, Chilho-
wee, Beau Butler and Altawood--
dale staggered in.
Some Of the eastern critics
were pleased to disagree with the
judges ON the final placing Of
Bracadale, q few of them even
going so far as to intimate that
the Sinclair entry ran second. Il
il for Just such matters AZ this,
however. that We have judges.
They are in q better position to
mass ON the merits OF finish than
any self constituted jury In the
stands.
Another idea that does not stand
ND under close examination Is the
report that Mrs. Rose Hoots, owner
OF Black Gold, il Cherokee Indian.
According to John I. Day, eastern
racing expert, only Mrs. Hoots' late
husband was of Cherokee blood, Day
having been well acquainted with
both of them some few years ago. =.
Mrs. Hoots, a quiet, self possessed
little woman, has made public denial
Of the report since 1t was pubHeneo
but otherwise she has been IN virtual
retirement in q secluded cottage near
the Downs.
II Is SO uncertain she has been
quoted as saying upon her De
parture for Kentucky from her
home in Oklahoma, where she has
made a comfortable fortune from
= oil lands. The widow was never
seen in the racing crowds that con-
gregated about the Louisville hotels
on the eve of the race.
Black Gold did not share her
privacy, however. A well'played IA.
vorite from the first, he was viewed
by thousands as he was trotted
along the Downs straightaway early
Saturday morning for a post race
workout. He was the object Of gen.
eral admiration, tempered by some
wonderment.
Only q handful, as colts go, he
was not expected by many close
observers to last the long mile
and quarter in the Derby, par
ticuIarIy after the interference he
suffered from Sande and Ponce
shortly after the start and again
by several horses when he was
running third at the five-furlOng
pole.
Yet, he came on and won like a
champion to the manner born, and
for this reason, none can now deny
his greatness. His victory was all
the more impressive for the fact
that everyone knew he was to be
the ultimate winner, even while
running fourth 400 yards from
home. He had plenty and could
have won by a length, if forced
to it.
Black Gold, by the way, is essen.
TALLY a product Of Blue Grass train
ing. He was foaled by Useeit at
Lexington and reared there under
Webb's patient tutelage. His win
Mugs, to date, total approximately
$50, 900.
His record Is most impressive
fourteen victories having been
turned in in twenty-three starts.
Only twice has he been unplaced.
His most noteworthy defeats were
by Wise Counsellor in the Cincinnati
trophy and the Harold Stakes.
Most Of the Eastern contingent
returned to New York today. Sande.
McAtee, L. Fator and other Jockeys
arriving on early morning trains.
OF the Derby starters, only Mr.,
Mutt. Diogenes and Revenue Agent
remained at the Downs. The latter
will be there for a week, at least,
but Mr.. utt and DiogeneS will be
shipped back today.